Tent campsites near Summerdale, Pennsylvania offer primitive to semi-developed options in forested terrain at elevations ranging from 400 to 1,200 feet. Central Pennsylvania's camping season typically runs April through October, with some sites available year-round. Winter camping options exist but require preparation for temperatures that can drop below freezing, especially at higher elevation locations in nearby state forests.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Reeds Gap State Park Campground provides access to Honey Creek with its population of both native and stocked trout. A camper noted, "There's a creek along the outside and a nice easy hiking trail that follows it."
Kayaking trips: Lower Allen Community Park offers a unique kayaking opportunity along Yellow Breeches Creek. According to one visitor, "You can put in a few miles up and float down to your site. There is parking right there."
Hiking trails: Susquehannock State Park Campground features extensive hiking trails leading to scenic views. A camper explained, "There are lots of long scenic hiking trails down to Deer creek and to the Susquehanna River. There's a great bike trail to the Conowingo dam which is a nice place to visit, and a great place to see lots of eagles."
What campers like
Secluded sites: Penn Roosevelt State Park Campground attracts those seeking quiet, undeveloped camping experiences. A reviewer mentioned, "Driving in I got a little worried I was getting lost, but I drove on. I arrived on a Wednesday evening. I had my pick of campsites, because I was the only person there!"
Stream proximity: Mill Creek Camping Area offers sites near flowing water, creating a natural cooling effect. A camper shared, "Campsite for where we stayed is down by the creek making for a cooler camping experience and love the sound of water flowing at night."
Spacious layouts: The tent sites in central Pennsylvania often feature good spacing between campers. At Mill Creek Camping Area, campers appreciate that "spaces for multiple tents, camping cost $25 a night flat rate, for up to 6 days."
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Different campgrounds have varying reservation systems. Lower Allen Community Park requires calling the township office, as one camper explained: "Cute site in a local township park that not many people know about. There actually three total. You just need to call the township to reserve."
Bathroom facilities: Most primitive tent sites offer basic facilities. At Reeds Gap State Park, "The bathhouses are rebuilt recently and are very nice. Some walk in tent sites."
Trail traffic: Some campgrounds experience day hikers passing through. At Mill Creek Camping Area, campers report: "Hikers take any trail instead of marked trails regardless of families camping in a private areas. When I made the reservation it was noted that hikers were not allowed on campsites."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several tent camping areas include playgrounds for children. Reeds Gap State Park Campground offers "picnic pavilions and a playground for the kids!"
Connectivity limitations: Penn Roosevelt State Park and similar remote sites have limited cell reception, making them ideal for digital detox family trips. A camper advised, "Put your phone away cuz there's no cell service here!"
Restroom proximity: When selecting sites with children, consider bathroom location. At Reeds Gap, a visitor observed "Bathhouses were a little far away," so families might want to select sites closer to facilities.
Tips from RVers
Limited RV access: Most primitive tent camping areas near Summerdale restrict RV access. Reeds Gap State Park Campground is primarily "tent only" with limited vehicle access to certain sites.
Tight turns on access roads: Larger vehicles face challenges on forest roads. A Penn Roosevelt visitor cautioned, "If you have a trailer, I do not recommend this spot. there is a very tight hairpin turn on the way in. My six foot long trailer barely made the turn!"
