The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App

Best Tent Camping near Clearville, PA

720 Reviews

Public lands surrounding Clearville, Pennsylvania offer several tent-only camping options along the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park and nearby waterways. Primitive tent camping is available at Paw Paw Tunnel Campground, located approximately 25 miles south of Clearville, which provides basic tent sites with access to the historic canal system. Stoney Creek Campground in nearby West Virginia features riverfront tent sites with more amenities, while Maple Festival Park offers walk-in tent sites near the Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) Trail, about 30 miles west of Clearville.

Sites throughout the region typically feature grass or dirt surfaces with minimal grading. Most tent campgrounds provide basic amenities such as picnic tables, fire rings, and pit toilets or portable facilities. Water access varies significantly between locations, with some sites offering hand pumps while others require campers to bring their own supply. According to reviews, several hiker-biker campsites along the C&O Canal have unreliable water pumps with missing handles. Tent campers should prepare for limited facilities, particularly at the more primitive backcountry tent sites. Reservations are required at some locations but not all, and quiet hours typically begin at 10 PM.

In early spring and fall, tent campsites experience fewer crowds and more comfortable temperatures. One camper noted that Antietam Creek Campground requires visitors to "park on the road and walk about 75 feet to your site," making it less convenient for extensive gear but ideal for tent camping. Train noise affects several campgrounds along the C&O Canal, with a visitor recommending "ear plugs for a better night's sleep." Sites at Town Creek offer "enough room for a dozen tents or more" with multiple picnic tables, making it suitable for group tent camping. Many locations provide direct water access, with campsites positioned along the Potomac River or smaller streams, offering opportunities for paddling, fishing, or simply enjoying the natural setting.

Map showing campgrounds near Clearville, PennsylvaniaExplore the Map

Best Tent Sites Near Clearville, Pennsylvania (26)

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 26 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Clearville Contest

Enter to Win

Recent Tent Camping Photos near Clearville, PA

24 Photos of 26 Clearville Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Clearville, PA

720 Reviews of 26 Clearville Campgrounds

  • S
    Sep. 3, 2025

    Rothrock Roadside Campsites — Rothrock State Forest

    Nice spot to camp in the mountains

    First I'll just say that the Rothrock campsites should probably each be listed separately, rather than as a group; they are very spread out throughout the State Forest and each is a different experience.  This review will be for site 002 Colerain Road.  

    This site is accessed by driving up a bit of a winding dirt road up the mountain.  It's easy enough during the summer, though the road is narrow and you've got some sharp bends depending on which way you come from.  This road is not safe to access in the winter in my opinion.  

    The parking is just right off the road, and there's a picnic table and large stone fire ring near the parking.  There's a small path further up the hill into the woods where there is a tent pad, another fire ring and another picnic table.  There are also a lot of flat spots nearby for additional tents to be set up.  

    Just behind the upper tent site is the top of the mountain, and the site has their own private overlook to the valley below.  The site is pretty remote, though there were vehicles and the occasional biker coming up the road.  Traffic may have been busier than usual the weekend we went because there was the Mid Atlantic Overland festival nearby at the same time.  At one point a family parked in the campsite's parking to start a walk... (there's a better trailhead up closer to Indian Lookout they should have used).

    No hookups, water, bathrooms, etc; its fully primitive camping here.  Cell coverage was fine on Xfinity Mobile (Verizon). 

    These sites used to be totally free but they're now $10 a night.  You still need to book a while out if you want to be here on a weekend, especially during the fall when Penn State is playing.

  • Lee D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 31, 2019

    Greenbrier State Park Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED

    Nice hiking opportunities!

    Ranger Review: Firebiner and Fiber Light Fire Starter at Greenbrier State Park

    **Campground Review: **

    We were here one week before this campground closed for the season (open April through October) and it was so quiet that it was hard to imagine what it is like in the summer when the beach is open and the campground is likely full. There are four loops; two with no hookups and no pets allowed, one with no hookups that allow pets and one with electric sites that allow pets. Each site is clearly defined, and the sites all appeared level with gravel pads. The bathrooms were reasonable. There are several trails in the campground plus it is close to several AT day hikes.

    There is a large day-use area and beach with lots of picnic tables. While the beach was closed for swimming, we saw a kayaker and two people fishing from a boat. Many hiking trails and this is an excellent place to camp if you’d like to do AT day hikes.

    ------------------------- 

    Product Review: 

    As a Ranger for The Dyrt, I have the opportunity to test products. At this campground, we tested the Firebiner and Fiber Light Fire Starter by Outdoor Elements. I’m reviewing both products since they can be used together, and we had much more luck with one than the other. 

    Upon unpacking my box from Outdoor Elements, my first experience was that it took a sharp knife to free the Firebiner from its cardboard backing, which was not an auspicious start. Once at our campground, we were able to use the safety blade to easily open the plastic packaging on our firewood. Unfortunately, it took several tries by two men trying the Firebiner to get a spark; they had to really crank on it, and it was not enough to light a fire. I’m guessing that with more patience and practice, it would have worked. Admittedly, we are car campers and not backpackers (and have the luxury of being able to carry/use a butane lighter), but I was looking forward to trying a new method. 

    We did use the Fiber Light Fire Starter and using our tried and true fire-starting methods, we got a roaring fire started very quickly. So, we had a 50% success! Packed in a small tin, you only need a pinch to easily get a fire started so we will use this in the future. 

    We also used the cutting tool on the Firebiner a few days later to remove the wristband from an activity we participated in and also used it to hang our lantern on a hook; this little tool is very strong (did not test but appreciate the 100-pound weight limit). I appreciate that it can also be used as a screwdriver, so the Firebiner is truly a multi-use tool!

  • Michelle N.
    Aug. 13, 2020

    Antietam Creek Campground — Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park

    Great Site Along the Potomac River

    Stayed one night on 8/9.

    This is such a nice little spot right along the Potomac River. 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. There were no camp hosts on-site and nowhere to check in. 

    There isn't much privacy between you and your neighbors (or the C&O towpath so be prepared to see bikers, walkers, and runners). Each site has a grill, fire pit, and picnic table. I stayed at Site 11 which had its own path down to the Potomac River. It was quite steep for my bum knees and ankles, but I saw kids easily run up and down it. The Potomac is mostly flat with some "swirlies" for experienced paddlers. I also saw some people tubing. 

    There's one bathroom area- 2 pit toilets and 2 portapotties. There is nowhere to leave trash, so be sure to follow Leave No Trace principles and pack everything out with you. The sites are fully or mostly shaded. Be prepared to make friends with bugs, but they shouldn't bother you. Also great news- no mosquitoes! 

    I have Verizon and had better service by my car on the road than at the actual campsite. At the site I could make calls but couldn't check the internet. Other than a few check-in calls to family, I was looking to unplug for the night. 

    I ended up not sleeping overnight due to a personal health issue, but I am looking forward to coming back when it's a little cooler.

  • Britt B.
    Oct. 27, 2020

    Kooser State Park Campground

    Small Shaded Park

    Kooser State Park is a small campground nestled in the Laurel Highlands, close to Hidden Valley and Seven Springs ski resorts. The park has great amenities just a short walk from all sites. All sites have fire rings, with grills, however note they are double walled so do not expel a lot of heat outward. Great for cooking however. 

    Most sites are not level, but very grassy. Firewood is available at the entrance for$5 bundle supporting a local club. A beautiful walk through the park leads you to the Kooser Lake, great for fishing. It is also close to the Laurel Hill State Park which is great for hiking and water activities. The park is close to the road so you will experience some road noise. 

    The park is 15min from Somerset. No phone reception at this one! They welcome all furry friends!

  • Napunani
    Jun. 25, 2022

    Pioneer Park Campground

    Close to Flight 93 Memorial

    PROS 

    Able to reserve 129 days prior to arriving 

    Melissa at check-in was very friendly and helpful 

    Good overnight stop to visit Flight 93 Memorial 22 miles from campground 

    Site #391 level 

    Gravel site surrounded by grass 

    Moveable wooden picnic table 

    Large concrete fire ring 

    Clean toilet-shower building that are heavily used 

    Mostly quiet except for road noise 

    Firewood for sale in Park

    CONS 

    No discount 

    Site #391 no shade 

    Park cable connection failed 

    Sewer connection“up hill” 

    Never found trash dumpster and wasn’t marked on campground map 

    Very loud radio station blaring in the toilet/shower building that could be heard outside the building 

    2 bars Verizon 

    No WIFI

  • Simon S.
    Dec. 30, 2021

    Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park in Williamsport MD

    Great place for kids

    Camp site (Tent camping)

    Camp site was pretty spacious. We set up our tent on gravel. No hookups to electricity or water. Rangers deliver firewood for your convenience.

    Facilities / Amenities

    Huge pool divided into two sections, one for mainly kids and the other for swimming and water slides. There is a food court in the swimming pool and a camp store right next to it.

    They play movies every night at the outdoor theater near the pool.

    There is a basketball court, playgrounds, and jumping pads.

    During the day, we did tie dying t-shirts at the pavilion.

    There is a 18-hole mini golf course as well.

  • KThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jan. 8, 2023

    Big Run State Park Campground

    Great primitive campsite

    This is one of my favorite Western Maryland hideaways. The best spots are in the woods adjacent to the stream. You can set up your camp chair and enjoy the creek sounds. The camp sites next to the reservoir have no privacy but offer extremely easy access for canoes/kayaks. Clean and well maintained. The camp store nearby offers a good selection of basics along with boat rentals

  • E
    Aug. 28, 2020

    Greenbrier State Park Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED

    Great campground

    We were very pleased with the facilities at this campground. Arrived a little early and found the site ready and spotless. Decent sized sites included picnic table, fire ring, and 2 poles for hanging lanterns, garbage, whatever. Decent space between sites, with trees, though could easily see the neighbors. Very friendly camp host who came through every evening to make sure everything was ok. Bathroom facilities were close enough and had hot and cold water, showers, flush toilets, and showers. All were spotless. Close to good hiking and could walk right out of the tent and meet up with the AT. Was excited about the lake until we got there ... was very crowded and noisy with happy screaming children. But for that, nice lawn and sand areas for sitting and enjoying the lake view.

  • Jonathan B.
    Jun. 29, 2016

    Greenbrier State Park Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED

    Great easy car camp close to DC

    About an hour northwest of Washington, DC, Greenbrier State Park is a great choice for car camping. The campground features four camp loops (1 with electric hookups for RVs, and one that accepts dogs). Each loop winds its way up a hillside, in a woodsy setting, so even though the sites are close to one another, you get a feeling of separation. In the center of each loop is a bathroom & shower building. Each site is a well groomed crushed gravel pad with a picnic table and fire ring, and ample room to set up a tent or two.

    In addition to camping, Greenbrier offers a swimming beach, kayak/canoe rentals, and some tough, rocky east-coast mountain biking, all without leaving the park.

Guide to Clearville

Tent camping near Clearville, Pennsylvania, offers a variety of scenic spots for outdoor enthusiasts looking to immerse themselves in nature. With options ranging from basic amenities to more developed facilities, there's something for everyone.

Tent campers should check out Cacapon Junction Hiker-biker Overnight Campsite

  • This site provides essential amenities like drinking water and toilets, making it a convenient choice for hikers and bikers alike. Cacapon Junction Hiker-biker Overnight Campsite is located in the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park.
  • Enjoy the tranquility of the area, though be aware of nearby train noise that might disrupt the peace.
  • The campsite is strictly for tent camping, ensuring a more intimate experience with nature.

Some prices for tent camping range from $10 to $20

  • At the Paw Paw Tunnel Campground, you can camp for just $10 with an interagency pass, making it an affordable option for budget-conscious campers.
  • Nancy's Boat To Shore Campground offers a unique experience accessible only by boat, with prices around $20, perfect for those looking for a more adventurous stay.
  • Stoney Creek Campground features private sites along the river, with prices reflecting the amenities provided, including hot showers and dedicated bathrooms.

Explore local attractions near your campsite

  • The historic Paw Paw Tunnel is just a mile from the Paw Paw Tunnel Campground, offering a fascinating glimpse into the area's canal history.
  • For those interested in hiking, the nearby GAP Trail provides stunning views and a chance to experience the local flora and fauna.
  • The Maple Festival Park, known for its annual celebration of maple syrup, is a charming spot to visit, especially during the festival season, and is close to several camping options.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Clearville, PA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Clearville, PA is Paw Paw Tunnel Campground — Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park with a 3.8-star rating from 4 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Clearville, PA?

TheDyrt.com has all 26 tent camping locations near Clearville, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.

Keep Exploring