Camp Swatara Family Camp

- 348200771597, Bethel, PA 19507

Introduction / Overview

Nestled at the scenic base of Blue Mountain in northwestern Berks County, Pennsylvania, Camp Swatara Family Camp offers local residents a truly unique and enriching outdoor experience. More than just a campground, this 750+ acre property is a year-round retreat center and seasonal family camp rooted in Christian values, providing an ideal setting for families to connect with nature and each other. The Family Camp area, with its 140 well-equipped sites, is designed to be a hospitable, clean, and engaging environment for every type of camper, from those seeking a rustic tent site to those needing full hookups for a modern RV. The core mission of Camp Swatara is to create opportunities for people of all ages to grow in their relationships, often centered around faith and the beauty of creation. Guests frequently praise the immaculate facilities, friendly atmosphere, and sheer volume of activities available on-site, making it a beloved annual destination for many Pennsylvania families. For local users, Camp Swatara represents a convenient, wholesome, and value-packed option for a summer getaway where memories are made and children can thrive in a safe, nature-filled environment.

Location and Accessibility

Camp Swatara Family Camp is strategically located at 348200771597 (near 2905 Camp Swatara Road, which serves as the main entrance), Bethel, PA 19507, USA. This location is easily accessible for a significant portion of the Pennsylvania population. Situated in northwestern Berks County, just minutes from both Interstates 81 and 78, the camp is an easy drive for travelers coming from major Pennsylvania cities. For instance, the camp is conveniently less than an hour away from Harrisburg, Lancaster, and Allentown. This excellent accessibility means less time spent driving and more time spent enjoying your vacation. Its position at the foot of Blue Mountain provides a stunning natural backdrop, offering an immediate sense of escape and connection to the state's rugged, beautiful landscape. Being centrally located yet surrounded by hundreds of acres of nature makes Camp Swatara a practical and desirable choice for Pennsylvanians who want to quickly transition from city or suburban life to a peaceful, outdoor retreat.

Services Offered

The Camp Swatara Family Camp is highly focused on providing comfort and convenience across its 140 available sites, catering to a diverse range of camping preferences.

• Diverse Site Offerings: Available accommodations include primitive tent sites, electric and water (EW) sites, and full electric, water, and sewer (EWS) hookup sites for RVs and trailers.
• Rustic Cabin Rentals: The camp offers charming rustic cabins, including small, loft, and large sizes, which include electricity, a front porch, a picnic table, and a fire ring, with some offering handicap accessibility.
• Updated Restrooms and Showers: The campground provides very clean, modern restroom and shower facilities, which are frequently highlighted by guests for their quality and upkeep.
• Camp Store and Essentials: A small on-site store stocks essential camping items, toys, and, notably, is where coffee and tea are served in the morning.
• Food Service Options: While sites have fire rings for personal cooking, the camp offers scheduled meal options, such as Saturday morning pancake breakfasts and occasional ticketed dinners, often served in the East Lodge Dining Room.
• No Outside Firewood Policy: For environmental stewardship and compliance with PA state law regarding invasive species like the Emerald Ash Borer and Spotted Lanternfly, no firewood obtained off-site may be brought onto the property.
• WiFi Access: Limited WiFi access is typically available at the Camp Store or in designated areas.
• Laundry and Disposal Station: A sewage disposal station is available for RVers, and a laundry facility is part of the retreat area amenities that campers can use.

Features / Highlights

Recreation and family engagement are major focuses at Camp Swatara, with an impressive array of activities and facilities to ensure guests of all ages are entertained.

• Swimming and Water Fun: The camp features a large swimming pool (shared with youth campers) and a newly installed splash pad, both generally open from Memorial Day to Labor Day, providing a perfect way to cool off during the Pennsylvania summer.
• Extensive Trail System: Over 5 miles of dedicated hiking and biking trails weave through the 750+ acres, offering opportunities for exploration and direct access to the nearby Appalachian National Scenic Trail.
• Boating and Fishing: A 4-acre lake allows for boating, canoeing, and fishing (catch & release, state license required for adults), with non-motorized personal watercraft permitted after registration.
• Recreational Variety: On-site activities include an 18-hole miniature golf course (fee applies), a two-level high ropes course and climbing tower (by reservation/group challenge), gaga ball, basketball, volleyball, shuffleboard, and ping pong.
• Creek Stomping: The presence of a beautiful creek with fresh water is a favorite highlight, providing a simple, fun, and memorable activity for children.
• Themed Weekends and Community Events: The camp organizes special event weekends, such as popular "Strawberry and Ice Cream Weekends," movie nights, and other family-friendly programming that build a strong sense of community.
• Spiritual Emphasis: Weekly Sunday worship services are a cornerstone of the experience, offering a spiritual component that is a "must stay for" according to many returning guests.

Contact Information

For residents of Pennsylvania interested in booking a site or learning more about Camp Swatara, please use the following contact details:

Address: 348200771597, Bethel, PA 19507, USA (Note: The main entrance is often listed as 2905 Camp Swatara Road, Bethel, PA 19507)

Phone: (717) 933-8510

Mobile Phone: +1 717-933-8510

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Camp Swatara Family Camp is perfectly tailored for Pennsylvania locals, offering an easily accessible, all-encompassing outdoor retreat right in the heart of the state. Its location at the base of Blue Mountain, close to major highways and major cities, removes the stress of long-distance travel, allowing families to spend more time recreating and less time driving. The combination of rustic, faith-based tranquility and the extensive range of on-site activities—from the clean pool and splash pad to the five miles of hiking trails and rock wall—makes it a truly exceptional value for a family vacation. Pennsylvania residents appreciate the sense of community fostered by the staff and the emphasis on a clean, wholesome, and hospitable environment, which is frequently cited in positive reviews. For any local seeking a family-friendly camping destination that integrates adventure, relaxation, and spiritual growth into a convenient, well-maintained setting, Camp Swatara offers a deeply meaningful and memorable Pennsylvania tradition.

Camp Swatara Family Camp

348200771597, Bethel, PA 19507, USA