Camping sites near Pottsville, Pennsylvania range in elevation from 400 to 1,200 feet, situated in the ridge and valley section of the Appalachian Mountains. The region experiences distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during peak camping months and frequent afternoon thunderstorms. Most campgrounds in the area feature tree cover that provides natural shade but can create challenges for larger RVs navigating internal roads.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Lakewood Park Campground, anglers can take advantage of the stocked pond with convenient dock access. "The lake is stocked with fish and had a small dock perfect for fishing," notes Scott H. The campground offers a serene setting for both casual and dedicated fishing enthusiasts.
Boulder exploration: Blue Rocks Family Campground features a unique glacier rock field that provides an unusual natural attraction. "Our campsite had a great view of the glacier rock field and the corn field," shares Jen R. who visited with her family. "There is a pool, playground, arcade, fishing pond, glacier rock field to explore and hiking trials."
Amusement park visits: Knoebels Campground offers direct access to Knoebels Amusement Park, which features free admission and pay-per-ride ticketing. As Derek W. explains, "It's an excellent way to spend your time at the park. If you are looking for wilderness camping this is not the place to go." The campground's proximity to the park makes it convenient for families wanting to combine outdoor stays with amusement park entertainment.
What campers like
Private wooded sites: Locust Lake State Park Campground provides secluded camping spots with natural screening. "Some camp sites are along the lake or along the small creek, all are very wooded. They sell ice cream (and firewood, etc.) on site in the summer but it's bring your own boat," mentions Dan N. The park's layout creates a sense of privacy despite being a public facility.
Creek access: Jonestown/Hershey KOA offers sites adjacent to the Swatara Creek, providing water recreation opportunities. "The Swatara creek runs right next to it so it is great for kayaking, tubing, etc," explains Bobby S. The campground also connects to the Swatara Rail trail, which is "great for biking" according to the same reviewer.
Quiet environment: Camp A While provides a peaceful setting despite its proximity to transportation routes. Jonathan F. notes, "This spot is great! Super friendly folks there. Not to much to do in the area but it is somewhat close to the Appalachian Trail if you're into that." The campground regularly schedules activities to complement the natural surroundings.
What you should know
Bathroom conditions: Facilities vary significantly between campgrounds in the area. At Locust Lake State Park, Brandon W. reports, "Bathrooms are absolutely horrendous - Really terrible." In contrast, Jonestown/Hershey KOA maintains "very clean bathrooms" according to visitor Bob W.
Highway noise: Some campgrounds near Pottsville experience traffic noise due to proximity to major roads. Jen observed at Camp A While, "Between the cars rushing by, the sound of the stream is peaceful and serene." Another camper, Tiani P., was more critical: "Right off the highway with lots of loud trucks and bikes. The campground is very busy with loud activity from other campers at all hours."
Site leveling challenges: Many camping areas around Pottsville feature uneven terrain. At Mountain Springs Camping Resort, Jim C. found, "Decent campground, we had a large, fairly shaded, not to horribly out of level site." Hannah noted more significant issues: "Some campsites are unlevel. A lot of people seen to have permanent campsites here."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Tuscarora State Park Campground offers family-friendly amenities including play areas. "Beautiful lake surrounded by trails and includes beach area and playground," notes Mandy F. The park also features yurts with modern conveniences that appeal to families seeking alternatives to traditional tent camping.
Activity scheduling: Appalachian Camping Resort provides organized events for various age groups. Melissa Y. shares, "The campground had numerous activities set up all throughout the day and there was something for everyone. I find that a lot of campground activities tend to be centered around small children and with my kids being 13 and 12, they're usually left out of the fun."
Swimming options: Several campgrounds feature swimming facilities for children. At Locust Lake State Park, Dawn R. comments, "Great walking path around lake for kids to ride bikes to parks or beach. Beach area was nice." The campground's layout allows families to maintain supervision while children enjoy water activities.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: At Jonestown/Hershey KOA, site configuration can significantly impact experience. Angie G. advises, "The pull through sites are nice and long, but we were put in a buddy spot and didn't know. We were happy we made friends with our neighbors, but I'd check that first. The spaces on the creek are nice and shady."
Hookup availability: Campgrounds near Pottsville offer varying levels of service connections. At Locust Lake State Park, Brandon W. notes, "No water hook up. No sewer hook up. Just electric at certain sites." RVers requiring full hookups should verify availability when booking.
Internal road conditions: Some campgrounds present navigation challenges for larger vehicles. At Mountain Springs Camping Resort, Hannah observed, "Drives are very narrow." This can create difficulties when maneuvering into sites, particularly for big rigs during busy periods when the campground is at full capacity.
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