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Best Campgrounds near Carlisle, PA

823 Reviews

Carlisle, PA offers several good campgrounds with different features for campers. Pinch Pond Family Campground has both RV and tent sites, plus a community pool and arcade games that families enjoy. Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground is close by and known for clean bathrooms and well-kept campsites. Cowans Gap State Park Campground has a swimming area that's nice on hot days. These places all have their own feel, so you can pick what matches your camping style. Getting to these campgrounds is pretty easy since the roads are clearly marked. Spring and fall are usually the best times to visit when the weather isn't too hot or cold. Winter can be tricky with some areas closed from snow, and summer tends to be crowded. It's smart to check road conditions and any seasonal rules before you head out. Whether you bring an RV or tent, the campgrounds around Carlisle have good facilities to make your trip comfortable.

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Best Camping Sites Near Carlisle, Pennsylvania (122)

    1. Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground

    55 Reviews
    Wellsville, PA
    19 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. "

    2. Pine Grove Furnace State Park Campground

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

    $10 - $70 / 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."

    3. Mountain Creek Camp Ground

    8 Reviews
    Peach Glen, PA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 486-7681

    "Campsites could be further apart and there's only one bathhouse and it's at the entrance."

    "Two bath houses, one near the entrance and one in the way back. May not be anything fancy or new, but they are clean. Staff needed to be reminded about activities scheduled during the week."

    4. Little Buffalo State Park Campground

    18 Reviews
    New Bloomfield, PA
    18 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."

    5. Deer Run Campgrounds

    7 Reviews
    Mount Holly Springs, PA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 486-8168

    "This central Pa campground is located a short drive to many attractions. Amish Country, Hershey, Gettysburg, and winerys are within 40 min drive. There are many things to do at the campground, also."

    6. Colonel Denning State Park Campground

    7 Reviews
    Blain, PA
    12 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."

    7. Dogwood Acres Campground

    5 Reviews
    Newville, PA
    10 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."

    8. Caledonia State Park Campground

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

    $10 - $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."

    9. Western Village RV Park

    5 Reviews
    Carlisle, PA
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 243-1179

    10. Michaux State Forest

    12 Reviews
    Shippensburg, PA
    19 miles
    Website

    $10 / night

    "No water close by so you’ll have to bring it. Short walk from car to site. Lots of trails and a golf course close by. Free permit required but you can now get it online"

    "Walk in tent site. No amenities, dispersed camping only. Next to a water source that runs well in Spring/Early summer. Midsummer and early Fall can be iffy, so bring a backup."

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Recent Reviews near Carlisle, PA

823 Reviews of 122 Carlisle Campgrounds

Guide to Carlisle

Camping near Carlisle, Pennsylvania, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a family-friendly adventure, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails at Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground. One reviewer mentioned, "We love this park… it's one of our favorites! The lake is very nice and it's a very family park!"
  • Fishing: Head to Codorus State Park Campground for some fishing fun. A visitor shared, "This campground isn't too far from our home… The sites are fairly large and they do have some full hookup sites which is nice."
  • Swimming: Enjoy the swimming area at Cowans Gap State Park Campground. One camper noted, "The campground has a beach swim area with concession stand, picnic area with tables, and large bath house."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness at Greenbrier State Park Campground. A reviewer said, "The bath houses & sites are always clean, camp hosts are friendly and park rangers are present and helpful."
  • Spacious Sites: Many enjoy the spaciousness at Caledonia State Park Campground. One visitor remarked, "Perfectly located for a 100% relaxing experience. Great infrastructure and great sites."
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Families love the activities at Gettysburg / Battlefield KOA. A guest mentioned, "They have plenty of activities for the kids from swimming, mini golf, and a scavenger hunt!"

What you should know:

  • No Cell Service: If you’re planning to stay at Cowans Gap State Park Campground, be prepared for no cell service. One camper noted, "There is none. NONE. No AT&T, no Verizon, no TMobile."
  • Crowded During Peak Season: Expect crowds at Cunningham Falls State Park. A visitor shared, "The only downsides for us were that the campsites were relatively small, and close together."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Owens Creek Campground, have basic amenities. A reviewer mentioned, "The sites are very clean but close to each other."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Kid-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places like Greenbrier State Park Campground where kids can enjoy the swimming lake. One parent said, "The park includes excellent amenities for the picnic and day-use person as well as the camper."
  • Plan Activities: Make sure to plan activities like hiking and fishing. A camper at Pine Grove Furnace State Park Campground said, "There are a ton of different activities to do."
  • Pack Snacks: Keep snacks handy for the kids. A visitor at Hersheypark Camping Resort mentioned, "The store has just about anything you would need while visiting."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure to check the size of the sites at Hersheypark Camping Resort. One RV owner noted, "The ONLY good thing this RV park has going is the Hershey park bus that runs all day back and forth."
  • Book Early: Popular spots like Gettysburg / Battlefield KOA fill up fast. A visitor shared, "This is a great campground in a great location and we can’t wait to go back!"
  • Bring Leveling Blocks: Some sites can be unlevel. A camper at Caledonia State Park Campground mentioned, "It would be a 10 if the utilities were closer to the back of the site."

Camping near Carlisle, 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 Carlisle, PA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Carlisle, PA is Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground with a 4.2-star rating from 55 reviews.

What parks are near Carlisle, PA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 21 parks near Carlisle, PA that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.

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