Motorhomes and RVs require specific camping facilities around Watsontown, Pennsylvania, with seasonal availability typically running April through October. The region's mountainous terrain creates winding access roads that can present challenges for larger vehicles. Most campgrounds in the area sit within valleys that experience occasional flooding, particularly after heavy rainfall periods.
What to do
River activities along the Susquehanna River: Access to the river for boating and fishing is available at Riverside Campground & Riverside Roadhouse, where campers can enjoy water-based recreation. "We all took the kayaks out on the Susquehanna River that runs behind the property for a sunny paddle. Came back and went to a wine fest, in the park that is right next to the property," notes one visitor.
Visit nearby Knoebels Amusement Park: Knoebels Campground provides walking access to one of the region's main attractions. "The main draw for this campground is the amusement park on site, which boasts free admission and parking (you pay for rides with tickets)," mentions a reviewer.
Swimming options: Campgrounds with swimming facilities offer relief during summer months. At Splash Magic RV Resort, "the pool was great, the kids loved the water slides," according to a visitor. Another mentions that the resort has "a great water park as well as adults only pool for those wanting a break from the little ones."
What campers like
Riverside sites for cooling off: During hot summer months, riverside campsites are highly valued. At Little Mexico Campground, "We always get a site by the creek and have a great time. The sites are always clean and the staff is great," notes a regular visitor. Another camper adds, "We enjoy tubing down the river right to the campground."
Live entertainment options: Weekend entertainment provides evening activities after days spent outdoors. "They always have a lot going on and no one should get bored there," mentions one camper about Splash Magic. At Riverside Campground, "Great restaurant on site with music on weekends with local bands or DJs" offers evening activities.
Large, spacious sites: Some campgrounds in the region feature more generous site layouts than others. A camper at Little Mexico noted, "Overall the sites are good sized, level and the majority have full hook-ups." At Splash Magic, a visitor reported, "Our site was right along the river, the view was amazing and the site was huge."
What you should know
Seasonal campground conditions: Most facilities change their operations seasonally. "Most of the transient sites are right next to each other with little barriers between," notes a visitor to Little Mexico, which is typical of the more compact summer camping layouts in the area.
Road access challenges: Some campgrounds have difficult approach roads. A reviewer mentioned about Little Mexico Campground, "The road leading to the campground is narrow and winding, but we didn't experience any trouble."
Utility reliability: Electric service quality varies by campground and can fluctuate during peak usage. "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," reported one Splash Magic visitor.
Flooding concerns: Low-lying campsites can experience flooding issues. A camper at Riverside reported, "There were thunderstorms and campsite was a little flooded but we were still able to camp."
Tips for camping with families
Choose campgrounds with kid-focused amenities: Lake Glory Campground offers family-friendly features. "Kids can wade in the water to cool off while parents are chatting and cooking just few feet away," notes a reviewer about the creek-side sites.
Consider proximity to attractions: Some campgrounds offer shuttle services to nearby attractions. Lake Glory provides "close location to Knoebels with full hook up campsites and free shuttle to/from the park," according to a visitor.
Check bathroom facilities: Individual bathroom setups can make family camping easier. "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," mentioned a Lake Glory camper.
Tips from RVers
Reserve early for prime sites: Competition for premium RV sites increases during summer months. "Book early as they sell out fast!" advises a camper about Knoebels Campground.
Site leveling challenges: Uneven terrain is common in the mountainous region. At Twin Grove RV Resort, however, "The pull through site was grass/gravel and level," notes a reviewer.
Power needs: When temperatures rise, electrical systems can be strained. "The water pressure is good, electric stable, and good cable TV connections" at Little Mexico Campground, according to one RVer, making it suitable for summer camping when air conditioners are running.
