Best Campgrounds near Sunbury, PA
Camping options near Sunbury, Pennsylvania range from established campgrounds with full amenities to more primitive sites across the region's varied terrain. Fantasy Island Campground, located in Sunbury itself, provides tent sites, RV hookups and cabin rentals with a camping season from April 15 to October 1. Nearby options include Splash Magic RV Resort in Northumberland, Knoebels Campground with its amusement park proximity, and Shikellamy State Park Campground which offers more basic tent camping with toilets but no hookups. Most campgrounds in the area feature fire rings, picnic tables, and drinking water, with many also providing electric hookups for RVs.
Seasonal operation is common throughout the region, with most campgrounds open from April through October. Camping areas like Lake Glory Campground operate from April 15 to October 15, while Williamsport South-Nittany Mountain KOA runs from April 1 to November 1. A visitor noted, "The park rangers were very strict. I didn't see any issues with them and I felt that their presence was similar to all the other state parks we have visited." Reservations are recommended, especially for weekend stays during summer months when waterfront sites fill quickly. Campers should be prepared for varying levels of privacy between sites, as some campgrounds offer spacious, shaded lots while others feature more compact arrangements. Cell service can be limited in some areas, particularly in more remote campgrounds.
Water features are prominent attractions at many campgrounds in the Sunbury area. Lake Jean at Ricketts Glen State Park provides opportunities for boating, swimming, and fishing, with some campsites allowing direct lake access. "The lake is stocked very well. We got a ton of fish in all parts of the lake," reported one camper. Proximity to creeks and rivers is another highlight for many campgrounds, offering scenic views and recreational activities. Families will appreciate campgrounds with additional amenities like swimming pools, playgrounds, and game rooms. Noise levels vary significantly between locations, with some campgrounds experiencing periodic train noise or road traffic, while others provide more secluded environments. Most developed campgrounds offer clean shower facilities and restrooms, though availability of full hookups differs between locations.
