Nestled in the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, Biglerville, Pennsylvania sits at an elevation of approximately 640 feet with mild summers averaging 83°F and winters dipping to the mid-20s. The surrounding Adams County terrain features rolling hills with mixed hardwood forests that create varied camping conditions across 25,000 acres of public lands. Winter camping options remain limited with most campgrounds closing between late October and early April.
What to do
Battlefield exploration: 3-minute drive from Artillery Ridge Campground, which borders historic sites where Union forces stationed artillery during the Civil War. "We camped 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," notes MJ B.
Lake swimming: 15 miles north at Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground with a dedicated swimming beach that implements special fencing to keep geese out of the swimming area. "The LARGE beach area in the QR day use area is one of the nicest I've ever seen at a PA state park, with tons of picnic tables with grills, a playground, a volleyball court," reports Danielle V.
Creek tubing: seasonal activity at Mountain Creek Camp Ground where the waterway runs shallow enough for children. "The kids had a blast, tubing in the creek, swimming pool and an excellent camp store. Sites in some areas are tight, real tight. Over all, a good camping experience," says Jim C.
What campers like
Quiet tent areas: separate from RVs at Gettysburg Campground where tent sites back up to Marsh Creek. "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. The tenting area is calm and has a creek right next to it to listen to in the evening and morning," writes Dave G.
Woodland yurts: spacious options for yurt camping near Biglerville, Pennsylvania at Codorus State Park Campground with climate-controlled interiors. "For the most part we didn't notice any that really seem to be right on top of each other, but we think the site we got was the best one in the park. We were in 132, which was huge and had nice open flat areas for the tent," shares J K.
Fishing ponds: small catch-and-release spots at Deer Run Campgrounds provide convenient options for anglers. "My husband caught a fish first day in the pond behind our site. The staff was super friendly and welcoming," mentions Justine I. about her experience at a nearby campground.
What you should know
Sites vary significantly in quality: Many campgrounds have tight spacing between sites, particularly for RVs. "It is a wonderful place to have Kids. tons of things for them to do. we were in tent sites which felt bigger than most and were right by river. not far to go anywhere walking," explains Kelly J. of Gettysburg Campground.
Seasonal closures: most facilities operate from April through October with limited winter availability. "Gettysburg Battlefield Resort is a membership resort. As such, it has a great pool, most of the sites are level, and nice bathhouse facilities. It also has a lake and cabins available," notes Gregory L.
Bathroom facilities: inconsistent maintenance across different campgrounds, especially during peak season. "Bathhouse and activities can be a hike. Some areas flood when it rains hard," warns barb C. about Mountain Creek Camp Ground's facilities.
Tips for camping with families
Weekend activities: scheduled events keep children entertained at Granite Hill Camping Resort during summer months. "Granite Hill has great facilities; free showers, a playground, mini golf and two small ponds for fishing. Plus they plan lots of weekend events," shares Cindy P.
Playground proximity: select sites near play areas for easier supervision. "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," recommends Larry N.
Hiking difficulty: trails vary widely with family-friendly options. "The 3-yo had no issues on the trails. The volunteer staff were awesome and extremely helpful. Can't wait to come back!!" exclaims Buck P. about his experience at Cunningham Falls State Park.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: bring blocks as many campgrounds have uneven terrain. "The sites were very clean, no trash, and pretty level. The staff, Glenda, were very helpful. Clean restrooms. Nice little fishing pond," reports Greg W. about his experience at a local campground.
Hookup locations: check positioning before booking as some sites have unusual arrangements. "The hookups are oddly spaced and you need to ensure you have extentions handy. My electric hookup didn't work on 30A," warns Bobby S.
Yurt camping alternatives: deluxe cabins provide similar comfort to Pennsylvania yurts near Biglerville with more privacy. "We took our 3 yo camping for the first time here. He had so much fun. It was clean campground located in a State Park. Easy walk to the lake with a small beach," writes Julie Y. about her family's stay at a nearby park.
