Tent camping near Cornwall, Pennsylvania offers primitive sites within wooded settings that provide respite from summer heat. The region features several creek-side campsites where temperatures remain cooler and water sounds create natural ambient noise. Most campgrounds operate seasonally from April through October with limited or no hookups, catering primarily to tent campers seeking basic outdoor experiences.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Deep Creek Campground at Green Lane Park provides access to fishing spots throughout the 3,400-acre park. "Phenomenal disc golf course, hiking, and fishing" notes camper Benjamin C., making it a versatile destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Hiking trails: Susquehannock State Park Campground offers multiple scenic walking paths with river views. One camper describes "lots of long scenic hiking trails down to Deer creek and to the Susquehanna River" and mentions "a great bike trail to the Conowingo dam which is a nice place to visit, and a great place to see lots of eagles."
Water activities: Kayaking is popular at Lower Allen Community Park, where campers can put in upstream and float to their site. "You can put in a few miles up and float down to your site. There is parking right there," explains one reviewer who appreciates this convenient setup.
What campers like
Cooler temperatures: Mill Creek Camping Area sites sit adjacent to flowing water, creating natural climate control. According to Meagan J., "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."
Affordability: Hibernia County Park offers economical camping at $15 per night. John Z. notes it's "Inexpensive $15 a night, but you only get picnic table and fire ring. No hook ups. Great children's pond for 12 and under."
Secluded options: Some sites offer more privacy than others in the region. One camper at Rolling Hills Retreats appreciated "being able to ground our energy from the earth which is hard to do in a concrete city and really just enjoy one another's company."
What you should know
Privacy concerns: Site layout varies significantly between campgrounds. At Green Lane Park, Jen warns, "The sites are lined up next to each other along the campground driveway and there are absolutely no trees or shrubs between them."
Water availability: Bring sufficient water when visiting campgrounds with limited facilities. Many primitive sites have minimal amenities, with Hibernia County Park offering water spigots only at central locations.
Reservation systems: Booking procedures differ across locations. Mill Creek Camping Area charges a flat rate of $25 per night for up to six days and offers refunds for rain, while Hibernia County Park operates primarily on weekends during season.
Trail traffic: Some campgrounds experience hiker crossings through camping areas. At Mill Creek, Sakina P. reports, "Hikers take any trail instead of marked trails regardless of families camping in private areas. When I made the reservation it was noted that hikers were not allowed on campsites."
Tips for camping with families
Child-friendly fishing: Hibernia County Park maintains a dedicated children's fishing pond. Anna remarks, "The children's pond is a short ways away for well stocked fishing," making it ideal for introducing kids to fishing.
Playground access: Several parks include play equipment for younger campers. Anna from Hibernia County Park notes, "My kids are age 3-12... The park ranger this weekend was the nicest and very helpful with directions to walk to the playground and indoor restrooms."
Bathroom considerations: Facilities vary widely between camping areas. One family at Shambala at Mystic Hollow appreciates the "creekside campsites" with more amenities than typical primitive sites, including drinking water, showers, and toilets.
Security measures: Some parks lock gates after hours. Lower Allen Community Park "is in the suburbs so it's close to lots of things. They do lock the park at dusk though," which provides security but requires planning for arrival times.
Tips from RVers
Site limitations: Most primitive campgrounds near Cornwall have significant RV restrictions. At Hibernia County Park, Jennifer S. advises, "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."
Dump station alternatives: Plan for waste management when visiting parks without dump facilities. Jennifer S. notes, "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."
Leveling challenges: Prepare for uneven terrain at most woodland sites. Jennifer S. explains that at Hibernia County Park, sites "aren't level, but nothing a little creative positioning can't fix," suggesting smaller RVs will have better success.
