Best Tent Camping near Boiling Springs, PA

State parks and public lands surrounding Boiling Springs, Pennsylvania offer several tent-only camping options within a short drive. Penn Roosevelt State Park Campground provides primitive tent camping with sites spaced along a small lake, while Reeds Gap State Park features tent-only sites along Honey Creek. Lower Allen Community Park offers walk-in tent sites situated directly on Yellow Breeches Creek, making it popular for kayak-in camping. The Appalachian Trail corridor, which passes near Boiling Springs, includes backcountry tent camping at designated sites.

Most tent campgrounds in the region feature basic amenities with varying levels of accessibility. Penn Roosevelt's sites include fire rings, picnic tables, and access to vault toilets, though campers should bring their own water or be prepared to filter from natural sources. Reeds Gap provides more developed facilities with hot showers and drinking water available near the picnic pavilion. Sites typically consist of level dirt or gravel pads with surrounding forest duff. Cell service is limited or non-existent at most locations, particularly at Penn Roosevelt and Reeds Gap. Parks enforce quiet hours and many require advance reservations, though some operate on first-come, first-served or honor system payment methods.

Tent campers frequently mention the peaceful atmosphere as a primary draw. According to reviews, Penn Roosevelt offers exceptional seclusion: "It was so secluded, I heard nothing but nature for over an hour before a plane flew over." Sites near water tend to be most popular, with one camper noting that creek-side locations at Reeds Gap provide "a cooler camping experience with the sound of water flowing at night." Lower Allen Community Park's tent sites allow campers to put in kayaks upstream and float down to their campsite. Most primitive tent camping areas maintain good tree coverage, providing natural shade and privacy between sites, though some locations at Reeds Gap are noted to be closer to access roads.

Best Tent Sites Near Boiling Springs, Pennsylvania (15)

    1. Lower Allen Community Park

    1 Review
    Lewisberry, PA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 975-7575

    $10 - $25 / night

    "The park is in the suburbs so it’s close to lots of things. They do lock the park at dusk though. They have portapotties, fire pits, and picnic tables."

    2. Warm Springs Camp

    Be the first to review!
    Shermans Dale, PA
    13 miles
    +1 (717) 870-4514

    4. Reeds Gap State Park Campground

    6 Reviews
    Milroy, PA
    43 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 667-3622

    $22 / night

    "Then I go find a deserted section and a picnic table and just sit down. Immediately I can feel every bit is stress or anxiety dissipate."

    "Nice and peaceful with a dozen or so tent only sites. We got a nice one tucked back in the trees, but a few of them are pretty close to the road - not like it's terribly busy."

    5. Annapolis Rock Campground — Appalachian National Scenic Trail

    5 Reviews
    Myersville, MD
    48 miles
    Website

    "Annapolis Rock Campground is right off the Appalachian Trail just about 1/5 of a mile before Annapolis Rock overlook."

    "great primitive campsite that has undergone major restorations and preventative measures to reverse the damage from huge camping crowds of the past. no fires, but there are two privies and a really nice"

    6. Penn Roosevelt State Park Campground

    5 Reviews
    Boalsburg, PA
    49 miles
    Website
    +1 (814) 667-1800

    $25 / night

    "Beautiful primitive campground (tent only). Get a site on the outside towards the water. They are spaced out and peaceful. Has restrooms (no shower), picnic table, and fire pit at each site."

    "The sites are tent only and pretty close together but some still feel secluded. Very accessible and the park has some good trails."

    7. Standing Stone Farm

    Be the first to review!
    Mifflintown, PA
    29 miles
    +1 (717) 247-4692

    $25 - $50 / night

    8. STAR LEE FARM

    2 Reviews
    Calvin, PA
    49 miles
    +1 (303) 328-1703

    "There's a huge field to start gaze as well as taking pictures, lots of hiking and if you're a bee enthusiast they grow their own honey in the property and you're more than welcome to walk around and look"

    "We're so happy to welcome this new property to our platform. Check them out, and come back here to leave them some love."

    9. Mill Creek Camping Area

    2 Reviews
    Lancaster, PA
    47 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 299-8215

    $23 / night

    "Campgrounds are spaced out large spaces for multiple tents, camping cost $25 a night flat rate, for up to 6 days. Campground will refund you if rain prevents your stay or allow you to rebook."

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Tent Camping Reviews near Boiling Springs, PA

826 Reviews of 15 Boiling Springs Campgrounds


  • Lee D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 31, 2019

    Greenbrier State Park Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED

    Nice hiking opportunities!

    Ranger Review: Firebiner and Fiber Light Fire Starter at Greenbrier State Park

    **Campground Review: **

    We were here one week before this campground closed for the season (open April through October) and it was so quiet that it was hard to imagine what it is like in the summer when the beach is open and the campground is likely full. There are four loops; two with no hookups and no pets allowed, one with no hookups that allow pets and one with electric sites that allow pets. Each site is clearly defined, and the sites all appeared level with gravel pads. The bathrooms were reasonable. There are several trails in the campground plus it is close to several AT day hikes.

    There is a large day-use area and beach with lots of picnic tables. While the beach was closed for swimming, we saw a kayaker and two people fishing from a boat. Many hiking trails and this is an excellent place to camp if you’d like to do AT day hikes.

    ------------------------- 

    Product Review: 

    As a Ranger for The Dyrt, I have the opportunity to test products. At this campground, we tested the Firebiner and Fiber Light Fire Starter by Outdoor Elements. I’m reviewing both products since they can be used together, and we had much more luck with one than the other. 

    Upon unpacking my box from Outdoor Elements, my first experience was that it took a sharp knife to free the Firebiner from its cardboard backing, which was not an auspicious start. Once at our campground, we were able to use the safety blade to easily open the plastic packaging on our firewood. Unfortunately, it took several tries by two men trying the Firebiner to get a spark; they had to really crank on it, and it was not enough to light a fire. I’m guessing that with more patience and practice, it would have worked. Admittedly, we are car campers and not backpackers (and have the luxury of being able to carry/use a butane lighter), but I was looking forward to trying a new method. 

    We did use the Fiber Light Fire Starter and using our tried and true fire-starting methods, we got a roaring fire started very quickly. So, we had a 50% success! Packed in a small tin, you only need a pinch to easily get a fire started so we will use this in the future. 

    We also used the cutting tool on the Firebiner a few days later to remove the wristband from an activity we participated in and also used it to hang our lantern on a hook; this little tool is very strong (did not test but appreciate the 100-pound weight limit). I appreciate that it can also be used as a screwdriver, so the Firebiner is truly a multi-use tool!

  • Joann&WellsThePup I.
    Jul. 14, 2021

    Penn Roosevelt State Park Campground

    Quiet camping

    Beautiful primitive campground (tent only). Get a site on the outside towards the water. They are spaced out and peaceful. Has restrooms (no shower), picnic table, and fire pit at each site. Short walk to creek and beautiful pond.

  • Rick W.
    Aug. 15, 2022

    Colonel Denning State Park Campground

    Tent camping sites

    Walk in sites have picnic table and fire ring. Tent pads are level and smooth. Showers and restrooms are close to sites. Strongly recommend...

  • Nick C.
    Jun. 19, 2022

    Owens Creek Campground — Catoctin Mountain Park

    Cozy and Clean - Lots of Firewood

    The sites are very clean but close to each Other. You can hear the kids and families and all that. The sites have a nice mulched tent pad, fire ring / grill grate, lantern pole and picnic table. There is a firewood hut at the entrance and you can take what you need - just leAve a donation. The bathrooms are very clean and there’s some trails around the creek (dry creek/ nothing impressive)

  • Craig F.
    Jul. 1, 2019

    Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground

    Fun Camping and Lake Activities

    We had a wonderful stay at Gifford Pinchot State Park! 

    The camping area at GP is separated into A loop and B loops with approximately 300 sites. All sites had a paved pad, varying in size depending on the location, with tent site being smaller. Most sites have electric and there are 22 full hookup sites in the camping area. Both loops are peninsulas into the lake, which is convenient to launching boats directly from many sites. Loop A is closer to the designated swimming area with a sandy beach and playground. B loop is closer to many of the hiking trails and also several boat launch areas. It is nice that the camping area and amenities are separated from the public day use area. At the entrance to the camping area there are three dump stations. 

    During our stay we were at a full hookup site which was very spacious and often hard to find in PA State Parks. Our site was#299 and for some reason the entire site was paved/blacktop, which was different than all the other sites where the pad was paved and the picnic table area was gravel/grass. While this site made it easy to level our camper, it became quite hot in the afternoon/evening after the sun had baked it all day.

    Overall, we thoroughly enjoyed GP and couldn’t believe we hadn’t visited before because it is a great state park. Wood is available for purchase at the campground hosts’ sites and ice at the park office. As with most PA state parks, quiet hours are at 9:00PM, which is a bit early, and there is no alcohol allowed in the park. We look forward to returning to GP in the future.

  • Roger W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 2, 2023

    Owens Creek Campground — Catoctin Mountain Park

    Peaceful w filtered sun

    Owens Creek Campground : (Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good (70 yr olds in 17’ trailer) Overall Rating: 4.5 Price: $15/night w senior pass Usage during visit: very low including Fri night Site Privacy: understory trees, filter l e of site in many sites. Site Spacing: most very nicely spaced Site surface: blacktop Reservations: Yes Campground Noise: Very quiet Road Noise: Only a bit in first few campsites Through Traffic: no problem Electricity: No Water: Spigots at bathhouses Sewer: No Dump: No Generators: 6 AM to 10 PM Bathroom: Old but very clean.
    Showers: Yes. Double curtains Pull Throughs: Some Cell Service (Verizon): Very good Setting: A thick deciduous forest Weather: nice. Cooler because of shade Bugs: A few. Will probably increase as month moves on Solar: Too much shade for fixed solar panels Host: Yes Rig size: Not all sites will accommodate a 22’ trailing. Sites: Pictures are of some of the best sites. My favs: 14 nice woods view , (28 & 29 hear creek,)37. 45, 46

  • 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.

  • K
    Sep. 1, 2021

    Codorus State Park Campground

    Nice campground for primitive tenting

    Large campground but only 15 sites dedicated to“roughin’ it” tent camping. However, those sites are isolated from the others. The tent sites were in very good condition, spaced well, and fairly private. Most sites have plenty of shade and grassy, though a few are dirt only. Many sites within walking distance from the lake(no swimming) and set up for you to store and launch your kayak or other boat. Water, bathrooms, and showers a little distant but everything clean and in excellent condition. Ice and firewood available on the grounds. There is also a small store but I didn’t see it because it was open for very limited weekend hours only. Otherwise, major grocery stores are only a few minutes’ drive. Definitely going back…!

  • J
    Sep. 19, 2021

    Poe Paddy State Park Campground

    Great little campground

    I’ve stayed here twice for camping trips. It’s a great small campground that has basic amenities. The experience is likely highly site dependent, as there are a few distinct areas to stay depending on your needs and luck. There is NO cell service and park rangers do “rounds” but aren’t stationed at the site. There are a couple of water pumps, several well-maintained pit toilets, and an emergency phone. It’s about 20-30 min to gas. There’s no camp store here but about 3.5 miles away at Poe Valley there’s a store, real bathrooms and showers, kayaking rentals, etc. There’s a guy that sells firewood just past Poe Valley. The Poe Paddy sites I prefer are well-shaded, fairly large, surrounded by trees, and private (but you’ll be able to hear a couple neighbors). Dogs are only allowed in the RV loop, which is intense gravel, so be sure you have a good sleeping pad if you’re tent camping. The campground is in the middle of the dense Bald Eagle State Forest with lots of hiking opportunities. The creek that runs through Poe Paddy is awesome for wading and people also tube it when conditions are right. Get a Purple Lizard map for best enjoyment of the area.


Guide to Boiling Springs

Tent campsites near Boiling Springs, Pennsylvania sit within the Ridge and Valley section of the Appalachian Mountains, where elevations range from 400 to 2,100 feet. The region experiences distinct seasons with hot summers reaching the upper 80s and cold winters dropping below freezing. Fall camping offers colorful foliage with temperatures averaging 45-65°F from late September through November.

What to do

Creek activities: Try kayaking or fishing at Lower Allen Community Park where sites positioned along Yellow Breeches Creek offer water access. "The sites sit right along the Yellow Breeches creak so you can put in a few miles up and float down to your site. There is parking right there," notes reviewer Joann&WellsThePup I.

Stargazing: Clear night skies at Star Lee Farm provide exceptional viewing conditions. "There's a huge field to start gaze as well as taking pictures," reports camper Tiana S. The farm also welcomes bee enthusiasts to "walk around and look at all the boxes" where they produce honey.

Hiking: Multiple trail options connect campsites to longer routes. At Reeds Gap State Park Campground, campers can access "a nice easy hiking trail that follows" Honey Creek according to Danielle C. The paths range from flat creek-side walks to more challenging elevation gains.

What campers like

Quiet atmosphere: Peaceful settings let nature sounds dominate the experience. At Penn Roosevelt State Park Campground, Chuck M. noted, "It was so secluded, I heard nothing but nature for over an hour before a plane flew over." Many sites lack cell service, creating a true disconnect.

Water proximity: Creek-adjacent sites offer natural cooling and ambient sound. At Mill Creek Camping Area, Meagan J. appreciates how "camping down by the creek makes for a cooler camping experience and love the sound of water flowing at night." Philip B. confirms "the stream is refreshing and the site stays fairly cool."

Site spacing: Good separation between tent spots at most locations. Joann&WellsThePup I. describes Penn Roosevelt as having sites "spaced out and peaceful" especially if you "get a site on the outside towards the water." Denise D. confirms "some sites are very private" at this location.

What you should know

Self-sufficient camping: Limited amenities require preparation. Denise D. advises about Penn Roosevelt: "Make sure you bring everything you need as the isn't a store nearby," noting it's "a bit primitive having only bathrooms and water in several spots in the campground."

Reservation systems vary: Some campgrounds use honor systems while others require advance booking. At Reeds Gap State Park Campground, Cheryl K. reports "Stayed here on a Sunday night without a reservation. We were the only ones there. Pay by honor system at the park office."

Public access issues: Some camping areas intersect with day-use trails. At Lancaster County Mill Creek Camping Area, Philip B. warns "The site is public access and there are lots of hikes, joggers, and people expecting you not to be camping. I was woke up every morning by people walking through the site."

Tips for camping with families

Playground access: Kid-friendly facilities available at select parks. Rebecca G. mentions Reeds Gap has "picnic pavilions and a playground for the kids" making it suitable for family outings with children who need activity options.

Accessible water play: Stream access points provide natural recreation. Philip B. notes about Mill Creek that "when it hits the high temperatures a quick dip in the water is amazing" – creating natural water play areas that don't require swimming skills.

Low-tech entertainment: No-cell-service areas encourage family interactions. Danielle C. advises about Reeds Gap: "Put your phone away cuz there's no cell service here!" This creates opportunities for family games, storytelling, and unplugged quality time.

Tips from RVers

Size limitations: Most sites tent-focused with limited RV access. Chuck M. warns about Penn Roosevelt, "If you have a trailer, I do not recommend this spot. There is a very tight hairpin turn on the way in. My six foot long trailer barely made the turn!"

Utility challenges: Water and electric hookups scarce in this region. At Annapolis Rock Campground on the Appalachian Trail, Bob S. notes it's a "backpacking campground" with only a "spring and compost outhouse" – typical of the primitive facilities throughout the area.

Seasonal considerations: Operating periods vary by location. Reeds Gap State Park operates from "2nd Friday in April to 2nd Sunday in October" while Penn Roosevelt remains open "All year" – important for planning RV trips that need reliable access.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Boiling Springs, PA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Boiling Springs, PA is Lower Allen Community Park with a 5-star rating from 1 review.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Boiling Springs, PA?

TheDyrt.com has all 15 tent camping locations near Boiling Springs, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.