Tent camping near Chambersburg, Pennsylvania provides access to the mountainous terrain of southern Pennsylvania and western Maryland, with elevations ranging from 500 to 1,700 feet. The area experiences four distinct seasons with moderate rainfall year-round and temperatures ranging from below freezing in winter to 80-90°F in summer. Proximity to the Appalachian Trail and C&O Canal creates opportunities for tent campers to combine hiking and biking with overnight stays.
What to do
River swimming and paddling: At Antietam Creek Campground, visitors can access the Potomac River for water activities. "Small campground with a pit toilet right on the Potomac river picnic table and fire ring with a few nice trees throughout the camp area. Easy to get to and not far from the towns," notes Kevin D..
Trail cycling: The C&O Canal towpath offers 184.5 miles of flat, crushed gravel trail accessible from several campgrounds. "This campground is not for those looking for silence and solitude. All the sites are very open and run along the multi-use trail. People are constantly walking, running, and biking by," writes Casey L. about Antietam Creek Campground.
Rock climbing: Experienced climbers can find routes at Annapolis Rock. "The best part is the Annapolis Rock cliffs. they offer beautiful views and all kinds of single pitch rock climbing! There are also two bear poles," explains Cory D. about Annapolis Rock Campground.
What campers like
Riverside locations: Many tent sites offer direct water access. "Gorgeous spot just off the trail and 50 meters from the Potomac," says Emerson K. about Opequon Junction.
Overnight trail access: Backpackers appreciate convenient camp spots during longer hikes. "Backpacking campground just off the AT. Moderate difficulty 2+ mile hike from Route 40. Spring and compost outhouse. Great views. Been camping there for decades," reports Bob S. about Annapolis Rock Campground.
Basic amenities: Campers value the simple facilities available at hiker-biker sites. "Good site, has the necessities. Water, Porta p, fire pit. What else do you really need? Want to rinse off? Jump into the Potomac for a swim," shares ant S. about Jordan Junction Hiker-biker Overnight Campsite.
What you should know
Wildlife awareness: Venomous snakes inhabit rocky areas in the region. "The view is great but you can't have a campfire due to restorations. Also, be careful for the copperheads that come warm up on the rocky overlook," warns Sy A. about Annapolis Rock Campground.
Campfire restrictions: Some campgrounds prohibit fires due to conservation efforts. "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 spring near the campsites," notes Cory D. about Annapolis Rock.
Walk-in logistics: Many sites require hauling gear from parking areas. "It depends on what you're looking for—easy camping and proximity to Antietam and Harper's? Golden. Especially if you want to camp but also do site seeing and/or paddling in the area... you have to park on the opposite side of the canal and walk to your campsite," explains Andrew M. about Antietam Creek.
Tips for camping with families
Proximity to attractions: Choose sites near historical areas. "The river is beautiful and it's nice being so close to cool historical stuff," mentions Casey L. about Antietam Creek Campground.
Social camping: Less secluded sites can offer family-friendly interactions. "It is nice if you're a social camper, we got to talk to many people and also got to enjoy a nearby camper playing his violin as the sun was setting," adds Casey L. about Antietam Creek.
Bathroom considerations: Facilities vary widely between campgrounds. "When we got there, they were okay, but by the 3rd night they were really gross. We were at the site next to them and could smell them. Not pleasant," warns Casey L. about Antietam Creek's pit toilets.
Tips from RVers
Tent-focused region: Most camping near Chambersburg is primitive tent camping with no RV hookups. "Annapolis Rock Campground is right off the Appalachian Trail just about 1/5 of a mile before Annapolis Rock overlook. It is a hike-in trail only and offers very basic camping, which is all you need when hiking the AT," explains Teresa K. about Annapolis Rock.
Shower access: Only select locations offer shower facilities. At Dahlgren Backpacker Campground, "This is a stop on the AT open only to multi-day backpackers... There is a basic, but clean, bathroom with showers. There is also a year-round water source (the bathroom closes in winter)," reports Sean M..
Reservation requirements: Many hiker-biker sites are first-come, first-served, while others require advance planning. "All sites are walk-in only, which means you park on the street, cross the bridge over the C&O and towpath, and then down a little hill to your site. When my dog and I arrived, someone was still there, but after letting them know I had this spot reserved, they promptly packed out," shares Michelle N. about Antietam Creek Campground.
