Dog-Friendly Camping near Bendersville, PA

Pine Grove Furnace State Park Campground sits at an elevation of approximately 750 feet in South Mountain, part of Pennsylvania's Ridge and Valley Province. The area features mixed hardwood forests dominated by oak and hickory trees, with temperatures averaging 5-10 degrees cooler than surrounding valleys. Fall camping is particularly popular when autumn colors peak in mid-October.

What to do

Hiking at Pole Steeple: The moderate 1-mile trail leads to scenic viewpoints looking over the park and surrounding forest. "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," notes Amanda H. from Pine Grove Furnace State Park Campground.

Explore historical sites: Visit the Appalachian Trail Museum and old iron furnace structures. "The Park also has an old iron furnace (hence the name) with historical information about it. There is an Appalachian trail museum, which was very neat to check out, and the old Ironmaster's Mansion serves as a hostel and event venue," shares Carly E.

Lake recreation: Two lakes offer swimming, fishing, and non-motorized boating opportunities. "This campground is far enough away from home but at the same time close enough for a weekend camping trip. A lake with a beach, as well as being close to the AT. Close to Gettysburg as well," reports Pam B.

Visit Gettysburg: The historic battlefield and town are only 20-30 minutes away. "We stayed at Artillery Ridge Campground, which served as an artillery storage/staging area for the Union during the battle. Behind the campsite we stayed at, we learned connected to Stangler Farm, which served as a hospital for the wounded," says MJ B. from Artillery Ridge Campground.

What campers like

Privacy variations: Some campgrounds offer more secluded sites than others. "I like that it wasn't a commercialized camping experience. We plan to check out the hiking trails our next visit," explains Julie Y. from Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground.

Nature immersion: The forested setting provides abundant shade and wildlife viewing. "The campsites are spacious! If you are on a site around the perimeter you can turn your chair and your back to the campground and look out into the forest! Many sites offer electric but no water at the site! You will meet tons of unique campers," explains Amanda H.

Trail access: Direct connections to trail systems, including the Appalachian Trail. "Great camping...has an area for swimming on a lake. the Appalachian trail runs right through it and is said to be the middle point of the trail. so you know there is great hiking," notes Danielle W.

Clean facilities: Most campgrounds maintain well-serviced bathhouses and common areas. "Very nice pull through site for out 21ft popup. Site was pretty level. Pool, mini golf and live music were great. Also amazing location to the battlefield and all the tourist attractions," reports Brett D. from Artillery Ridge Campground.

What you should know

Limited cell service: Be prepared for spotty connectivity in most park areas. "Cell service is pretty much nonexistent in the campground, so keep this in mind if you can't be out of touch (we had Verizon)," warns Carly E.

Water access locations: Many campsites lack individual water hookups. "You will need to fill your fresh water tank as each site does not have water hook up. The cell service is 'spotty' as they state on their website, but hey you are camping," explains Adam P.

Seasonal crowds: Popular campgrounds fill quickly during summer weekends. "We had site 108 which is an electric site along the shore and close to the beach, and it was perfect for our needs. It has a small beach area within the campground loop that we camped in, but the main beach is on the other side of the large Pinchot Lake," shares Danielle V. from Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground.

Store hours: Check campground store hours as they vary seasonally. "Stop by the campstore for some Hershey's Ice cream!!! Make sure you pack in your food and all supplies or you will have a 20-30 minute drive back to a major store!" advises Amanda H.

Tips for camping with families

Playground proximity: Consider sites near play areas for convenience. "Nice pull through site for out 21ft popup. Site was pretty level. Pool, mini golf and live music were great," shares Brett D.

Water activities: Lakes and creeks provide kid-friendly entertainment options. "Loved camping here. The store has everything. Including hand dipped ice cream. Pool. Mini golf. A creek to fish or splash in. My husband loved finding frogs and fish. Lots of activities going on even during the week," says Emily from Mountain Creek Camp Ground.

Educational opportunities: Take advantage of ranger programs and history lessons. "This park was definitely on point. Great amenities, incredibly friendly staff and camp host, two lakes to swim/fish/boat in, lots of trails to bike or hike on, nice DRY firewood! This park is the half way point on the AT, and we got to meet quite a few hikers and hear some cool stories about their travels on the trail," explains Jeffrey H.

Pet-friendly options: Multiple campgrounds accommodate dogs with designated areas. "We stayed in site 29. It was nice and level with a large parking pad that could accommodate a camper or trailer. There's also a level tent pad if you are tenting, it, and a picnic table and fire pit. The park is also just north of the expansive Michaux State Forest, which has miles of trails for ATVs, biking, hiking/running," shares Carly E.

Tips from RVers

Hookup variations: Electric sites are common, but full hookups are limited. "We stayed in the 'C' row site. 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," notes Larry N. from Granite Hill Camping Resort.

Site leveling: Bring leveling blocks as many sites have slight grades. "The sites are spacious! If you are on a site around the perimeter you can turn your chair and your back to the campground and look out into the forest! Many sites offer electric but no water at the site! You will meet tons of unique campers!"

Access considerations: Some campgrounds have narrow roads or tight turns. "We stayed in site 55. Big site but hard to get into. There are a couple of pull thru sites that are much easier. Friendly staff. Lots of trees. Mini golf and pool. We will stay again," advises Bill B. from Gettysburg / Battlefield KOA.

Dump station locations: Note dump station locations if not booking a full hookup site. "All sites have water and electric, but not all are 50 amp sites. About half the sites have sewer, but there are two dump stations that are centrally located and easy to get to. Make sure to bring your leveling blocks, some sites do have a slope to them of 3-4"," shares Gregory L.