2024 trips that we took

Trip #1, Old Mill Stream Campground, Our first time camping in April. We had some chilly nights and day one we had just gotten the side tent set up and the skys downpoured. The campground was nice although they did pack the sites together pretty tightly, more so then we liked. The restrooms were very clean with plenty of hot water. (since most of the campers were big rigs it saw little use). This trip we onve again, were with the Jersey Pioneers group who are also a part of the Penn Coachmen. and Penn Coachmen was having a rally this week. Along with some of the activities of the rally we spent alot of time hitting the various farmers markets. On tuesday is the Roots Country Market and Auction with a flea market right across the street. Friday we hit the Green Dragon Farmers Market, and we were not as impressed with this one as the flea market area was mostly cheap toys and such. We also hit some markets and shops in Bird in Hand as well as Intercourse. All in all, Lancaster is definately not what it used to be, there ares till some of the quaint areas and we do need to hit the train museum, but rte 30 is as built up as any other tourist trap area. So keep your wallet in your pocket in these places and hit the places that the locals go to and pay half the price.

Old Mill Campground Sign

Our T@G setup at the Old Mill Campground

Trip #2, Niagra Falls / Grand Island KOA, My first time to Niagra Falls and the falls certainly did not disappoint. The campsite on the other hand I was not so impressed about.

The campground did have some nice ammenities. The two pool areas were very nice but could have used a life guard or at least someone to keep order. There was also a very nice playground for the kids as well as two jumping pads. The recreation area had lots of games like ping pong, corn hole, and others and the daily activities were well run. There were also some very nice looking cabins although I did not see what they were like on the inside.

Pay close attention to where it is on the map because the campground is right next to a busy highway and the noise was prevalent throughout the campground and crazy loud if you are in the "overflow area". The restrooms had the potential of being very nice, the family style was a private shower and toilet area. Unfortunately during our stay (7 days) they were cleaned only once in the AM during the weekend and maybe every other day during the week. The ones we used were out of paper towels after three days and never replenished.

The camp store was extremely expensive, e.g. a bundle of firewood, 6-7 pcs was $12 and 3lbs of half melted ice was $3. There was also very few trees to offer any kind of shade. One last thing is the campground could use a pavillion that the campers could use during bad weather. The rec area had a room but it was closed off when there were no activities.

Honestly for the money and being a KOA I expected a better experience at the campground. As for the rest of the trip, we spent several incredable days at the falls on both the NY side and Canada. Maid of the Mist and the Cave of the Winds is a must do!! We also stopped at the Herschell Carrousel Museum which is someplace I have been wanting to get to, it is worth stopping by for a visit. We also visited some of the other small towns in the area exploring antique shops, wineries and a few good restaurants. I would recomend the following, Brickyard Pub & BBQ the Beach House on Grand Island and The Bella Rose Winery

Niagra Falls Welcome Sign

Trip #3 Lakewood Park Campground 26 Park Avenue Barnesville, PA 18214 Phone 570-285-8026.
This was our seconf trip along with the Penn Coachmen group. They put on a fun weekend of seminars, crafts, pot lucks and a dinner for all to enjoy. We had a good time with the group and learned a few things as well.
The campground itself has quite a history as it once was a small amusement park started in the early 1900's. The sites are reasonably spaced out but still a little close in some instances. Our site was in the far end of the campground, we had planty of room but it was down the road from some of the campgrounds work buildings which made the road we were on pretty busy with the workers on their side by sides driving by often. The bath house, which is one of my favorite things to complain about, was immaculate throughout our entire stay. You had your own private room with shower, sink, and toilet. Be warned that there is a working train track next to the campground, a train would roll through a few times each day and someties later on at night, but aside from the whistle it was not all that disturbing and the trains were not all that long. The campground does have kayacks, canoes and paddle boats avaible to use for free, which is an awesome perk as most places would overcharge you for that service. There is also a event venue that is part of the campground called Catalapa Grove, which looks like an awesome place for an event.

lakewood park history sign

Trip #4 Knoebels Amusement park and Campground
The big news here is that we have sold our T@G and have yet to decide on what we want to do. But, we have several camping trips planned so for this trip we reverted to our old ways and tent camped. Knoebels was awesome as always and we were prepeared for the rain that was forcast. Thankfully it wasnt nearly what they were predicting. This trip we also visited for the first time Bills Bike Barn What a great place and Bill himself was there and answered all of our questions. I highly recommend visiting them.

tenting at knoebels

Trip #5 Sun Outdoors, Rehoboth Bay Still having no idea on what we want to do for a camper, this trip we rented a camper that was already onsite at the campground. All we needed to bring was our clothes and food. This is a great option for those of you who may want to try camping in a camper. The campground was your typical seashore kind of campground, somewhat sandy and few trees. The bathhouses were also typical of most campgrounds and kept very clean. There are two pools but one was closed for the season when we were there and the heater was broken in the one that was open. The pool that was open also has a swim up bar. There was also a Tiki Bar on site right olong the water. We just love Rehoboth and when the group we camp with, The Jersey Pioneers, decided to go this year we were one of the first to sign up. We specifically went at this time because the campgroud has a crab fest. Besides Rehoboth, we took several side trips to Assateague Island, Ocean City, and Cape Henlopen State Park.

Rental Camper

Trip #6 Knoebels Amusement park and Campground
Since these last three trips have all happened with-in one and a half months, we still do not have a camper and since its Knoebels, we again tent camped. It did get a little chilly at night but we were prepared with a ceramic heater that kept the tent reasonably toasty. Knoebels does a great job with the halloween decorations and scarifying rides like the Antique Cars, and the Train, as well as riding the Phoenix and Twister in the dark. Not to mention that most of the campers decorate their sites to the nines!

knoebels tenting

Our Adventures

2024 trips that we took