Camping near Newmanstown, Pennsylvania offers a mix of rural tranquility and accessibility to both natural attractions and cultural sites. The area sits within the Lebanon Valley at elevations between 500-800 feet, creating diverse camping terrain with seasonal temperature variations. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing while summer days typically reach 80-90°F with moderate humidity compared to other Pennsylvania regions.
What to do
Hiking opportunities: French Creek State Park Campground provides extensive trail systems for hikers of all abilities. "We loved our stay at this park, and plan to return. There is lots of hiking, the lake is beautiful, at least two playgrounds, the bathrooms were well maintained," notes Katie M.
Fishing spots: The multiple waterways around Newmanstown create excellent fishing environments. At Appalachian Camping Resort, campers can fish without leaving the grounds. "Kids loved fishing in the pond," reports Tonya K., who appreciated the well-maintained facilities.
Water recreation: Many campgrounds offer water activities beyond swimming. "We did take our inflatable kayak out on the water, and it was lovely! There is also a nice picnic area with grills and picnic tables right by the boat landing, where we picnicked and hung out for an afternoon," shares Katie M. about her experience at French Creek State Park.
What campers like
Private, wooded sites: Starlite Camping Resort offers secluded camping experiences. "Overall the sites were large, with trees between, providing additional privacy. Except for the Plateau sites, which have the amazing view, the rest of the campground had a great tree cover," notes Craig F.
Clean facilities: Pinch Pond Family Campground receives consistent praise for maintenance. "Clean bathhouses and convenient dish washing stations," mentions one reviewer, while another states "The office and grounds keeping staff were super friendly and helpful."
Elevation views: Some campgrounds offer unique landscape perspectives. At Starlite Camping Resort, visitors appreciate "the best view we have seen," according to Elizabeth L., who has camped there for over 15 years. The campground sits on a hill providing panoramic countryside views.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Most campgrounds operate from April through October, with limited winter options. Galit P. notes about French Creek State Park Campground: "Stayed over for one night in early December. Showers and bathrooms were great! The honor system of payment at the office makes it really easy to come in late and leave early."
Site levelness: Many campgrounds in the rolling Pennsylvania countryside have uneven terrain. "The sites are gravel and most are not level. They are not well maintained as the site next to us has weeds a foot high," reports one camper about their experience.
Noise factors: Some campgrounds experience noise from nearby highways or other facilities. "The main drawback is noise from road and shooting range nearby," notes Kathy L. about Pinch Pond Family Campground, though she adds, "Fortunately, our dog wasn't bothered by the sound of gunshots and it's only during the day."
Tips for camping with families
Water features for kids: Hickory Run Family Camping Resort offers child-friendly water activities. "We liked camping here. My kids went fishing and every cast they caught a fish, some were small... but hey the kids had fun," explains Michelle E.
Family activities: Organized events make family camping more enjoyable. "There are regular activities for all ages including bingo, crafts and live music," mentions Elizabeth L. about her experience at Starlite Camping Resort.
Site selection for children: When traveling with kids, location within the campground matters. "The loop we are in has four roads leading to the campsites. The exit road is also an entry road to campsites," explains one reviewer, highlighting the importance of choosing sites away from busy campground roads.
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: Lake-In-Wood Campground offers full services for RVs. "We stayed at Lake in Wood campground in July. The place was huge. The roads were very tight and you really had to watch how you drove through because of the trees," advises Mary C.
Navigation challenges: Some campgrounds have layout issues that make RV maneuvering difficult. "The sites are very close together. Fire rings are very close to campers," reports Justin B. about his experience at a local campground.
Power requirements: The hilly terrain affects power needs. "If you're hauling a big camper you'll need power for the hills," advises Chris G. about Starlite Camping Resort, noting its position on a significant hill that requires additional power for larger rigs.
Legend
