The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App

Best Campgrounds near Blain, PA

761 Reviews

Campgrounds near Blain, Pennsylvania provide several camping areas in the scenic Appalachian foothills region. Colonel Denning State Park and Paradise Stream Family Campground offer established options within a 15-mile radius of Blain. The surrounding area supports various camping styles including tent sites, RV hookups, and cabins, with several campgrounds featuring stream or lakeside locations. Many sites accommodate both tent and RV camping, while places like Paradise Stream also offer cabin rentals and glamping experiences.

Camping season typically runs from April through October at most facilities, though some like Colonel Denning remain open until December. Many campgrounds require reservations, especially during summer weekends and holiday periods. The region features varying terrain with some campgrounds nestled along streams while others sit at higher elevations near mountain trails. Most established sites provide electric hookups and basic amenities, while state park locations tend to have more primitive options. Road access varies throughout the area, with some sites requiring navigation on gravel or dirt roads. A camper noted, "Fowlers Hollow is extremely quiet and peaceful, probably one of the most remote PA state parks we've been to."

Pennsylvania's state parks in this region consistently receive positive reviews for their cleanliness and natural settings. Paradise Stream Family Campground stands out with multiple five-star ratings highlighting its well-maintained grounds and family-friendly atmosphere. Several visitors mentioned the quality of hiking opportunities, with trails directly accessible from some campgrounds. Water features prove particularly popular, with creekside sites frequently mentioned in reviews. Colonel Denning's sites near water received specific praise, with one visitor writing, "We love the dog friendly sites near the water, the kids and pups play all day!" Bathroom facilities at most established campgrounds maintain good cleanliness standards, though visitors to more remote locations should expect more basic amenities. The mix of state park campgrounds and private facilities provides options ranging from quiet, nature-focused experiences to more developed settings with activities and amenities.

Map showing campgrounds near Blain, PennsylvaniaExplore the Map

Best Camping Sites Near Blain, Pennsylvania (145)

    1. Colonel Denning State Park Campground

    7 Reviews
    Blain, PA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 776-5272

    $20 - $38 / night

    "Cleanest facilities of the year so far, amazing large flat sites, dog friendly and great stream right behind the sites."

    "We stayed in site 28 which was a walk-in site, this was perfect for us since we wanted to be further away from people and the light from the bathroom/shower facility."

    2. Paradise Stream Family Campground

    6 Reviews
    Blain, PA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 789-2117

    $35 - $150 / night

    "Tucked in the woods but near activities. The store is well stocked and also has a variety of sweet treats!"

    "It was also a gated entrance which was nice. We will definitely return."

    3. Buttonwood Campground

    14 Reviews
    Mifflintown, PA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 436-8334

    $30 - $78 / night

    "One is along the River and the other is situated near the camp store, playground and pool. This campground had it all! There was laser tag, playground, jump pillow, pedal carts!"

    "Buttonwood is actually divided in to two sections with the upper lot, which is near all the activities and pool; and the lower area, which is near the Juniata River. "

    4. Fowlers Hollow State Park Campground

    5 Reviews
    New Germantown, PA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 776-5272

    $18 - $45 / night

    "This is a small campground with about half the sites being rustic electric back-in sites and the other being rustic walk-to tent sites. We stayed in the walk-to section."

    "Several walking/hiking trails directly from the campground. Clean and convenient restrooms. Large sites."

    5. Little Buffalo State Park Campground

    18 Reviews
    New Bloomfield, PA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 567-9255

    $22 - $92 / night

    "A playground is near bathhouse in the campground, along with several hiking trails. The dump station is easily accessible. Firewood is also available for purchase at the campground."

    "The driving path is gravel with a steep hill at the end so if you can help it I would avoid sites 32,34,36 as they are VERY difficult to back into with larger rigs."

    6. Dogwood Acres Campground

    5 Reviews
    Newville, PA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 776-5203

    "It's close enough to 81 that's it's easy to find but tucked back in that you are not bothered by anyone."

    "Located a few miles off 81, in the country surrounded by beautiful views. It’s a mix campground of seasonal campers and short term campers. Very family oriented. Very nice off leash fenced dog park."

    7. Pine Grove Furnace State Park Campground

    25 Reviews
    Peach Glen, PA
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 486-7174

    $20 - $43 / night

    "It’s at the midpoint of the Appalachian Trail so there are lots of great hikes as well as a nice path between the two lakes. Our new favorite in Pennsylvania!"

    "We were right at the intersection near the campground entrance and one of the other loops, but it wasn't noisy at all. The drinking water was right next to our site, which was handy."

    8. Free Spirit Campground

    1 Review
    Loysville, PA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 880-3747

    $30 - $50 / night

    "Bugs weren’t too bad for being right next to the woods. I think we paid $35. Camp hosts were super nice, they don’t leave the picnic tables out so they bring one out to you."

    9. Caledonia State Park Campground

    33 Reviews
    Fayetteville, PA
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 352-2161

    $20 - $92 / night

    "Stayed here two nights while visiting Gettysburg (short 20mi drive between the two). Stayed on Chinquapin Hill, each site has picnic table and fire ring and good space for camp."

    "It’s a fantastic state park with great picnic areas next to the creek. You can also drive up the road to the dam where there’s a beautiful lake with fishing, kayaking, etc."

    10. Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground

    56 Reviews
    Wellsville, PA
    37 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 292-4112

    $20 - $89 / night

    "We have a small camper and there are some great sites on the lake side to park it where you can get AMAZING sunset views.  "

    "We had site 108 which is an electric site along the shore and close to the beach, and it was perfect for our needs. "

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 145 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Blain Contest

Enter to Win

Recent Camping Photos near Blain, PA

364 Photos of 145 Blain Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Blain, PA

761 Reviews of 145 Blain Campgrounds

  • Brian C.
    Sep. 17, 2025

    Cowans Gap State Park Campground

    Solid State Park Camping

    Stayed in a walk-in tent site. Much better spacing than typical sites, though sites 2 & 3 were basically connected. The non-walk in sites in Loop B are typical to smaller than average and mostly suited for campers/RVs.

    Pros : Site spacing/privacy was good Bathrooms and showers were clean. Firewood available at the park ($5 for 6 pieces self-serve). Location near the dam and lake trail is nice. Cell service was limited, but had reliable (but low) signal with T-Mobile at my site. Easy access (on foot) to all of the hiking trails.

    Cons: 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. Droning generator noise was on/off at all hours of the day and went on until 10pm in the evening. Not sure how far up in Loop B this was heard, but it was pretty loud in the walk-in site area.

  • Marcandpatti B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 11, 2025

    Gettysburg Campground

    Good spot for Gettysburg, a bit spendy.

    We stayed here mid-week in September so it was very quiet. There was a bit of road noise as our site was close to the entrance. Host was super friendly. They have a bunch of things going on with groups that stay here; next group is quilters with vintage trailers, sorry to miss that. All of the utilities worked just fine. Sites re a bit close to each other, not a lot of foliage between sites.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 9, 2025

    Artillery Ridge Campground

    Great location and friendly staff

    We have a motorhome with no additional vehicle and two dogs, and this site couldn’t have been more perfect for us. A dog park, walking distance to most everything we wanted to see. The national park is mostly dog friendly. My husband caught a fish first day in the pond behind our site. The staff was super friendly and welcoming.

  • p
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Artillery Ridge Campground

    Rv stay

    Site and bathrooms clean. Activities provided free each day. Food trucks in park. Close to museum and battleground sites.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 7, 2025

    Round Top Campground

    Better than OK

    Stayed for 2 days while passing through from FL to NH. Off-season so not crowded. Pool was clean and quite good sized, had it to ourselves due to season. Did laundry while here, ample laundry room. On-site extras include food-truck restaurant and small country goods vendor during our stay. Office staff did ok. Sites have reasonable spacing with gravel pads, mostly level. Trees between sites with sloping hills , not just a big open field. It’s a corporate site so automated web-based reservation system was finicky so we had to verify reservation went through. Tried to book 2 nights but system only set us up for 1. Phone call to help line easily resolved the issue. Quiet and no spotlights on all night.

  • Stephen W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 7, 2025

    Hersheypark Camping Resort

    Very clean campground friendly staff

    We stay here once a year in September. Stone surface. Not to bad for leveling. Our site was spacious.

  • SkywaystoHighways.com Y.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground

    Peace and quiet !

    Great spot! We had site 114 . It has water access and is right next to a small man made beach and playground. Bathrooms were in good shape. Sites were of ample size and well spaced.

  • S
    Sep. 3, 2025

    Rothrock Roadside Campsites — Rothrock State Forest

    Nice spot to camp in the mountains

    First I'll just say that the Rothrock campsites should probably each be listed separately, rather than as a group; they are very spread out throughout the State Forest and each is a different experience.  This review will be for site 002 Colerain Road.  

    This site is accessed by driving up a bit of a winding dirt road up the mountain.  It's easy enough during the summer, though the road is narrow and you've got some sharp bends depending on which way you come from.  This road is not safe to access in the winter in my opinion.  

    The parking is just right off the road, and there's a picnic table and large stone fire ring near the parking.  There's a small path further up the hill into the woods where there is a tent pad, another fire ring and another picnic table.  There are also a lot of flat spots nearby for additional tents to be set up.  

    Just behind the upper tent site is the top of the mountain, and the site has their own private overlook to the valley below.  The site is pretty remote, though there were vehicles and the occasional biker coming up the road.  Traffic may have been busier than usual the weekend we went because there was the Mid Atlantic Overland festival nearby at the same time.  At one point a family parked in the campsite's parking to start a walk... (there's a better trailhead up closer to Indian Lookout they should have used).

    No hookups, water, bathrooms, etc; its fully primitive camping here.  Cell coverage was fine on Xfinity Mobile (Verizon). 

    These sites used to be totally free but they're now $10 a night.  You still need to book a while out if you want to be here on a weekend, especially during the fall when Penn State is playing.

Guide to Blain

Camping near Blain, Pennsylvania, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled weekend, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the Appalachian Trail, which runs near Caledonia State Park Campground. One camper mentioned, "Nice creek running through. Pool. Appalachian trail runs right by it."
  • Fishing and Swimming: Enjoy fishing and swimming at Lake Raystown Resort. A visitor said, "Raystown lake is incredible for fishing and swimming."
  • Visit Historical Sites: Check out the nearby Gettysburg battlefields while staying at Gettysburg / Battlefield KOA. One reviewer noted, "Just 15-minutes to historic sites, restaurants, and breweries."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the campgrounds. At Buttonwood Campground, one guest said, "Bathrooms were really clean and had really nice showers."
  • Friendly Atmosphere: Many visitors enjoy the welcoming vibe. A reviewer at Cowans Gap State Park Campground mentioned, "The campground has a beach swim area with concession stand, picnic area with tables, and large bath house."
  • Privacy: Campers value the spacious sites. A visitor at Pine Grove Furnace State Park Campground said, "Sites are nicely spaced except for a few that are tucked into a few odd-shaped places."

What you should know:

  • Limited Cell Service: Be prepared for spotty cell service in many areas. A camper at Cowans Gap State Park Campground noted, "We had no cell service with Cricket or Verizon."
  • Check Site Amenities: Some sites may not have full hookups. A visitor at Seven Points mentioned, "The sites are mostly well kept, but only electric at site."
  • Alcohol Policies: Some campgrounds have strict no-alcohol policies. For example, Little Buffalo State Park Campground enforces this rule, as noted by a camper who said, "Rangers are on site a lot and enforce the no alcohol policy."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Activities for Kids: Look for campgrounds with fun activities. At Buttonwood Campground, one reviewer said, "There was laser tag, playground, jump pillow, pedal carts!"
  • Spacious Sites: Choose campgrounds with larger sites for family comfort. A visitor at Lake Raystown Resort mentioned, "The campground is relatively flat and on the shore of Lake Raystown."
  • Plan for Meals: Bring food and snacks, as some campgrounds may not have markets nearby. A camper at Pine Grove Furnace State Park Campground advised, "The store is really just a small carry out with a few things, so bring everything you are planning to have in with you."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Gettysburg / Battlefield KOA said, "The site was big enough for our motor home and Jeep."
  • Utilities Location: Be aware of where utilities are located. A visitor at Caledonia State Park Campground mentioned, "It would be a 10 if the utilities were closer to the back of the site."
  • Dump Station Access: Know where the dump stations are. A camper at Cowans Gap State Park Campground noted, "Easy access to dump station."

Camping near Blain, Pennsylvania, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Blain, PA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Blain, PA is Colonel Denning State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 7 reviews.

Keep Exploring