Glamping near Sinking Spring, Pennsylvania offers opportunities for upscale outdoor recreation in the heart of eastern Pennsylvania's rolling hills, where elevations range from 300-1,200 feet above sea level. The region experiences four distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F, making it ideal for camping from April through October. Most campgrounds in the area maintain wooded settings with a mix of open meadows and forest cover.
What to do
Hiking trails access: French Creek State Park Campground offers extensive trail networks for all skill levels. "We loved our stay at this park, and plan to return. There is lots of hiking, the lake is beautiful, at least two playgrounds (perfect for our kids), the bathrooms were well maintained," notes Katie M., who camped there in October.
Fishing opportunities: Several campgrounds offer fishing access with no additional permits required for registered campers. At Blue Rocks Family Campground, one reviewer experienced exceptional fishing success: "My kids went fishing and every cast they caught a fish, some were small... but hey the kids had fun," according to Michelle E.
Boulder field exploration: The unique geological features provide unusual recreation options. "This place really has something for everyone! Classic cars, huge playground, lots of activities, friendly staff. The best part was hiking in the boulder field!" says Gayle B. about her experience at Blue Rocks Family Campground.
Winter camping options: Unlike seasonal sites, some campgrounds remain open year-round. "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.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many campers appreciate the natural separation between camping spots. "As long as you don't stay right across from the bath houses you will find ample shade at your site. There are so many trees and brush in between most sites you can't even really see your neighbors," writes Jen R. about French Creek.
Distinctive rental options: Beyond traditional yurts, some resorts offer truly unique accommodations. At Lake-In-Wood Campground, "We had one of the red carpet sites in the woods. It was spacious and mainly private... They also have specialty rental cottages and a real tipi and caboose," explains Donna M.
Amish countryside views: Several campgrounds provide cultural experiences along with nature. Lancaster-New Holland KOA features "unobstructed views of the Amish farmland and lots of room," according to Doreen C., who added, "Place is spotless, great help at front desk. Will definitely come back."
Clean, modern facilities: Campers consistently mention well-maintained amenities. "This place has everything! Mini golf, playgrounds, indoor pool, outdoor pool, hot tub, kiddie pool, Cafe, arcade, camp store, pond with fishing, kayak and peddle boat rentals," notes Jen R. about Lake In Wood Resort.
What you should know
Terrain considerations: Mountainous terrain affects campsite selection and accessibility. At Starlite Camping Resort, "Yes, it is quite hilly throughout the campground, but the individual sites are very level to park the camper with almost no blocks needed," explains Craig F.
Shower payment systems: Unlike luxury glamping sites, some standard campgrounds require payment for showers. At Mountain Springs, "Showers are kind of gross and you have to pay for them," warns Hannah, while at Hickory Run, "The bathhouses were a little different, you have to pay $.25 to take a shower," according to Michelle E.
Seasonal closures: Most glamping options near Sinking Spring operate on limited schedules. "We were there in October, so the pool was closed, but it looked nice," explains Katie M. about French Creek, while Starlite Camping Resort lists its season as "May 1 to Nov 1."
Wi-Fi limitations: Connectivity varies significantly between properties. At Lancaster-New Holland KOA, Matt S. notes: "This is a 5-star campground EXCEPT that there was no wi-fi or cable. It's 2023 and internet connectivity is important."
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: Families should research scheduled events before arriving. "There is a pool, playground, arcade, camp store, pond with fishing, kayak and peddle boat rentals, hiking, fenced in dog area, walking trails," writes one reviewer about Lake In Wood Resort, showing the range of options available.
Site selection strategy: Choose sites with buffer zones for families with active children. At Dutch Cousin Campground, "Bathrooms were clean, spots had decent room, a lot of monthly residents," according to Steven V., though he noted the lack of dedicated dog areas.
Transport considerations: Many larger properties require significant walking between amenities. Ashley S. comments about Adventure Bound Camping Resort at Eagles Peak: "Great place for the family. The splash park is a lot of fun for both the kids and adults. The RV sites are spacious. Only downfall is the big hill to go back and forth to the activities, you end up spending more money just to rent a gold cart."
Weather preparation: The region experiences sudden storms even in summer. "When we were packing up a severe thunderstorm rolled through. The bag was in the rain and I was surprised that everything inside was dry! The rain just rolled right off!" recalls a camper at French Creek State Park.
Tips from RVers
Site dimensions: RV campers should verify site measurements before booking. At Hickory Run Family Camping Resort, "All sites have a paved level area which made set up a breeze. Sites were not on top of each other," according to Jen R., who appreciated the ease of setup.
Hookup availability: French Creek State Park offers varying hookup levels by loop. "We had electric however no water or sewer hookup. There was a spigot for water at the next site over from us, so we didn't have to walk far to get fresh water," explains Jen R.
Seasonal site considerations: Many campgrounds near Sinking Spring have a high percentage of permanent residents. Dave R. notes about Dutch Cousin Campground: "Great smaller campground. Staff was friendly, general vibe was low key. A lot of year round sites."
Leveling requirements: Despite hilly terrain, many sites are engineered for easy leveling. At Starlite, Craig F. observed, "Overall the sites were large, with trees between, providing additional privacy. Except for the Plateau sites, which have the amazing view, the rest of the campground had a great tree cover!"
