Things To Do Near Mountain Springs Resort & Campground

Whether you're looking for a quiet hike, a full-on amusement park, or just a good meal after a long day at camp, you're in the right place. Mountain Springs Camping Resort sits in the middle of Berks County, PA, with dozens of options for nearby adventure, history, and food—all within an hour's drive.

Here’s a breakdown of what’s nearby, why campers go there, and when it’s worth the trip.

Within 15 Minutes of the Campground

Hawk Mountain Sanctuary (12 min)
Top spot for hiking and raptor watching. Best during fall migration season, but trails are open year-round. $10 admission for adults. Family-friendly, but not stroller-accessible.

Appalachian Trail Access (10–15 min)
Multiple trailheads nearby. You can do short out-and-backs or longer day hikes with great views. Bring water—there are no refills on the trail.

Cabela’s Hamburg (8 min)
Yes, it’s a giant outdoor store—but it’s more than that. Walkthrough aquariums, taxidermy exhibits, and a decent café make it a legit outing for families.

Blue Rocks Roadside Produce (8 min)
Locally grown fruits and veggies, often picked that morning. Good stop on your way back from a hike or lake trip.

Good Day Trips (20–45 Min Drives)

Crystal Cave (25 min)
Pennsylvania’s oldest show cave. Tours are guided and kid-friendly. Bring a jacket—temps stay in the low 50s. Mini-golf and gem panning onsite.

Blue Marsh Lake (35 min)
Swimming beach, fishing, kayaking, hiking trails. No entry fee. Gets busy on summer weekends, so arrive early for a good parking spot.

Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site (40 min)
Restored 1700s iron plantation with live demos and hiking trails. Free to enter. Good low-key history day with kids.

Reading Pagoda (25 min)
A weird but fun stop. A Japanese-style pagoda with views over Reading. Worth it for the photo alone. Pair it with lunch in town.

Family Attractions (Full-Day Options)

Dutch Wonderland (1 hr)
A clean, well-run amusement park aimed at kids under 10. Water park included with admission. Ideal for families with young kids.

Knoebels Amusement Resort (90 min)
Old-school park with free admission and pay-per-ride pricing. Rides for all ages. Great food. No parking fees. Worth the drive if you're camping for the week.

Dorney Park & Wildwater Kingdom (1 hr)
Bigger rides, bigger water slides. Teens and adults will get more out of it than small kids. Expensive food, so consider packing lunch.

Indoor or Rainy-Day Picks

Reading Public Museum & Planetarium (30 min)
Small but high-quality. Rotating exhibits, interactive science displays, and a walkable arboretum outside.

Crayola Experience (1 hr)
Art-focused play zone and crayon factory in Easton. Great for ages 3–10. Can get crowded on weekends. Buy tickets online for a discount.

Hollywood Casino at Penn National (45 min)
Adults only. Slots, tables, and horse racing. Several dining options. Not walkable—plan to drive.

Breweries, Wineries, and Local Tastings

Clover Hill Winery (35 min)
Known for dry whites and local reds. Tasting room is simple but pleasant. Bring a cooler if you want to take bottles back to camp.

Long Trout Winery (30 min)
Offbeat spot with disc golf and quirky decor. Very relaxed. Not your typical wine experience—in a good way.

Calvaresi Winery (20 min)
Smaller operation. Open on weekends. Worth calling ahead if you’re visiting in a group.

Local Restaurants (Campers Keep Coming Back To…)

Kauffman’s Bar-B-Que (10 min)
Takeout counter with outdoor seating. Chicken and ribs are the move. Don’t skip the sides.

Deitsch Eck (12 min)
One of the few spots serving authentic Pennsylvania Dutch food. Try the chicken pot pie or corn fritters.

Blue Mountain Family Restaurant (8 min)
Classic diner. Fast service, all-day breakfast, and lots of kid-friendly options. Good fallback if you’re getting in late.

CJ Hummel’s (10 min)
Larger menu, live music on some nights. Patio seating available. Check their events calendar before you go.

Events & Seasonal Attractions

Maple Grove Raceway (25 min)
Drag racing events most weekends during summer. Bring ear protection. Some events are ticketed, others free.

Musikfest (Bethlehem – 1 hr)
Free music festival every August. Over 300 performances. Crowds can be heavy on weekends—go midweek if you want more space.

The Outlets at Hershey & Lancaster (45–60 min)
If you want to shop, these are your best bets. National brands with heavy discounts. Can double as a rainy-day fallback.

Planning Tips

• Distances listed are from the campground. Use Hamburg, PA as your GPS base.
  
• Many attractions close or scale down after Labor Day. Always check hours online before heading out.
  
• If you’re looking for something specific (kids’ play areas, antique stores, hiking gear), stop by the front office—we’ll point you in the right direction.

Looking for something not listed here? Contact us and we’ll help you find a local spot that fits your plans. Most of the best stuff isn’t far. You just need to know where to look.