Glamping sites near Sunbury, Pennsylvania are situated in the central Susquehanna River Valley, where the confluence of the North and West branches of the Susquehanna River creates a unique ecological setting. With elevations ranging from 450 to 1,200 feet above sea level in the surrounding areas, campers experience mild springs, humid summers with temperatures typically ranging from 75-85°F, and colorful fall foliage from mid-October through early November. Winter glamping options remain limited to heated structures as temperatures regularly drop below freezing.
What to do
Waterfall hiking: 4+ miles of trails at Ricketts Glen State Park Campground showcase 22 named waterfalls. "The hike is definitely not for the easily winded people, or anyone with bad knees, the hike down was pretty steep at some points but very well maintained! And the hike back up was again steep but maintained! And you got different falls to look at both ways," notes Anne P., who recommends proper footwear for the sometimes slippery terrain.
Creek wading: 0-3 feet deep creeks at Little Mexico Campground allow for refreshing water play. "Sites are a little close but still nice. Creek was amazing and the kids loved it," says Paula R., highlighting the gentle current that's safe for supervised children. Creek access points feature gradual entries with some rocky areas, so water shoes are recommended.
Fishing: Stocked lakes contain bass, trout, and panfish. "The lake is stocked and the fish are always hungry," mentions Vince L. about Lake Glory's fishing options. Most sites require Pennsylvania fishing licenses for ages 16+, available online or at local shops, with some catch-and-release sections clearly marked. Early mornings and evenings yield the best results, especially during summer months.
What campers like
Pool complexes with water features: Splash Magic RV Resort offers a complete water entertainment center. "The pool was great, the kids loved the water slides," shares Traci F., noting that the park "always has a lot going on and no one should get bored there." Weekend pool access can get crowded after 11am, so morning swimming provides a more relaxed experience.
Walking distance to amusement rides: Campers appreciate the convenience of being steps away from attractions. "Connected to the park, a great way to visit! If you're an early to bed kinda person it'll be tough, the roller coasters are right there!" explains Joe B. about Knoebels Campground. Many families note the value of being able to return to campsites for lunch breaks or afternoon rests between ride sessions.
Weekend entertainment programs: Twin Grove RV Resort schedules regular activities for all ages. "On Saturday nights they usually have a band playing on the stage which is really neat," reports Tiffany S., who also notes the arcade and rides available on-site. Most scheduled activities run from Memorial Day through Labor Day, with themed weekends requiring advance registration.
What you should know
Tent site conditions vary significantly: Some locations have limited level tent areas. "The site was plenty spacious for our pup and TV, but was not level at all. In fact, none of the surrounding sites looked very level," reports Jen V. about one campground. Call ahead to request specific tent areas if you need flat ground, as many sites prioritize RV parking.
Noise considerations: Train and highway sounds affect some campgrounds. Camp A While has "quite a bit of truck and car noise from the freeway. Between the cars rushing by, the sound of the stream is peaceful and serene," according to Jen. Sites further from main roads or with natural sound barriers like creeks can help mask ambient noise.
Reservation timing matters: Peak season fills quickly at most locations. "Book early as they sell out fast!" advises Joshua W. Most glamping structures and premium water/electric sites require booking 4-6 months in advance for summer weekends, while spring and fall offer more last-minute availability and lower rates, often $20-40 less per night.
Tips for camping with families
Bathhouse proximity: Lake Glory Campground offers clean, private facilities. "I do have to say I love the bath houses here. They are each their own individual rooms split into shower/changing room. I like the privacy and it made it much easier when my daughter was small," shares Gayle B. Sites nearest bathhouses fill first but provide convenience for families with young children.
Hill considerations: Evaluate walking distances carefully with little ones. "We could not bike from the campground to the pool, it was too far and the hill to get back was too big for them to ride up," notes Paula R. about Little Buffalo State Park. Many sites have elevation changes that aren't apparent from maps, so asking about terrain when booking helps prevent difficult walks.
Activity planning: Budgeting for extra attractions helps manage expectations. "There is so much to do. We should have looked into a pass to do more because the extras can get expensive," advises a camper at Splash Magic. Most campgrounds offer free and paid activities, with weekend packages sometimes providing better value than individual attraction tickets.
Tips from RVers
Site widths and privacy: Many RV sites place rigs close together. "Sites were SUPER tight. We were packed in like sardines," reports Debbie W. about her 52-foot total length rig, though she notes that riverside sites provided better views to compensate for the proximity. Call ahead if you have slides or need specific clearance, as published site dimensions sometimes include unusable space.
Electrical load considerations: During peak summer heat, power can fluctuate at some campgrounds. "Electric ran below 110 volts the entire weekend," notes one RVer, recommending surge protectors for sensitive electronics. Sites at outer loops or ends of camping sections typically have more stable power than heavily concentrated areas during high-demand periods.
