6 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Cowan's Gap State Park Campground houses impressive glamping options within Pennsylvania's mountain landscape, offering a perfect blend of nature immersion and comfort. The park's glamping accommodations are set amid scenic mountain views, just steps from a beautiful lake with a dedicated beach area. Beyond traditional camping spaces, visitors can choose from modern yurt accommodations and glamping tents with amenities not found in standard sites. These luxury outdoor stays feature comfortable beds, clean facilities, and private settings with convenient access to showers and restrooms. The glamping area provides a more secluded experience than the standard campground, with sites thoughtfully spaced among trees and natural surroundings. According to a camper, "We stayed in camping area A during mid April this year. It was a nice state park. Hiking, fishing, a lake, long creek. Clean bathrooms, heated bathhouse."
Scenic hiking trails surround the boutique camping experience at Cowan's Gap, with multiple trail options ranging from easy lakeside paths to challenging mountain ascents. The 42-acre lake serves as the centerpiece for water activities including swimming at the sand beach, fishing, and seasonal kayak or canoe rentals from the on-site concession stand. For glamping guests seeking complete disconnection, the area offers minimal to no cell service, creating a truly immersive outdoor experience without technological distractions. Winter visitors can enjoy a different perspective of the park's natural beauty with seasonal camping options extending until December. One visitor noted, "The bathrooms are very clean and private. Very quiet and family friendly. Great hiking around. Beach does get crowded during the day but by dusk it's quieted down." The nearby Tuscarora Trail provides more advanced hiking opportunities with rock scrambles and panoramic mountain vistas for more adventurous glampers.
"This state park is at the top of the mountain and has a smaller lake perfect for a short kayak trip or fishing. Lovely views from the lake and very nice secluded sites."
"The pros:
- Easily accessible and CLEAN bathhouse and showers."
Available this weekend
from $20 - $48 / night
"Activities for the kids, diner with a great breakfast selection and subs and pizza for dinner. Very clean facilities. Great staff. Delivery of wood or ice to your site."
"Beautiful campgrounds situated near a creek. The campgrounds have a homey feel and were decorated nicely for fall & Halloween. The staff & hosts were incredibly nice & helpful."
"We set up our tent on gravel. No hookups to electricity or water. Rangers deliver firewood for your convenience."
"They have tons of things for Children including a waterpark, a jumping pillow, ziplining, trick or treating, haunted trails, etc. The options are endless."
from $99 - $471 / night
"There are options for RV camping with electric, tent spots, small cabins, and the resort if you would rather have a more comfortable resort experience. Pets are allowed in a select few loops."
"We always try to book “outside” loop sites so we don’t have “back neighbors” but none near the lake were available, so we took our chances on an “inside” site in E loop."
from $23 - $29 / night
"This is a huge campground with mostly very large RVs situated on farmland. The sites varied. Some were in an open field, others by the stream with trees. We had Site C, which was right on the stream."
"If you do not like kids running around (sometimes through your campsite to get to the creek) or lots of laughing and biking and ball-playing snd water-splashing… maybe don’t go here."
from $38 - $43 / night
"Sites and roads are gravel, nice newer fire pit and picnic table at each."
"It’s a small, quiet campground that is very welcoming. There’s not too much to do for little ones, but there is a little, homemade playground, pond for fishing, ducks/geese to feed, and a pool."
Available this weekend
from $25 - $66 / night
"We reserved site 4 online but someone had set up there when we arrived. Site 6 was open and it had a better view anyway and was farther away from the toilets, so we didn’t mind."
"For this portion, at least, the campground is good and the tow path along the canal is great for a run and quite scenic."
Available this weekend
from $20 - $40 / night
"Superb campground with water and electricity hookups! Playground for children and creek access for fishing!"
from $22 - $95 / night
"The campground is nestled on the outskirts of Bedford Pennsylvania and is a very easy location to travel to regardless of your rig size."
"Tucked into the mountains of PA, in a the town of Bedford, is this hopping campground. Lots of fun for kids, live music on the weekend, this campground was full of activity."
"Shawnee State Park is a very large campground (319 campsites with mixed electric and non-electric, some pet friendly, some not) about 10 minutes off highway 76 and 20 minutes from the Flight 93 National"
"The morning drive started early, had several stops and starts, and I was once again glad that my big dog was along for the ride."
Available this weekend
from $20 - $110 / night
GuideGreat campsite. Fire pit, picnic table, swimming pool ( not open), miniature golf course, laundromat, bathrooms, showers, dump station, gathering areas for groups, playground, and even a horse area and stalls for horses. Dog friendly. Staff was very helpful and curious.
LegendWe spent a long weekend for walks in the woods, seeing the fall colors, and all around a huge lake.
What We Liked:
- Even though the sites are sloped, they’re huge. I like that a lot.
- This property is enormous. They have a marina on the lake, a wedding facility, conference center, lots of cabins which look pretty good, and tent sites in addition to the RV sites. Go say hi to the goats behind the store. The property is amazing!
- If you’re interested, it’s a 90-minute drive to the Flight 93 Memorial— well worth the trip!
Things to Keep in Mind:
- The roads getting there are like a roller coaster. This isn’t the resort’s fault, but something you need to know if you’re going there.
- The sites are sloped. Took several blocks to get even close to level. I may be spoiled, but I really appreciate a level site.
- No sewer connection. There’s a dump station available, but just know the sites are water and electric only.
Would We Return?
- Probably not. It’s not fun driving in that area and there’s nothing much to do in the area.
GuideWhere we were camping had blown up their dump station. Artillery Ridge helped us out. $10. to dump. If we come to camp in Gettysburg, it will be hear.
ScoutWas looking for a last-minute getaway on a busy weekend, and they seemed the best option. I've always associated private campgrounds with crowding and sites on top of each other. I couldn't have been more wrong about The Cove. There is more wooded space between sites than in many National Parks.
Some sections are best accessed via 4WD, which I think is a great way to keep things from getting too crowded.
Such a huge diversity of types of sites, from lakeside to wooded, to open fields. They have something for everyone.
The bathrooms are ok. Other than the shower area and the reception, most toilets are pit toilets. If you want to be walking distance to showers, make sure to book sites near them. For most sites, it's going to be a hike or a drive.
And on top of that, they have a beach for the kids, boat rentals, and a range.
This was our first visit, but we will definitely be coming back.
ScoutThe campground is a nice size with enough space between sites to feel as though you have some privacy.
We reserved site 4 online but someone had set up there when we arrived. Site 6 was open and it had a better view anyway and was farther away from the toilets, so we didn’t mind.
The boat launch is right there which we planned to paddle board in the morning, but got rained out. The river looks really nice and clean though.
Tables and fire pits are a great size. We saw some gorgeous stars as there isn’t any light pollution.
It’s only half hour from Berkeley Springs, so fill up your spring water for free there and then come enjoy the campsite!
Will definitely return.
ScoutThis is are first camping adventure in are new travel trailer. Camp ground is quiet and well maintained. Bath rooms and shower facilities are fantastic.
GuidePrimitive feel with full hookups. I have a 22' trailer, and it fits fine. I hope you like trains. Plenty of them go by.
LegendThis quiet campground has plenty of wooded campsites that offer privacy to campers. We were in the electric loop and it can be a bit tight if your rig is larger, and also you need to be prepared to level your rig in several different directions. But all in all, it was a great spot for an overnight day and we even got to check out some of the trails. Very nice park overall.
RangerThis KOA offers close and cozy get away near Harper’s Ferry Virginia. Technically within walking distance to the National Park shuttle to downtown. Spots are open and spaced out and they offer private showers/bathrooms
Cowan's Gap State Park offers diverse camping options in central Pennsylvania's mountain terrain, situated at 1,115 feet elevation where the climate features cool summer evenings even when daytime temperatures reach the 80s. The park's central location provides access to multiple natural attractions while maintaining distance from urban centers, creating minimal light pollution for excellent stargazing conditions during clear nights.
Lake activities at Rocky Gap State Park: The 42-acre Lake Habeeb provides multiple recreation options beyond swimming. "We brought paddle boards and the lake was perfect for paddle boarding. Note that you cannot swim anywhere outside of the roped swim areas," shares Kimberly H. The park enforces swimming restrictions to designated areas only.
Biking on the C&O Canal Towpath: Fifteen Mile Campground serves as an excellent access point for cycling enthusiasts. "It would make a great shuttle point, or RV base camp for the weekend if you plan to ride the C&O Trail," notes Shari G. The relatively flat trail surface accommodates riders of various skill levels.
Fishing opportunities: Many local campgrounds offer accessible fishing. At Twin Bridge Campground, "Our kids love the creek and playing in and around it," reports Jwalker. Most waterways in the region require a Pennsylvania fishing license for anglers 16 and older.
Spacious, private tent sites: Campers frequently mention the generous spacing between sites at several parks. "Can't believe how much space is between each site. You're close enough to see other campers but far enough away to feel you have you own sections of woods," describes Jeff H. about Rocky Gap State Park.
Digital disconnection: Limited connectivity creates opportunities for true outdoor immersion. "We had 5 nights, 6 days with no cell or wifi to stress us out. Biking, Hiking, sitting around a campfire, very nice," writes Tom R. about his stay at Cowans Gap, noting the mental benefits of the digital break.
Fall foliage viewing: The region transforms dramatically in autumn. "Absolutely amazing fall color on the lake and great drives surrounding. Bathrooms are clean and hot showers," reports Michael W., highlighting the scenic appeal beyond summer months when crowds thin out.
Site selection considerations: Campsite quality varies significantly within each park. "The tent pads could use some leveling and there was some trash around the site. The major negative was generator noise coming from the facility just beyond the dam," notes Brian C. at Cowans Gap State Park Campground.
Supply availability: Many camping areas lack immediate access to stores. "NO CAMP STORE. No place to buy bags of ice, extra batteries, lighters, or any other supplies that people usually need when camping. And this campground is in the middle of nowhere," Sarah N. warns about Cowans Gap.
Seasonal variations: Facilities and amenities change throughout the year. "We were looking for a place to take the family for a few days to get away for a while... We arrive on our first day of 4, put on our swimsuits, and play in the splash park for several hours... It closed early, maybe 3, and I overheard something about it being shut down for the year," reports David from his experience at Jellystone Park.
Budget-friendly glamping close to Big Cove Tannery, Pennsylvania: Glamping options exist for various budgets. "We stayed in a walk-in tent site. Much better spacing than typical sites, though sites 2 & 3 were basically connected," shares Brian C. about Cowans Gap, where walk-in sites offer more seclusion at lower cost than premium sites.
Playground proximity: Friendship Village Campground provides multiple play areas. "There are many playgrounds spread out across the property as well as a jumping pillow and a very well-built gaga ball pit," Christopher R. explains, noting that sites 145-171 are "right beside the jumping pillow, playground and gaga ball pit."
Off-season benefits: Camping outside peak summer months offers advantages. "Went camping here for the first time this weekend. Although it was the off season there was still tons to do. The kids played mini golf, jumped on the pillow, played on multiple playgrounds, enjoyed ice cream and went fishing," reports Tasha M.
Hookup availability: Hagerstown / Antietam Battlefield KOA provides essential services. "Sites are a little tight, but allow you easy access to town once you get set up. Bathrooms were clean... staff was very friendly. 1 hour from DC and Baltimore," Kirk S. notes, emphasizing the convenience despite the compact layout.
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds require preparation for uneven terrain. "We ran out of blocks trying to level on this site and were still off a bit. If we were staying more than a night we may have asked for a different site," Jennifer K. reports from her stay at Little Orleans Campground.
Seasonal site considerations: When seeking glamping accommodations near Big Cove Tannery, verify amenities are operational. "Double check site booked. We absolutely loved our stay at this park once we changed sites. We have a 35' TT and there was no way it was going to fit in the site we originally booked," advises Brittany V. from Shawnee State Park Campground.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Big Cove Tannery, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Big Cove Tannery, PA is Cowans Gap State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 32 reviews.
What is the best site to find glamping camping near Big Cove Tannery, PA?
TheDyrt.com has all 39 glamping camping locations near Big Cove Tannery, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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