Swengel, Pennsylvania sits in Union County with elevations ranging from 500-600 feet above sea level in the eastern portion of the state. The area experiences four distinct seasons with moderately cold winters, warm summers, and colorful fall foliage. Camping options surround Swengel within a 30-mile radius, with several campgrounds offering river access for fishing and water activities.
What to do
Cave exploration: 20-minute drive to Woodward Cave Campground, which features its own cave for touring. "This campground is off the beaten path which we like. Best part was it had its own cave! No playground for the kids but with the cave we didn't mind," notes one visitor. The area is also near Penn's Cave, about 30 minutes away.
Waterfront activities: Daily boat rentals available at Lake Heron Retreat. "This lake was beautiful! A short walk from the campsite. We had the lake to ourself both evening and morning," reports a recent camper. The 10-acre lake provides excellent fishing opportunities on the 240-acre property.
River tubing: Spring through fall on Penn's Creek near several rv parks in Swengel, Pennsylvania. "We enjoy tubing down the river right to the campground," shares a Little Mexico Campground visitor. River access points vary by water levels, with some campgrounds offering direct river frontage.
What campers like
Amusement options: Weekend entertainment at Twin Grove RV Resort includes unique amenities not commonly found at camping areas. "On Saturday nights they usually have a band playing on the stage which is really neat. There is also a ice cream place to get a nice cold treat," writes one reviewer. The resort also features "an arcade, a ferris wheel and some other rides" according to another camper.
Dog-friendly facilities: Multiple dog parks throughout camping locations near Swengel. "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," notes a Twin Grove visitor. Another camper mentions, "They have a dog park which my dog loved" at Lake Heron Retreat.
Seasonal events: Free community activities at several locations. "The Campground had a Pig Roast FREE for everyone," reports a Sunsational Family Campground guest. Many rv accommodations near Swengel schedule weekend activities during summer months, with holiday weekends featuring special programming.
What you should know
Water quality varies: Pack drinking water for certain campgrounds in the region. "The water had a brownish tint to it" observed one Splash Magic visitor during a high-usage weekend. Some campgrounds run on well systems that can fluctuate during busy periods.
Reservation timing: Book 3-6 months ahead for prime summer and fall weekends. "We already have our 2021 reservations," mentioned one Little Mexico Campground reviewer, highlighting how quickly spots fill. Many campgrounds in the Swengel area have substantial seasonal occupancy, limiting transient availability.
Internet connectivity: Spotty cellular coverage at many locations. "No WiFi. Verizon service was fine," notes a Lake Heron camper. Most campgrounds offer limited or no WiFi, though cellular data works at varying strengths depending on carrier and specific location within each property.
Tips for camping with families
Pool facilities: Schedule swimming time during non-peak hours. "The pool is nice. That's about it. It had rained but there were so many mud puddles everywhere," shared one Little Mexico visitor, suggesting morning swims might be best before afternoon crowds. Swimming amenities vary widely between campgrounds.
Playground options: Choose sites near play areas for convenience with younger children. "There is also a nice children's playground," mentioned one River's Edge RV Park & Campground visitor. Several campgrounds offer multiple playground areas scattered throughout their properties.
Activity budgeting: Factor in extra costs for certain amenities. "We should have looked into a pass to do more because the extras can get expensive. But everything is right there and you never have to leave so it's worth it in my opinion," advised a Splash Magic visitor regarding their activity charges.
Tips from RVers
Leveling requirements: Bring blocks for uneven sites at several campgrounds. "Our site was right along the river, the view was amazing and the site was huge," noted a Splash Magic visitor, though many riverside sites require additional leveling due to natural terrain.
Road access considerations: Plan arrival routes carefully to certain camping areas around Swengel. "The road leading to the campground is narrow and winding, but we didn't experience any trouble," shared one visitor regarding Little Mexico Campground. Larger motorhomes may need to follow specific approach directions provided by campground offices.
Electrical service quality: Monitor usage during peak weekends when systems can be stressed. "We came here once a year to take our grandkids on an annual camping trip with us," mentioned a Twin Grove RV Resort guest who recommended bringing a surge protector for electrical hookups during busy holiday weekends when multiple air conditioning units operate simultaneously.
