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Best Tent Camping near Amberson, PA

805 Reviews

Tent campsites around Amberson, Pennsylvania offer secluded woodland experiences with several options for primitive camping in nearby parks and forests. Penn Roosevelt State Park Campground, located east of Amberson in the Rothrock State Forest, provides tent-only sites in a peaceful wooded setting. Star Lee Farm and Long Acres on Clover Creek are smaller established tent campgrounds that offer more private camping experiences within driving distance.

Most tent sites in the region are situated on natural, ungraded surfaces with a mix of dirt and forest floor. Penn Roosevelt State Park offers basic amenities including vault toilets, picnic tables, fire pits, and drinking water, though no showers are available at this primitive campground. A review noted, "Beautiful primitive campground (tent only). Get a site on the outside towards the water. They are spaced out and peaceful." Tent campers should be prepared for limited cell service, as several campgrounds in the area have poor or no reception. Walk-in tent sites are available at several locations, requiring campers to carry gear short distances from parking areas.

In early fall, the tent camping areas around Amberson provide excellent stargazing opportunities and fewer crowds. The woodland settings offer good shade coverage during summer months, helping tent campers stay cooler during hot days. A recent review mentioned, "Place was very pretty and secluded... There's a huge field to star gaze as well as taking pictures, lots of hiking." Many tent campsites in this region are situated near creeks or small ponds, providing both scenic value and water access for filtering. Tent-only campgrounds like Penn Roosevelt State Park remain open year-round, though fall and spring offer the most comfortable camping conditions with fewer insects and moderate temperatures. The tent camping areas throughout the region connect to numerous hiking trails, making them ideal basecamps for day hikes or longer backpacking trips.

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Best Tent Sites Near Amberson, Pennsylvania (26)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Amberson, PA

20 Photos of 26 Amberson Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Amberson, PA

805 Reviews of 26 Amberson Campgrounds

  • S
    Sep. 3, 2025

    Rothrock Roadside Campsites — Rothrock State Forest

    Nice spot to camp in the mountains

    First I'll just say that the Rothrock campsites should probably each be listed separately, rather than as a group; they are very spread out throughout the State Forest and each is a different experience.  This review will be for site 002 Colerain Road.  

    This site is accessed by driving up a bit of a winding dirt road up the mountain.  It's easy enough during the summer, though the road is narrow and you've got some sharp bends depending on which way you come from.  This road is not safe to access in the winter in my opinion.  

    The parking is just right off the road, and there's a picnic table and large stone fire ring near the parking.  There's a small path further up the hill into the woods where there is a tent pad, another fire ring and another picnic table.  There are also a lot of flat spots nearby for additional tents to be set up.  

    Just behind the upper tent site is the top of the mountain, and the site has their own private overlook to the valley below.  The site is pretty remote, though there were vehicles and the occasional biker coming up the road.  Traffic may have been busier than usual the weekend we went because there was the Mid Atlantic Overland festival nearby at the same time.  At one point a family parked in the campsite's parking to start a walk... (there's a better trailhead up closer to Indian Lookout they should have used).

    No hookups, water, bathrooms, etc; its fully primitive camping here.  Cell coverage was fine on Xfinity Mobile (Verizon). 

    These sites used to be totally free but they're now $10 a night.  You still need to book a while out if you want to be here on a weekend, especially during the fall when Penn State is playing.

  • Lee D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 31, 2019

    Greenbrier State Park Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED

    Nice hiking opportunities!

    Ranger Review: Firebiner and Fiber Light Fire Starter at Greenbrier State Park

    **Campground Review: **

    We were here one week before this campground closed for the season (open April through October) and it was so quiet that it was hard to imagine what it is like in the summer when the beach is open and the campground is likely full. There are four loops; two with no hookups and no pets allowed, one with no hookups that allow pets and one with electric sites that allow pets. Each site is clearly defined, and the sites all appeared level with gravel pads. The bathrooms were reasonable. There are several trails in the campground plus it is close to several AT day hikes.

    There is a large day-use area and beach with lots of picnic tables. While the beach was closed for swimming, we saw a kayaker and two people fishing from a boat. Many hiking trails and this is an excellent place to camp if you’d like to do AT day hikes.

    ------------------------- 

    Product Review: 

    As a Ranger for The Dyrt, I have the opportunity to test products. At this campground, we tested the Firebiner and Fiber Light Fire Starter by Outdoor Elements. I’m reviewing both products since they can be used together, and we had much more luck with one than the other. 

    Upon unpacking my box from Outdoor Elements, my first experience was that it took a sharp knife to free the Firebiner from its cardboard backing, which was not an auspicious start. Once at our campground, we were able to use the safety blade to easily open the plastic packaging on our firewood. Unfortunately, it took several tries by two men trying the Firebiner to get a spark; they had to really crank on it, and it was not enough to light a fire. I’m guessing that with more patience and practice, it would have worked. Admittedly, we are car campers and not backpackers (and have the luxury of being able to carry/use a butane lighter), but I was looking forward to trying a new method. 

    We did use the Fiber Light Fire Starter and using our tried and true fire-starting methods, we got a roaring fire started very quickly. So, we had a 50% success! Packed in a small tin, you only need a pinch to easily get a fire started so we will use this in the future. 

    We also used the cutting tool on the Firebiner a few days later to remove the wristband from an activity we participated in and also used it to hang our lantern on a hook; this little tool is very strong (did not test but appreciate the 100-pound weight limit). I appreciate that it can also be used as a screwdriver, so the Firebiner is truly a multi-use tool!

  • Joann&WellsThePup I.
    Jul. 14, 2021

    Penn Roosevelt State Park Campground

    Quiet camping

    Beautiful primitive campground (tent only). Get a site on the outside towards the water. They are spaced out and peaceful. Has restrooms (no shower), picnic table, and fire pit at each site. Short walk to creek and beautiful pond.

  • Rick W.
    Aug. 15, 2022

    Colonel Denning State Park Campground

    Tent camping sites

    Walk in sites have picnic table and fire ring. Tent pads are level and smooth. Showers and restrooms are close to sites. Strongly recommend...

  • Nick C.
    Jun. 19, 2022

    Owens Creek Campground — Catoctin Mountain Park

    Cozy and Clean - Lots of Firewood

    The sites are very clean but close to each Other. You can hear the kids and families and all that. The sites have a nice mulched tent pad, fire ring / grill grate, lantern pole and picnic table. There is a firewood hut at the entrance and you can take what you need - just leAve a donation. The bathrooms are very clean and there’s some trails around the creek (dry creek/ nothing impressive)

  • Craig F.
    Jul. 1, 2019

    Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground

    Fun Camping and Lake Activities

    We had a wonderful stay at Gifford Pinchot State Park! 

    The camping area at GP is separated into A loop and B loops with approximately 300 sites. All sites had a paved pad, varying in size depending on the location, with tent site being smaller. Most sites have electric and there are 22 full hookup sites in the camping area. Both loops are peninsulas into the lake, which is convenient to launching boats directly from many sites. Loop A is closer to the designated swimming area with a sandy beach and playground. B loop is closer to many of the hiking trails and also several boat launch areas. It is nice that the camping area and amenities are separated from the public day use area. At the entrance to the camping area there are three dump stations. 

    During our stay we were at a full hookup site which was very spacious and often hard to find in PA State Parks. Our site was#299 and for some reason the entire site was paved/blacktop, which was different than all the other sites where the pad was paved and the picnic table area was gravel/grass. While this site made it easy to level our camper, it became quite hot in the afternoon/evening after the sun had baked it all day.

    Overall, we thoroughly enjoyed GP and couldn’t believe we hadn’t visited before because it is a great state park. Wood is available for purchase at the campground hosts’ sites and ice at the park office. As with most PA state parks, quiet hours are at 9:00PM, which is a bit early, and there is no alcohol allowed in the park. We look forward to returning to GP in the future.

  • Roger W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 2, 2023

    Owens Creek Campground — Catoctin Mountain Park

    Peaceful w filtered sun

    Owens Creek Campground : (Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good (70 yr olds in 17’ trailer) Overall Rating: 4.5 Price: $15/night w senior pass Usage during visit: very low including Fri night Site Privacy: understory trees, filter l e of site in many sites. Site Spacing: most very nicely spaced Site surface: blacktop Reservations: Yes Campground Noise: Very quiet Road Noise: Only a bit in first few campsites Through Traffic: no problem Electricity: No Water: Spigots at bathhouses Sewer: No Dump: No Generators: 6 AM to 10 PM Bathroom: Old but very clean.
    Showers: Yes. Double curtains Pull Throughs: Some Cell Service (Verizon): Very good Setting: A thick deciduous forest Weather: nice. Cooler because of shade Bugs: A few. Will probably increase as month moves on Solar: Too much shade for fixed solar panels Host: Yes Rig size: Not all sites will accommodate a 22’ trailing. Sites: Pictures are of some of the best sites. My favs: 14 nice woods view , (28 & 29 hear creek,)37. 45, 46

  • Simon S.
    Dec. 30, 2021

    Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park in Williamsport MD

    Great place for kids

    Camp site (Tent camping)

    Camp site was pretty spacious. We set up our tent on gravel. No hookups to electricity or water. Rangers deliver firewood for your convenience.

    Facilities / Amenities

    Huge pool divided into two sections, one for mainly kids and the other for swimming and water slides. There is a food court in the swimming pool and a camp store right next to it.

    They play movies every night at the outdoor theater near the pool.

    There is a basketball court, playgrounds, and jumping pads.

    During the day, we did tie dying t-shirts at the pavilion.

    There is a 18-hole mini golf course as well.

  • K
    Sep. 1, 2021

    Codorus State Park Campground

    Nice campground for primitive tenting

    Large campground but only 15 sites dedicated to“roughin’ it” tent camping. However, those sites are isolated from the others. The tent sites were in very good condition, spaced well, and fairly private. Most sites have plenty of shade and grassy, though a few are dirt only. Many sites within walking distance from the lake(no swimming) and set up for you to store and launch your kayak or other boat. Water, bathrooms, and showers a little distant but everything clean and in excellent condition. Ice and firewood available on the grounds. There is also a small store but I didn’t see it because it was open for very limited weekend hours only. Otherwise, major grocery stores are only a few minutes’ drive. Definitely going back…!

Guide to Amberson

Tent camping near Amberson, Pennsylvania offers a mix of primitive and established campgrounds set amid the rolling terrain of south-central Pennsylvania. The region sits at elevations between 1,000-1,700 feet, creating comfortable summer camping conditions with temperatures typically 5-10 degrees cooler than nearby urban areas. These woodlands experience distinct seasonal changes, with tent camping opportunities available from early spring through late fall at most locations.

What to do

Hiking the Mid State Trail: Penn Roosevelt State Park Campground connects to multiple hiking trails including the 327-mile Mid State Trail. A camper noted, "The area has lots of hikes to offer including the Alan Seeger State Forest, Midstate Trail and several others. It's a beautiful natural area and some sites are very private."

Stargazing in open fields: Long Acres on Clover Creek provides exceptional night sky viewing opportunities from its open meadows. "The stars are so bright out here and the tent was absolutely fabulous! Definitely 10/10 recommend. Close access to state game lands and nearby hiking trails and fishing spots!" reports one visitor.

Creek exploration and fishing: Star Lee Farm offers creek access for wading and fishing. "Place was very pretty and secluded. And customer service was excellent. There's a huge field to stargaze as well as taking pictures, lots of hiking," mentions a camper who enjoyed the peaceful setting.

What campers like

Private, spaced-out sites: Reeds Gap State Park Campground offers well-separated tent sites that provide privacy. A reviewer explains, "This campground is beautiful! It's so peaceful and serene. There's a nice creek that runs through it, picnic pavilions and a playground for the kids!"

Natural water features: Annapolis Rock Campground provides access to natural springs. "Short walk to cold natural spring for water. Short walk to Annapolis rock. Rock climbing available," shares one visitor who appreciated the natural water source.

Digital disconnection: Reeds Gap State Park offers a true escape from technology. A camper advises, "Put your phone away cuz there's no cell service here! Nice and peaceful with a dozen or so tent only sites. We got a nice one tucked back in the trees, but a few of them are pretty close to the road."

What you should know

Water availability varies: Many campgrounds have limited or seasonal water access. At Penn Roosevelt, one camper noted, "The water was off, but I was prepared to wilderness camp later in my trip so, that was no big deal."

Bathroom facilities are basic: Most tent camping options provide only vault toilets or primitive facilities. A visitor to Jordan Junction Hiker-biker Overnight Campsite summarized it well: "Good site, has the necessities. Water, Porta p, fire pit. What else do you really need? Want to rinse off? Jump into the Potomac for a swim."

Prepare for isolation: Many campgrounds are remote with minimal services nearby. A Penn Roosevelt camper shared, "Driving in I got a little worried I was getting lost, but I drove on. I arrived on a Wednesday evening. I had my pick of campsites, because I was the only person there!"

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Amberson, PA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Amberson, PA is STAR LEE FARM with a 5-star rating from 2 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Amberson, PA?

TheDyrt.com has all 26 tent camping locations near Amberson, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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