Cabins and camping spots near Wellsville, Pennsylvania cluster in the wooded terrain of south central Pennsylvania where elevations range from 600 to 1,000 feet. The region features rich agricultural land contrasted with pockets of forest and small mountain ridges. Most cabin rentals remain open from April through October, though several campgrounds like Cedar Lake Family Campground operate through winter months with heated facilities.
What to do
Kayaking on Pinchot Lake: Gifford Pinchot State Park offers lake activities with boat rentals available. "This campground has a great little lake to take out a kayak in. The sites are decent size and there are some great hiking trails!" notes a reviewer at Pinchot State Park Campground.
Trout fishing: Both lakes and streams in the region offer fishing opportunities. At Cedar Lake Family Campground, "The lake is nice and they stock it with trout." Another reviewer mentions the animal area: "My little one enjoyed them. Lots of activities and the staff was very friendly."
Visiting farm animals: Animal experiences are available at several campgrounds. "Great park and probably still one of our kids favorites after being on the road for over a year this one easily stands out as a must stop!" writes a visitor about the working farm at Thousand Trails Gettysburg Farm. Children can interact with goats, pigs, chickens, horses and llamas.
Hiking the Appalachian Trail: Pine Grove Furnace State Park sits at the halfway point of the Appalachian Trail. "There are some great trails for running/hiking - the park is the halfway point on the Appalachian Trail! We did a very nice run from our campsite out to the scenic viewpoint on top of Pole Steeple (about 7ish miles)."
What campers like
Lakefront sites: Waterfront camping sites provide direct access to recreation. "We had site 114. It has water access and is right next to a small man made beach and playground," reports a visitor to Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground. "Sites were of ample size and well spaced."
Modern bath facilities: Updated bathroom facilities stand out to campers. At Elizabethtown-Hershey KOA, visitors found "Spotless bathrooms. Nice pool and playgrounds. Not a lot of traffic. Quiet. Friendly. Price is fair and not nearly as expensive as many other KOAs but the quality is just as good!"
Swimming options: Pools and lakes provide swimming opportunities. "There is no swimming allowed in the lake but there is a pool located at the park, there is no extra cost to use the pool if you are at the campground," notes a camper at Codorus State Park about the included pool access.
Creek activities: Water features beyond lakes add recreational options. At Mountain Creek Camp Ground, "The kids had a blast, tubing in the creek, swimming pool and an excellent camp store. Sites in some areas are tight, real tight. Over all, a good camping experience."
What you should know
Train noise: Some campgrounds experience rail traffic. At Hersheypark Camping Resort, reviewers mention "Trains are all night" and "Nice camp ground but super loud bc of the trains. Bath houses are nice and clean. I would suggest making sure you aren't close to the tracks bc the trains run all night long!"
Site spacing variations: Campsite proximity varies significantly between and within campgrounds. "The main part of the grounds the sites are tight and packed in like sardines. The Lazy River section in far away from the noise of the super close train tracks."
Seasonal closures: Most cabin facilities close for winter. At Codorus State Park, the camping season runs "2nd Friday April to November 1," making advance planning crucial for off-peak stays.
Bathhouse locations: Bathroom facilities may require a walk at some campgrounds. "Bathrooms were in good shape. Sites were of ample size and well spaced. Closer to the beach they are a little more open and crowded."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Secure sites near play areas for convenience with children. At Thousand Trails Gettysburg Farm, "The main attraction is the animals, but there is also a cute playground for the kids. We've enjoyed mini-golf, feeding the animals, 'hiking' through the cornfield, fishing, and campfires."
Creek exploration: Shallow water areas provide safe exploration spaces. "The kids enjoyed playing in the creek and tubing. I didn't think site sizes were bad but it depends on which site... I was great but the one behind me was a joke."
Golf cart rentals: Consider renting carts for easier mobility with young children. "We stayed in the upper tent area. It's a walk to the pool and arcade area. As an adult I was fine with it. I have a 5 year old though and she got tired. Lesson learned: rent a golf cart ahead of time."
Activity scheduling: Check event calendars when booking. "We took our 3 yo camping for the first time here. He had so much fun. It was clean campground located in a State Park. Easy walk to the lake with a small beach."
Tips from RVers
Varying site sizes: Select sites based on your rig dimensions. "Site Details: I forget our site#, but we were in the wooded area farthest from the central 'hub' (in the top left corner if you're looking at a campground map). Our site was level, shaded and quite large."
Electric without water: Some campgrounds separate utilities. "We had no water but the bath house was close and very clean. The facilities all seemed clean and well-maintained from what we could see."
Dump station locations: Note waste disposal options. "Very wooded and clean State Park. If traveling in an RV you will need to fill your fresh water tank as each site does not have water hook up. The cell service is 'spotty' as they state on their website, but hey you are camping."
Seasonal access: Verify seasonal restrictions and road conditions. "We camped right up against the lazy River, the campground was pretty open because it was a weekday. Spots are kind of close, no trees or anything to separate spots."
