By the time the Susquehanna River flows across the New York state border past Pennsylvania towns such as Towanda, Meshoppen, Wilkes-Barre and Bloomsburg, the quiet brook has matured into a good-size stream. A number of full- and partial-hookup tent and RV campgrounds hug the banks of the Susquehanna near these small towns. Turner's High View Camping Area has river views, and Riverside Campground and Indian Head Campground have docks located directly on the river's banks. The fishing is easy at these campgrounds. Riverside has canoe rentals and six stocked trout streams are nearby. All three campgrounds have plenty of amenities, including full and partial hookups, flush toilets, dump stations, swimming pools, playgrounds and volleyball courts.
Logger saws still buzz in forests along the heavily wooded West Branch of the Susquehanna River, where towns such as Renovo, Woodland and Clearfield have campgrounds that provide a host of outdoor recreational activities. The 30-primitive-site Hyner Run State Park is known for its trout fishing, but it also offers backpackers access to the 50-mile Donut Hole Trail System and a seven-acre picnicking facility. Hyner View State Park is nearby, where hang gliding over the West Branch of the Susquehanna thrills the adventurous. Licensed anglers who like primitive camping are lured to Kettle Creek State Park for the trout, catfish and bluegill fishing waters of Kettle Creek Reservoir and Kettle Creek Lake, while tenters and RVers who need full hookups prefer Woodland Campground. Both facilities have swimming beaches and welcome boaters. Farther west, the 318-acre Simon B. Elliot State Park has hiking trails, a scenic picnicking area and 25 primitive campsites for campers whose passions run toward sleeping under star-studded skies far from the madding crowd.
The dome of the state capital building in Harrisburg overlooks the Susquehanna River at the south end of the central section of the waterway. Here, the river is almost a mile wide. Farther upriver, towns including Liverpool and Sunbury have campgrounds that cater to anglers and hikers. Ferryboat Campsites is an ideal spot to start a paddling trip along the Susquehanna River Trail. Full- and partial-hookup waterfront campsites sit along the river, where campers can swim, fish, launch boats and rent kayaks. When you're not out on the water, play a round of miniature golf, shoot some hoops or grab your tang for a game of shuffleboard. Fantasy Island Campground is another camping option for outdoor enthusiasts. A dock is on site for boating, canoeing and licensed fishing. Fly-fishing is popular here, as is swimming and windsurfing on the river. All RV and tent sites have electricity and water, and flush toilets, a laundry, dump station, playground and volleyball courts are at your disposal.
From the hard-nosed mill town of Steelton to the eagle nesting grounds of Susquehannock State Park, the lower section of the Susquehanna offers more than 20 access points and a wide range of environments in which to camp. All less than 4 miles to the river, a stay at Elizabethtown/Hershey KOA, Pequa Creek Campground, Otter Creek Campground and Tucquan Park Family Campground provide a variety of water sports at your disposal. Licensed anglers can cast lines for channel catfish, carp, muskie and smallmouth bass. Motor and nonpowered boats are permitted on the river, and if you don't own your own, several nearby outfitters have canoe, kayak and tube rentals. The sports-centric KOA has more than 130 RV and tent sites with full or partial hookups, a swimming pool, wading pool, pond fishing, miniature golf course and horseshoe pits. Tucquan offers similar amenities, while Otter Creek, nestled right along the western bank of the river, has a dock, ramp and hiking trails where wildlife watchers might spot chipmunks, woodchucks, herons, osprey and bald eagles.
