Best Tent Camping near Dauphin, PA
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Best Tent Sites Near Dauphin, Pennsylvania (12)
1. Lower Allen Community Park
1 Review•12 SavesLewisberry, PennsylvaniaNestled on 110 acres of rolling land, Lower Allen Community Park (LACP) is in the southern part of the Township at 4075 Lisburn Road. It is an ideal location for retreats or meetings, weddings, parties, picnics, family reunions, athletic games and tournaments, special events, or just to simply enjoy family or some quiet time alone. In 2008, Capital Blue Cross and Central Penn Parent Magazine readers awarded LACP as the Second Best Park/Playground. The park offers pavilions, play areas, camp sites and numerous athletic fields for rent. The Camping area is located on the banks of the Yellow Breeches Creek and is perfect for anyone who likes to get back to nature. These “primitive” camp sites are available for tent camping. A nature trail, which winds its way through park pointing out native flowers and foliage, sets the backdrop for your camping getaway.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Tents
- Group
- Tent Cabin
$10 - $25 / night
2. Reeds Gap State Park Campground
5 Reviews•27 Photos•30 SavesMilroy, Pennsylvania- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
- Tents
3. Shikellamy State Park Campground
3 Reviews•6 Photos•7 SavesSunbury, Pennsylvania- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- ADA Access
- Tents
- Group
4. The Hefenfinger's Fish Camp
Be the first to review!•12 Photos•3 SavesSummerdale, Pennsylvania- Reservable
- Tents
5. Penn Roosevelt State Park Campground
5 Reviews•6 Photos•52 SavesBoalsburg, PennsylvaniaThis 41-acre park is in an isolated area of the Seven Mountains region known as the Stone Creek Kettle. While this Centre County park is small in size, it is surrounded by an 80,000-acre block of Rothrock State Forest.
Penn-Roosevelt is a good base for those seeking low-density recreation on this vast expanse of public land. Popular activities include: hiking on the Mid-State or other State Forest trails, gravel-riding on over 100 miles of Forestry roads, and mountain biking the nearby Cooper’s Gap area, a destination Pennsylvania mountain biking trail system.
Rustic sites, tents only
The 18 rustic campsites are for tents only and are open year-round. Some sites are walk-in for more privacy. All campsites are first-come, first-serve.
Drinking water and non-flush toilets are available.
Due to the isolated location, Penn-Roosevelt provides an excellent opportunity to get away from noise and electric lights.
Park rangers routinely patrol the park and camping fees are paid through a self-registration/payment system.
Please keep food and coolers in vehicles to protect them from wild animals.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- ADA Access
- Tents
- Trash
$25 / night
6. Warm Springs Camp
Be the first to review!•11 Photos•6 SavesShermans Dale, PennsylvaniaNestled along Sherman’s Creek, our campsite sits on six wooded acres with 600 feet of creek frontage. Everything in the pictures is included in your stay! All you need to bring is food and your love of the outdoors. Firewood, charcoal, bedding, toiletries, kitchenware (as pictured), a private shower, sink and composting toilet are all included. The shower and sink have an on demand hot water heater, so no cold showers! Bring your fishing gear and you can reel in Smallmouth Bass, Sunnies, Fall Fish, and Trout all from our property. This campsite is far enough away from the city to enjoy the sounds of nature while still being less than 30 minutes from the shopping and dining and Carlisle and Mechanicsburg. Historic Gettysburg and Lancaster are just over an hour away. Hersheypark is less than an hour away!
This campsite is fully private. As your hosts, we live on the property, so if there are any issues or help needed, we are nearby!
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Tent Cabin
- Trash
7. Lancaster County Mill Creek Camping Area
2 Reviews•4 Photos•16 SavesLancaster, Pennsylvania- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
8. Standing Stone Farm
Be the first to review!•6 PhotosMifflintown, PennsylvaniaA relaxing getaway nestled along the Juniata River. Less than one mile from the famous Port Royal Speedway! Come for the race, stay for the fishing, floating, and campfire memories you’re bound to make!
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- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Picnic Table
$25 - $50 / night
9. Mill Creek Camping Area
1 Review•10 SavesLancaster, PennsylvaniaThis primitive tent-only camping area spans 10 acres and has five campsites; each with a picnic table and fire ring.
The Mill Creek Camping Area is located in the southern end of Lancaster County Central Park, in the woods and fields behind the Environmental Center. A driveway leads from Eshelman Mill Road to the camping area parking lot. It is bordered on the west by Mill Creek and includes both woodland and grassy areas.
A permit is required to camp. The maximum stay at the Mill Creek Camping Area is 7 consecutive days (6 nights), followed by a 7 day absence. View the camping brochure for more information.
Parking: Please park your vehicle in the cul-de- sac area. No parking is permitted at the campsites. • Water: Water spigots are located next to Campsite #2 and near Campsite #5. • Electricity: There is no electricity in the camping area. • Restrooms: A port-a-pot is provided near the parking area. Full-service restrooms are available at the Environmental Center from 8 am - dusk. Please note there are no shower facilities. • Trash: Please place all trash in the trash receptacles provided in the cul-de-sac or take it with you. • Fire Rings: Each campsite is equipped with a fire ring. Fires are permitted only in the provided fire rings. • Firewood: A cooking pile of firewood (10-12 pieces) may be purchased for $10. Any dead wood on the ground may be used for fires. The cutting of standing trees and operation of chain saws is not permitted.
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- Reservable
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$23 / night
10. Shambala at Mystic Hollow
1 Review•16 Photos•19 SavesLeesport, PennsylvaniaPitch your tent along Irish Creek under a canopy of Maples at Mystic Hollow. Irish Creek, which is a stream, is a tributary to the Schuylkill River. Site are a 5 minute walk from main house. The land is flat for walking to the camping area. A slight bit bumpy in a small area. I can manage just fine in flip flops but I did want to provide the information if anyone would be using a wheelchair. There is also a small bridge that goes over a small strip of wetlands. Fire rings are included. Tables can be provided. Just let us know ahead of time. I can haul your gear to your spot with tractor and wagon if needed. I have electric available. There is a port-a-potty close by. Showers and bathrooms are in the main house. Please let us know in advance if you would like to use them. Open fire cooking grills can be provided if needed. I have a sink set up for washing dishes, etc.. The fresh water is from our well located on the property.
We are flexible with check-in and check-out times if we are not at full capacity. Just let us know ahead of time if you want to check in or out earlier or later.
We are 5 minutes from the Schuylkill River. 10 minutes from Ontelaunee Lake. 15 minutes from Blue Marsh. 15 minutes from the Appalacian Trail. Trail heads nearby would be Port Clinton, Hamburg, Bernville, Bethel, Blue Rocks, Kempton… 20 minutes from Hawk Mountain. We are an hour from Jim Thorpe. There are several wineries in the area including Long Trout Winery where wine is cool and hippy chicks rule! My favorite!
Lots of wildlife in the area. Expect to hear owls, blue herring, cows, goats, chickens, horses, hawks, eagles, dogs, racoons and coyotes. There is a good chance of being visited by racoons at night if your food isn't stored away properly. I do have a few coolers if needed. Also, the deer may walk past in the middle of the night as well. We do also get wild turkey during different times of the year.
Hiking, kayaking, tubing, fishing, mountain biking, bike trails, etc… all nearby. Sadly there are no fish in Irish Creek worth catching. The Crayfish are! We have kayaks available for rental for an additional fee. Guided hikes can be scheduled as well for all levels of hikers.
We ask that you observe the PA noise ordinance. We are located down in a hollow and sound travels. Quiet time is 10 PM to 7 AM. That doesn't mean no sound. Just no loud music and rowdiness. Besides, you will scare the deer away.
We ask that you stay on our property and do not wander onto the 2 adjacent farms, including the pond. We have 6 acres total.
Please don't hesitate to contact us with questions. 420 friendly.
- Pets
- Fires
- Reservable
- ADA Access
- Tents
- Trash
$40 / night
Recent Tent Reviews near Dauphin, Pennsylvania
825 Reviews of 12 Dauphin Campgrounds
- RRachel D.
Scout
Old Mill Stream Campground
Ideal for locals
We love this campground for tent camping. Tent sites are lined up along the water which is great for fishing (especially when you need to stay close to the littles sleeping in the tent). Lots of benches lined up along the water. Each site has a fire pit and picnic table. There is also a playground in the middle of the tent site line, along with a basketball court. It’s not terribly exciting but it serves its purpose.
Great location on route 30, tons and tons of shopping, restaurants, tourist attractions nearby within a 5 minute drive. Lots of 24 hour places in case there was a middle of the night emergency since the little store closes fairly early, it also opens fairly late.
Being attached to Dutch wonderland is great too. It’s awesome to not have to drive home after a day of being at an amusement park.
- KKENNETHScout
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…!
- N
Norman A.Scout
Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground
Nice and quiet.
We camped in a tent. It was nice and quiet. Lots of birds singing, and owls at night. The bathroom is older, but ok.
- EEmily
Traveler
Western Village RV Park
Fun for a weekend
We tent camp here on weekends. Usually check to see what bands are playing or fun activity going on. We live 5 minutes away so it’s a nice “getaway”.
Only downside is the walk to the bathrooms if you tent camp. A long walk if you really got to go.
- MMelissa C.Scout
Elizabethtown-Hershey KOA
Excellent Campground
We have been here tenting twice, once last year and once this summer. They have upgraded the tent sites since last year, no more primitive sites, all the tent sites are now mulch pad with water and electric. Bathrooms are very clean and modern, but a decent walk from tent sites. The facilities are all lovely, staff in the camp store are kind and helpful. The snack bar is very convenient, breakfasts on the weekends in the summer. Close to lots of great activities and there is lots to do at the campground as well. Highly recommend.
- Nancy N.
Guide
Granite Hill Camping Resort
Classic RV campground
Classic small RV campground. Not especially great for tent camping.
- SSamantha M.Traveler
Lake Glory Campground
Nice, but outdated
A little outdated, but staff was very friendly. Park is kinda boring for kids. If I were them I’d add new stuff to playground and clean up the tent sites more. Tent sites are pretty rocky. I was pretty upset that our camp site had not been mowed. The grass was pretty tall. Overall we enjoyed our stay though.
- GGary C.Guide
Pine Grove Furnace State Park Campground
Mid week stay
Nice fairly private tent sites, clean showers and pet friendly.
Lawrence D.Scout
Ferryboat Campsites
Typical tent camping
They offer the typical tent camping environment, mostly out in an open field and good walk to showers/head. Other than that was enjoyable place to stay.
- TTerri S.Traveler
Muddy Run Rec Park - PPL
Very accommodating!
we tent camp and the site was booked over the phone and we got there nd the site was wooded and not enough room for our big tent, but they left us change sites and were very nice
- Amy R.Scout
Merry Meadows Recreation Farm
The best!
Such a wonderful campground. We have visited 5x this year. Wooded sites, open sites, tent sites. All great!
Theresa D.Traveler
Caledonia State Park Campground
Beautiful park, loud road
I tent camped here about 30 yrs ago and was so happy to come back! But, the nearby Rt 30, especially before leaves return to the trees, is a major commuter route and soooo loud!
Dave G.Guide
Gettysburg Campground
Family campground that's great for base camp.
Stayed here in October while family stayed in hotels. This is a family campground and is mostly occupied by RV's who stay long term. Tent sites are spacious and fits 2 cars, sites fit 2-3 tents. The tent sites have numerous walnut trees, so there's a bit of a hazard there when walking around trying to dodge the falling nuts (cars are targets too!). The campground is pretty close to downtown Gettysburg if you're looking for restaurants/shops. It's in the heart of the battlefield access points and trails. The campground usually puts on various activities, parties, etc, mainly kid oriented. This is a nice site/area for base camping in the fall.
- Marie H.Scout
Gettysburg Campground
Best tent camping site in Gettysburg
campground was pretty crowded, but the tent sites were secluded and well kept. staff was extremely helpful. close to the battleground and all attractions.
- ddevon K.Scout
Gettysburg / Battlefield KOA
Memorial weekend
Good tent site clean the staff was on top of collecting garbage. Had a few activities. Definitely need my bike next time cool rocks there to play on.
- PPamela A.Traveler
Gettysburg / Battlefield KOA
Great place
Nicely wooded, quiet campground. Bathrooms were clean and staff was really nice. Close to Gettysburg museum. They were able to get us in a tent site to save $.
Andrea N.ScoutGifford Pinchot State Park Campground
Nice campground, needs updating
The campground had a good feel to it. We had a nice view of the lake. We booked a non electric site for our tent camping. The bath houses need updated though. The only negative I can say is that our site did not have a great spot for the tent except by the parking spot and not down by the fire ring.
- LLee P.Traveler
Cedar Lake Family Campground
Amazing campgrounds!
Everything was on point here! The staff run the place like a resort or a cruise ship. So many activities for kids and adults and a huge family atmosphere with staff and campers! Tent site near the lake is HUGE
- Mike S.Scout
Camp A While
Quite camp
Nice and quite campground, owners were amazing and very accommodating. Only power sites were all gravel. Could use some grass tent sites with power. Other then that this place was very quite, owners helped haul firewood to our campsite so we didn't have to carry it.
- LLois .Guide
Old Mill Stream Campground
Family camping close to Dutch Wonderland
Family cabins available, tent sites are small. Clean parks with a small stream. Next to Dutch Wonderland, showers are nice, laundry facilities available. Enjoyed our time but only because we were going to the park, not a campground to visit if your looking for quiet and isolation.
- DDarrien K.Traveler
Blue Mountain Lakes
Fun place for kids and adults alike
There are two fun ponds where you can rent boats, go fishing, and swim. There's walking paths around the lakes. The tent sites are rustic and in the woods by a creek. The RV sites are more exposed. There's a bar and restaurant and also an arcade. Overall great place.
Marlaina M.Guide
Fowlers Hollow State Park Campground
Peaceful
We stayed at one of the tent sites. There was an issue with the electric hookup, but the ranger was able to relocate us without issue. It’s small, but peaceful and the ‘regulars’ (as they referred to themselves) were friendly and welcoming. The grounds were well-maintained and the bathrooms very clean.
- Megan S.
RangerGifford Pinchot State Park Campground
Camping Trip
Not a bad camping trip. We stayed in a tent site with electric. It was pretty crowded. The sites were pretty close together and covered in rocks but level. It wasn't our favorite spot/site but there were a lot of things to do in the park! The young kids really enjoyed the playground and beach.
- Kelly J.Ranger
Gettysburg Campground
small sites!! but tons to do!!
It is a wonderful place to have Kids. tons of things for them to do. we were in tent sites which felt bigger than most and were right by river. not far to go anywhere walking. porta potties were cleanest I have ever seen even with a ton of recent rain. lots of history nearby .
- RRoss P.Traveler
Caledonia State Park Campground
Beautiful campground near I-81
Very nice campground with clean bathrooms and showers. Nice creek for the kids to play on a hot day. Great spot for kids. Wish the pool was open!
Not sure about other sites- some sites appeared not to have tent sites and steep parking. All the full look-up sites appeared very nice.
Staff was very friendly and helpful!
Dave R.Guide
Dutch Cousin Campground
Great little spot
Great smaller campground. Staff was friendly, general vibe was low key. A lot of year round sites. Only complaint being not a lot for the kids to do aside from ride bike. We did notice they have really nice tent sites that are all to themselves. Might be back to give those a try at some point
- CColls G.Scout
Deer Run Campgrounds
No COVID-19 Precautions in 2020 and Tight Spaces
We took a chance in September 2020 and decided to make plans to camp for two nights so we could get some hiking in nearby at the Pine Grove Furnace State Park. You're greeted by a sign on the front office door that says "Masks are optional," so that tells you all you need to know about camping here during the COVID-19 crisis. Check-in is easy enough and you are given a card to hang on your mirror that has a barcode to scan to get access to the campground. Then you drive to your site. The signs/directions posted are...not very helpful, and you can easily find yourself face-to-face with someone driving a golf cart from the opposite direction or kids running around through the road, so be very careful. We picked a tent site (218 or 219) as far away from everyone else as we could get. A bunch of the tent sites border the woods, and I definitely recommend snagging one of those if you're able. The tent and RV sites are absolutely crammed together. We started setting up our tent and were somewhat pleased with the amount of space we had from a big family in the next site because we could all enjoy our respective spaces without getting in each other's way. Then another car pulled up and signaled that there was ANOTHER site between us. There wasn't even 10ft between our tents; you could hear everything. The RV/camper sites looked even more snug, so I can't imagine trying to maneuver there. Our tent site was one of the flatter and less rocky ones that I could see. Each site is provided with a fire ring (more like a fire pit/contained cauldron) and picnic table, which was great. I will say that from what we saw, the grounds are kept very clean. The bath house near the tent site is cleaned daily, however not always at the posted hours so I would say to assume it is half an hour before the posted time. There are 2 showers and toilet stalls in each bathroom. Here is where we were the most unhappy about masks being optional: not a single other person that we saw over 3 days was wearing a mask while in the enclosed bathrooms. There are hand dryers, so particles are flying all over the place. There was a concert that ended while I was showering and it was a line of people to get in and the dryers were constantly blasting; I basically held my breath while I was in there. The campgrounds are clean and easy to find off of the main roads. However, if you're looking for a place to stay outside during the COVID-19 situation, look elsewhere.
Guide to Dauphin
Dauphin, Pennsylvania, offers a variety of tent camping options that cater to outdoor enthusiasts looking for a peaceful escape. From serene parks to well-equipped campgrounds, there's something for everyone.
Tent campers appreciate these amenities
- Lower Allen Community Park features picnic tables and fire pits, making it a cozy spot for gatherings and evening campfires.
- Reeds Gap State Park Campground provides clean sites with access to drinking water and restrooms, ensuring a comfortable camping experience.
- Penn Roosevelt State Park Campground offers a secluded atmosphere with picnic tables and fire pits at each site, perfect for a rustic getaway.
Tips for tent camping near Dauphin
- When visiting Warm Springs Camp, enjoy the convenience of drinking water and showers, which enhance your camping comfort.
- At Lancaster County Mill Creek Camping Area, be prepared for a refreshing stream nearby, ideal for cooling off during hot days.
- Shikellamy State Park Campground allows pets, making it a great choice for families who want to bring their furry friends along.
Tent campers should check out local activities
- The Hefenfinger's Fish Camp offers a peaceful setting along the water, perfect for fishing and enjoying nature.
- For those who love hiking, Gamlers Boat Yard Campgrounds provides access to scenic trails and waterways.
- Mill Creek Camping Area is close to local attractions, making it easy to explore the surrounding area while enjoying your camping experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Dauphin, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Dauphin, PA is Lower Allen Community Park with a 5-star rating from 1 review.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Dauphin, PA?
TheDyrt.com has all 12 tent camping locations near Dauphin, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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