Camping near Granville Summit, Pennsylvania offers diverse outdoor experiences in the Endless Mountains region with elevations reaching 1,900 feet. Seasonal temperature fluctuations impact camping conditions significantly, with summer highs averaging 78°F and winter lows often dropping below 15°F. Fall foliage typically peaks mid-October, creating high-traffic periods at most campgrounds.
What to do
Hiking diverse waterfalls: Worlds End State Park Campground (https://thedyrt.com/camping/pennsylvania/pennsylvania-worlds-end-state-park) offers access to numerous waterfall trails with varying difficulty levels. "We came for the hiking and there are numerous trails in both the state park and neighboring Loyalsock State Forest, some of which are accessible from the campgrounds," notes a camper who appreciated the well-marked trails.
Fishing without permits: Pine Cradle Lake Family Campground (https://thedyrt.com/camping/pennsylvania/pine-cradle-lake-family-campground) offers catch-and-release fishing without requiring a Pennsylvania license. "You can rent non-electric boats and they offer catch & release fishing without a PA license in the lake. My son caught 2 sunfish," shares a visitor.
Disconnecting intentionally: Many campgrounds offer limited connectivity, making them perfect for digital detox. "No cell service, which is refreshing," notes a Worlds End camper who appreciated the break from technology. Another camper at Pine Cradle Lake mentioned, "There is very very little cell reception and only wifi if you pay for it. We had to put our phones and devices down and just relax."
What campers like
Private camping spots: Pioneer Campground (https://thedyrt.com/camping/pennsylvania/pioneer-campground-pa) provides secluded sites with more privacy than typical RV parks. "Our tent site was secluded and quiet, but not too far off the beaten path," reports a camper. Others noted it's "back a long lane from the main road so it is quiet and peaceful."
Clean facilities: Ricketts Glen State Park Campground (https://thedyrt.com/camping/pennsylvania/pennsylvania-ricketts-glen-state-park) maintains well-kept restrooms that campers consistently praise. A reviewer noted, "The bathhouse was clean but not adequate for 73 sites. The campground was about ¾ full and there was often a wait in the bathroom."
Family activities: Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park PA Wilds (https://thedyrt.com/camping/pennsylvania/bucktail-camping-resort) offers numerous organized events. "The big playground is new and very nice. The small one is mainly two very big playsets (pirate ship and castle). Two jumping pillows were awesome. Pool was cold but fun," describes a family that visited during the renovations.
What you should know
Seasonal water issues: At Ricketts Glen, water quality problems occasionally arise. "The water had been tested earlier in the season and unsafe levels of manganese were detected. All water spigots were shut off and covered but we were told it was safe to wash our dishes and brush our teeth," reports a camper.
Site selection matters: When RV camping near Granville Summit, Pennsylvania, choosing the right site impacts your experience. Pioneer Campground campers advise: "I would suggest getting there while it is still light out, there is plenty of room on the roads to get your rig around the campground, but there are lots of trees and it gets a little hard sometimes to see where the road is vs a site."
Alcohol policies vary: State parks maintain strict alcohol regulations while private campgrounds may be more lenient. A Ricketts Glen camper warned, "Alcohol is strictly forbidden– we were warned that if a ranger saw any alcohol outside of our vehicle, we would be cited."
Tips for camping with families
Private bathrooms preferred: Pine Cradle Lake Family Campground (https://thedyrt.com/camping/pennsylvania/pine-cradle-lake-family-campground) offers individual bathroom/shower combinations that families appreciate. "The restrooms were fantastic, the buildings held two complete rooms with a toilet sink and shower in each. It's the only shower camping this year my 4yr old wasn't afraid of because we had the whole room to ourselves."
Halloween camping: Several campgrounds offer special Halloween events. "We love decorating the sites and taking the kids trick or treating. They do a haunted woods that we felt the kids were too young for," shares a Pioneer camper who established a family tradition at their fall events.
Campgrounds with splash pads: Water features provide entertainment for children. "We enjoyed fishing and kayaking in the lake, the heated pool and splash pad, spacious sites and clean amenities," noted a family camping at Pine Cradle Lake.
Tips from RVers
Arrival timing: When RV camping in the Granville Summit area, plan to arrive during daylight. "The entry road to the campground itself is a very steep, narrow road with a small curve at the top. It's well-maintained but keep an eye out for campers coming down," warns a Jellystone Park visitor.
Leveling equipment: Pioneer Campground (https://thedyrt.com/camping/pennsylvania/pioneer-campground-pa) campers suggest bringing proper leveling equipment: "The sites are a bit larger than average and are pretty level, but make sure to bring leveling blocks."
Dump station alternatives: During busy weekends, dump stations can become congested. "There is only one dump station, but the owner John was going around pumping people out Sunday morning when the line to the dump station was long," reports a grateful Pioneer camper.
