Several campgrounds around Volant, Pennsylvania offer a mix of established and primitive camping options across a 30-mile radius. The area sits at elevations ranging from 900 to 1,200 feet in the Appalachian foothills with rich forest cover and numerous watersheds. Weather conditions can change quickly, especially during spring and fall months when temperature swings of 30°F within 24 hours aren't uncommon.
What to do
Hiking near McConnells Mill: Breakneck Campground sits adjacent to McConnells Mill State Park with easy access to multiple trails. "From our campsite we walked along the creek into McConnells Mill State Park and joined the covered bridge trail. Approx. 30min walk along the creek down into McConnells Mill State Park," notes a camper at Breakneck Campground.
Fishing opportunities: Berlin Lake Wildlife Area provides abundant fishing spots with direct water access. "Nice boat dock! Love the lake front sites! And excellent price!" reports a visitor at Mill Creek Camping. Many sites offer shoreline access where you can fish directly from your campsite.
Outdoor recreation variety: For those seeking upscale outdoor lodging near Volant, multiple options exist beyond the standard tent site. "We chose one of two primitive sites next to a small creek. Apart from the campers above us on top of the hill, we were a few hundred feet from the other primitive sites. Despite being just a minutes walk from our truck, we felt incredibly secluded," shares a visitor describing the less-developed camping areas.
What campers like
Clean facilities: The region's campgrounds maintain good standards for bathrooms and shower facilities. A visitor at Mercer-Grove City KOA noted, "Beautiful facilities. Clean bathrooms. Lots of activities. Great play area for the kids!" Many campgrounds offer full-service restrooms with hot showers rather than just basic vault toilets.
Scenic waterfront sites: Lakeside camping options abound within driving distance of Volant. "We were lucky enough to be able to to camp down by the stream. There are designated fireplaces. It is quite a walk up the hill to the campground amenities, but worth it to feel secluded down by the creek," explains a camper at Breakneck Campground.
Family-friendly amenities: Beyond the premium glamping near Volant, Pennsylvania, there are numerous family-oriented campgrounds. "Large open campground with plenty of stuff to do for everyone and plenty of activities throughout the summer months as well," reports a visitor at Kozy Rest Kampground, which offers organized recreation options beyond just camping.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds fill quickly, especially during summer and fall color season. "Make reservations! (6 months in advance). Waterside sites fill up quickly!" advises a camper at West Branch State Park.
Site conditions vary: Many campgrounds have uneven terrain that can challenge setup. "We were only off 2 inches side to side but front to back we had to lower the front 15 inches. The jack was down as low as it would go and we were still off by 1.5 inches," reports a visitor describing their experience at a sloped site.
Noise levels fluctuate: Weekend crowds can change the camping experience significantly. "Friday night was peaceful... When we got back from a full day of climbing Saturday, a group of at least a dozen had set up camp across the road from us. They were drinking heavily all night," reports one camper, highlighting how weekday versus weekend timing affects atmosphere.
Tips for camping with families
Look for dedicated kid amenities: Several campgrounds offer specific children's recreation areas. At Rose Point Park Cabins & Camping, a visitor mentions, "Good location for outdoor and city experiences, along with a relaxing getaway. Workers and permanent campers are very friendly with all the amenities necessary on site, including nice dog park."
Consider themed weekend events: Seasonal programming enhances family camping experiences. "We stayed for their Halloween weekend. Everything was perfect. They called us the day before to make sure that we were still coming and offered us a FREE site upgrade!" shares an enthusiastic visitor describing fall activities that included pumpkin carving contests.
Evaluate bathhouse proximity: When camping with children, convenient facilities matter. "The campground is flat and great for bike riding. Nice playground for kids. Dog park nearby," notes a visitor, highlighting features that make managing family needs easier when camping with children.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds in the region have uneven sites requiring preparation. "Not all sites are level. The site was not level, but we were able to get the tent trailer level without too much effort," advises an RVer describing their setup process at a typical site in the area.
Call for routing advice: Some campgrounds have access limitations for larger vehicles. "We use both the RV Garmin 890 & RV Trip Wizard and both had us doing some crazy side roads to get into the KOA. Be sure to use the park's directions for an easier drive in," recommends an RVer with a 40-foot class A motorhome.
Dump station availability: Services for RVs vary significantly between campgrounds. "They permit non guests to utilize the dump site at a small fee $20 (during non peak times). Convenient location off of route 80," notes a visitor describing accessible services even for those not staying overnight.
