Camp Swatara is a Christian camp and retreat centre in Bethel, Pennsylvania that runs both overnight and day camp programs for children alongside a family campground and year-round retreats. The operator publishes separate sample daily schedules for its Big & Small, Eureka overnight and Poplars day camp programs, plus a Monarch camp; 2026 camper registration is open and both Monarch sessions have started waitlists. Camperships are offered to families who need help with fees, and many partner churches also assist their campers. The camp frames its program around faith formation, describing itself as a place 'where Faith is Formed, Memories are Made and God is Glorified'.
The practical details
We list only what the camp itself publishes, and programs change — dates, prices, ages and availability can all move after we check. Confirm the details on the camp’s own website and contact Camp Swatara directly before you register or pay. Last checked August 2026.
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Accreditations & licensing
As stated by the camp or listed in the accrediting organization's directory — confirm current status with the accreditor.
Google Reviews
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★★★★★Traveling MarkHighly recommend coming here with your camper or tent. They also have cabins available. New restaurants and a nice camp shop. The water area is particularly nice when it is staffed. Lots of parking and a big area to walk with. A huge field for games. Lots of activities.
★Marian GroffWe have been coming here for over 20 years with a church group and I doubt we will personally come again. It was the most frustrating camping weekend we have ever experienced and we travel and camp a LOT. The campground was crowded with a large group that took over every playground and the pool was closed for most of the day for them to utilize. It was only open for one hour for the rest of the campground guests late Saturday afternoon. We were told mini golf would be open 1-4 on Sunday. None of the amenities were open Sunday. The other group was rude, leaving their small children play in the streets with no adult supervision. Their teenage boys made obnoxious sexual comments to our teenage girls. The campground “complimentary WiFi” was useless. We had to pay extra for our group to have the pavilion. So, basically we paid $60/day for no amenities.
★★★★★Rusty BarrBeen coming here for 40 years. We love the family atmosphere. Especially the alcohol and smoke free environment. ( I did see an empty case of beer in the dumpster). We stayed a few times this summer and had a great time. A few disappointing things were that they caged in the splash pad and 8 bucks for a few pieces of wood. Other than that it is laid back and a great place for kids. I enjoy the fishing and hiking. My grandsons fish, play basketball and ride their bikes. We played mini golf. It’s old but still fun. Yes we will be back.
★★★★C FamSquadEverything you want in a family friendly campground. Along the Appalachian trail, concrete water slash pad in the summer that we spent a lot of time at 🥰 we enjoyed the primitive sites with our tent and 2 toddlers
★★★★★Ali RodriguezSpent the weekend at Camp Swatara after 2 years of not being able to camp due to covid. Must say, after many years of camping here…even though we have a great time each time, this time everything seemed much more cleaner, trash cans were empty, more organized and up kept. We played, volleyball, basketball, kickball, softball (and even other campers joined in our games), minigolf, the kids enjoyed the splash pad, the pool even though the water was super cold, the kids used their bikes for everything, went fishing and enjoyed the campfires. Even the dog loved it! There was a small issues but all of the management team were very helpful, respectful, attentive and caring, made it important in resolving asap! One thing I would say to fix is the mosquitos and mosquitos near the lake. But this is a great and affordable camping place for families looking for quality time and weekend fun. We will be back again! We have many years of memories here!