Tent camping near Bendersville, Pennsylvania offers access to multiple backcountry sites within the Appalachian Mountain region, with elevations ranging from 500-1700 feet. Most primitive camping locations operate seasonally from April through November, with midsummer temperatures averaging 80-85°F during daytime and dropping to 60-65°F overnight. Camping sites in this region typically require advance registration or permits, with availability limited during peak summer weekends.
What to do
Water recreation on Yellow Breeches Creek: Visitors to Lower Allen Community Park can combine camping with kayaking. The park's position along the creek creates natural paddling opportunities, with one camper noting that "you can put in a few miles up and float down to your site."
Hiking the Appalachian Trail: Several campgrounds serve as access points to the AT corridor. At Dahlgren Backpacker Campground, hikers appreciate that it's "a great place to stop on the AT" with amenities that provide "a welcome relief to get to a spot where I could wash off and have indoor plumbing for a night."
Rock climbing: For those seeking vertical adventure, several sites provide climbing access. According to reviews, Annapolis Rock area features "beautiful views and all kinds of single pitch rock climbing" with designated campsites nearby for overnight stays.
What campers like
Riverside camping: The proximity to waterways ranks highly among camper reviews. At Antietam Creek Campground, visitors appreciate the setting, with one noting it offers "nice spots on the River" where "each site has a fire ring and a picnics table and grill."
Basic amenities in remote settings: Primitive sites with essential facilities receive positive feedback. One camper at Opequon Junction described it as a "gorgeous spot just off the trail and 50 meters from the Potomac."
Social camping atmosphere: Not all camping areas prioritize isolation. According to one Antietam Creek review, "It is nice if you're a social camper, we got to talk to many people and also got to enjoy a nearby camper playing his violin as the sun was setting."
What you should know
Varying fire regulations: Rules differ significantly between sites. While some allow fires with restrictions, others prohibit them entirely. At Annapolis Rock Campground, campers note "no fires, but there are two privies and a really nice spring near the campsites."
Wildlife awareness: Several campgrounds report wildlife encounters. One reviewer cautioned to "be careful for the copperheads that come warm up on the rocky overlook" at higher elevation sites.
Bathroom conditions: Facilities range from well-maintained to problematic. A camper at Antietam Creek reported, "When we got there, they were okay, but by the 3rd night they were really gross. We were at the site next to them and could smell them."
Tips for camping with families
Choose sites with easy water access: Families appreciate shoreline camping areas with gradual water entry. Reviews indicate that Lower Allen Community Park has sites that "sit right along the creek," providing entertainment for children.
Consider carry distance: Many sites require walking gear in from parking areas. One Antietam Creek reviewer noted, "You have to park on the road and carry all your stuff across a bridge and down the path to your site. Could be a very far walk."
Visit during weekdays: For a less crowded experience with children, Mulehalla receives positive feedback for spaciousness, with reviews confirming "tons of open spaces for tents, and sites are spaced far apart."
Tips from RVers
Limited options for larger vehicles: The Bendersville area primarily caters to tent camping and small trailers. Most campgrounds explicitly note they are "not big-rig friendly" in their amenities listings.
Elevation challenges: Access roads to higher elevation camping areas often involve steep grades and tight turns. RV campers should research specific approach routes before attempting mountain access.
Consider walk-in tent options: Since RV accommodations are limited, many visitors with larger vehicles opt to park at designated areas and utilize walk-in tent sites at locations like Jordan Junction, which provides "the necessities: water, Porta p, fire pit" according to reviews.
