Tent camping near Dallastown, Pennsylvania offers opportunities in Pennsylvania's woodland terrain, typically ranging from 400-700 feet in elevation. The camping season generally runs from April through October, with summer temperatures averaging 75-85Ā°F during the day and cooling significantly at night. Local campgrounds feature varied terrain from riverside locations to forested settings with multiple trail access points.
What to do
Creek access activities: At Mill Creek Camping Area, campsites positioned along the water provide natural cooling and recreational options. "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," notes camper Meagan J.
Fishing for families: Hibernia County Park maintains children's fishing ponds stocked specifically for young anglers under 12. "The children's pond is a short ways away for well stocked fishing," reports Anna, who visited with children ages 3-12.
Bird watching opportunities: Susquehannock State Park Campground offers excellent wildlife viewing, particularly for bird enthusiasts. "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," notes David G., who also mentioned "amazing wildflowers" along the trail.
Historical exploration: Take a short drive to the renovated mill at Susquehannock State Park. "There's a working, renovated mill and home at the river also," writes David G. about Susquehannock, adding details about specimen trees and other natural features along the trails.
What campers like
Secluded tent sites: Hibernia County Park tent sites feature wooded settings with ample tree cover. "Very clean and wooded sites. Walking/hiking trails and the lake were super peaceful," writes Chelsea about the Lake Loop.
Budget-friendly pricing: Most tent camping options near Dallastown maintain affordable rates. "Super great price at $15/night as well," notes Anna about Hibernia County Park, which offers basic amenities including picnic tables and fire rings with built-in grills.
Water proximity: Many campers appreciate streamside sites for natural cooling effects. Philip B. notes about Lancaster County Mill Creek Camping Area: "The stream is refreshing and the site stays fairly cool. When it hits the high temperatures a quick dip in the water is amazing."
Scenic overlooks: Multiple parks offer viewpoints overlooking water features. "It's look out over the Susquehanna River is fantastic and puts you up with the birds," writes Nick S. about Susquehannock State Park.
What you should know
Hiker traffic considerations: Public trails sometimes pass through or near camping areas. "The site is public access and there are lots of hikers, joggers, and people expecting you not to be camping. I was woke up every morning by people walking through the site," reports Philip B. about Lancaster County Mill Creek.
Primitive facilities: Most tent camping options near Dallastown offer basic amenities only. At Hibernia County Park, "you only get picnic table and fire ring. No hook ups," explains John Z.
Weekend-only availability: Some parks operate on limited schedules. Jennifer S. notes about Hibernia: "This campground is only open on the weekends, in season. Sites can be reserved online, by phone, or by 'first come, first served' self-registration."
Reservation requirements: Patapsco Valley State Park-Hilton Area has strict check-in policies. "This was also the first time we have ever had to wait till exactly 3pm to check in. So if you arrive early expect to wait until 3," warns Gabrielle E.
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and activities: Lower Allen Community Park offers multiple recreation options. "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 creek so you can put in a few miles up and float down to your site," explains Joann.
Clean facilities: Family campers report well-maintained bathrooms at several locations. Anna notes about Hibernia County Park: "porta potties are very clean and don't smell and are lit with a street lamp."
Trail accessibility: Multiple parks feature family-friendly hiking options. "There's a huge playground, sensory trail and nature discovery center at the entrance to the park," writes Angel G. about Patapsco Valley State Park, though cautioning that "neither the hiking trails or playground are stroller friendly."
Site selection: When tent camping with children, consider locations with natural barriers. Alexandra T. suggests at Patapsco Valley: "We found a small river and swimming hole at the bottom of the hill off to the side opposite the cabins/park," providing both recreation and site definition.
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup options: RV camping near Dallastown generally means dry camping. Jennifer S. advises about Hibernia: "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."
Site limitations: Most tent-focused campgrounds have limited RV accommodation. Jennifer S. notes specific sites at Hibernia that can handle larger rigs: "We mostly camp in a 28ft 5th wheel and though at first glance the sites don't look big enough to house an RV, there are a few sites that will, including #3, #17 & #18."
Dump station planning: Prepare for limited waste disposal options. "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," advises Jennifer S. about Hibernia County Park.
