Scattered along the foothills of South Mountain in Pennsylvania, RV campgrounds offer access to this northeastern ridge of the Blue Ridge Mountains that rises about 1,500 feet above the surrounding Cumberland Valley. The area experiences four distinct seasons with summer highs typically in the 80s and winter lows frequently below freezing. Most campgrounds near South Mountain maintain gravel pads that can become muddy during the frequent spring rainfall.
What to do
Civil War history exploration: The Gettysburg battlefield sits about 15 minutes from Gettysburg Campground, providing a convenient base for history enthusiasts. "Close to battlefield," notes Jenny P., who found the location ideal for daily excursions to historical sites. Many campers appreciate the campground's central location for accessing multiple battlefield tour routes.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple campgrounds offer fishing access for anglers. "Great place to go fishing," reports Anna H. about Thousand Trails Gettysburg Farm, where campers can cast lines directly on the property. The nearby Conewago Creek provides additional fishing opportunities within walking distance of several campgrounds.
Water activities: For water enthusiasts, Raystown Lake provides boating and swimming options approximately 30 miles west of South Mountain. "Raystown Lake has multiple access areas that are probably 15-20 minutes away," notes Paul B. from Timber Run Campground (formerly Four Seasons at Raystown Lake). "We fished at Tautman Run and Aitch - both were accessible and had lots of bluegill to steal our worms."
What campers like
Farm animal encounters: Unique to several RV campgrounds near South Mountain, Pennsylvania is direct interaction with farm animals. At Thousand Trails Gettysburg Farm, "the sounds of the farm animals all around was fun and amusing for us," shares Mary H. Children particularly enjoy the daily feeding times, with melissa adding, "We came in early fall with 3 kids. They LOVED the animals and we fed them at the allotted time every morning."
Waterfront sites: Several campgrounds feature creek or riverside sites. At Gettysburg Campground, "the tenting area is calm and has a creek right next to it to listen to in the evening and morning," describes Dave G. Similar water features appear at other campgrounds, enhancing the natural camping experience.
Pool facilities: Swimming pools provide relief during hot summer months. Chuck M. reports that at Raystown Lake/Saxton KOA, "the pool has been crystal clear." Many campers mention pool quality as a determining factor when selecting campgrounds in this region, especially for summer visits.
What you should know
Site spacing varies significantly: Reviews consistently mention site spacing as a key consideration at RV campgrounds in the South Mountain area. "The site was pretty level and an okay size. Our site was separated from our neighbors site with nice foliage," explains Laure D. at Drummer Boy Camping Resort, though experiences vary widely between loops within the same campground.
Train noise: Campers staying at certain locations should prepare for train noise. At Harpers Ferry Campground, Sherri C. notes: "The proximity to the tracks means that if the sound doesn't wake you up, the rumbling ground will. Every hour through the night." While some find the noise disruptive, others consider it part of the experience.
Weather preparedness: South Mountain's elevation creates more variable weather conditions than surrounding valleys. At Round Top Campground, John L. appreciated the "trees between sites with sloping hills, not just a big open field," which can provide critical wind protection during storms.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Family-friendly amenities vary widely between South Mountain area campgrounds. At Round Top Campground, Alice G. mentioned "lots of activities for kids" including a "basketball court recently updated," though playground equipment quality differs significantly between facilities.
Themed weekends: Many campgrounds schedule special event weekends. Paul B. reports, "We stayed during Bigfoot weekend. It was super fun as our family likes bigfoot fun... On Saturday was rock painting and then bingo and ended the night with a DJ dance party." Check event calendars when booking to align with interests.
Walking distances: Consider internal campground distances when traveling with small children. At Drummer Boy Camping Resort, Sabrina H. cautions that "the camp is so large (over 95 acres) that if you are camping with friends make sure you get sites nearby them or else you will need to drive to their site." Some families find bicycles or scooters helpful for navigating larger facilities.
Tips from RVers
Sewer hookup placement: RVers frequently note unusual sewer hookup configurations at South Mountain area campgrounds. At Western Village RV Park, Ernest G. found that "the sewer is in odd locations all around our campsite as well as sharing the water source with up to 5 other RVs." This may require additional hose lengths or specialized equipment.
Site leveling challenges: The mountainous terrain creates naturally uneven campsites. Jonathan F. observed at Raystown Lake/Saxton KOA that "the only drawback was that the sites were tight and not the most level but we made do." Many experienced campers recommend bringing extra leveling blocks for mountainous camping.
Road conditions: Internal campground roads often reflect regional topography. At Drummer Boy Camping Resort, Nancy W. reports "roads through the park are fairly narrow with potholes. Some roads are one-way but people don't pay much attention to that and went whichever way they wanted, especially those in golf carts." Large RVs may require careful navigation on these campground roads.
