Camp Swatara

- 2905 Camp Swatara Rd, Bethel, PA 19507

Introduction / Overview

For generations of Pennsylvania families, Camp Swatara, nestled at the scenic foot of Blue Mountain in northwestern Berks County, is far more than just a campground—it's a cherished tradition. Established in 1943, this extensive, 750+ acre property is dedicated to providing an inclusive, natural setting where “Faith is Formed, Memories are Made and God is Glorified.” While affiliated with the Church of the Brethren, the Family Campground welcomes all guests seeking a wholesome, engaging, and nature-rich getaway.

Camp Swatara's unique value proposition is its commitment to maintaining an alcohol and smoke-free environment, making it a highly desirable destination for parents and grandparents who prioritize a completely family-focused and laid-back atmosphere. Long-time visitors, some coming for 40 years, consistently praise this family-first setting. The staff is renowned for its welcoming and exceptional service, even going above and beyond for guests in unexpected situations. As one out-of-state visitor noted, when their truck broke down, the staff "did everything they could to help us out," securing their loyalty and high recommendation.

Offering a wide array of accommodations, from full hookup RV sites to secluded mountainside tent platforms and rustic cabins, Camp Swatara ensures that every Pennsylvanian can find their perfect style of retreat. It’s a place where children can spend their days riding bikes, playing basketball, and fishing, while adults enjoy the serene beauty of the property's extensive trails and lake.

Location and Accessibility

Camp Swatara’s location in Bethel, PA, positions it as an easily accessible natural escape for a significant portion of the Commonwealth.

Address: 2905 Camp Swatara Rd, Bethel, PA 19507, USA

Key location and accessibility benefits for local users include:

• Proximity to Major Corridors: The camp is conveniently located near both Interstate 81 and Interstate 78, making it less than an hour's drive from major central and eastern Pennsylvania cities like Harrisburg, Lancaster, and Allentown. This makes it a feasible weekend getaway without requiring an extensive drive.

• Blue Mountain Setting: Situated right at the foot of the beautiful Blue Mountain range in Berks County, the campground offers immediate access to stunning views and rugged terrain perfect for hikers and nature photographers.

• Appalachian Trail Access: Camp Swatara is a recognized base for serious hikers, with direct access to local trails and only about seven miles from the Appalachian National Scenic Trail (AT), including the 501 Overlook.

• Nearby State Parks: Swatara State Park is easily reachable, offering even more opportunities for hiking, biking, and outdoor recreation, reinforcing the area’s reputation as a recreational hub.

Services Offered

Camp Swatara’s 140-site Family Campground is equipped to cater to diverse camping needs while prioritizing a wholesome, community-oriented experience.

• Diverse Site Options: The 140 site Family Camp area offers various types of accommodation, including full hookup RV sites (electric, water, sewer) with 30-amp service, electric and water-only sites, and primitive tent sites.

• Rustic Cabin Rentals: Rustic cabin accommodations are available, ranging from small cabins sleeping up to five people to large cabins sleeping up to nine. These offer a step-up from tenting with electricity, fans, tables, and proximity to water access, fire pits, and picnic tables.

• Wilderness Sites: For the adventurous Pennsylvanian, secluded mountainside tent units are available, requiring a 3/4-mile hike and featuring raised sleeping platforms, composting toilets, and common areas.

• Essential Facilities: The camp provides clean, indoor restrooms and showers, a laundromat, and a Dump Station for RV use.

• Camp Store: A convenient Camp Store is on-site for purchasing necessities, including fire wood (guests are required to purchase wood on-site) and morning coffee and tea.

• Group Facilities: Group sites with full hookups are available, as well as a variety of retreat facilities (lodges and winterized cabins) for rent, complete with food service options for organizational gatherings.

• Strict Community Standard: Camp Swatara is known for its strictly maintained alcohol and smoke-free environment across the entire property, ensuring a comfortable, family-friendly atmosphere.

Features / Highlights

With over 750 acres, Camp Swatara provides an abundance of recreational and educational features designed to keep every family member active and engaged in the beautiful natural setting.

• Water Activities: A shared Olympic-sized swimming pool is open seasonally (Memorial Day to Labor Day), providing a popular spot for cooling off. While the splash pad has recently been noted as caged or closed for maintenance in some reviews, the facility also boasts a 4-acre lake ideal for boating and fishing.

• Extensive Trail System: The property features over five miles of maintained hiking and biking trails, ranging from easy creek stomping areas to challenging climbs toward the nearby Appalachian Trail.

• Sports and Games: Families enjoy multiple recreational areas, including two playgrounds, a basketball court, sports fields, a gaga ball pit, and a miniature golf course. Despite the mini-golf being described as "old," visitors still find it "fun" and a great family activity.

• Adventure and Education: For an added thrill, the camp offers an Adventure Course (including a two-level high ropes course and climbing tower) and a variety of outdoor education programs focused on nature, like Maple Syrup 101 and Birding events.

• Full Event Calendar: Camp Swatara hosts a wide range of weekend and seasonal events, including Movie Nights in the campground, the Strawberry Festival, Miniature Golf Tournaments, a Labor Day Auction, and various family-focused weekends, ensuring there is always something fun planned.

Contact Information

To inquire about reservations, seasonal events, or to learn more about the various lodging options at the Family Campground or Retreat Facilities, please use the contact details below.

Address: 2905 Camp Swatara Rd, Bethel, PA 19507, USA

Phone: (717) 933-8510

Conclusion: Why This Place is Suitable for Locals

For Pennsylvania residents, Camp Swatara is uniquely suitable as a primary family camping destination. Its decades-long history and commitment to an alcohol and smoke-free environment create an uncommonly wholesome, safe, and nurturing space that is highly valued by families with children. The camp’s vast 750+ acres and comprehensive array of facilities—from a large pool and lake to an 18-hole mini-golf course—mean that boredom is never an option. Critically, its excellent location near I-78 and I-81 makes it reachable from major Pennsylvania cities within an hour, maximizing valuable weekend time. Whether seeking a secluded mountainside hike, a relaxing day of fishing, or a lively family movie night, Camp Swatara offers a reliable, supportive community base that thousands of Pennsylvanians return to year after year, building lifelong memories at the beautiful foot of Blue Mountain.

Camp Swatara

2905 Camp Swatara Rd, Bethel, PA 19507, USA