Camp Swatara

For Pennsylvanians seeking a unique camping experience rooted in community and a wholesome environment, Camp Swatara in Bethel, PA, presents a distinctive option. Situated on 700 acres at the foot of the picturesque Blue Mountain in Berks County, this multifaceted facility is much more than just a campground; it’s a place focused on fostering relationships and personal growth within a faith-based setting. While it offers a family campground with 140 sites, it also provides extensive summer and year-round programming, retreat facilities, and a range of activities designed for all ages. For those of us in Pennsylvania who prioritize an alcohol and smoke-free atmosphere and a family-oriented approach to outdoor recreation, Camp Swatara has a long-standing history of delivering just that.

Camp Swatara's long-standing appeal is evident from testimonials, with some families having visited for 40 years. This speaks to a strong sense of tradition and a consistently positive experience for many. While some recent experiences may highlight challenges with group bookings impacting amenity access, the core values of the camp – focused on family, friendly service, and a connection to nature – remain central to its mission. The sheer volume of recreational opportunities, from fishing and hiking to mini-golf and playgrounds, ensures that there’s always something to engage every member of the family, making it a place where "memories are made."

Camp Swatara is conveniently located at 2905 Camp Swatara Rd, Bethel, PA 19507, USA. Its expansive 700-acre property is nestled at the foot of the Blue Mountain in Berks County, offering a truly scenic and natural backdrop for a getaway.

For Pennsylvania residents, the campground is strategically positioned for easy access. It is less than two hours northwest of Philadelphia, north of Baltimore, and northeast of Gettysburg, making it a reasonable drive from several major population centers in the mid-Atlantic region. Furthermore, it is less than an hour from Allentown, Harrisburg, and Hershey, PA, ensuring that a spontaneous weekend trip or a planned longer stay is highly feasible. Its location "just minutes from Route 78" provides excellent highway access, making the journey smooth. This blend of serene natural surroundings and convenient accessibility to major cities and attractions positions Camp Swatara as an ideal and practical destination for local Pennsylvanians seeking an escape into nature. The camp also boasts easy access to the Appalachian Trail, further enhancing its appeal for outdoor enthusiasts.

Camp Swatara offers a comprehensive range of services tailored to various types of campers and groups, reflecting its broader mission as a Christian camp and conference center.

• Diverse Campsite Options: The Family Campground features 140 sites, including Primitive Tent Sites (no hookups, secluded, with fire ring and picnic table), Electric and Water Sites (30-amp, most shaded, with fire circle and picnic table), Electric, Water, and Sewer Sites (30-amp, with sewer hookup, picnic table, and fire pit), and Group Sites (located around a group pavilion, with full hookups).
• Cabin Rentals: Various cabin types are available, including Small Cabins (rustic, sleep up to 5, with loft mattress, fan, table, chairs, electricity, and outside water/fire pit/picnic table) and Large Cabins (rustic, sleep up to 9, similar amenities). There are also winterized and un-winterized options within their retreat areas.
• Modern Restrooms and Hot Showers: Well-maintained modern restroom facilities and hot showers are available for all campers.
• Sanitary Dump Station: An on-site disposal station is available for RV waste, with a fee for non-campers.
• Camp Store: A convenient camp store offers basic supplies, ice (for a fee), and coffee/tea during morning hours. Bait and tackle are also available.
• Complimentary Wi-Fi: Wi-Fi access is provided, typically at the Camp Store, though signal strength and reliability can vary.
• Firewood: Firewood is available for purchase at the camp store (note: no outside firewood can be transported onto or from camp property due to state laws and pest control).
• Visitor Policy: Day and overnight visitors are permitted but must check-in at the Family Camp Store upon arrival, pay a visitor's fee (based on age), and receive a car pass.
• Group Reservations: The camp accommodates group reservations (5 or more sites) and also offers pavilion rentals for groups. Specific booking policies apply for groups, including rebooking for the following year.
• Family Camp Manager: A dedicated Family Campground Manager (Jonathan "JR" Yenser) is available to assist with reservations and inquiries.
• Alcohol and Smoke-Free Environment: A core policy that provides a distinct family atmosphere.

Camp Swatara is packed with a wide array of features and recreational facilities, ensuring a dynamic and engaging experience for campers of all ages.

• Splash Pad: A popular water feature for kids, open seasonally (Memorial Day to Labor Day). Note: Recent reviews mentioned it being caged in, and sometimes closed for large groups.
• Swimming Pools: Camp Swatara shares a Junior Olympic-Sized Swimming Pool with its Resident Youth Campers, also open Memorial Day to Labor Day. Note: Access may be limited during large group bookings.
• 18-Hole Miniature Golf Course: A fun activity for families, though some reviews suggest it's "old but still fun." A fee may apply.
• Boating and Fishing Lake: A 4-5 acre lake is available for boating, canoeing, and catch-and-release fishing (PA license required for ages 16+). Private non-motorized watercraft are permitted with a form.
• Extensive Hiking Trails: Over 5 miles of on-site hiking trails, plus direct access to the Appalachian Trail, cater to nature enthusiasts and hikers.
• Playgrounds and Sports Fields: Two playgrounds are available, along with open spaces for various sports, including soccer, softball, basketball (full court), volleyball, 4-square, shuffleboard, and ping pong.
• Gaga Ball Pit: A popular game for children and adults alike.
• Bike Track/Trail: Opportunities for biking on dedicated trails.
• Summer Camp Programs: As a Christian camp, Camp Swatara offers extensive summer camp programs for kids and teens, including traditional, adventure, and off-site travel programs.
• Year-Round Programming: Beyond summer, the camp offers year-round programming, including Outdoor Education for homeschoolers, movie nights, and special seasonal events.
• Faith-Based Environment: Offers Church Worship services on Sunday mornings during the camping season, and provides opportunities for spiritual growth.

Camp Swatara's pricing structure and promotions are tied to its various offerings as a family campground and retreat center. While traditional "special offers" like discounts for specific dates aren't always prominently advertised, there are several key points regarding rates and potential savings:

• Tiered Pricing: Rates vary based on the type of site or accommodation:
  • Tent Sites: Starting at $40 per night.
  • Electric and Water Sites: Starting at $55 per night.
  • Electric, Water, and Sewer Sites: Starting at $60 per night.
  • Small Cabins & Loft Cabins: Starting at $80 per night.
  • Large Cabins: Starting at $90 per night.
  • Mountainside Sites (primitive, hike-in): Starting at $20 per night.
  • Seasonal Sites: Available for $2,750.
• Group Rates and Pavilion Rentals: Groups of 5 or more sites have specific rebooking policies. Pavilions (Group Pavilion, Fellowship Hall, Woods Pavilion) are available for rental by groups, with different arrangements for campers versus outside groups.
• Event-Specific Registration: For special events like the 75th Anniversary Celebration, weekend packages (including lodging and meals) were offered, with different pricing for adults and children, and separate rates for day-only registration.
• Cancellation Policy: For family camp reservations, all payments are non-refundable. For retreat facilities, a deposit (minus a $50 non-refundable admin fee) is refunded if canceled 90+ days out. Transfers within the same year (up to two) or one to the following year are possible without penalty.
• Early Booking: Reservations can be made up to 11 months in advance online. Church of the Brethren members often get an early booking window. Full payment is due at the time of individual reservation.
• Membership Benefits: While not explicitly detailed as a promotion for casual campers, as a Church of the Brethren affiliated camp, there might be specific benefits or priority for members.

For the most current rates and specific availability, particularly for group bookings or special events, it is best to consult their official website or contact the Family Campground Manager directly.

For reservations, inquiries about site availability, or any other questions regarding Camp Swatara, Pennsylvania residents can easily get in touch using the following contact details:

• Address: 2905 Camp Swatara Rd, Bethel, PA 19507, USA
• Family Campground Reservations Phone: (717) 933-5244
• Main Office Phone: (717) 933-8510
• General Information Email: info@campswatara.org
• Family Camp Reservations Email: familycamp@campswatara.org

Reservations for the family campground can be made online year-round up to 11 months in advance, or by phone/in person from May through October. For groups of 5 or more sites, specific rebooking policies apply. It's advisable to check their website or call ahead for the most accurate information on availability, rates, and any specific policies for the type of stay you're planning, especially considering the different programs (family camp, youth programs, retreat facilities) offered at the location.

For residents of Pennsylvania, Camp Swatara offers a truly comprehensive and distinct camping experience that is exceptionally well-suited for local families and groups. Its significant 700-acre property provides an abundance of natural beauty and space, nestled against the stunning Blue Mountain backdrop, offering an accessible escape right in our own state.

One of its most compelling aspects for locals is its dedicated alcohol and smoke-free environment. This creates a wholesome, family-friendly atmosphere that many Pennsylvanians actively seek for their children and for their own peace of mind. The sheer volume of activities available on-site, from a splash pad and swimming pool (seasonal) to mini-golf, fishing, hiking, basketball, and playgrounds, ensures that every family member, from young children to active adults, will find something to enjoy. This means less planning for off-site entertainment and more time for genuine family connection and outdoor fun.

While managing large group bookings can sometimes lead to temporary amenity access challenges, the long-standing tradition of families returning for decades speaks volumes about the overall positive experience and the "laid back" atmosphere for individual campers. The option for both RV and tent camping, along with cabins, caters to diverse preferences. As a faith-based organization, Camp Swatara also offers a unique opportunity for spiritual enrichment through Sunday worship services, appealing to those who wish to integrate faith into their outdoor adventures. For Pennsylvanians prioritizing a wholesome, active, and community-focused camping experience with abundant amenities, Camp Swatara remains a cherished and highly suitable local destination.

Camp Swatara

2905 Camp Swatara Rd, Bethel, PA 19507, USA