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.
$20 - $43 / 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."
"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."
"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."
$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."
"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."
$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."
$20 - $90 / 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."
"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."
$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."
"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!!"
ScoutSmall family owed for 50 plus years. They care about their guests and treat everyone like they are part of the family. The only thing about this campground is that it doesn't allow tents. Only RVs and pull behind.
GuideWe had to stop short of our intended site as we were caught in a flash rain and thunderstorm. More tents than should have fit parked here for the night.
GuideLots of seasonal parked campers and only a few campers here. Nice peaceful quiet stay. Our site was very spacious. Level side to side. Gravel site with plenty of room for our truck n trailer.
TravelerBeautiful clean campground. Super friendly staff. Was here on Halloween weekend. The main part of the grounds the sites are tight and packed in like sardines. The Lazy River section in far away from the noise of the super close train tracks. The pioneer section you are literally feet away from the tracks but the playground area is there. The shuttle to Hershey park is very convenient but we didn’t use it. Plan return during the summer season next year
GuideCamped here the night before doing Lehigh Gap, it was less than a mile from the parking at Blue Mountain Rd. (Official A.T. parking). The only downside was my sleeping pad sprung a leak, so it wasn't the best night's sleep. But the site itself was great and I would camp there again.
ScoutFirst timer visitors , had a blast , people were very helpful, nice and made us feel very welcomed!
TravelerBeen here many times always in the fall. Never been here in summer so have never used the pool. Great little store and small grill restaurant. The trails and the rocks are nice. Our site was very rocky and on an incline so hard to get the camper level. It was a “pop up/tent” site and we were in a small travel trailer so it’s understandable. Only criticism is the it’s very pricey for what you get. And there online booking system isn’t very accurate as it said they were sold out and there was many open sites all weekend. Would be much better it they made more sites have even basic electric.
ScoutExcellent stay. We spent 2 nights and had 2 sites. Big sites very quiet and the staff I’d exceptional. Even better is the amazing price!
TravelerBeautiful park. Looks like only 2 of the spots are for campers, rest are full time residents. The farther back you go in the park the worse condition the rv are. At time of visit the closest bathroom was under repair, it happens. Aggravating issues: Dump station has no water. People walk their dogs right thru your camp site and then don’t pick up after them.
But yea, beautiful place
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.
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.
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 171 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-star rating from 31 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.
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