Dispersed camping opportunities near Vicksburg, Pennsylvania include various sites in Bald Eagle State Forest with creek access and undeveloped terrain. Campers can find primitive campsites around Penn's Creek where seasonal temperatures average 45-80°F in summer months. The region's 1,200-foot elevation creates cooler evening temperatures compared to surrounding areas, requiring appropriate sleeping gear even in summer.
What to do
Creek exploration: At Little Mexico Campground, visitors enjoy direct access to Penn's Creek for water activities. "We have stayed at Little Mexico several times and we love it. We enjoy tubing down the river right to the campground," notes one camper. The creek provides summer cooling options within walking distance of most sites.
Historic sites: Visit Poe Paddy State Park for access to the repurposed railroad tunnel, a short hike from the camping area. A visitor reports, "The walk to the tunnel is quick and easy for all ages. Beautiful spot when crossing the bridge." This 1-mile round trip walk suits families with younger children.
Fishing opportunities: Lake Glory Campground maintains a stocked fishing lake where catch rates remain high throughout the season. "The lake is stocked and the fish are always hungry," explains a regular visitor. Most successful fishing occurs early mornings or evenings when water temperatures cool.
What campers like
Private waterfront sites: Campers appreciate creekside locations at Poe Paddy State Park where specific sites include water access points. "We had site 108 and had a site path right to the creek. The creek is beautiful and the kids were so happy to play in it," shares one visitor. Sites near water typically fill fastest during reservation periods.
Spacious campsites: Lake Glory Campground provides larger than average sites with minimal crowding. "Our site was big. The pool is nice," notes one camper. Another adds, "The sites are large with a few trees and a great location at the very end of a road." This allows for better equipment spacing compared to other area campgrounds.
Off-grid experience: Several campgrounds in the region offer intentionally limited connectivity. One camper at Poe Paddy notes, "No cell phone coverage (that is a plus for us!). The park is small but wonderful, right in the middle of some beautiful country." This digital detox environment appeals to those seeking genuine outdoor immersion.
What you should know
Weather variability: The region experiences significant temperature changes between day and night. "It rained every day during our 3 night stay but no one can beat the weather. Our campsite did flood however," reports a camper at Little Buffalo State Park. Pack appropriate rain gear and additional tarps, particularly during spring and early summer.
Limited services: Many area campgrounds operate with minimal staffing. At Poe Paddy, "There is NO cell service and park rangers do 'rounds' but aren't stationed at the site. There are a couple of water pumps, several well-maintained pit toilets, and an emergency phone." Most sites require self-sufficiency for common supplies.
Yurt camping options: Yurt camping near Vicksburg, Pennsylvania provides alternative accommodation at select locations including Ricketts Glen State Park. Their permanent yurt structures include wooden floors, bunk beds, and woodstoves for cooler months. Reservations for yurt camping in Vicksburg area parks require booking 3-6 months in advance for summer weekends.
Tips for camping with families
Water activities: Splash Magic RV Resort offers extensive water features for children. "The pool was great, the kids loved the water slides," reports one family. Another notes, "There is so much to do. We should have looked into a pass to do more because the extras can get expensive." Daily activity passes cost approximately $15-25 per person depending on age.
Kid-friendly hiking: Ricketts Glen State Park provides waterfall trails suitable for families with older children. "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!" explains one visitor. The Falls Trail contains 22 named waterfalls along a 4-mile loop.
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds feature playground equipment. At Little Mexico, "My husband and our three sons usually camp here at least two times a summer. They have a nice general store, pool, and family friendly activities." Most campground playgrounds remain open from 8am until dusk.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Knoebels Campground requires careful consideration of site location. "The sites are very close to one another. We lucked out in Bermuda Triangle as there was a little more space and we were further away from some of the noise," advises an RV camper. Corner sites typically provide more room for larger rigs.
Leveling challenges: Many campgrounds in the region feature uneven terrain. "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," notes one RVer. Bring additional leveling blocks as most sites require 2-4 inches of correction.
Electric stability: Several campgrounds experience voltage fluctuations during peak usage. One RVer at Splash Magic observed, "Electric ran below 110 volts the entire weekend and the water had a brownish tint to it. It was a VERY hot weekend so I should mention that everyone had their air running." Consider bringing a voltage regulator during summer camping season.
