Camping sites near Summerdale, Pennsylvania range from riverside spots to wooded park settings within close proximity to central Pennsylvania attractions. The area sits in the Susquehanna Valley at approximately 400 feet elevation with summer temperatures typically reaching 80-85°F during peak camping season. Several campgrounds feature water access points along local creeks and lakes, providing natural cooling options during warmer months.
What to do
Kayaking and water activities: Ferryboat Campsites offers direct access to the Susquehanna River with options for tubing and kayaking. As one visitor noted, "We enjoyed our stay here — but mostly because we liked being right on the water. If it weren't for that this would not be the campground for us... lots of tubing and fishing and kayaking in the river."
Disc golf courses: Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground features two 18-hole disc golf courses with different difficulty levels. One camper warned about potential hazards: "Both areas have their own 18 hole disc golf course, but I will say: BEWARE of poison ivy!! We played the first 10 holes around the Conewago day use area and I was shocked at how much poison ivy we had to dodge."
Historic exploration: Camp Hebron provides numerous hiking trails and nature exploration opportunities in a wooded setting. The campground location offers access to historic sites in the surrounding area, particularly for those interested in Pennsylvania Dutch country heritage.
Goat petting zoo: Ferryboat Campsites maintains a small animal area perfect for children. According to one reviewer: "There is a small goat petting zoo, with very friendly pigmy goats and the camp is extremely pet friendly as long as they are on a leash."
What campers like
Waterfront sites: Many campers appreciate the direct water access at several campgrounds. At Ferryboat Campsites, visitors enjoy "being right on the water" with one reviewer stating, "We stayed at a Susquehanna river view site with full hookups for 2 nights. Site was level and shaded, but very close to neighbors."
Clean facilities: Elizabethtown-Hershey KOA receives positive reviews for maintenance. One camper mentioned, "The bath house was extremely clean and very nice. The pool was nice, but being that it was the end of June, the water was freezing! I couldn't get in!"
Natural privacy: Many sites offer separation between campsites through natural barriers. At Camp Hebron, a reviewer noted, "The sites have lots of tree cover and they are private. This place does not have many amenities as far as crafts and 'drop off the kids' activities. It is a hang out as a family and tromp around the woods kind of place."
Lake activities: Little Buffalo State Park Campground offers diverse water recreation. A visitor shared, "Little buffalo has a lot to offer! The campsites are spacious... Little buffalo does offer a variety of activities. They offer nice trails to hike. There is a large lake for fishing! You can rent boats there!"
What you should know
Seasonal availability: Most campgrounds in the area operate from April through October, with limited winter camping options. Check each location's specific season dates before planning trips outside summer months.
Noise considerations: Train tracks run near several campgrounds, creating potential disturbances. At Hersheypark Camping Resort, one camper warned: "Nice camp ground 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!"
Site variations: Campgrounds offer dramatically different experiences based on site location within the same facility. At Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground, a camper reported: "I came for a hike and quick one night tent escape. I had never been and reserved a tent site online. When I arrived, someone was in my spot... just how crowded it was. Lots literally right on top of each other."
Booking requirements: Advanced reservations are essential during peak season at most established campgrounds. Sites at Thousand Trails Hershey follow specific allocation rules: "The first thing to know is that Thousand Trails sites are a first come, first serve. Meaning you have to arrive early in order to get the best spots."
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Little Buffalo State Park Campground features a well-maintained pool complex. A camper described it as "a large area that is only 1 foot deep, great for little ones! There is also a splash pad! There are 2 slides for fun!"
Family-friendly activities: Many campgrounds cater specifically to children with dedicated recreational spaces. One visitor to Elizabethtown-Hershey KOA mentioned, "The facilities are all lovely, staff in the camp store are kind and helpful. The snack bar is very convenient, breakfasts on the weekends in the summer."
First-time camping experiences: Several campgrounds provide ideal settings for introducing children to camping. A visitor to Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground shared: "We took our 3 yo camping for the first time here. He had so much fun. It was clean campground located in a State Park. Easy walk to the lake with a small beach."
Nature education: Camp Hebron offers extensive woodland exploration opportunities. The natural setting provides educational opportunities with well-maintained trails through diverse habitat areas.
Tips from RVers
Arrival timing: For best site selection at campgrounds with non-assigned sites, timing matters significantly. A Thousand Trails Hershey camper advised: "For everyone complaining about driving around and not finding spots, if you get there early enough around 1 pm, you won't have a problem."
Levelness challenges: Many campsites require significant leveling for RVs. At Hershey RV and Camping Resort, a visitor noted: "The sites are gravel and most are not level. They are not well maintained as the site next to us has weeds a foot high."
Site size considerations: Larger rigs may struggle at some locations. A camper at Hersheypark Camping Resort observed: "The sites are so small that many tow vehicles have to park partially on the narrow access roads making it difficult to get in and out of with a big rig."
Hookup options: Electric, water and sewer connections vary significantly across campgrounds. At Harrisburg East Campground, a visitor reported: "The staff was very friendly. The campground was right off the interstate which was convenient but it was very expensive... Nice pull through spots with a lot of shade."
