Tent campsites near Brogue, Pennsylvania offer options for both primitive and established camping experiences. Situated in York County along the Susquehanna River corridor, the area features undulating terrain with elevations ranging from 400 to 700 feet. Camping facilities remain open primarily from spring through fall, with most locations closing between November and March due to seasonal conditions.
What to do
Hiking to water features: At Patapsco Valley State Park-Hilton Area, trails lead to scenic water spots. One camper noted, "You can also gain access to the Patapsco River by traveling down into the river valley along the Forest Glen Trail. This trail follows the Saw Mill Branch Stream and can connect with several trails to make for very interesting hiking adventures."
Fishing in stocked ponds: Hibernia County Park offers accessible fishing opportunities. A visitor mentioned that "The children's pond is a short ways away for well stocked fishing," making it particularly suitable for young anglers.
Biking on park trails: Tent campers at Susquehannock State Park can access biking paths with river views. According to one review, "There's a great bike trail to the Conowingo dam which is a nice place to visit, and a great place to see lots of eagles. There are amazing wildflowers on that trail. You can bike to the trail from the campground. All downhill. So be ready for the climb back up."
What campers like
Creek-side temperature control: Mill Creek Camping Area offers natural cooling benefits. One camper noted, "Campsite for where we stayed is down by the creek making for a cooler camping experience and love the sound of water flowing at night."
Spacious tent sites: Multiple camping areas near Brogue offer larger-than-average tent spaces. A Mill Creek visitor mentioned, "Campgrounds are spaced out large spaces for multiple tents, camping cost $25 a night flat rate, for up to 6 days."
Wildlife viewing: Starry Pond and other area campgrounds provide opportunities to observe local fauna. At nearby Patapsco Valley, a camper described how "The small crabs were skittering around the campsite and birds perched in the marsh."
What you should know
Walk-in site logistics: Lower Allen Community Park requires minimal hiking to reach sites. A visitor explained, "Cute site in a local township park that not many people know about. There actually three total. You just need to call the township to reserve."
Limited facilities: Most tent campsites near Brogue operate with minimal amenities. Hibernia County Park offers "$15 a night, but you only get picnic table and fire ring. No hook ups."
Seasonal closures: Check opening dates before planning trips. Patapsco Valley operates from "April 1 to October 30," while Hibernia County Park runs from "May to October."
Trail traffic: Public pathways often run near or through camping areas. A Mill Creek camper reported, "The campground is not a far walk from the parking lot. Great tree coverage. Hikers take any trail instead of marked trails regardless of families camping in private areas."
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and nature centers: Several campgrounds feature kid-focused amenities. At Patapsco Valley State Park-Hilton Area, "There is a huge playground, sensory trail and nature discovery center at the entrance to the park."
Easy trails with kids: Choose hiking routes designed for younger explorers. A visitor noted, "The Hilton entrance of Patapsco Valley Park is perfect for keeping the kids entertained. There is a huge playground, sensory trail and nature discovery center at the entrance to the park."
Weather considerations: Be prepared for water flow issues after storms. One camper warned, "One negative was that when it rains it really flushes through the grounds. We had a site on the lower end of the loop and our site was hard to set up as we arrived during a storm."
Tips for RVers
Limited RV options: Very few tent campgrounds near Brogue accommodate larger vehicles. At Hibernia County Park, a camper advised, "We camp in a 28ft 5th wheel for the most part. There are NO HOOKUPS, and water is not easy to come by if you are in an RV. If you are coming in an RV, you should come with a full water tank."
Site selection for larger units: Choose sites carefully based on size and terrain. The same Hibernia camper noted, "Though at first glance the sites don't look big enough to house an RV, there are a few sites that will, including #3, #17 & #18 and plenty of sites will fit a small RV or pop up camper. They aren't level, but nothing a little creative positioning can't fix."
Dump station planning: Prepare for limited waste disposal options. One RVer warned, "There is NO DUMP STATION. There are a few nearby campgrounds that will let you dump for a fee, otherwise, you'll have to look for a truck stop on the way home."
