Best Campgrounds near Watsontown, PA

Campgrounds surrounding Watsontown, Pennsylvania range from established family-friendly facilities to more rustic options throughout the region. Several developed campgrounds like Williamsport South-Nittany Mountain KOA and Riverside Campground offer a mix of tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin accommodations. Raymond B. Winter State Park Campground, located about 20 miles southwest of Watsontown, provides electric hookups and cabin options in a forested setting. Most campgrounds in the area accommodate both tent and RV camping, with many also featuring cabin rentals for those seeking more comfortable accommodations without sacrificing the outdoor experience.

Seasonal operations vary significantly across the region, with many campgrounds open from April through October or November. The Raymond B. Winter State Park Campground operates from the second Friday in April through mid-December, while some private campgrounds like Riverside Campground remain open year-round. A visitor noted, "The park has some good trails with amazing views, a beach area and Loyalsock creek. The campsite was a bit cramped and right next to the main road going in and out of the park." Water access represents a common feature at many campgrounds, though water line issues occasionally affect availability. Most established campgrounds provide electric hookups, with some offering full hookup sites including water and sewer connections. Cell phone reception can be limited in more remote areas, particularly in state parks and forests.

Campers consistently mention the natural beauty and recreational opportunities available at campgrounds throughout the region. Lakes and streams provide fishing, swimming, and boating options at several locations. One review highlighted that "Beautiful setting for camping along a stream and the mountains. We try to get here a couple times a year. Electric only but water fill up is in convenient locations." Campground amenities typically include fire rings, picnic tables, and access to bathhouses with showers. Many campgrounds feature hiking trails, with some connecting to larger trail systems in state parks and forests. Site privacy varies considerably, with some campgrounds offering more secluded sites while others have closer spacing between campsites. Weekend reservations are recommended during peak summer months as popular campgrounds fill quickly, especially those with water access or proximity to attractions.

Best Camping Sites Near Watsontown, Pennsylvania (169)

    1. Williamsport South-Nittany Mountain KOA

    13 Reviews
    New Columbia, PA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (570) 568-5541

    "We decided to stay here based on it's close proximity to Bucknell University. The staff is friendly, clientele is calm. Lots of well maintained seasonal sites."

    "We were only there as an overnight stop, but walked around the park and found so many fun family activities!"

    2. Riverside Campground & Riverside Roadhouse

    13 Reviews
    Montgomery, PA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (570) 547-2252

    $25 - $80 / night

    "We all took the kayaks out on the Susquehanna River that runs behind the property for a sunny paddle."

    "Nice spots right next to river where we set up lawn chairs in river and let the kids play. Sites are smaller and it was dusty but we will definitely go back."

    3. Raymond B. Winter State Park Campground

    15 Reviews
    Hartleton, PA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (570) 966-1455

    $20 - $47 / night

    "Bordering bald eagle state forest, RB winter is in a serene wilderness. Nice campground, I have been here many times. The swimming area is a favorite during the summertime."

    "So beautiful and away from everything!"

    4. Splash Magic RV Resort

    8 Reviews
    Sunbury, PA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (412) 730-2341

    "We immediately told the front office and they acted immediately and took the proper steps to ensure everyone's safety."

    5. Knoebels Campground

    24 Reviews
    Marion Heights, PA
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (570) 672-9555

    $59 - $160 / night

    "Knoebels campground is situated next to Knoebels amusement park and offers sites for tent campers and RVs, as well as cabins. There is electricity at every site but not water."

    "In addition to the campsites you have access to the campsite bathrooms which also have showers. They’re nothing special but they get the job done and are cleaned daily by staff."

    6. Little Mexico Campground

    6 Reviews
    Vicksburg, PA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (570) 374-9742

    $30 - $65 / night

    "Little Mexico is a nice campground with lots of activities in the summer, situated on Penn’s Creek about 15 minutes from Lewisburg, PA. We camped there twice this summer and had enjoyable visits."

    7. Jellystone Park Camp-Resort at Milton

    2 Reviews
    Lewisburg, PA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (570) 524-5461

    $50 - $75 / night

    "They have a ton of activities for kids, fishing ponds, and plenty of spark to keep this place around for years to come!"

    8. Ricketts Glen State Park Campground

    68 Reviews
    Sweet Valley, PA
    34 miles
    Website
    +1 (570) 477-5675

    $15 - $92 / night

    "The biggest draw to this state park (which no one in Pennsylvania I spoke with seemed to know about) is the 22 waterfalls!"

    "Many of the sites looked close to the road and not very private but we were in site 63 which was pretty private(though we were lucky neighboring site 62 was empty)."

    9. Hidden Valley Camping Resort

    3 Reviews
    Mifflinburg, PA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (570) 966-1330

    $30 - $60 / night

    "Campground is located outside of Lewisburg and Mifflinburg. Campground is huge over many acres. They have 2 nice swimming pools. Lake for fishing . Very relaxing and peaceful."

    10. Fantasy Island Campground

    5 Reviews
    Sunbury, PA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (570) 286-1307
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Recent Reviews near Watsontown, PA

533 Reviews of 169 Watsontown Campgrounds


  • christian G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 19, 2025

    Hartman Center Campground

    Nice, quiet, & clean

    Clean and well taken care of, pretty quiet. Would definitely stay here again but a few things to keep in mind.

    For kids the play grounds are run down. Also no real “dog run”. All in all if your a couple wanting to go relax its great, but if you have pets and or younger kids there isn’t much on the grounds.

  • Chelsea B.
    Oct. 10, 2025

    Locust Lake State Park Campground

    Edit: 1 star- Scout sites before paying!

    Beware: these sites are not travel trailer friendly.

    We booked two nights but upon arriving, we realized that there was no way to fit our trailer (only 25 ft). Trees were growing up in all the sites that were available and most of the ones without trees in the way were pointing in the wrong direction for backing into and NONE were level. Called the office, they told us what other sites were available and we tried every one. Only one was remotely suitable for a travel trailer and we had to drive the wrong way through the loop to be at the right angle to even try backing it in. No luck. I’m honestly shocked that they label some of these sites as RV friendly because wow. We left and had to find other accommodations. Trying to get a refund and currently navigating their phone system/trying to get a refund. Three phone conversations later and I’ll have to call another number on Monday to get the right person to issue the refund. We’ve never stayed at PA parks before but if they’re all like this, then it makes it really hard to plan when some sites are fine for trailers and some aren’t even close. Just heads up.

    UPDATE: Called back during business hours and got the “park manager.” Could only give a partial refund for one of the two nights. I said that they weren’t clear on the condition of the sites and he said there was nothing he could do about it.

  • julian S.
    Oct. 6, 2025

    Tiadaghton Campground — Tioga State Forest

    Very crowded with bikers

    Nice campsite and cool view but be prepared to have a lot of bikers walking around the campground or stopping for lunch at near by sites. Also would recommend 4 wheel drive vehicles to drive to site, steep dirt roads to access it. It has a nice water front view but if seclusion is something you would like this spot may not be for you.

  • David A.
    Aug. 23, 2025

    Tiadaghton Campground — Tioga State Forest

    Tiadaghaton State Forest, PA

    Roadside site 1/4 mile from the nearest site. You can drive right to the site on Hackett Rd. Very secluded and peaceful. Picnic table and fire ring, but no water or latrine.

  • Jennifer H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 16, 2025

    Riverside Campground & Riverside Roadhouse

    Great location & proximity to Williamsport

    Came thru for a night and wanted to catch a game at the Little League World Series. Stayed here one night and caught an uber to the museum and game. Got the last site for the night. Did a few loads of laundry, ate a good dinner at the restaurant, kids enjoyed the pool and swam in the river. Big huge park and tons of grassy areas. Really lovely. Nice staff.

  • MacKenzi G.
    Aug. 10, 2025

    Pioneer Campground

    Beautiful Campground

    Me and my husband stayed here it was beautiful and has a very nice pool. Seems family friendly and very clean. Staff were friendly as well.

  • Jennifer G.
    Aug. 4, 2025

    Lakewood Park Campground

    Beautiful and Fun

    Beautiful and fun. Kind staff. Hoping for a dog park in the future.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 21, 2025

    Ravensburg State Park Campground

    Use lat and long to find peaceful woods by stream

    Nice and shaded! No one there but us in site 6, not even a ranger checked on us. Has modern toilets and shower. Most sites are spacious. They have nice raised tent pads. It’s very humid so many picnic tables have green moss.

    First come first serve but still had to pay transaction fee! which was annoying for our one night stay as if rather the state parks get that.

    Use lat and long coordinates for directions or you will be in the wrong spot.

  • James S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 8, 2025

    Ricketts Glen State Park Campground

    Ricketts Glen not as expected

    Arrived mid-afternoon, visitor center/Ranger office was closed, our reservation sheet was available in a mailbox near the door with instructions. No human contact. Park was not mowed, seemed a little rough & unattended. Our full hookup site was large with table and fire ring, and required some leveling. Not much shade in the full hookup loop, so was happy to have electricity for A/C. The beach was a little more than a half mile walk from our site.


Guide to Watsontown

Camping sites near Watsontown, Pennsylvania generally sit within the rolling terrain of central Pennsylvania at elevations of 400-800 feet. The region experiences seasonal transitions with warm summers and cold winters, making the April to October window most popular for camping. Many campsites provide access to the Susquehanna River watershed with opportunities for water recreation during the warmer months.

What to do

Fishing access: The Susquehanna River offers excellent fishing opportunities near Riverside Campground & Riverside Roadhouse, where campers can enjoy direct river access. "We dropped in at Montgomery boat club instead of Muncy. Took about 3 hours with a lunch stop on island. Nice spots right next to river where we set up lawn chairs in river and let the kids play," reports Shannon C.

Farm animal encounters: Families enjoy the petting zoo at Williamsport South-Nittany Mountain KOA, which features a variety of animals to feed and pet. "There is a petting zoo, jump pillow, and regularly scheduled activities," notes Traci F., while another visitor mentions, "The farm animals are adorable. We go every year with friends who use a tent while we use a travel trailer."

Hiking trails: Raymond B. Winter State Park offers multiple hiking paths through dense forests with hemlock and pine trees. "Gorgeous hiking trails and bike trails," states Jolene J., while Greg S. adds, "The trails here feel like the pacific northwest. Gorgeous." Many trails connect to larger networks in the surrounding state forest.

What campers like

Water recreation: Families appreciate the various water features at Splash Magic RV Resort, which offers specialized water activities. "There is a great water park as well as adults only pool for those wanting a break from the little ones," explains Tom H. The resort includes multiple pools and water features specifically designed for different age groups.

Fall camping experiences: Many campers recommend visiting during autumn to experience the foliage. "Gorgeous in the fall with spectacular mountain views nearby," shares Rebecca E. about R.B. Winter State Park. Seasonal color changes typically peak in mid-October, making this a popular time despite cooler evening temperatures in the 40-50°F range.

Campground amenities: Sites at Knoebels Campground provide easy access to the adjacent amusement park. "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," writes Joe B. Most visitors appreciate the convenience, noting, "The site was plenty spacious for our pup and TV, but was not level at all."

What you should know

Seasonal operations: Operating seasons vary across campgrounds near Watsontown. Many close during winter months due to weather conditions and limited demand. "Single cabins have three double beds with two up top in the loft and one down below. I would suggest bringing an air mattress to sleep on as the mats are old and used," advises Jen R. regarding Knoebels Campground cabins.

Site spacing: Some campgrounds feature tightly arranged sites. At Fantasy Island Campground, "Very tight parking, I told them my trailer was 35 feet long, they put me in a site that was impossible to back into. 4 different sites had to move their vehicles and I still couldn't do it," reports Joe B. Site selection matters significantly for larger units.

Weather considerations: The region experiences significant rainfall, sometimes leading to campsite flooding. "We unfortunately got stuck in infamous Northeast PA weather but we made the best of it. There were thunderstorms and campsite was a little flooded but we were still able to camp," reports Amanda + Will about Riverside Campground.

Tips for camping with families

Amusement access: Jellystone Park Camp-Resort at Milton offers numerous scheduled activities for children. "This place was awesome! My children had so much fun. They had the entire weekend planned for us. My wife and I don't like to so having a busy weekend for the kiddos was a great thing," shares Brian C. The organized programming runs throughout the day during peak season.

Playground facilities: Multiple campgrounds feature playgrounds for younger visitors. "Peaceful place to camp. Pool, nice playground with neat zipline for kids. Animals to see and feed. Hayride or firetruck ride in evening. Movie at night. Crafts to do with kids too," reports Michele M. about Williamsport South-Nittany Mountain KOA.

Weekend planning: Popular family-oriented campgrounds fill quickly during summer weekends. "This campground was huge, and very crowded on the weekends. We arrived on a Thursday night, and pretty much had the whole place to ourselves," notes Jen V. Booking midweek stays typically provides a quieter experience with more site options.

Tips from RVers

Level site selection: Many campgrounds feature uneven terrain that requires additional equipment for leveling. "Our site was right along the river, the view was amazing and the site was huge," reports Traci F. about Splash Magic RV Resort, while noting the importance of selecting sites that accommodate your specific unit length.

Hookup options: Water and electric hookup availability varies by campground and sometimes by season. "We had a sewer site so I'm not sure how the bathrooms are," mentions Traci F. about Williamsport South-Nittany Mountain KOA, indicating the range of options. Many locations offer full hookup sites with varying amperage capabilities.

Road access considerations: Some campgrounds have challenging access roads that require careful navigation with larger rigs. "The road leading to the campground is narrow and winding, but we didn't experience any trouble," notes Craig F. about Little Mexico Campground. Arriving during daylight hours makes navigation easier for first-time visitors.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best RV parks in Watsontown, Pennsylvania?

Russell P Letterman Campground — Bald Eagle State Park is a top RV option near Watsontown with asphalt parking pads, electrical hookups, and a convenient check-in process. The sites offer good privacy with green space between them and senior discounts are available. Another excellent choice is Williamsport South-Nittany Mountain KOA, which provides full hookups and is big-rig friendly. Other RV-accommodating options in the area include Fantasy Island Campground near Sunbury and Little Mexico Campground near Winfield, both offering amenities catering to RV travelers.

What outdoor activities are available at Watsontown campgrounds?

Campgrounds near Watsontown offer abundant outdoor recreation opportunities. At Little Pine State Park Campground, you can enjoy camping alongside a stream with access to the Mid State hiking trail that runs through the park. Ricketts Glen State Park Campground offers spectacular hiking with 22 waterfalls along well-marked trails, making it a must-visit for waterfall enthusiasts. The region also features fishing in Loyalsock Creek, swimming at designated beach areas, wildlife viewing, mountain biking trails, and paddling opportunities. Many campgrounds in the area connect to extensive trail systems perfect for day hikes through Pennsylvania's beautiful forests.

Where can I find camping near Watsontown, PA?

Within driving distance of Watsontown, PA, you'll find several excellent camping options. Knoebels Campground offers tent and RV sites with electricity at every site (though no water hookups), level shaded sites, and wooden platforms. It's conveniently located next to Knoebels amusement park. Another great option is Hemlock Acres Camp Ground, which provides a peaceful setting in Pennsylvania's woods. For those looking for additional options, Jellystone Park Camp-Resort at Milton, Riverside Campground near Montgomery, and Little Mexico Campground near Winfield are all within reasonable driving distance from Watsontown.