Glamping near Summerdale, PA

Camping near Summerdale, Pennsylvania sits in the ridge and valley region of the Appalachian Mountains where elevations range from 400 to 1,200 feet. The area experiences four distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging 85°F during the day and 65°F at night. Most tent camping areas close by late October due to falling temperatures, though several campgrounds with luxury glamping accommodations remain open into November.

What to do

Creek exploration: Lower Allen Community Park features kayak camping spots directly on Yellow Breeches Creek. "You can put in a few miles up and float down to your site. The park is in the suburbs so it's close to lots of things," notes one reviewer who appreciated the unique water access.

Fishing opportunities: The Susquehanna River provides excellent fishing spots for multiple species. A visitor to River Rock Recreation reported, "We spent our time fishing the river banks right outside our tents and kayaking on the Susquehanna to fish the warm waters. We caught a ton of catfish and carp using live bait."

Historical exploration: Several state parks contain preserved historical structures within hiking distance. Little Buffalo State Park includes a historical mill that impressed campers. One visitor mentioned, "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!"

What campers like

Wildlife viewing: Many campers mention spotting various wildlife around Summerdale campgrounds. At River Rock Recreation, one camper observed, "If you sit by the river long enough you may see a barn owl fly by in the evening and back again in the morning. My boys spotted the nest while kayaking."

Clean facilities: Elizabethtown-Hershey KOA receives consistent praise for maintenance. "Beautifully landscaped park. Level sites. Courteous staff. Nice place to just relax or participate in activities. Excellent WIFI," one reviewer commented. Another noted, "Bath houses were clean and private which was a nice plus."

Water recreation: Various water features rank high among camper preferences. A visitor to Deer Run Campgrounds appreciated their "big pool" while Mountain Creek Camp Ground campers enjoy creek tubing. One camper mentioned, "The kids had a blast, tubing in the creek, swimming pool and an excellent camp store."

What you should know

Railway proximity: Several glamping sites in Summerdale sit near active train lines. A camper at Hersheypark Camping Resort 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!"

Shooting range noise: Some campgrounds experience unexpected noise. A Pinch Pond visitor cautioned, "The only thing that is negative is that there is a shooting range right next door. It is pretty consistent from lunch to dinner. If your out and about, it won't be an issue."

Seasonal campground restrictions: Operating dates vary significantly. Mountain Creek Camp Ground welcomes glampers from March 15 to November 20, while River Rock Recreation only operates from May through September. A Buttonwood visitor noted, "We stayed at buttonwood for the first time the end of August. Probably the friendliest campground I've stayed out."

Tips for camping with families

Tent pad selection: Choose carefully at Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground. "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... Felt like everyone there was in the same group but we obviously weren't. Went to front gate and got a much more isolated tent spot."

Activity budgeting: Many family-oriented glamping sites charge extra for activities. "Plan on spending $20 per person for an activity wristband that includes all the extras including mini golf and tubing shuttle," advised a Buttonwood camper. Another visitor added, "The campground does have a wristband system for most activities and amenities, with the exception of pool and playgrounds."

Campsite accessibility: At Mountain Creek Camp Ground, note the distance between amenities. One camper advised, "We stayed in the upper tent area. It's a walk to the pool and arcade area. As an adult I was fine with it. I have a 5 year old though and she got tired. Lesson learned: rent a golf cart ahead of time."

Tips from RVers

Site sizing considerations: Many glamping and RV sites around Summerdale have variable dimensions. At Pinch Pond Family Campground & RV Park, "Sites were of ample size and well spaced. Sites were large and well maintained." However, at Deer Run, one RVer noted, "The sites for campers are very tight."

Leveling requirements: Terrain varies between campgrounds. At Hersheypark Camping Resort, "Stone surface. Not to bad for leveling. Our site was spacious," according to one RV camper. Another added, "Not much shade" - an important consideration during summer months when glamping in Summerdale, Pennsylvania.

Hook-up availability: Research connections before booking luxury glamping or RV sites. Elizabethtown-Hershey KOA provides "Site Details: I forget our site#, but we were in the wooded area farthest from the central 'hub.' Our site was level, shaded and quite large. Almost every site in this section was similarly large and wooded, with an impressive amount of space between sites for a KOA."