138 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Pine Grove Furnace State Park Campground serves as a central hub for camping near Bendersville, Pennsylvania, positioned at the halfway point of the Appalachian Trail. The area contains several established campgrounds within a 30-mile radius, including Caledonia State Park, Gettysburg Campground, and Mountain Creek Camp Ground. Most facilities accommodate tent camping, RV sites with hookups, and cabin rentals. Pine Grove Furnace offers spacious, wooded sites with electric hookups, while campgrounds closer to Gettysburg provide full-service RV amenities with water and sewer connections. Several locations also feature glamping options and yurts for visitors seeking alternative accommodations.
The camping season in the region typically runs from April through November, with some facilities like Caledonia State Park open year-round. As one camper noted, "Cell service is pretty much nonexistent in the campground, so keep this in mind if you can't be out of touch." Most state park campgrounds require advance reservations, particularly during summer weekends and fall foliage season. Water hookups are limited at Pine Grove Furnace, requiring campers to fill tanks before arrival. The terrain throughout the area features rolling hills and forested landscapes with varying elevation. Weather conditions remain moderate through summer months with occasional thunderstorms, while spring and fall bring cooler temperatures ideal for hiking the numerous trails that connect these camping areas.
Camping experiences in the region benefit from proximity to historic sites and natural features. The Appalachian Trail provides extensive hiking opportunities directly from several campgrounds. According to visitor reviews, "Pine Grove Furnace State Park has two lakes for swimming, with a rail trail that separates them, so they are easily bikeable." Many campgrounds feature clean, modern facilities with shower houses and flush toilets. Wildlife viewing opportunities abound in the wooded settings, with several campsites backing directly to forest lands. The Gettysburg area campgrounds offer convenient access to battlefield tours while maintaining a natural camping atmosphere. Fire rings and picnic tables are standard at most sites, with firewood typically available for purchase from camp hosts or nearby stores.
"It’s at the midpoint of the Appalachian Trail so there are lots of great hikes as well as a nice path between the two lakes. Our new favorite in Pennsylvania!"
"We were right at the intersection near the campground entrance and one of the other loops, but it wasn't noisy at all. The drinking water was right next to our site, which was handy."
from $24 - $43 / night
Check Availability"Stayed here two nights while visiting Gettysburg (short 20mi drive between the two). Stayed on Chinquapin Hill, each site has picnic table and fire ring and good space for camp."
"It’s a fantastic state park with great picnic areas next to the creek. You can also drive up the road to the dam where there’s a beautiful lake with fishing, kayaking, etc."
from $24 - $151 / night
Check Availability"I always appreciate the near solitude experience of this campground as 90% of the sites are RV sites, that are kept away from the tenting area."
"If you’re looking for a backwoods, off-the-beaten-path type of campground, this isn’t it."
"We have a small camper and there are some great sites on the lake side to park it where you can get AMAZING sunset views. "
"We had site 108 which is an electric site along the shore and close to the beach, and it was perfect for our needs. "
from $20 - $89 / night
Check Availability"Spent 2 nights at Gettysburg KOA in July while touring Pennsylvania with granddaughter. Very convenient to historical stuff. Large sites, separated by rocks and trees. Quiet and private."
"Our site was very spacious, beautifully landscaped and wooded, but right next to the road. There was a buffer of trees, but unfortunately that didn’t make much of a difference with regard to noise."
"This park is a perfect location if you want to explore Gettysburg National Historical Site as you can literally walk across the street and be in the park or venture½ mile up the road and you come to the"
"Behind the campsite we stayed at, we learned connected to Stangler Farm, which served as a hospital for the wounded."
"Great shade and access to the playground. You can let the kids play all day while sitting at your campsite cooking and just hanging. It’s only 15 yards for the play set."
"Nice place to camp me and the wife was there July 4th weekend close to the pool"
"Campsites could be further apart and there's only one bathhouse and it's at the entrance."
"Two bath houses, one near the entrance and one in the way back. May not be anything fancy or new, but they are clean. Staff needed to be reminded about activities scheduled during the week."
"The trails from Campground are ok for a short walk, not much of a lake view but mostly shaded trail. The pool is conveniently located maybe even walking distance for some. "
"Older State Park just outside of Hanover, PA. Used it as a home base to explore Gettysburg and the surrounding area."
from $24 - $247 / night
Check Availability"This campground worked out perfectly..so close to the battlefields. It was only for the weekend but we really enjoyed our stay."
"It also has a lake and cabins available."
from $66 - $138 / night
Check Availability
GuideThis is a great camping spot. The sites aren’t too close together and the hosts are very friendly. The only reason I gave it four stars is because we are near a highway so you can hear cars throughout the night. But the crickets make up for it by being as loud as possible. With the fees, it cost $25 for a non-electric site and with access to showers after a long trek I was happy to pay.
ScoutThe area is very nice and so are the people. The sites are clean and the livestock are a cool sight to see
RangerWe stayed at Redemption Springs to get relatively close to Baltimore without bringing our 30ft travel trailer into the city. Seth and the other gentlemen I spoke with were all extremely accommodating. Enjoyed learning about their approach to restorative farming and purchasing a variety of treats at the farm store. Beef, pork, chicken, seasonings, baked goods, and more. We booked on Hipcamp and recommend following his driving instructions. Our rig fit fine by tuhe main barn and they kept an eye on us going in and out to make sure we didn't have issues making any of the turns. Lots of farm life!
TravelerThere was no hot water in the showers. There are no dog poo stations. There is a dumpster marked “STAFF ONLY”. It’s nice they have a place to stuff the staff!
ScoutTrip -week before labor day , temps 93 degrees, nothing on website when booked said about peak and non peak days on booking page. Said there were only 7 sites left(complete lie) campground was empty. First time we ever been to a place where EVERYTHING was closed. Campstore, jump pillow and the final straw was we went to go to the pool and that was closed. It was 545 pm sun still bright in the sky , nowhere near dusk( when its suppose to close) . So much conflicting info from what the paper we got handed vs what internet site said. Charged a resort fee ? for what a place to park? This is no resort. Grass was high enough to be seeding itself. My wife was so upset she was actually crying. This was supposed to be a fun trip for our da6ughter before going back to school. We decided this place over Buttonwood just because it was alittle closer. Did a full tour of the place. Realized there is nothing here. Went to dinner in town. Decided we didnt want to stay where we knew our Daughter would be bored. She's pretty easy to entertain but this was just ridiculous. 12 HOURS OF MY LIFE AND $400 BUCKS i will never get back. (Loading , driving , realizing we got screwed, driving, unloading) yup was pretty bad.
TravelerOMG! Next to busy interstate, railroad tracks and shooting range. Way to much for me!
ScoutWe absolutely loved it. The camp spaces were a nice and spread out lot not congested actually it was really nobody here which I can’t believe because the place is absolutely beautiful. There is a little bit of noise from route 30 during the day, but you don’t hear really anything at night Plus there is a really great bar/restaurant about 100 yards away. Called Yionnis and their food is actually delicious.
TravelerThis campground is a great place to bring kids. The spots are a little tight but we were able to get our 46’ toy hauler in the spot with very little effort. Because the sites are back-in, we can’t use our rear patio but that is ok. The pool is very nice and the farm atmosphere makes it very fun for kids.
TravelerVery clean campgrounds with nice trails along the lake and the creek that feeds it! Plenty of space near swimming area and even a geocache to find!
Camping options near Bendersville, Pennsylvania range from rustic tent sites to full-service RV accommodations with varied terrain and seasonal considerations. The region sits at elevations between 550-1,580 feet within the South Mountain area, creating distinct microclimates that affect camping conditions. Winter camping remains available at Caledonia State Park, which operates year-round, while most other campgrounds close from mid-November through March.
Fishing opportunities: Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground offers multiple fishing access points across the 340-acre Pinchot Lake. "We caught a handful of bass and an absurd amount of bluegill from shore," notes one camper, who recommends bringing a fishing license as "the rangers in this park check."
Disc golf courses: Gifford Pinchot features two complete 18-hole disc golf courses at separate day-use areas. The Conewago course is relatively flat while the Quaker Race course is "built into the side of the hill leading into the QR day use area, so it is a lot more wooded and hillier."
Horseback battlefield tours: Artillery Ridge Campground provides a unique opportunity to explore Gettysburg's historic sites on horseback. "You can take guided tours of the battlefield on horseback," mentions a visitor. The campground includes horse stalls and rings for campers who bring their own horses.
Mini golf and games: Several campgrounds feature recreational facilities beyond hiking. "There is a pool, mini golf, and 4 wheel bikes. The kids enjoyed playing in the creek and tubing," writes a camper at Mountain Creek Camp Ground, which operates from mid-March through November.
Creek access for summer cooling: Mountain Creek Camp Ground provides direct water access that families appreciate. "We loved camping here. The store has everything. Including hand dipped ice cream. Pool. Mini golf. A creek to fish or splash in," writes one visitor. Several sites back directly to the water, allowing for tubing during hot summer days.
Historical immersion: The proximity to battlefield sites creates educational opportunities. "This campground is far enough away from home but at the same time close enough for a weekend camping trip... Close to Gettysburg as well," notes a visitor to Pine Grove Furnace State Park Campground. The park includes iron furnace ruins and an Appalachian Trail museum.
Appalachian Trail access: Several campgrounds provide direct connections to notable hiking paths. "Tons of wonderful trails to explore! Make sure you take a hike on the AT and then up to Pole Steeple for a great view! You may even bump into a through hiker excited to chat!" explains an enthusiastic Pine Grove Furnace visitor.
Natural swimming areas: While some parks have pools, others offer natural swimming. "Codorus State Park has a wide variety of sites so finding one that you like should not be difficult... the lake was the biggest attraction for me," shares a visitor who appreciated the varied terrain options.
Limited cell service: Connectivity varies significantly across campgrounds. "AT&T cell reception at our site was hit or miss, but good in the rest of the campground," reports a visitor at Artillery Ridge. Prepare for spotty service or complete disconnection at more remote sites.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near Bendersville, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Bendersville, PA is Pine Grove Furnace State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 26 reviews.
Keep Exploring
