Pillow Campground Introduce
For those living in or visiting the Keystone State, the quest for a peaceful outdoor escape often leads to the charming, small-town atmosphere of Central Pennsylvania. Pillow Campground, located in the historic borough of Pillow, offers a quintessential "back-to-basics" camping experience that resonates with anyone looking to swap city noise for the gentle sounds of the Mahantango Creek. This campground recently entered a new chapter of its history, reopening after a multi-year hiatus following significant renovations and ownership changes. Today, it stands as a testament to the resilient spirit of Pennsylvania’s rural communities, providing a welcoming space for travelers to park their RVs or pitch a tent in a scenic, unpretentious setting.
The beauty of Pillow Campground lies in its simplicity. Unlike large-scale commercial resorts that can feel overcrowded and overly structured, this site emphasizes a "relaxing country experience." It is the kind of place where neighbors still greet each other, and the primary evening entertainment is the crackle of a campfire under a vast, star-filled sky. Whether you are a local resident from Harrisburg looking for a weekend getaway or a traveler passing through the Susquehanna Valley, the campground offers a functional and affordable home base for exploring the rolling hills and dense forests that define this region of the United States.
Location and accessibility are key components of the Pillow Campground experience. Situated at 307 Market Street in Pillow, PA, the park is conveniently located just a short drive from several major Pennsylvania hubs. It is approximately 40 minutes from Harrisburg and about an hour from Williamsport and York. This makes it an ideal spot for "staycations" where you can feel entirely removed from the daily grind without a long, exhausting commute. The campground is positioned directly along the Mahantango Creek, a peaceful tributary of the Susquehanna River. While the creek provides a beautiful backdrop for picnics and relaxation, visitors should be aware of the natural terrain; the sites are mostly grass and stone, offering a level surface for most campers. Additionally, the park features a wheelchair accessible parking lot, ensuring that the main entrance and administrative areas are reachable for all guests.
Pillow Campground offers a range of essential services to ensure a comfortable stay for both short-term visitors and seasonal guests. The management, led by a dedicated park manager known to go out of his way for guests, focuses on providing the necessary basics for a successful camping trip. The services provided include:
- RV camping with electrical and water hookups (typically 30 amp service).
- Traditional tent camping sites for those seeking a more rustic experience.
- Seasonal site rentals for long-term stays, perfect for those who want a permanent summer retreat.
- A convenient dump station and "honey wagon" service for waste management.
- Coin-operated laundry facilities on-site to assist with longer visits.
- A rental cabin option for visitors who prefer four walls and a roof over a tent or trailer.
- On-site parking and a dumpster for easy trash disposal.
- Pavilion rentals for special events like family reunions, country weddings, or company retreats.
The features and highlights of the campground are tailored toward a traditional family-friendly atmosphere. From the simple joys of a playground to the natural beauty of the creek, the park offers several highlights that make it a favorite for those who appreciate the outdoors. These features include:
- Two playgrounds featuring classic equipment like slides, swings, and play cabins for children.
- Direct access to the Mahantango Creek, ideal for fishing or simply enjoying the water’s edge.
- Designated picnic areas equipped with picnic tables and fire rings for outdoor cooking.
- A pet-friendly policy that allows dogs, provided they are kept on a leash and attended to.
- A quiet residential layout where campers typically keep to themselves, ensuring a peaceful stay.
- Proximity to local attractions like Lake Tobias Wildlife Park and various local wineries within a 15-to-20-mile radius.
- Running water and public restroom facilities (located near the front of the park).
If you are planning a visit, it is helpful to note that the camp store and restaurant are currently closed, so residents are encouraged to bring their own supplies. Essential shopping is nearby, with a 7-Eleven approximately 5 miles away and a Walmart about 7 miles in the opposite direction. For more information or to make a reservation, you can reach the park through the following contact details:
Address: 307 Market St, Pillow, PA 17080, USA
Phone: (570) 758-2040
Mobile Phone: +1 570-758-2040
What makes Pillow Campground worth choosing? In a modern world where camping can sometimes feel like "glamping," this site offers a return to the authentic, quiet, and cozy roots of the outdoor lifestyle. It is an excellent choice for the budget-conscious traveler; the nightly rates are competitive, and the "weekend" and "monthly" packages provide significant value for what you receive. It is particularly worth choosing if you are looking for a place to truly relax and not be bothered by the constant bustle of organized activities or loud entertainment programs.
Furthermore, the personal touch provided by the management makes a difference. Knowing there is a park manager like Butch available to help with questions or logistics provides peace of mind. While the facility is still "polishing" its amenities after its recent reopening, the clean restrooms and level sites provide a solid foundation for a great trip. For families with children, the presence of multiple playgrounds and the safety of a quiet, low-traffic environment allow for a stress-free vacation. If you are a fan of nature, the sound of the creek and the occasional sighting of local wildlife like deer make this little corner of Pennsylvania feel like a true sanctuary. Whether you are looking for a quick stopover or a seasonal home, Pillow Campground offers a friendly, unpretentious, and uniquely Pennsylvanian experience.
Location
Customer Reviews
Nice little campground, but still working on getting back on its feet. Campground was closed for several years, then purchased and reopened this year. There is a lot of polishing needed yet, but the price is good for what you get. Looks like 30 amp at all sites, non potable water, and no sewer. The only bath house is at the front of the campground and is quite a walk. There is a dumpster and dump station on your way out. The sites are grass and stone, mostly level, but not well defined. There are no tables provided, but there was a fire ring off to the side. There are a 2 playgrounds, both are small and dated. Oh, and there is a single power drop and water tap for two sites, so be prepared to possibly run a cable from your door side depending where you park.
It's a nice small and cozy campground. $40 per night for campers with electric and water hookup, you can dump the tanks on the way out. There are seasonal sites and there appears to be openings since it's not full to capacity.There is one cabin that is rented out but not sure of the rates.There are no activities and the bathrooms are plenty outdated but appear to be clean if you can get past the age because that makes it look kind of dingy to me.There is a pay to use washer and dryer, not sure how well they work.The campgrounds is right on the Mahantango creek and it floods here about once a year, pretty badly.Pillow campground just reopened after a three year hiatus due to flood damage, so there is still a lot of creek debris on the ground. The park is kept up nicely otherwise.You can hear noise from the road, sounds like a highway sometimes but it's not a heavily traveled road therefore it's not constant.Butch is the park manager and he goes out of his way to make sure everyone has an enjoyable visit.The camp store and restaurant is permanently closed so make sure you bring everything you need. 7-11 is about 5 miles away and WalMart is about 7 miles on the opposite direction.Other than a few nice swing sets, slides and play cabins there are no other amenities, like swimming pools or bingo nights to occupy the kiddos.The campers here pretty much keep to themselves and it's overall pretty quiet, except the occasional traffic.I think it's a nice place to camp of you're looking to relax at your campsite and not be bothered.If you have any questions you can get the number for the park manager on the pillow campground website, you will get right to Butch and he's always happy to help someone out.
We go every year for the opening day of trout great prices and nice peaceful environment
Very nice and quiet place for families. With a creek running beside the camp.
I love it because I like that I get to meet new people & make new friends.
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