Wellsville sits in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch Country where rolling hills and moderate seasonal temperatures create ideal conditions for camping from late spring through early fall. Nearby RV parks and campgrounds offer a mix of Appalachian foothills terrain and open farmland settings. Most facilities see heavy weekend occupancy from April through October, with some sites requiring reservations up to six months in advance for holiday weekends.
What to Do
Fishing opportunities: At Thousand Trails Gettysburg Farm, campers can fish in stocked ponds throughout the season. "We've enjoyed mini-golf, feeding the animals, 'hiking' through the cornfield, fishing, and campfires," mentions Kasey M., highlighting the variety of on-site activities.
Farm animal experiences: Farm-based camping provides unique animal interactions not found at standard campgrounds. "The sounds of the farm animals all around was fun and amusing for us. It was an easy hike as suggested on the map to circle around and through the cornfield, you get a great view of the farms nearby and the river," notes Mary H. about her Gettysburg Farm experience.
Mini-golf courses: Several campgrounds maintain mini-golf facilities for family entertainment. At Thousand Trails Circle M, "Putt putt is still open and fun, so is playground. Arcade was open. There is an indoor pool and spa," according to Kasey M., making it a good choice for active families.
Seasonal celebrations: Halloween weekends are particularly popular at regional campgrounds. "They had Halloween every weekend of October and we spent Halloween weekend here. The kids loved it!!" shares a Circle M visitor, reflecting the festive atmosphere many campgrounds create in fall.
What Campers Like
Accessibility to historic sites: The proximity to Gettysburg National Military Park draws many campers to the region. "The best thing about this Thousand Trails campground is it's proximity to Gettysburg and all attractions!" explains Jeff & Steff about Round Top Campground.
Wooded settings: Many campers appreciate the natural surroundings at campgrounds like Pinch Pond Family Campground. "Easy to get to and beautiful setting, gorgeous trees and feels very woodsy. Pond is okay, could be nicer," notes Michelle D., highlighting the natural landscape that creates privacy between sites.
Spacious campsite layouts: Comfortable site dimensions make a big difference in camper satisfaction. "Our site was very spacious and the ENTIRE campground was extremely clean and tidy," shares Melissa Y. about Pinch Pond, contrasting with some of the tighter campgrounds in the area.
Pool facilities: Swimming pools rank high among appreciated amenities. "The pool was great, especially camping with younger kids," notes Ruth about Gettysburg Farm, pointing to the importance of water recreation options during summer camping trips.
What You Should Know
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds in the region have uneven terrain. At Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country, "Campground loses a star because the sites are pretty uneven. Not just the one we're on but others as well. The campground is pretty hilly and they don't seem to want to level out the sites," reports Sammii D.
Shooting range proximity: Some campgrounds are located near shooting facilities. "The only thing that is negative is that there is a shooting range right next door. It is pretty consistent from lunch to dinner," warns Tara N. about Pinch Pond, important information for those seeking quiet surroundings.
Water quality issues: Water systems can be problematic at certain locations. "Water was rusty in our row came out brown at first then was tan after running through our filter for the entire stay," shares Justin B. about PA Dutch Country, suggesting campers might want to bring additional water filtration.
Weekend crowding: Popular campgrounds fill quickly during peak season. "It gets very full on the weekends here," notes a Circle M reviewer, indicating the need for advance planning, especially for weekend camping trips.
Tips for Camping with Families
Indoor recreation options: For unpredictable weather, choose campgrounds with indoor facilities. "The kids enjoyed the indoor pool. Looking forward to coming back in the summer," shares Davie Q. about their Circle M experience, highlighting weather-independent activities.
Playground access: Multiple play areas benefit families with younger children. "Their game room has tickets. This is the one and only campground we have ever visited that gave tickets for playing games and my kids LOVED IT!" exclaims Melissa Y. about Pinch Pond Family Campground.
Scheduled activities: Campgrounds offering organized events keep children entertained. "They have themed weekend events, live music, bingo, golf cart parades, and potluck," notes Nancy W. about her stay at Drummer Boy Camping Resort, giving parents built-in entertainment options.
Animal encounters: Farm-based camping provides educational opportunities. "Prefect campground for the family. Got a kick out of the children playing with the kids (baby goats) pigs, goats, chickens, horses and even lamas. Plenty to see and learn," explains Robert M. about Gettysburg Farm.
Tips from RVers
Dump station timing: RV parks near Wellsville, Pennsylvania often have limited dump facilities for their size. "Only two dump stations for a pretty large park," notes Jen R. about Spring Gulch Resort, suggesting RVers should plan dump timing to avoid lines.
Utility placement challenges: Hookup configurations can complicate setup at some parks. "The sewer is in odd locations all around our campsite I'm excited as well as sharing the water source with up to 5 other RVs," reports Ernest G. about Western Village RV Park, highlighting the need to bring extra-length hoses and connections.
Site selection strategy: First-come, first-served policies require early arrival. "If you get there early enough around 1 pm, you won't have a problem," advises Yamileth K. regarding Thousand Trails properties, essential knowledge for those unfamiliar with non-reservation systems.
Power limitations: Some campgrounds struggle with electrical capacity. "The fuse on the (campsite) panel kept blowing every time we ran the air and microwave together," warns Michelle S., suggesting RVers might need to manage power usage more carefully than at newer facilities.
