Camping areas near Big Cove Tannery, Pennsylvania offer varied terrain and accommodations across the mountainous landscape of southern Pennsylvania. The region sits within the Ridge and Valley Province with elevations ranging from 600 to 2,000 feet, creating distinct microclimates throughout the camping season. Most campgrounds remain open from April through October, though several operate year-round with seasonal rate adjustments.
What to do
Water activities at Raystown Lake: Visitors camping near Raystown Lake can access the largest lake entirely within Pennsylvania. "The campground is a short drive to Raystown Lake in Saxton, PA which is beautiful and very big," notes a camper at Raystown Lake / Saxton KOA at Four Seasons.
Battlefield exploration: Gettysburg National Military Park is accessible from several campgrounds in the region. "It's literally like a mile from downtown Gettysburg, which also has a lot of different things to do," writes a reviewer about Drummer Boy Camping Resort. Another camper suggests, "Visiting the outlets or Gettysburg battlefield is close by."
Fishing opportunities: Multiple camping areas provide fishing access without requiring a state license. At Friendship Village Campground, "There are multiple ponds on the property however only one of them can be fished in. No license is required for fishing here." Some campgrounds maintain stocked ponds for catch-and-release fishing only.
What campers like
Multiple swimming options: Many campgrounds feature swimming pools that operate during summer months. "There is a pool, basketball courts, fishing pond, mini golf (which was in pretty sad shape), and more," notes a camper about Harpers Ferry Campground. Another visitor to Drummer Boy Camping Resort mentions, "The campground offers free mini golf, a pool and a splash pad pool area."
Camp stores with essentials: Well-stocked stores are available at most established campgrounds. A camper at Little Orleans Campground reports, "Really a nice campground with great hosts. There is a fully stocked camp store with campground merch, blankets, snacks, toiletries, a lot of rv parts, refrigerated food necessities, pantry items, alcohol, cigarettes, games, fishing gear....really a lot of stuff!"
Weekend activities: Seasonal weekend events are common at larger campgrounds in the region. A visitor to Friendship Village Campground writes, "The property had a movie showing in their barn on Saturday night (Despicable Me) and they also seem to schedule a lot of live entertainment, mostly Bluegrass."
What you should know
Varying site privacy: Campsite spacing differs significantly between campgrounds and site types. "The site was pretty level and an okay side. Our site was separated from our neighbors site with nice foliage," reports one camper at Drummer Boy Camping Resort. In contrast, a visitor to Western Village RV Park notes, "Sites are so small that my truck was either parked over the firering or blocking our door. Our slideout is 3" from the neighbor site's picnic table."
Traffic and noise considerations: Highway and train noise affects some campgrounds. "The only downside is you are directly next to train tracks but being from the city, this noise doesn't bother my husband or me," explains a camper at Harpers Ferry Campground. Another reviewer comments about Friendship Village Campground: "The only thing we didn't like was all of the road noise. This campground is located by 2 major highways and truck traffic and Jake brake are constant all night long."
Seasonal availability: Operating dates vary by location. A camper notes about Drummer Boy Camping Resort, "Season runs Apr 1 to Oct 31," while others like Friendship Village Campground remain "open all year" according to their listing information.
Tips for camping with families
Activity options: Campgrounds offer varying recreational amenities for children. "There are many playgrounds spread out across the property as well as a jumping pillow and a very well-built gaga ball pit," notes a visitor to Friendship Village Campground. Another parent adds, "The best sites to stay at if you have kids are sites 145–171 as those are right beside the jumping pillow, playground and gaga ball pit."
Themed events: Seasonal activities cater to families with children. "They have themed weekend events, live music, bingo, golf cart parades, and potluck," shares a camper at Drummer Boy Camping Resort. Another mentions visiting during "Memorial Day weekend" when there was "a yard sale, vendor sale, golf cart parade, as well as other activities going on."
Bathroom facilities: Quality and proximity of facilities varies by location. "We used the bathhouses for our showers and they were much cleaner and better than others we've been in," reports a camper at Drummer Boy Camping Resort, though they note, "The bathhouses could definitely use some upgrading." Another camper at Little Orleans Campground warns, "Bath houses were kept clean but there was no hooks in the showers."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds have uneven terrain requiring adjustment. A visitor to Little Orleans Campground explains, "Our site P1 is a full hook up pull through but it's really unlevel. We ran out of blocks trying to level on this site and were still off a bit."
Hookup placements: RV hookup locations can create challenges at some sites. "Water and electric are in award spot on our site," notes a camper at Round Top Campground. Another visitor observes, "Septic dump was about 20 feet away and we had to use a extension to get to it."
Seasonal RV options: Many campgrounds cater to long-term seasonal RV guests. A visitor to Drummer Boy Camping Resort reports, "There seem to be a lot of seasonal campers but everyone was extremely nice and welcoming." Little Orleans Campground also features numerous permanent setups, with a visitor noting, "There are a ton of seasonal residences. The most half RV/half homes I've ever scene!"
