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Best Campgrounds in PA and Along the East Coast for Families

Written by PSECU | Jul 12, 2023 12:00:00 PM

Do you own a recreational vehicle, or have you always wanted to buy one? RVs let you to take the comforts of home with you as you explore the open roads, making family getaways easier and more fun. Whether you’re looking for adventure in Pennsylvania or want to explore the East Coast, we’ve rounded up some of the best campgrounds for recreational vehicle owners.

Top RV Campgrounds in PA

Pennsylvania is home to countless outdoor adventures, from the Pocono Mountains to the shores of Lake Erie. Here are some of the best campgrounds across the state:

Northeast Pennsylvania

Otter Lake Campground (Marshalls Creek, PA)

This location in the Poconos sits on a 60-acre lake with bass fishing and boating opportunities galore. The kids will enjoy swimming in the Otter Lake Camp Resort pool, while adults can soak in the hot tub and pretend they’re at a spa (hey, close enough). You don’t need to have a fishing license on the lake, and you can also participate in themed weekends and daily family activities planned by the resort.

Northwest Pennsylvania

Erie KOA Holiday (McKean, PA)

Love the idea of spending your day by the water but don’t want to drive all the way to the beach? Enter Erie KOA Holiday. Open from April through October, this fun campsite near Lake Erie offers paddle boating and a catch-and-release pond where your kids will want to spend hours. It includes a rec room where you can relax with ping pong and other games, as well as weekend activities like live DJs and ice cream socials.

Pine Cradle Lake Family Campground (Rome, PA)

This gorgeous, postcard-worthy campground has everything you need for an epic family trip. At the Pine Cradle Lake Family Campground, the pedal carts, splash pad, swimming pool, and biking areas will keep the kids entertained, while the 18-acre lake stocked with large-mouth bass is a dream for anyone who loves to fish. Add in weekly family activities and this campground is a must for a summer getaway.

Southwest Pennsylvania

Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park (Mill Run, PA)

Do you have a carousel lover in your crew or a daredevil who loves to ride long waterslides and jump in bouncy houses? Then Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park is the RV site for you. Located in Mill Run, it’s packed with fun, like waterslides, mini golf bounce houses, and even a paintball course. It’s also super close to Fallingwater, the Frank Lloyd Wright masterpiece, and Ohiopyle State Park, where you can go whitewater rafting or just enjoy a lazy float down the river. Whether you’re an adrenaline junkie or just here for the s’mores, this place has something for everyone.

Southeast Pennsylvania

Brandywine Creek Campground (Lyndell, PA)

Tucked away in the rolling hills of Chester County, Brandywine Creek Campground offers a peaceful escape while keeping you close to popular attractions like Longwood Gardens, Valley Forge National Historical Park, King of Prussia Mall, and the historic downtown Philadelphia. This family-friendly campground has spacious RV sites, a swimming pool, and direct access to Brandywine Creek, where you can fish, kayak, or simply enjoy the scenic views.

Central Pennsylvania

Splash Magic Campground (Northumberland, PA)

The name says it all – Splash Magic Campground - this place is all about waterpark fun! With pools, splash pads, bumper boats, paddle boats, foam pit, and jumping pillow, there’s no shortage of ways to cool off. And there’s plenty more to do on the grounds, too, such as fishing in Dolphin Cove, boating, family movie nights, and much more. The campsite is located a short drive from Knoebels Amusement Resort, making it a perfect spot for even more adventures.

Ferryboat Campsites (Liverpool, PA)

Sitting on the banks of the Susquehanna River, the Ferryboat Campsites is a laid-back, riverfront, getaway with a one-mile ferry ride that takes you to and from Millersburg. If you’re into history, nature, or just watching the river roll by, this is your spot. Plus, you can travel to a number of fun nearby sites, such as Hersheypark and Lake Tobias, so you can mix a little thrill-seeking with your relaxation. And during the summer, your family can enjoy nightly activities like bingo and hayrides – because who doesn’t love bingo and hayrides?

 

Best RV Campgrounds Along the East Coast

If you want to venture beyond Pennsylvania, these East Coast campgrounds offer breathtaking views, beachside camping, and plenty of family fun!

New York

Lake George RV Park (Lake George, NY)

Nestled in the breathtaking Adirondack Mountains, this award-winning campground is a paradise for families who love the outdoors but also want top-tier amenities (because let’s be honest, sometimes we need more than just a fire pit and picnic table). With indoor and outdoor pools, biking trails, a bark park for your pooch, a giant arcade, and a state-of-the-art playhouse with live entertainment, this campground feels more like a resort. Plus, you’re just a short drive from Lake George, where you can boat, hit up local shops, or just bask in the mountain air.

New Jersey

Ocean View Resort Campground (Jersey City, NJ)

Beach lover? Located near the Jersey Shore, Ocean View Resort Campground offers a private, fresh water lake with a sandy beach, a swimming pool and splash park that will keep the kids entertained for hours, mini golf, tennis, basketball, and pickleball courts, and an arcade. And when you’re ready for a classic boardwalk experience, you’re just a quick drive from Wildwood and Cape May, where you can stuff your face with fries, ride roller coasters, and get some saltwater taffy to take home (or eat on the way back to the campsite). It’s a great option for families looking for a mix of camping and beach time.

Delaware

Delaware Seashore State Park (Rehoboth Beach, DE)

If waking up to the sound of waves and spending your days on pristine beaches sounds like your idea of paradise, the Delaware Seashore State Park is calling your name. This seaside campground puts you steps from the Atlantic Ocean, fishing piers, and scenic hiking trails. And when you need a break from relaxation, Rehoboth Beach’s famous boardwalk is right up the road, serving up old-school arcade games, delicious ice cream, and some of the best fries you’ll ever eat.

Maryland

Frontier Town (Berlin, MD)

Minutes from Ocean City, MD, Sun Outdoors Frontier Town (RV and vacation destination) brings the Wild West to life with cowboy bank heists, jailbreaks, can-can dancers, and thrilling performances by Texas trick riders who wow the crowd with daring stunts on horseback. Families can explore the 1880s replica of a Western town filled with unique shops, restaurants, and saloons, and experience the Native American Experience, where interactive exhibits and cultural activities bring history and tradition to life. Beyond the Wild West, enjoy a water park with a lazy river, mini golf, a high ropes course, and pony rides. Plus, with easy access to Assateague Island, where wild horses roam the beaches, and the lively Ocean City boardwalk, this campground is a can’t-miss stop for families craving an equal mix of adventure and relaxation.

North Carolina

Camp Hatteras RV Resort & Campground (Rodanthe, NC)

If you dream of camping right on the ocean, Camp Hatteras RV Resort in the Outer Banks is the ultimate East Coast destination. Located between the Atlantic Ocean and the Pamlico Sound, this full-service RV resort offers oceanfront and sound front campsites, an indoor and outdoor pool, a clubhouse, and plenty of activities like kayaking, kiteboarding, and fishing. Families can take a short drive to see the wild horses of Corolla, visit the iconic Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, or explore the charming beach towns like Duck and Nags Head. Whether you’re watching the sunrise over the ocean or roasting marshmallows under the starry sky, this OBX gem is pure magic.

Interested in Buying an RV?

Take advantage of our competitive rates for RV loans, then take your new RV camping in PA or drive it down the coast. Looking for more tips on money management? Check out our Resource Center.