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Best Tent Camping near Columbia, PA

912 Reviews

Tent camping options around Columbia, Pennsylvania include several established campgrounds where visitors can set up traditional tent sites. Lancaster County's Mill Creek Camping Area offers walk-in tent camping with sites positioned along a refreshing stream. Hibernia County Park, located approximately 25 miles from Columbia, provides tent campsites in two distinct camping loops within a wooded setting. Susquehannock State Park Campground, situated south of Columbia along the Susquehanna River, features walk-in tent sites and organized group camping.

Most tent campgrounds in the Columbia area have basic amenities with varying levels of facilities. Sites typically include fire rings and picnic tables, though restroom facilities range from vault toilets to portable toilets depending on the location. Potable water is available at select campgrounds like Mill Creek and Hibernia County Park, but not universally present. Camping is seasonal at most locations, with Lancaster County Mill Creek operating from March 15 to November 15. Campers should note that alcohol is prohibited at county-managed parks such as Hibernia. Reservations are recommended for weekend stays, with some campgrounds allowing first-come, first-served self-registration during slower periods.

The tent camping experience near Columbia offers diverse settings from creekside to forest sites. Tree coverage provides shade at locations like Hibernia County Park, where wooded tent sites create a natural camping environment. Sites along Mill Creek provide the soothing sound of flowing water, enhancing the outdoor experience. Proximity to hiking trails is common at most tent campgrounds, with Susquehannock State Park offering scenic trails with views of the Susquehanna River. Privacy between sites varies significantly, with some locations offering more seclusion than others. A camper described Mill Creek Camping Area as having "large spaces for multiple tents" and noted that "camping by the creek makes for a cooler camping experience."

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Best Tent Sites Near Columbia, Pennsylvania (15)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Columbia, PA

13 Photos of 15 Columbia Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Columbia, PA

912 Reviews of 15 Columbia Campgrounds

  • Napunani
    Jun. 25, 2022

    French Creek State Park Campground

    Campsites Jammed Closely Together

    PROS 

    Reserved 328 days prior to arriving

    $13.50 senior discount 

    Immediately greeted by Loop C camp host who was extremely friendly and helpful 

    Site C3 parking pad level asphalt 

    Metal frame wooden picnic table that was moveable 

    One hook lantern pole 

    Metal fire pit which was cleaned out upon our arrival 

    Some vegetation between sites provided a bit of privacy from neighbors sites 

    Park is 21 miles from Valley Forge National Historical Park. Catch National Park Service 90 minute trolley tour at the Visitor Center. 

    Shady Maple Smorgasbord...authentic Pennsylvania Dutch cooking…largest buffet in the USA…16 miles from French Creek SP 

    CONS

    $6.50 reservation fee for making my own on-line reservation 

    Horrible signage along PA-345. Never saw very small sign when we where intensely searching 

    Such a large overall park, but camping loop sites are jammed together

    Pitiful low water pressure  in Loop C

    Site sewer connection is high; needs to be knocked down to ground level 

    Short length of site caused creative tow vehicle parking 

    Loop C women’s toilet/shower building a big nasty mess Saturday 

    Trash dumpsters are on the main road near the campground check-in station (not walkable) 

    Noisy campground; 9pm quiet hour not enforced

    Lots of barking dogs 

    No wood sales in park 

    No WiFi 

    1 bar Verizon

  • Nate & Erika L.
    Aug. 31, 2021

    Susquehanna State Park Campground

    Great State Park Camping

    We decided to stay a weekend at Susquehanna based on the reviews on the Dyrt and it’s closer proximity to home. We arrived and were greeted by super friendly rangers who gave us the lay of the land. We found the rangers to be very knowledgeable about the area and the wildlife, plants, and trees in the park. They had two display tables full of flora and fauna by the check-in station set up for kids and adults alike to glean some knowledge. On one night while we were there, there was a program run by the rangers where kids could learn about some common native and invasive species.

    We hiked the Green Trail, which had a sign saying it was ‘very difficult’, but we found it to be no problem for our crew of seven kids aged 3-10 and four adults. We only passed one other hiker. We saw some champion trees, lots of deer, and had some run ins with more than a few spotted lantern flies. One ranger told us they have nine champion trees in the park, we’d love to go back and hike to find the others.

    With only two loops, the sites were fairly spaced out with lots of trees between them. We had a spacious electric site for our pop up and camped with friends who had a nice level, secluded tent site. We hardly ever heard any neighbors and all was quiet at night. Each loop shares a bathhouse, and there are some portable toilets spaced around the loop, too. The facilities were cleaned every morning. They even have a large laundry utility sink in the bathhouse should you need it. The only downside we found was that showering at prime time (around 8 or 9 pm) led to very little hot water. A small price to pay for good camping and hiking!

  • Craig F.
    Jul. 1, 2019

    Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground

    Fun Camping and Lake Activities

    We had a wonderful stay at Gifford Pinchot State Park! 

    The camping area at GP is separated into A loop and B loops with approximately 300 sites. All sites had a paved pad, varying in size depending on the location, with tent site being smaller. Most sites have electric and there are 22 full hookup sites in the camping area. Both loops are peninsulas into the lake, which is convenient to launching boats directly from many sites. Loop A is closer to the designated swimming area with a sandy beach and playground. B loop is closer to many of the hiking trails and also several boat launch areas. It is nice that the camping area and amenities are separated from the public day use area. At the entrance to the camping area there are three dump stations. 

    During our stay we were at a full hookup site which was very spacious and often hard to find in PA State Parks. Our site was#299 and for some reason the entire site was paved/blacktop, which was different than all the other sites where the pad was paved and the picnic table area was gravel/grass. While this site made it easy to level our camper, it became quite hot in the afternoon/evening after the sun had baked it all day.

    Overall, we thoroughly enjoyed GP and couldn’t believe we hadn’t visited before because it is a great state park. Wood is available for purchase at the campground hosts’ sites and ice at the park office. As with most PA state parks, quiet hours are at 9:00PM, which is a bit early, and there is no alcohol allowed in the park. We look forward to returning to GP in the future.

  • Jim N.
    Apr. 29, 2019

    Hibernia County Park

    Hidden gem

    A nice primitive campground - good for a quick trip away. The campground is a county run one that works on a first come first serve basis, which is fine if there are others close by. They are wooded sites and have 2 loops. There is no store, but there a places close to get supplies. The park is dry, no alcohol. No hook ups either. There is an old mansion that gives tours on weekends.

  • Max C.
    Oct. 14, 2019

    French Creek State Park Campground

    Gorgeous in the fall

    Stayed in B-08 on mid October and had a great trip. The site was non-electric and it seems most of the outer side of this loop is basic camping with the inside of the loop having power. The other loops offer full hookups but opting for this area kept us from being surrounded by massive RV's. Easy back in spot for our car, partially shaded, decent brush cover between sites and able to keep tent about 20 yards from the road on a crushed rock pad. I will say this site has a little bit of slope but nothing that affected our sleep. The fire ring is very high sided and if you're not sitting on a higher camp chairs you kind of miss the fire. Picnic table was sturdy but easy enough to move lnto place to fit our needs. Tons of hike mg within the park including some historic sites at Hopewell Furnace like the blacksmith shop and old residences. Checked in a. It before the stated 3pm time without issues. Very few rangers seen during stay but it is after labor day and most of the seasonal attractions like the pool etc were closed for the season. Very clean bathrooms with easy to use dish sinks on the outside. Overall for a trip that within 75 minutes of Philly you can't go wrong for a quick jaunt out of town.

  • K
    Sep. 1, 2021

    Codorus State Park Campground

    Nice campground for primitive tenting

    Large campground but only 15 sites dedicated to“roughin’ it” tent camping. However, those sites are isolated from the others. The tent sites were in very good condition, spaced well, and fairly private. Most sites have plenty of shade and grassy, though a few are dirt only. Many sites within walking distance from the lake(no swimming) and set up for you to store and launch your kayak or other boat. Water, bathrooms, and showers a little distant but everything clean and in excellent condition. Ice and firewood available on the grounds. There is also a small store but I didn’t see it because it was open for very limited weekend hours only. Otherwise, major grocery stores are only a few minutes’ drive. Definitely going back…!

  • E
    Sep. 23, 2021

    Elk Neck State Park Campground

    Good Intro to Camping

    I booked a tent site as my first introduction to the park. Setting up a reservation was incredibly user friendly, park staff was fantastic at getting us checked in, and the camp store was well stocked and priced. 

    Our site, however, left something to be desired. The sites were all very close together, and the tent pad areas were fairly small. You can drive right up to your site and park there, which is incredibly convenient in terms of unpacking and set up. Around our site was pretty loud with neighbors at all hours, regardless of quiet hours, and balls being kicked into our tent pad area from surrounding visitors. There were some bottle caps and garbage on our tent pad upon arrival.

    I think if you had kids and were looking for a "not so quiet" get away into nature, this would be a fantastic spot. There were larger and more private sites on our loop, and if I returned I would prioritize getting one of those. There are also more loops than the one we were on. 

    The firepit had an adjustable height grill grate, and there was a picnic table at each site. Firewood ran $5 a bundle at the camp store.  Ice and potable water was also available. 

    There was a nearby dumpster that was easy to use. Disappointed that there did not seem to be a recycling receptacle. Bathrooms were nice, the handicapped shower was very spacious. No shortage of hot water. 

    We hiked all available trails from the trail map, though it seems there were more than listed, and a portion of the park is closed following previous tornado damage. We saw an abundance of herps, gorged ourselves on pawpaws, and generally foraged and tracked a ton of interesting wildlife. The trails themselves were pretty, but the rankings somewhat misleading. The "hard" trails would be hard in comparison to a flat gravel path, but in terms of general hiking, were comfortable with only a couple mildly steep or narrow points. I am unsure if the ranking system is for general hiking or in terms of ADA accessibility, however. If accessibility, it makes a lot of sense. For hiking? Less so; I'd rank the trails as a normal difficulty for their 'hard' trails. 

    The beaches were lovely! We did not get the opportunity to kayak, swim, or fish, but are hoping to do that sometime in the future. Was still relaxing to sit out with a book and watch the water.

    I do feel like we explored most of what the park had to offer, so while I would be happy to return it feels less urgent to do so. I think I would be better equipped to pick a site (or explore a cabin!) the next time which would resolve my minimal issues. Given the relaxed atmosphere of the trails, close amenities, etc. I think this would be a good choice to bring friends who are new to the camping scene, or for families.

  • Lee D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 15, 2023

    French Creek State Park Campground

    Convenient to Philadelphia

    General: Four loops with a total of 200 campsites. Two of the loops allow pets (A, C) and two do not. Loop D offers no hookups while Loops A-C offer a mix of no hookups, water/Electric, and full hookups. We had no problem securing a site on a weekday in October with no reservation. There are also two yurts and three cottages. 

    Site Quality: We chose a non-electric site in the B Loop, so this review focuses on this loop. There are abundant trees separating the sites. The pads were paved and B12 was very long. A picnic table and fire ring complete the site. Because the loops are on a slight slope, not all of the sites are completely level, something that would be difficult to determine if making reservations ahead of time. 

    Bathhouse: Pennsylvania state parks get high marks for their modern, clean restrooms and this park (at least the B Loop) was no exception. Hot showers were no additional charge and generous in size. 

    Activities: 35 miles of hiking trails. Be aware that the Hopewell Lake Loop is not very well marked (it appears to be a work in progress) although blazes on trees are abundant for most trails. Canoes and kayaks are available for rent during the summer season, and there is a boat dock for your own boat for fishing (either from a fishing pier or on your boat). There is a huge pool available from Memorial Day through Labor Day (there is an additional fee for this). Some of the trails allow horseback riding. Nearby Hopewell Furnace is accessible via hiking trails, or you can drive there. Other activities include orienteering and disc golf. Make sure you wear blaze orange during the fall hunting season as you will hear hunters! 

    In general, it is obvious Pennsylvania invests in its state park campgrounds and the price is reasonable ($27 for a non-electric site during the week with a $4.50 senior discount). My only complaint is that the dumpsters are a hike from the loops, but this is a minor complaint.

  • E
    Sep. 25, 2020

    Susquehanna State Park Campground

    Somewhat quiet, clean and friendly

    Staff is very friendly. Bathhouse is clean but ran out of toilet paper often; they supposedly clean 3 times a day since COVID but we didn’t see that happening on a regular schedule while we were there.

    We loved that our site had a path directly to the bathhouse. This meant there wasn’t any foot traffic from people wanting to shower or use the restrooms. Easy access to the utility sink for dishes, too!

    There seemed to be a lot of campers in the surrounding lots and still, everyone was quiet between the quiet hours.

    Our specific site was supposed to have a tent pad but there wasnt a spot cleared for our tent and we had to move the heavy picnic table so we weren’t putting up our tent on top of the fire ring. We also had to use a paper plate to rake as many rocks and gravel from the site so we could put up our tent without ripping it.

    We bought their firewood for $5/crate and it was really wet. It was challenging to get a fire going, which was frustrating. Ended up not being able to have a fire the last morning there and gave away our leftover firewood.

    Probably my biggest complaint is that several times, the park maintenance truck drove down the loop where we camped. Our kids are running around and playing and the only vehicle that sped past every time was the park crew vehicle. All other vehicles (belonging to visitors) were respectful and drove slowly. It surprises me that with families camping here, they wouldn’t be more cautious.

    All in all: for our first time camping here, it was a decent experience. I don’t know that we’d go there again, but it was a fun one-and-done trip.

Guide to Columbia

Tent campsites near Columbia, Pennsylvania feature seasonal availability with most sites open May through October. Located in the Susquehanna Valley region, these camping areas sit at elevations between 300-500 feet, creating moderate temperatures throughout spring and fall camping seasons. Winter camping options are limited due to Pennsylvania's cold climate conditions.

What to do

Fishing access: Lower Allen Community Park offers camping directly along Yellow Breeches Creek. "Cute site in a local township park that not many people know about. There actually three total. You just need to call the township to reserve. The sites sit right along the Yellow Breeches creak so you can put in a few miles up and float down to your site," notes a camper.

Kayaking and creek camping: Sites at Lower Allen Community Park are strategically positioned for water activities. "You can put in a few miles up and float down to your site. There is parking right there. The park is in the suburbs so it's close to lots of things. They do lock the park at dusk though," reports Joann.

Hiking trail access: Susquehannock State Park Campground provides multiple trail options with river views. "There are lots of long scenic hiking trails down to Deer creek and to the Susquehanna River. There's a great bike trail to the Conowingo dam which is a nice place to visit, and a great place to see lots of eagles," says David G.

What campers like

Waterside camping experience: Mill Creek Camping Area positions campsites near flowing water. "Campsite for where we stayed is down by the creek making for a cooler camping experience and love the sound of water flowing at night," writes Meagan J.

Natural cooling effects: Sites positioned along water sources provide temperature benefits. "The stream is refreshing and the site stays fairly cool. When it's hits the high temperatures a quick dip in the water is amazing," reports Philip B. about Lancaster County Mill Creek Camping Area.

Wildlife viewing opportunities: Multiple campgrounds offer chances to see native Pennsylvania wildlife. "There's a great bike trail to the Conowingo dam which is a nice place to visit, and a great place to see lots of eagles. There are amazing wildflowers on that trail," shares one visitor about Susquehannock.

What you should know

Reservation requirements: Most tent sites require advance booking, especially during peak seasons. "You can now reserve online at: https://www.chesco.org/1067/Camping," notes Jennifer S. about Hibernia County Park.

Public access considerations: Some campgrounds experience regular public foot traffic. "The site is public access and there are lots of hikes, joggers, and people expecting you not to be camping. I was woke up every morning by people walking through the site," mentions Philip B.

Trail proximity issues: Hikers sometimes impact campsite privacy. "The campground is ON the hiking trail so everyone doing the loop walks along the sites. Including people with dogs off leash," reports Abi D. about Hibernia County Park.

Alcohol restrictions: County-operated campgrounds prohibit alcohol consumption. "County park so no booze but camp sites are under trees," notes John H. about Hibernia's regulations.

Tips for camping with families

Kid-friendly fishing options: Mill Creek Campground offers accessible fishing for young anglers. "Great children's pond for 12 and under. Brandywine creek and Chambers Lake are there too. Great playground," reports John Z.

Family-friendly amenities: Hibernia County Park provides facilities designed for children. "We loved the lake campground. My kids are age 3-12. There's running water available, porta potties are very clean and don't smell and are lit with a street lamp," says Anna.

Site selection strategy: Choose sites based on family needs. "Large campsites at the Lake Loop. Map is a little deceiving- the sites are farther from the lake than I expected and there are no running water bathrooms. Very clean and wooded sites," shares Chelsea about Hibernia County Park.

Tips from RVers

Limited RV accessibility: Most tent campsites near Columbia have minimal RV accommodation. "I wouldn't attempt to park an RV up there," warns Jennifer S. about the Lake Loop at Hibernia Park, though she notes, "there are a few sites that will, including #3, #17 & #18 and plenty of sites will fit a small RV or pop up camper."

Water supply planning: RV campers should prepare for limited services. "There are NO HOOKUPS, and water is not easy to come by if you are in an RV. If you are coming in an RV, you should come with a full water tank," advises Jennifer about Shambala at Mystic Hollow.

Dump station alternatives: Plan for waste management off-site. "There is NO DUMP STATION. There are a few nearby campgrounds that will let you dump for a fee, otherwise, you'll have to look for a truck stop on the way home," notes an RV camper at Hibernia County Park.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Columbia, PA is Lancaster County Mill Creek Camping Area with a 3-star rating from 2 reviews.

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