Stephen W.
Guide
GuideMill Bridge Village & Camp Resort
Great olacevto camp in Lancaster County
We camp here several times thru out the year. Always an enjoyable stay. Staff is very friendly and accommodating.
Best Campgrounds near Shartlesville, PA
Shartlesville, Pennsylvania offers a range of camping experiences within the scenic Pennsylvania Dutch countryside. Mountain Springs Camping Resort provides 292 sites with options for tent camping, RVs, cabins, and glamping accommodations, operating from April through October. Nearby, Appalachian Camping Resort features similar amenities with tent, RV, and cabin options. Blue Rocks Family Campground in neighboring Lenhartsville sits just below the Appalachian Trail, offering a distinctive camping experience with its namesake "river of rocks" formation. Most established campgrounds in the area provide full hookups for RVs, fire rings, picnic tables, and access to shower facilities.
The camping season in the Shartlesville area typically runs from early April through late October or early November, with most campgrounds closing during winter months. Many sites require advance reservations, particularly during summer weekends and holidays when facilities reach capacity. The region's proximity to the Appalachian Trail provides opportunities for hiking, with several campgrounds offering direct trail access. Visitors should be aware of the terrain when selecting sites, as some campgrounds feature sloping landscapes. A camper noted, "The tent sites are pretty spacious. There are also places to buy wood nearby (very economically priced) and the campground sells it also. Worse comes to worse, there is a lot of forage wood on the site as well."
Campers report high satisfaction with the natural surroundings and recreational opportunities in the area. The "Blue Rocks" river of rocks formation at Blue Rocks Family Campground is considered a must-see attraction. Several visitors mentioned the family-friendly atmosphere and amenities like swimming pools, game rooms, and organized activities. The region's location provides convenient access to nearby attractions including Hershey Park, approximately 30 minutes away. A review highlighted the hiking opportunities: "There are plenty of hiking trails, and a 'yellow blaze' trail that leads directly to the Appalachian trail (AT). Take a hike up to 'Pinnacle Rock' on the AT, and you can catch a nice view." Visitors should note that wildlife sightings, including rattlesnakes and copperheads, are possible while hiking in the area.
Best Camping Sites Near Shartlesville, Pennsylvania (172)
1. Blue Rocks Family Campground
26 ReviewsLenhartsville, PA12 milesWebsite+1 (610) 756-6366"According to hikers on the AT, this is what they call Pennsylvania, as they hike through this section of the state. And Blue Rocks Campground doesn't dissapoint."
"Blue Rocks family campground is close to I78 however it is still off the beaten path. It is very peaceful to camp here as you have different types of environments."
2. Locust Lake State Park Campground
31 ReviewsMahanoy City, PA19 milesWebsite+1 (570) 467-2404$24 - $47 / night
"We had lake front access to put kayaks in and fish which was awesome. Great walking path around lake for kids to ride bikes to parks or beach. Beach area was nice."
"Had a site close to the lake. Many sites (including mine) were not level. The sites sizes were a bit small and i would book during peak season. I would definitely return again off season."
3. Appalachian Camping Resort
8 ReviewsShartlesville, PA1 mileWebsite+1 (888) 707-1477"It was a nice size and was in a good location - near the ponds, pool, office, and bathhouse - but was still quiet! There were scheduled activities for kids and adults."
"We started our trip Friday afternoon, we pulled into the campground and they had a table set up outside to “check in.” We did not wait in a mile long line to park and go into the office."
4. French Creek State Park Campground
82 ReviewsGeigertown, PA27 milesWebsite+1 (610) 582-9680$24 - $122 / night
"We were looking for someplace close to the city but away from the hustle and bustle of our city life, this was the perfect little steal-away; relatively close by, great car camping spots, nice easy hikes"
"Campground Review: French Creek State Park Campground is located in Elverson, Pennsylvania and sits adjacent to Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site."
5. Mountain Springs Camping Resort
6 ReviewsShartlesville, PA1 mileWebsite+1 (610) 488-6859$60 - $73 / night
"Close to other stores and camping center."
"Large size pool for the bigger folks and a walk in pool for the toddlers. Fun activities for all to enjoy. All the campers that were there when we there are super friendly."
6. Robin Hill Campground
10 ReviewsLenhartsville, PA14 milesWebsite+1 (888) 707-1477"You will get you exercise walking to the pond, pool, capstone or basketball courts. The playground was luckily right across from us up on the hill. They also have a Frisbee golf course on site."
"This campground had been let go with poor management for many years, HOWEVER the new management and staff have really turned it around!!"
7. Lake-In-Wood Campground
22 ReviewsNarvon, PA23 milesWebsite+1 (717) 445-5525$40 - $60 / night
"As we drove up I loved the look and location of the campground. "
"It rained the entire time I was there so we didn’t go in the pool but the campground is walkable, I was able to go running, there are things for kids to do, some animals to go visit on our walks, obviously"
8. Jonestown/Hershey KOA
16 ReviewsJonestown, PA22 milesWebsite+1 (717) 865-6411"Love the close proximity to the highway and gas. We didn’t eat there but they had a restaurant! Lots of activities for the kids. Wooded sites and very clean bathrooms."
"Pet friendly and you can access the Appalachian trail from campground. Lots of great food and places to go in the area. They have a river that is great for kayaking or tubing."
9. Hickory Run Family Camping Resort
9 ReviewsReinholds, PA17 milesWebsite+1 (717) 336-5564"All of the sites are full electric and more than a few have very little space for a family size tent to be safely away from the fire ring. Ours had adequate distance but we got lucky tbh."
"Streams are close by, hiking trails are numerous and Hawk Falls was a high point of the park. Peaceful, crisp air and beautiful Surroundings."
Recent Camping Photos near Shartlesville, PA
393 Photos of 172 Shartlesville Campgrounds
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Recent Reviews near Shartlesville, PA
1014 Reviews of 172 Shartlesville Campgrounds
Nicole S.
LegendLake-In-Wood Campground
Sun Retreats Lancaster County - Easter Weekend
Like always we like to begin our camping season with a Easter Weekend Trip, my husband's family is partial to the Lancaster Area, so we headed there to Sun Retreats Lancaster. As we drove up I loved the look and location of the campground. You could see there was a indoor pool setup, arcade, playground, store, ice cream, mini-golf and a huge lake and that was everything we saw from the truck. We pulled up to a gate and a guy came out of the shed next to it to check us in.
The campground looked well maintained, the sports were on both sides of the lake and they offered many different options like woods or open, pull through or back up. We choose a really wooded site. It was tight getting in but I can't complain I don't drive the truck. It seemed like there was a fair amount of seasonal sites but they didn't overwhelm the place. I could see also a lot of cabins there were some shaped like teepees, a frontier cabin, and a caboose. They had a fair amount of open grass to play and enjoy. You can bring your own golfcart or they have on site rentals also.
They had an activity list that would help keep everyone busy, they had a mini golf course that was in great shape, an arcade which was definitely lacking in the game department, I think there was 4 pinball machines, 2 Skee ball, 3 racing games, and the play to you win machine. The playground x2 were both in great condition with a lot to keep kids playing on. I can only comment on the indoor pool which at the time was said to be under construction however still open, the water was on the colder side and the hot tube the same temp as the pool, the ceiling had been ripped off so the iron rusting beams were exposed and rust falling down. The kids still went in the pool unfortunately the air from the open window made them too cold so we didn't stay long. I am hoping it will be finished because the concept of the indoor-outdoor pool area looks so fun.
The staff was extremely helpful and super friendly. The store was fully stocked with everything you could want. The bathrooms were all kept so clean and in working order with hot water. We enjoyed the area we ventured out to see the Choo Choo barn, the green dragon flea market, and kitchen kettle village which are a must if your in the area. We also choose to hike the Welsh Preserve and Money Rock. The lake had a path you could walk completely around and you could choose to fish if that's your thing.
I would definitely return to this campground again, we had 8 sites in total and we all really thought it was a wonderful place and really enjoyed our holiday weekend there. It was very busy but the staff was present but not overbearing. People were very respectful and friendly.
Stuart K.LegendMelody Lakes Country Estates
More Community Living Than Campground Stay
Tucked just off Route 309 north of Quakertown, Melody Lakes Country Estate feels far less like a traditional campground and much more like a quiet, semi-permanent residential community, with a small pocket of opportunity for the occasional overnight RV stay if you happen to time it right.
While my review from a few years ago provides a ton of detail, I thought I would follow up that review with a topline of HIGHLIGHTS and LOWLIGHTS along with a smattering of new photos.
HIGHLIGHTS:(1) Peaceful, tucked-away setting surrounded by wooded acreage that gives the property a calm, removed feel from nearby roads;(2) Access to a range of community-style amenities including a pool, clubhouse, playground, and small fishing ponds;(3) Proximity to Quakertown makes it relatively easy to access groceries, restaurants, and basic supplies within a short drive;(4) Nearby outdoor options like the Upper Bucks Rail Trail provide a great outlet for hiking and biking;(5) Close to local gems like Kathy’s Country Kitchen, which is well worth the stop if you’re passing through.
LOWLIGHTS:(1) Extremely limited RV availability, with only a handful of spots, making it unreliable for spontaneous overnight stays;(2) Not a true campground experience, as the majority of the property is made up of semi-permanent or seasonal residences;(3) No tent camping options whatsoever, limiting flexibility for different types of campers;(4) Entrance is easy to miss with minimal signage, requiring careful navigation or prior knowledge to find;(5) Unclear availability of full hookups due to the limited number of transient sites and lack of consistent turnover.
Happy Camping!
- Stuart K.Legend
Quakerwoods Campground
Quaint Country Camping in Classic Bucks County
Tucked into the rolling farmland and lush hillsides of Bucks County just off Exit 44 of the PA Turnpike and Exits 60/60A from I-78, Quakerwoods Campground delivers a postcard-perfect countryside setting with wide-open skies, neighboring hay fields, rustic barns and charming small towns that feel pulled straight from a New England travel guide. With roughly 170 RV sites, a small collection of tent sites and several rental campers, the campground strikes a balance between peaceful rural escape and full-featured family campground energy.
HIGHLIGHTS:(1) Gorgeous pastoral setting with surrounding farmland, rolling hills and a distinctly peaceful countryside atmosphere;(2) Excellent full-hookup RV infrastructure with mostly back-in sites offering 30/50 amp electric, water and sewer, along with flat pads, picnic tables and in-ground fire rings;(3) Exceptionally strong amenity package including adult and kids swimming pools, mini golf, baseball field, RC track, shuffleboard, fishing pond, game room, playgrounds, volleyball, basketball, horseshoes, cornhole, themed weekends, bingo and Saturday wagon rides;(4) Clean and plentiful facilities including four well-kept restroom and shower buildings, laundry, camp store, dump stations, water stations, propane refills and ice sales; and(5) Outstanding access to regional attractions including Nockamixon State Park for kayaking and canoeing, plus great nearby dining at Brick Tavern Inn, McCoole’s at the Historic Red Lion Inn and Sage Alley Brewery.
LOWLIGHTS:(1) Interior sections of the campground offer less tree cover and privacy compared to the wooded perimeter sites;(2) Tent camping is limited in number and clustered separately, which may feel slightly isolated to some campers;(3) Restaurant options are not immediately adjacent, requiring a short drive for dining;(4) Weekend popularity and themed events can increase noise and traffic levels; and(5) RV rates trend toward the higher end during peak season.
Happy Camping!
- Stuart K.Legend
Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country
Amish Country Charm with a Resort Twist
Tucked into the rolling, wooded hills of Pennsylvania Dutch Country, Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country RV Resort offers a unique blend of peaceful countryside and activity-packed camping, all just a stone’s throw from the PA Turnpike.
While my review from a few years ago provides a ton of detail, I thought I would follow up that review with a topline of HIGHLIGHTS and LOWLIGHTS along with a smattering of new photos.
HIGHLIGHTS:(1) Expansive campground with 250+ sites offering full hookups, giving plenty of options for both short stays and longer visits;(2) Resort-style amenities including pool, mini golf, clubhouse, playgrounds, and organized activities that keep families engaged throughout the day;(3) Beautiful wooded setting with dense tree coverage that creates a surprisingly secluded feel despite proximity to major highways;(4) Ideal location for exploring Pennsylvania Dutch Country, with scenic farmland, covered bridges, and charming nearby towns just minutes away; and(5) Strong sense of community with events like bingo, crafts, and family activities that give it that classic ‘summer camp” vibe.
LOWLIGHTS:(1) Sloped terrain throughout much of the campground can make leveling a bit tricky depending on your site;(2) Close proximity to the PA Turnpike may be a concern for some, even though tree coverage helps reduce both noise and visibility;(3) Wi-Fi is not complimentary and can be an added cost, which feels a bit dated for a“resort” experience;(4) Membership requirement through Thousand Trails can be a barrier for first-time or casual campers; and(5) Limited tent site availability compared to the large number of RV sites, making it less flexible for non-RV travelers
Happy Camping!
- Stuart K.Legend
Pinch Pond Family Campground & RV Park
Amenity-Packed Campground in PA Dutch Country
Set just off I-76 in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch country, Pinch Pond Family Campground& RV Park is a large, all-in-one, family-focused campground with a layout that feels more like a small neighborhood than a traditional woods-only campsite. While its proximity to the highway makes access easy, the property itself is gated, organized into distinct camping zones and packed with amenities that clearly cater to longer stays and families looking for built-in entertainment.
HIGHLIGHTS:(1) Full-service resort-style amenities including pool, playground, arcade, laundry, propane refills, dump stations, sports field, picnic tables and in-ground fire rings throughout the property;(2) Wide variety of lodging options including RV sites with 30/50 amp hookups, water, sewer and cable, primitive tent sites, and multiple on-site cottages for non-campers;(3) Gated entrance and very welcoming, helpful staff at check-in with a well-stocked camp store offering snacks, ice cream, sundries and souvenirs;(4) Strong family appeal with fishing pond, barn, open play areas and space for kids to roam safely; and(5) Excellent location for regional attractions including Hershey Park, Chocolate World, Amish countryside tours and the nearby wolf sanctuary with guided educational tours.
LOWLIGHTS:(1) Immediate proximity to I-76 means persistent highway noise day and night with no real sound buffer;(2) Access is oddly indirect despite being next to the turnpike, requiring a several-mile loop through countryside roads to reach the entrance;(3) Overall layout is wide open with limited natural privacy between many RV sites;(4) Nearby shooting range produces frequent target practice noise, especially noticeable during early morning hours; and(5) Pricing for primitive tent sites feels disproportionately high compared to full-hookup RV rates.
Happy Camping!
- RRandy L.
ScoutFrench Creek State Park Campground
French Creek State Park
This is our 3rd time at this park, it is one of our favorites. Well maintained, very quiet. We stay in Loop A (full hookup) pet friendly. Sites are spacious, generally large but they are all back-in sites.
- EEileen D.Guide
Echo Valley Campground
Nice park
Owners are very friendly and helpful. Sites are large and roomy.
Jenni D.ScoutHidden Acres Camping Grounds
Hidden gem
Small family owed for 50 plus years. They care about their guests and treat everyone like they are part of the family. The only thing about this campground is that it doesn't allow tents. Only RVs and pull behind.
Guide to Shartlesville
Camping near Shartlesville, Pennsylvania offers varied terrain with elevations between 400-700 feet in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains. Most campgrounds in the region open from April through October, with some sites sitting on slopes that require careful leveling. The area sees moderate rainfall even in summer months, with thunderstorms common in July and August.
What to do
Hiking to Pinnacle Rock: Access the Appalachian Trail directly from Blue Rocks Family Campground for spectacular hiking opportunities. "It's right at the base of one of the most popular hiking trail, The Pinnacle. It's nestled in the woods and is very rustic. Really gives you that camping feel!" notes Darrien K. The trail offers challenging terrain leading to panoramic views.
Fishing in multiple lakes: Cast your line at Locust Lake State Park Campground where success rates are high, especially for children. "I went there with my son and a friend. We did some kayaking and fishing, it was good! We went in July, and it did rain some," shares Paul J. The park contains both warm-water species and seasonal stocking of trout.
Explore boulder fields: The namesake rock formation at Blue Rocks offers unique geological exploration. "Our children loved to climb all over the rocks, that is where they spent most of the time. primitive but fun!" reports Terri S. These glacial rock formations create natural playgrounds for children and adults alike.
What campers like
Private wooded sites: French Creek State Park provides secluded camping areas with natural separation. "There is a lot of shade and the campground is laid out well. There are three separate loops to camp at, Loop C is the only loop that allows pets, plus an area for large group camping which can accommodate anywhere from 30 to 60 people," explains Jen R. Most sites feature trees and brush between them, increasing privacy.
Year-round access options: Unlike most seasonal operations in the area, some campgrounds remain open during winter. "Stayed over for one night in early December. Showers and bathrooms were great! If you're traveling through, there are many places to eat nearby," reports Galit P. about French Creek State Park Campground. This provides options for cold-weather camping when most facilities close.
Clean facilities despite rustic settings: The maintenance at several campgrounds receives consistent praise. "Bathrooms were very nice and clean with large showers. Nice area to wash dishes. Very nice playground area and clean," notes Jen R. about French Creek. Many campgrounds offer modern bathroom facilities with regular cleaning schedules.
What you should know
Site selection matters: The terrain can create challenges with some campgrounds having significant elevation changes. "It's been 15 years since I've been there, but it was just as I remembered. Sites were a little small and rocky/rooty, but we made it work," advises Joe F. about Locust Lake State Park. Research site maps carefully before booking.
Seasonal crowds impact experience: Peak summer weekends bring significant visitor numbers to popular campgrounds. "We usually stay here for the first trip of our season. It's always clean and the staff are real friendly," shares Jonathan F. about Jonestown/Hershey KOA. Booking well in advance is essential for summer holidays.
Weather preparation essential: The region experiences variable conditions with sudden storms possible. "We had 3 families and sites (2 campers & 1 tent) all sites were decent sizes. We had lake front access to put kayaks in and fish which was awesome. Great walking path around lake for kids to ride bikes to parks or beach. Beach area was nice. Only downside to our trip was poured every night and one whole day," reports Dawn R. about Locust Lake.
Tips for camping with families
Waterfront activities for kids: Numerous family-friendly water features provide entertainment options. "We were able to fit 5 diapers, a large bottle of suntan lotion, a pack of wipes, snack container, travel changing pad, Matador large NanoDry towel, Matador droplet wet bag and a bottle of milk on the side in the drink pocket. There was still plenty of room to spare," shares Jen R. about hiking with children at French Creek State Park.
Playgrounds and organized activities: Mountain Springs Camping Resort offers structured entertainment for different age groups. "A very nice campground for the family. Super nice and friendly staff. Large size pool for the bigger folks and a walk in pool for the toddlers. Fun activities for all to enjoy," notes Ray B. These amenities provide options during inclement weather.
Animal encounters: Several campgrounds feature animal viewing opportunities. "Goats to pet and watch. There are a lot of really neat and different rentals here like a tree house, double decker bus, among others," shares Jen R. about Lake-In-Wood Campground. These interactions create memorable experiences for children.
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: Many sites require careful setup due to uneven terrain. "For $80 bucks I expected more. The place is run down and almost feels abandoned. The ring in the pool suggests the water level has been low for a long time. The H sites are somewhat swampy," cautions Felix S. about Robin Hill Campground. Bring extra leveling blocks when camping in this region.
Hookup configurations: Check specific site amenities before booking. "Great place. No water hook up. No sewer hook up. Just electric at certain sites. Convenient paved walking path all around the lake, swimming lake with beach, nice playground for kids," notes Brandon W. about Locust Lake State Park. Many parks offer electric-only sites with central water access points.
Navigation considerations: Access roads can be challenging for larger rigs. "Decent campground, we had a large, fairly shaded, not to horribly out of level site. A lot of seasonal campers that were very nice people. Very nice camp store," advises Jim C. about Mountain Springs Camping Resort. Research site access and turning radius requirements when traveling with larger RVs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Shartlesville, PA?
What camping is available near Shartlesville, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Shartlesville, PA offers a wide range of camping options, with 172 campgrounds and RV parks near Shartlesville, PA and 2 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Shartlesville, PA?
Which is the most popular campground near Shartlesville, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Shartlesville, PA is Blue Rocks Family Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 26 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Shartlesville, PA?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Shartlesville, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 2 free dispersed camping spots near Shartlesville, PA.
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