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Best Campgrounds near Carlisle, PA

837 Reviews

Carlisle, Pennsylvania features a blend of established campgrounds and family-oriented camping areas throughout the Cumberland Valley region. Multiple state parks like Pine Grove Furnace State Park and Colonel Denning State Park offer cabin accommodations, tent sites, and RV facilities within 20 miles of Carlisle. Commercial campgrounds such as Mountain Creek Camp Ground and Dogwood Acres provide additional options with varying amenities including electric hookups, water access, and full-service facilities. The camping landscape includes both state-managed public land and privately operated mixed-use campgrounds offering traditional camping alongside glamping options.

Most campgrounds in the Carlisle area operate seasonally, with peak availability from April through October, though some remain open year-round. Pine Grove Furnace State Park typically operates from March through mid-December, while other facilities like Dogwood Acres Campground maintain a shorter season from April to late October. Advance reservations are strongly recommended, especially for weekend stays during summer months when occupancy rates are highest. The region experiences typical Pennsylvania seasonal patterns with humid summers and moderate rainfall. Site sizes and layouts vary significantly between campgrounds, with some offering more spacious accommodations than others. One camper observed, "The sites for campers are very tight. Grounds are poorly laid out and maintained... If you like the outdoors, this is not that."

Family-friendly amenities represent a common feature at campgrounds surrounding Carlisle, with many facilities offering swimming pools, playgrounds, and organized activities. Mountain Creek Camp Ground receives consistent praise for its recreational offerings, with a visitor noting, "Lots for kids to do. Camp store has pretty much anything you need! Friendly staff and clean grounds." Several campgrounds provide creek access for fishing, tubing, and water play, making them popular destinations for families with children. Bathhouse facilities generally receive mixed reviews, with maintenance and cleanliness varying by location. Proximity to attractions like Pine Grove Furnace State Park, the Appalachian Trail, and nearby Gettysburg makes the Carlisle region appealing for campers seeking both natural experiences and historical excursions within a reasonable driving distance.

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Best Camping Sites Near Carlisle, Pennsylvania (141)

    1. Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground

    56 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

    $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."

    3. Mountain Creek Camp Ground

    9 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. Deer Run Campgrounds

    8 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."

    5. 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."

    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

    $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."

    9. Western Village RV Park

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

    10. Paradise Stream Family Campground

    6 Reviews
    Blain, PA
    15 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."

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Recent Camping Photos near Carlisle, PA

407 Photos of 141 Carlisle Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Carlisle, PA

837 Reviews of 141 Carlisle Campgrounds

  • 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.

  • TThe 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.

  • eThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 21, 2025

    Round Top Campground

    I camped and worked here.

    I’m a shamanic energy healer and health enthusiast exploring a new life and hunting for healthy. While this campground has some nice features. This certainly is not a health conscious facility. Lots of smoking, drinking and unhealthy food. There was also evidence of mice in the main store and definitely issues with the water.

  • R
    Aug. 16, 2025

    Deer Run Campgrounds

    Good for kids

    It's very nice here, good for kids, big pool. The sites for campers are very tight.

  • Sharon L.
    Aug. 11, 2025

    Merry Meadows Recreation Farm

    Great getaway close to home!

    We totally loved our camping trip here! I was a little apprehensive because I read so many disappointing reviews about pretty much everything. People didn’t like this or that, but most of it seemed as if they weren’t happy with rules! Neither of us found anything that was so terrible in the rules and truthfully, if more campgrounds had them and enforced them, it would be nice for all.

    We loved the peace and quiet, the restrooms were clean and tidy, the usable sites all looked nice. They had a tornado come through at the beginning of the season that messed some areas up, but they are working it. The pool area seemed like the place to be. We just went to rest though. Honestly, we liked the campground so much that we would consider parking our camper over the summer! There are occasional whiffs of McCormick spices in the air that is very soothing. Prices aren’t horrible. One of the complaints was they work on cash. Yeah, I knows it’s not popular because most of us live in a plastic dominated world. I read it in advance and I just made sure we had some with us. The activities and store weren’t outrageous. Ready to go back!

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

What are the best campgrounds near Carlisle, PA?

Carlisle offers excellent camping options within easy driving distance. Pine Grove Furnace State Park Campground is a standout choice with electric sites, updated bathrooms, and great hiking including access to the Appalachian Trail. The park features two lakes connected by a pleasant walking path. For a peaceful island experience, Campground Island provides a unique setting surrounded by flowing creek waters on both sides, perfect for fishing and enjoying the sounds of nature. Other solid options include Dogwood Acres Campground near Newville, Western Village RV Park, and Hemlock Acres Camp Ground, known for its peace and quiet in the Pennsylvania woods.

Are there RV parks with full hookups near Carlisle, PA?

Pinch Pond Family Campground & RV Park provides full hookup sites for RVs with convenient access to highways, making it ideal for travelers visiting the Harrisburg/Hershey area. The campground offers roadside convenience while still providing a camping experience. Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country is another excellent option with full hookup sites in the heart of Amish country. For those needing just an overnight stop without hookups, the Cracker Barrel in Mechanicsburg offers a spacious parking lot that accommodates RVs, with the bonus of a meal just steps away.

Can I find state park camping options near Carlisle, PA?

Several exceptional state parks offer camping near Carlisle. Cowans Gap State Park Campground features spacious, shaded sites with clean facilities and a beautiful lake for swimming, fishing, and boating. The lakeside trail provides scenic views and recreation opportunities. Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground is another favorite with lakeside sites perfect for small campers. Additional options include Colonel Denning State Park near Newville, Little Buffalo State Park near Newport, and Caledonia State Park near Fayetteville - all offering reservable sites with varying amenities and beautiful natural settings within driving distance of Carlisle.

Are there campgrounds near the Carlisle Fairgrounds for event weekends?

Western Village RV Park is conveniently located near Carlisle and makes an excellent base for fairground events. With full hookups and good amenities, it's popular during car shows and other Carlisle Fairgrounds events. Dogwood Acres Campground is another nearby option with water, toilets, and big-rig-friendly sites. For those attending events without camping equipment, several locations offer overnight parking, including the Home Depot in Lower Paxton and the Cracker Barrel in Mechanicsburg. Book well in advance for event weekends as accommodations fill quickly during major Carlisle Fairgrounds shows.

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