Knoebels Campground — Elysburg

Knoebels is a unique amusement park, because admission, parking, and entertainment are all free. Riders can pay per ride or purchase a “pay-one-price” wristband. The wooded campground is right next to the amusement park and features traditional campsites as well as cabins and modular homes. You can also access the park's pool for a fee if you need a break from rides. Knoebels runs a second campground, Lake Glory, which is a bit farther away but offers a free shuttle to and from the park.

Best part: There are lots of dining options in the park if you can’t get your campfire going.

Hersheypark Camping Resort — Hershey

When your kids are ready for bigger thrill rides, consider a stay at this camping resort located just down the road from Hersheypark. Families can enjoy multiple pools and playgrounds, as well as a game room and seasonal resort activities like movie nights and magic shows. Choose a traditional campsite for your tent or RV, stay in a tiny home, or splurge on an air-conditioned deluxe cabin with a kitchenette and private bathroom. 

Best part: You get all the the benefits of staying at a Hersheypark resort, including shuttle service to the park, early access to certain rides, admission to the Hershey Gardens, and more. 

Old Mill Stream at Dutch Wonderland — Lancaster

Located next to Dutch Wonderland, this campground is a great “first camping” experience for young kids. There is no pool on the campground itself, but kids will enjoy the playground, game room, basketball court, and gaga ball pit. Parents can enjoy free Wi-Fi. It’s just a short walk to the entrance to Dutch Wonderland, a theme park that caters to 2-8-year olds. The rides and shows are all family-friendly, and everyone can cool off at Duke’s Lagoon water area on hot days. 

Best part: Receive discounted Dutch Wonderland tickets when you stay at the campground.

Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park — Quarryville

If amusement parks are not a draw for your family, how about a camping park with lots of amusements? Jellystone Park features a water playground with sprays and slides, a large pool, laser tag, mini-golf, jumping pillow, pedal carts, sport courts, outdoor movies, and more. Each summer week has a theme with a full schedule of related special events. 

Best part: When you make your reservation, you can add on a Bear Visit, which can take place between 3 and 4 pm on Saturdays and feature a drop-in from Yogi Bear. 

Colonial Woods Family Camping Resort — Upper Black Eddy

Featuring a heated pool, a spray pool, hay rides, outdoor movies, mini golf, a game room, tennis, volleyball, fishing, and more, there's no shortage of fun activities on this campground. Located in Lehigh Valley, it's close to the Crayola Factory, Delaware River Tubing, and Lost River Caverns. Less than an hour away, you can also find Sesame Place and Dorney Park.

Best part: Everything is included in your stay, but there are plenty of nearby attractions to check out, as well.

Splash Magic RV Resort — Northumberland

This family RV campground offers plenty of on-site activities, including a splash park with slides, a swimming pool, an outdoor movie theatre, bicycle rentals, fishing, bumper boats, and mini golf. If that's not enough, nearby attractions include Knoebels, Pioneer Tunnel Coal Mine, and Penn's Cave.

Blue Rocks Family Campground — Lenhartsville

With the option of camping in RVs, tents, cabins or cottages, Blue Rocks Family Campground provides a number of activities: pools, a fishing pond, a game room, a playground, and basketball court. The more unique offerings include firetruck rides, exploring the Blue Rocks boulder field, and visiting the Classic Car Garage, a college of vintage and antique cars.

Best part: The campground is close to a number of attractions, including Hawk Mountain, Crystal Cave, Dorney Park, and the Crayola Factory.

Ringing Rocks Family Campground — Upper Black Eddy

Located in the woods of historic Bucks County, this campground is near Ringing Rocks County Park, site of 10-foot rock piles that make ringing sounds when struck. Family fun abounds with horseshoe pits, hayrides, a heated swimming pool, a kiddie pool with water features, a game room, a playground, and basketball and volleyball courts. 

Best part: Themed weekends often provide outdoor games, special food and entertainment.
 
Photo courtesy of Cait Sumner for Mommy Poppins.