Duncannon Lions Club Campground, Duncannon, PA

Introduction / Overview

For local Pennsylvania adventurers seeking an authentic, no-frills camping experience with unparalleled access to major waterways and the Appalachian Trail, the Duncannon Lions Club Campground, often referred to by its location as Riverfront Campground, offers a uniquely positioned option. Located at the important confluence of the Juniata and Susquehanna Rivers, this campground is a functional and popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts, particularly those interested in fishing and hiking in Perry County.

It is important for prospective campers to note that this site offers a rustic, down-to-earth atmosphere. It is managed by the local Duncannon Lions Club, a dedicated service organization known for its community projects, including supporting local food banks, senior centers, and providing scholarships. While customer reviews mention a very friendly staff and great fishing opportunities, they also point to a basic level of maintenance and an environment where guests should be mindful of their surroundings and belongings. This location is best suited for seasoned campers who prioritize an unbeatable riverfront location and prime access to the region’s outdoor recreational resources over resort-style amenities.

Location and Accessibility

The Duncannon Lions Club Campground boasts an enviable location at 8 Newport Rd, Duncannon, PA 17020, USA. This address places it directly on the banks of the Juniata River, right before it meets the vast Susquehanna River. The dramatic riverfront setting is the campground’s biggest draw, providing picturesque water views and immediate access to one of Pennsylvania’s best smallmouth bass fisheries.

Duncannon itself is a charming, historic town nestled in the valley between Peter’s Mountain and the Susquehanna River. For locals, this site is highly accessible, being only a short drive north of Harrisburg and conveniently located near major routes in Central Pennsylvania. Crucially, the town of Duncannon is one of the few places where the legendary Appalachian National Scenic Trail (AT) passes directly through a town center, making the campground an ideal basecamp for hikers looking to explore a section of the trail.

Accessibility notes for potential visitors include the presence of an active railroad line nearby. While some visitors find the sound of the trains to be "soothing," others may find the noise disruptive, particularly at night. The riverfront nature of the location also means that the ground can be susceptible to muddy conditions depending on river levels.

Services Offered

As a local, community-operated facility, the Duncannon Lions Club Campground focuses on providing essential services for a traditional camping and fishing experience. The facility is typically open seasonally from April through October.

Campsite Accommodation: The campground offers sites for both tent campers and RV enthusiasts, with many sites boasting coveted riverfront views.
Utility Hookups: For RV and trailer users, the campground provides necessary utility services, including water hookups and 30 Amp electric hookups on select sites.
Sanitary Facilities: Restrooms and showers are available on-site, with some recent customer reviews mentioning that the bathhouse has been updated under new management, which suggests a commitment to improving guest comfort.
RV Support: A sanitary dump station is available for the convenience of recreational vehicle campers.
Bait Shop: Due to its reputation as a prime fishing destination, the campground maintains a bait shop that carries a full line of live bait in season, along with a supply of artificial bait, catering directly to anglers.
Canoe and Kayak Access: The location provides direct, easy access to the river for boating and paddling activities using personal watercraft.
AT Shuttle Services: The proprietor of the camp is noted to be an Appalachian Trail shuttler, a valuable service for hikers looking for convenient transportation to and from trailheads.
Pet-Friendly: Unlike some other local campgrounds, this location is noted to be pet-friendly, allowing local residents to bring their dogs along on their camping trip.

Features / Highlights

The appeal of the Duncannon Lions Club Campground lies in its exceptional setting and the outdoor activities it facilitates. The location provides unique highlights that are attractive to local Pennsylvania outdoor enthusiasts:

Premier Smallmouth Bass Fishing: The campground is widely known as one of Pennsylvania’s top smallmouth bass camps. Its location at the confluence of two major rivers—the Juniata and the Susquehanna—creates an ideal fishery characterized by rocks, ledges, and sandbars. Fishing from the banks or a small boat is a major highlight.
Immediate River Recreation: Campers can easily launch small boats, canoes, or kayaks for paddling on the river. The section of the river is also popular for tubing, offering a perfect way to cool off during the warm summer months.
Appalachian Trail Access: With the Appalachian Trail passing directly through Duncannon, the campground serves as a convenient staging area for local hikers. The ability to camp near the AT is a significant feature for outdoor adventurers.
Local Town Charm: The charming town of Duncannon is within walking distance or a very short drive, offering local flavor, quaint shops, and restaurants, allowing campers to easily venture out for a meal or to explore local history.
Community Events: The Duncannon Lions Club, which manages the facility, hosts various community events, such as the New Year's Eve Sled Drop, which provides unique local entertainment opportunities for campers visiting during the shoulder seasons.
VW Vanagon Gatherings: The campground is also known for hosting the annual "Vanagons in the Valley" event, attracting Volkswagen enthusiasts and giving the site a unique, friendly, community-gathering feel.

Contact Information

For reservations, current rates, and more detailed information on services and availability at the Duncannon Lions Club Campground (Riverfront Campground), please use the contact information provided below. It is always recommended to call ahead, especially during peak seasons, to confirm site availability and any specific operational details.

Address:

8 Newport Rd, Duncannon, PA 17020, USA

Phone:

(717) 834-5252

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

The Duncannon Lions Club Campground is a prime choice for Pennsylvania residents who value location and activity over luxury and polish. Its strongest selling points are its incredible setting at the convergence of two major rivers and its immediate proximity to the Appalachian Trail. For local anglers, it is arguably the best destination in Perry County for smallmouth bass fishing, a beloved regional pastime.

While some visitors have noted that the environment can be rustic and advise caution regarding personal belongings and initial interactions with the regular campers—a common experience at many small, locally-run sites—the overall atmosphere is one of great company, friendly people, and an abundance of outdoor fun. This is a place where locals can easily pitch a tent or park an RV and enjoy a weekend of serious fishing, invigorating hiking, and relaxing river floating, all within a quick, convenient drive from Central PA cities. It offers an authentic slice of Pennsylvania river life, supported by a dedicated local service club, making it a great destination for those who want a genuine and activity-focused outdoor escape.