The camping options near Stevens, Pennsylvania reflect the region's agricultural heritage, with many campgrounds situated on rolling hills with elevations between 400-600 feet. The area experiences distinct seasons with summer highs averaging 85°F and moderate humidity, while spring and fall temperatures range from 50-70°F. Winter camping is limited with temperatures frequently dropping below freezing from December through February.
What to do
Fishing at multiple lakes: French Creek State Park Campground offers excellent fishing opportunities at its two lakes. "There are several warm water fish in the lakes including northern pike, chain pickerel, bass, walleye, muskellunge and several types of panfish. Ice fishing is also allowed at both lakes and the ice thickness is monitored," notes a camper at French Creek State Park Campground.
Visit Amish farms and markets: Beacon Hill Camping provides easy access to authentic Amish experiences. "Within walking distance are Amish shops, and guided tours into the Amish countryside. Restaurants are nearby," explains a visitor. The campground is "surrounded by Amish farm lands and shopping locations nearby," making it ideal for cultural exploration.
Water recreation beyond swimming: Thousand Trails Circle M offers river-based activities not found at other area campgrounds. "The campground sits in the center of a horseshoe curve of the river, bring tubes and kayaks! We didn't know but went and bought a tube and spent the day on the river!" A visitor recommends bringing bug spray for riverside sites.
What campers like
Elevated views of farmland: Lancaster-New Holland KOA sits on a hilltop providing exceptional vistas. "Great KOA in all aspects: location, views, friendly, cleanliness," shares one camper. Another mentions the "unobstructed views of the Amish farmland" from the executive 1st row sites, noting it's "a great view of the valley and Amish farms."
Spacious, private sites: Lake-In-Wood Campground receives praise for generous site sizes compared to many private campgrounds. "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!" A visitor explains, "Too often private campgrounds attempt to squeeze as many sites as possible and end up with campers on top of their neighbors, but at Starlight, the sites felt very secluded."
Clean facilities: Starlite Camping Resort maintains high standards of cleanliness. "The facilities are spotless and the campground is maintained to the highest standards I have seen," notes one longtime visitor. Another camper appreciates the "cleanliness and atmosphere" and mentions that "Starlite offers a wide variety of amenities such as a community pool, general store, snack bar, playground area, toilets, indoor shower stalls, daily activities, pets permitted, water/electric utilities and laundry units."
What you should know
Site selection for tent campers: Hickory Run Family Camping Resort has specific areas better suited for tent camping. "Large campground with RV sites and Tent only. Wooded area lots of activities," notes one camper. However, another points out that "The 'pet loop' was clearly geared towards RVs etc. 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."
Seasonal limitations: Most campgrounds near Stevens operate from April through November, with limited year-round options. French Creek State Park remains open year-round, with one winter camper noting, "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."
Agricultural odors: Some campgrounds experience farm-related smells due to their proximity to working farms. "The overwhelming impression of this campground was the smell of cow manure from the nearby dairy farm feedlot. The smell was not present the first day or so we were there and we enjoyed sitting outside in the afternoon, but when the wind shifted the horrid smell drove us inside during the rest of our visit."
Tips for camping with families
Look for unique accommodations: Old Mill Stream Campground offers family cabins for those wanting a camping experience without tents. "Family cabins available, tent sites are small. Clean parks with a small stream," mentions one visitor. Another adds that "camping options include tent sites, water and electric sites, and full hookup sites. There are also numerous cabins and park models for rent."
Consider weekend activities: Several campgrounds offer structured events for families. At Thousand Trails Circle M, "We happened to be there on the weekend a magician came, my kids loved it. They have an indoor and outdoor pool. Nice playground." Starlite Camping Resort provides "regular activities for all ages including bingo, crafts and live music."
Check proximity to attractions: Old Mill Stream Campground is uniquely positioned next to Dutch Wonderland amusement park. "Literally off the same parking lot as Dutch Wonderland. It's really small but very pleasant... Not too noisy being next to a theme park," observes one visitor, while another notes it offers "great access to Dutch Wonderland, outlets and other Lancaster County tourist attractions."
Tips from RVers
Navigation challenges: Dutch Cousin Campground has some access limitations for larger RVs. "Great smaller campground. Staff was friendly, general vibe was low key," writes one RVer, though others mention "spots had decent room" but with "a lot of monthly residents."
Site selection process: Some campgrounds have unique site assignment methods. At Thousand Trails Circle M, "this campground is first come best site. While the top part of the campground seemed more communal, we chose the lower, Riverside sites and we're glad we did!" Another campground requires visitors to "drive a couple miles from the campground to the camp office to pick a site—which is difficult if you haven't seen them."
Leveling considerations: Most campgrounds have adequately level sites, but preparation helps. "We got pretty lucky and were assigned one of the concrete pads that was pretty level," notes a camper at Thousand Trails Circle M. At Lancaster-New Holland KOA, campers appreciate that "sites are nice and level. Not too close to each other."
