Best Campgrounds near Summit Station, PA

The area surrounding Summit Station, Pennsylvania includes a variety of established campgrounds catering to different camping preferences. Several developed facilities operate in the region, including Appalachian Camping Resort in Shartlesville and Mountain Springs Camping Resort, both offering full-service amenities for RVs and tent campers. Within a 30-mile radius, campers can find accommodations ranging from primitive tent sites to fully-equipped RV hookups, cabin rentals, and even glamping options. Many campgrounds in this part of Pennsylvania feature wooded settings with access to recreational activities like fishing ponds, swimming pools, and hiking opportunities.

Most campgrounds in the Summit Station area operate seasonally, typically from April through October, with a few offering year-round access. Developed facilities like Twin Grove RV Resort and Blue Rocks Family Campground provide electric hookups, water, and sewer connections, while several state parks offer more rustic experiences. Road access to most established campgrounds is generally good, with many sites accessible via paved roads near major highways including Interstate 81. Campers should check individual campground policies regarding advance reservations, which are strongly recommended during summer weekends and holidays. According to one visitor at Appalachian Camping Resort, "Easy check-in. Tent site was very spacious and clean. Kids loved fishing in the pond. Restrooms/Bath House very well maintained."

Several campgrounds in the region receive mixed reviews regarding noise levels, particularly those situated near major highways. Proximity to Interstate 78 and other thoroughfares can impact the camping experience at certain locations. Camp A While features a stream running between tent and RV camping areas, but as one camper noted, "Right off the highway with lots of loud trucks and bikes." Family-friendly amenities are common throughout the area's campgrounds, with many offering swimming pools, game rooms, playgrounds, and organized activities. Seasonal campers occupy portions of many private campgrounds, creating established communities. Campground stores and markets are available at most developed sites, providing convenience items and camping supplies, though prices and selection vary considerably. State park campgrounds like Locust Lake offer more natural settings with fewer amenities but typically provide better isolation from highway noise.

Best Camping Sites Near Summit Station, Pennsylvania (165)

    1. Locust Lake State Park Campground

    30 Reviews
    Mahanoy City, PA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (570) 467-2404

    $20 - $29 / night

    "We had lake front access to put kayaks in and fish which was awesome. Great walking path around lake for kids to ride bikes to parks or beach. Beach area was nice."

    "Had a site close to the lake. Many sites (including mine) were not level. The sites sizes were a bit small and i would book during peak season. I would definitely return again off season."

    2. Blue Rocks Family Campground

    25 Reviews
    Lenhartsville, PA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (610) 756-6366

    "According to hikers on the AT, this is what they call Pennsylvania, as they hike through this section of the state. And Blue Rocks Campground doesn't dissapoint."

    "Blue Rocks family campground is close to I78 however it is still off the beaten path. It is very peaceful to camp here as you have different types of environments."

    3. Appalachian Camping Resort

    8 Reviews
    Shartlesville, PA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "It was a nice size and was in a good location - near the ponds, pool, office, and bathhouse - but was still quiet! There were scheduled activities for kids and adults."

    "We started our trip Friday afternoon, we pulled into the campground and they had a table set up outside to “check in.” We did not wait in a mile long line to park and go into the office."

    4. Mountain Springs Camping Resort

    6 Reviews
    Shartlesville, PA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (610) 488-6859

    $60 - $73 / night

    "Close to other stores and camping center."

    "Large size pool for the bigger folks and a walk in pool for the toddlers. Fun activities for all to enjoy. All the campers that were there when we there are super friendly."

    5. Jonestown/Hershey KOA

    16 Reviews
    Jonestown, PA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 865-6411

    "Love the close proximity to the highway and gas. We didn’t eat there but they had a restaurant! Lots of activities for the kids. Wooded sites and very clean bathrooms."

    "Pet friendly and you can access the Appalachian trail from campground. Lots of great food and places to go in the area. They have a river that is great for kayaking or tubing."

    6. Camp A While

    7 Reviews
    Ravine, PA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (570) 682-8696

    $26 - $44 / night

    "Not to much to do in the area but it is somewhat close to the Appalachian Trail if you’re into that. It seems like the camp ground always has something fun going on."

    "The only reason for not giving five stars is because it’s very close to a freeway. There’s quite a bit of truck and car noise from the freeway."

    7. French Creek State Park Campground

    79 Reviews
    Geigertown, PA
    33 miles
    Website
    +1 (610) 582-9680

    $20 - $75 / night

    "We were looking for someplace close to the city but away from the hustle and bustle of our city life, this was the perfect little steal-away; relatively close by, great car camping spots, nice easy hikes"

    "Campground Review: French Creek State Park Campground is located in Elverson, Pennsylvania and sits adjacent to Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site."

    8. Twin Grove RV Resort

    9 Reviews
    Tower City, PA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 865-4602

    "There are 2 dog parks right next to each other, which is great for your furry friend to be able to run around and play off leash."

    "Needs a pond and more shade but still is one of the nicer parks around. Twin Grove is also one of the cheaper ones, and that is hard to believe because of all the offer."

    9. Camp Swatara

    2 Reviews
    Pine Grove, PA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 933-5244

    $30 - $85 / night

    "There's lots to do for the whole family: hiking to the rock pile, fishing and boating in the lake, swimming, mini golf, a splash pad, ball fields, and creeks to play in, and more."

    10. Robin Hill Campground

    10 Reviews
    Lenhartsville, PA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "You will get you exercise walking to the pond, pool, capstone or basketball courts. The playground was luckily right across from us up on the hill. They also have a Frisbee golf course on site."

    "This campground had been let go with poor management for many years, HOWEVER the new management and staff have really turned it around!!"

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Recent Reviews near Summit Station, PA

942 Reviews of 165 Summit Station Campgrounds


  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 13, 2025

    Brandywine Creek Campground

    Brandywine

    We are on the third week of a four week trip. Campground is well maintained, quiet. This was our home while exploring Philadelphia. Uber to Downgrown, Septa or Amtrak to town. Reverse to camp. Very enjoyable. Hickory nut tree beside camper shared at times.

  • Jessica V.
    Sep. 13, 2025

    Tohickon Family Campground

    Great weekend spot

    We went with friends for a weekend. Both families have little kids and it was a great spot with a playground, construction digging area, and a bunch of activities for the kids to do. We went in September so the pool was closed but it looked like a nice size. Full hook ups which was great! Also they have a nice stream that everyone went fishing at. They are building some new sites at the end of the property.

  • Peyton S.
    Sep. 8, 2025

    French Creek State Park Campground

    Wonderful, Easy, Quick trip from Philly

    It’s about an hour away from Philadelphia. We tent camped in loop B. The site was wonderful. Just know it is a gravel site, not grass. The fire pit has a grill attachment and wood was easy to find. Water and bathrooms were close. We hiked around the lake and there were plenty of trails and even rentable kayaks and paddle boards! Would definitely recommend if looking for a quick overnight stay outside of the city.

  • Stephen W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 7, 2025

    Hersheypark Camping Resort

    Very clean campground friendly staff

    We stay here once a year in September. Stone surface. Not to bad for leveling. Our site was spacious.

  • Werner S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Old Mill Stream Campground

    In Amish area, next to an amusement park

    Our kids where happy with the small playground and with a few dollars they could have some fun in the small arcade/gameroom. In the area you have Lancaster, Amish area and an amusement park (that is a bit outdated). The camping has a bit over 100 spots. They are just oké.

  • Scott J.
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Sun Valley Campground

    My Happy Place

    My wife and I have been seasonal camper for 4 years and love it. We had visited numerous campgrounds and found Sun Valley to be the atmosphere there beyond our expectations. The minute you walk into the office you get that" aha" moment. The office greets you with a smile and " Welcome to Sun Valley, how can I help you ". That alone told us these folks are here to make your stay enjoyable. They go above and beyond any campground we have ever been to. The activities go above and beyond. The Saturday night bands are concert worthy. We have enjoyed our stay more than you ever imagined. For the past 4 years it has been our "Happy Place"

  • Stephen W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 30, 2025

    French Creek State Park Campground

    Fantastic PA state park for activities and camping.

    Third year staying over the Labor Day weekend. Campground full but still a very peaceful relaxing stay. Our site was very spacious and open. Tree lined and site was almost level. Paved sites on this loop.

  • Connie R.
    Aug. 25, 2025

    French Creek State Park Campground

    Pretty park but needs upkeep and maintenance

    Only stayed one night (8/23/25).  Had an electric site on B 45.  After pulling in and starting to unload, we were getting swarmed with yellow jackets.  There were several entry holes in the ground they were using to enter and exit.  I have never experienced anything like this anywhere.   I would have left but since it was close to dusk, I knew they would all retrieve and go underground.  The smoke with the fire helped but it impacted our stay.  They were everywhere.  I will not be going back anytime during the summer

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 19, 2025

    Old Mill Stream Campground

    Good stay

    The entrance in off the main road turns you into the theme park. Fear not. Turn in and follow the road to the right and into the campground. We stayed on site 123 with a 40 ft Allegro Bus. Plenty of room to maneuver a big rig. All gravel sites and we had full hookup with 50 Amp.


Guide to Summit Station

At 1,000 feet above sea level, Summit Station sits in Pennsylvania's Ridge and Valley physiographic province with camping options situated between Blue Mountain and Mahantango Mountain. Summer temperatures average 75-85°F with higher humidity, while fall brings temperatures around 55-65°F with drier conditions. Winter camping requires preparation for temperatures that can drop below freezing with occasional snow accumulation.

What to do

Hiking the Pinnacle Trail: Access the Appalachian Trail from Blue Rocks Family Campground where trail heads begin inside the campsite. "It's right at the base of one of the most popular hiking trail, The Pinnacle. It's nestled in the woods and is very rustic. Really gives you that camping feel!" notes Darrien K.

Paddling opportunities: Rent canoes and kayaks at French Creek State Park Campground with two lakes available for water activities. "There are two lakes, Scotts Run Lake and Hopewell Lake that you can fish, kayak, canoe or just relax by," reports Dan N. The park has "a nice flat trail around the lake, which is great for young bikers," according to Katie M.

Boulder field exploration: Experience the unique glacier rock field at Blue Rocks Family Campground. "Our campsite had a great view of the glacier rock field and the corn field," says Jen R. The campground's standout feature is "our children loved to climb all over the rocks, that is where they spent most of the time," according to Terri S.

Rail trail biking: Connect to the Swatara Rail trail at Jonestown/Hershey KOA for a family-friendly biking experience. "Campground is connected to the Swatara Rail trial which is great for biking. The Swatara creek runs right next to it so it is great for kayaking, tubing, etc," says Bobby S.

What campers like

Wooded, secluded sites: Locust Lake State Park Campground offers heavily forested camping areas. "Some camp sites are along the lake or along the small creek, all are very wooded," reports Dan N. The campground provides "nice flat trails on site. Tons to do in the surrounding area, don't just limit yourself to this one park," according to Amber A.

Creekside camping options: Many campgrounds feature water access directly from sites. At Camp A While, "the campground is beautifully laid out with a stream running between the tent and RV camping," says Jen. Jonestown/Hershey KOA offers "some creekside sites along with access to creek from your campite," notes Amber R.

Evening entertainment: Campgrounds in the region offer organized activities after dark. Twin Grove RV Resort has "Saturday nights they usually have a band playing on the stage which is really neat," says Tiffany S. Another visitor mentions, "On Saturday evenings, they typically have a band on stage."

Bathroom facilities: Despite mixed reviews, many campgrounds maintain clean facilities. "Bathrooms were very nice and clean with large showers. Nice area to wash dishes," says Jen R. about French Creek State Park. At Jonestown/Hershey KOA, "bathrooms were very clean as well, though kind of far from these sites," according to Kasumi.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Summit Station, PA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Summit Station, PA offers a wide range of camping options, with 165 campgrounds and RV parks near Summit Station, PA and 2 free dispersed camping spots.

Which is the most popular campground near Summit Station, PA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Summit Station, PA is Locust Lake State Park Campground with a 4.1-star rating from 30 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Summit Station, PA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 2 free dispersed camping spots near Summit Station, PA.