Campsites near Carlisle, Pennsylvania occupy diverse terrain in the Cumberland Valley region, ranging from 400 to 1,200 feet in elevation. The area experiences four distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F and winter lows frequently dropping below freezing from December through February. Most campgrounds in this region remain partially wooded, providing moderate shade even during peak summer months.
What to do
Hiking to scenic overlooks: At Pine Grove Furnace State Park, trails range from beginner-friendly paths to challenging routes. "Take a hike on the AT and then up to Pole Steeple for a great view! You may even bump into a through hiker excited to chat," reports Amanda H. The park serves as the midpoint of the Appalachian Trail, making it a popular spot for encountering long-distance hikers.
Water recreation beyond swimming: Gifford Pinchot State Park features fishing opportunities from multiple access points. One visitor noted, "Both areas have great access for fishing, and we caught a handful of bass and an absurd amount of bluegill from shore." The park maintains two separate day-use areas with distinct amenities and water access points.
Historical site exploration: Within the Colonel Denning area, visitors can explore regional iron-working history and tour historic structures. The proximity to Gettysburg (approximately 30 miles southwest) provides opportunities for historical day trips. "The park is also just north of the expansive Michaux State Forest, which has miles of trails for ATVs, biking, hiking/running," writes Carly E.
What campers like
Campsite privacy variations: Colonel Denning State Park Campground offers walk-in sites for those seeking seclusion. "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," shares Tiff T. These more isolated campsites require a short hike from parking areas.
Natural water features: Several campgrounds feature creek access where children can wade safely. At Paradise Stream Family Campground, creekside sites provide water access with electric hookups. "We stayed creekside so only had electric. The dump was up on the other side so had to pull a U turn, luckily our camper was small enough to make the turn," reports Jen R.
Well-maintained facilities: Campers consistently mention facility cleanliness as a deciding factor. "The bathhouse is very nice and clean," reports Casey L. about Colonel Denning State Park. Another visitor to Paradise Stream noted, "They go above and beyond to keep the grounds immaculate. The fire pits are even top notch."
What you should know
Site variations and limitations: Deer Run Campgrounds has tight camping spaces in some areas. "The sites for campers are very tight. Grounds are poorly laid out and maintained," reports Pru. Site selection matters significantly, as another camper noted, "Site 88 where we were appeared to be the largest non-seasonal site in the park."
Seasonal considerations: Most Carlisle area campgrounds operate from April through October, with limited winter camping options. Little Buffalo State Park remains open year-round but with reduced services during winter months. Water is typically shut off from November through March at most facilities.
Bathroom facility distribution: Bathroom access varies widely between campgrounds. At Mountain Creek Camp Ground, "Two bath houses, one near the entrance and one in the way back. May not be anything fancy or new, but they are clean," according to one camper. Some campgrounds have limited facilities requiring longer walks from certain sites.
Tips for camping with families
Water play options: Mountain Creek Camp Ground provides creek tubing opportunities for children. "Kids can play in creek with tubes or hunt critters," writes Barb C. The combination of pool access and natural water features gives families multiple cooling options during summer months.
Youth activities beyond swimming: Paradise Stream Family Campground offers diverse activities including "mini golf, ceramic painting, hiking, fishing, bike riding, sluicing for gems, game room." These structured activities provide entertainment regardless of weather conditions.
Transportation considerations: At larger campgrounds, distances between amenities can challenge younger children. "We stayed in the upper tent area. It's a walk to the pool and arcade area. As an adult I was fine with it. I have a 5 year old though and she got tired. Lesson learned: rent a golf cart ahead of time," advises Emily about Mountain Creek.
Tips from RVers
Hookup positioning: At Little Buffalo State Park Campground, RV sites require planning for utility connections. "We had one of the few full hook up sites," notes Shirley M., indicating the limited availability of comprehensive hookups. Most sites offer electric only, with water spigots shared between multiple campsites.
Turning radius challenges: Campgrounds in the mountainous terrain often have tight access roads. At Paradise Stream, one camper noted needing to "pull a U turn" at the dump station with a smaller camper. Larger rigs may struggle with some of the older campground layouts in the region.
Seasonal site considerations: Many campgrounds contain a mix of seasonal and temporary sites. "Deer Run is a mix campground of seasonal campers and short term campers," notes one visitor. This arrangement sometimes creates varying standards of site maintenance and available space between different camping areas.
