The Shermans Dale area in Perry County sits at an elevation of about 600 feet above sea level within Pennsylvania's Ridge and Valley region. Situated between Blue Mountain and the Susquehanna River, this area experiences four distinct seasons with summer temperatures typically ranging from 70-85°F. Most campgrounds remain open from mid-April through October with peak season falling between Memorial Day and Labor Day weekends.
What to do
Creek exploration: floating and fishing: At Paradise Stream Family Campground, visitors can enjoy water activities right at the campground. "Pedal carts, mini golf, swimming pool, ceramic painting, hiking, fishing, bike riding, sluicing for gems, game room, camp store, ice cream, baked foods, even a winery was there with samples!" reports Jen R. Sites along the creek offer electric hookups for those wanting a streamside glamping experience near Shermans Dale.
Historical site visits: old mills and museums: While glamping near Shermans Dale at Little Buffalo State Park Campground, take time to explore local history. "The historical mill was well worth the trip. By far the highlight of ours as well. Especially since they engaged the wheel and actually ground corn!" shares Chelsea K. The park offers walking access to these sites from camping areas.
Night programs and ranger events: Evening activities provide educational opportunities. "We did have a nice bat spotting walk with a Ranger when we were there and there's an interesting historic mill you can tour," notes Christopher E. These ranger-led programs typically run Thursday through Saturday evenings during summer months and require no advance registration.
What campers like
Abundance of wildlife viewing opportunities: The region offers numerous chances to spot native Pennsylvania species. "Wildlife is everywhere and there is even an eagle nest in the park and you can see the pair and often their young," writes Dawn N. about Little Buffalo State Park. Many campers report seeing deer, wild turkeys, and various reptiles during their stays.
Clean, well-maintained facilities: Campers consistently mention the upkeep of amenities. "This campground doesn't cut corners and the attention to details makes all the difference," shares a reviewer about Paradise Stream Family Campground. Another camper notes the "nice and dark at night" conditions at Little Buffalo, ideal for stargazing.
Kayak access points: Water enthusiasts appreciate the convenient boat launches. "Cute site in a local township park that not many people know about... The sites sit right along the Yellow Breeches creek so you can put in a few miles up and float down to your site," explains Joann about Lower Allen Community Park. These primitive sites offer a rustic alternative to luxury glamping options while maintaining water access.
What you should know
Train noise at some locations: Be prepared for occasional rail traffic at certain campgrounds. "Nice campground but super loud bc of the trains. Bath houses are nice and clean. I would suggest making sure you aren't close to the tracks bc the trains run all night long!" warns Kit about Hersheypark Camping Resort.
Bathroom accessibility varies: The distance to facilities differs significantly between campgrounds. "Only downside is the walk to the bathrooms if you tent camp. A long walk if you really got to go," notes Emily about Western Village RV Park. Similarly, at Mountain Creek Camp Ground, a camper mentions "Bathrooms and activities can be a hike."
Weather considerations: Low-lying areas may experience drainage issues. "It rained every day during our 3 night stay but no one can beat the weather our campsite did flood however," shares a Little Buffalo camper. Sites near creeks can be particularly vulnerable after heavy rainfall.
Tips for camping with families
Pool amenities: different for each location: Mountain Creek Camp Ground offers swimming options beyond just pools. "The kids had a blast, tubing in the creek, swimming pool and an excellent camp store," notes Jim C. Families should check pool hours as they typically run 11am-7pm with some facilities requiring additional fees.
Transportation between activity areas: Consider logistics for moving between amenities. "Nice for a smaller campground. Only downfall is we have smaller children and we could not bike from the campground to the pool, it was too far and the hill to get back was too big for them to ride up," explains Paula R. about Little Buffalo State Park. Some locations offer rental golf carts to help navigate larger properties.
Kid-friendly programming: Many campgrounds provide structured activities. "Lots of weekend activities, great pool, well stocked campstore, playground... Kids can play in creek with tubes or hunt critters," shares barb C. These programs typically run weekends with expanded offerings during summer months.
Tips from RVers
Site selection and size considerations: Buttonwood Campground offers varying site types. "The campground is divided by a local road and has 2 different feels. The lower section is right by the river with several riverfront sites and many river view sites. The upper side has the playground and kids activities and feels more set out in the country," explains Bryan S. RVers should note that "the sites are small. We where on the upper side and it felt more like tailgating than camping."
Hookup access challenges: Some campgrounds have unconventional utility layouts. "The sewer is in odd locations all around our campsite I'm excited as well as sharing the water source with or source with up to 5 other RVs," reports Ernest G. When making reservations, ask specific questions about hookup locations and accessibility.
Leveling requirements: Terrain varies significantly between campgrounds. "The campsites are spacious. There are standard tent sites available and there are water/electric site available. There is a dump station available for the end," explains Amanda H. Most sites require minimal leveling, though corner locations often present more challenges.
