Best Campgrounds near Duncannon, PA

Campgrounds near Duncannon, Pennsylvania range from established facilities with full amenities to more rustic options along the Susquehanna River. Riverfront Campground, located directly in Duncannon, provides tent and RV sites with electric hookups, water access, and fire rings. Several mixed-use campgrounds in the region accommodate various camping styles, including Little Buffalo State Park Campground approximately 15 miles northwest, which offers tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin rentals. The area features a blend of state park campgrounds, private facilities, and seasonal camping options within a 30-mile radius of town.

Many campgrounds in the region maintain seasonal operations, with most facilities open from April through October. Road access varies considerably between developed and primitive sites, with some requiring navigation of narrow country roads. "Beautiful picturesque campground with large spots and a lot of trees. Very quiet and close enough to Lancaster for shopping," noted one visitor about a nearby location. Weather considerations include potential flooding along the Susquehanna River during spring runoff and occasional summer thunderstorms. Cell service can be spotty in more remote locations, particularly in the valleys and forested areas. Advance reservations are strongly recommended for weekend camping during summer months, as riverfront sites fill quickly, especially at popular destinations like Ferryboat Campsites in Liverpool.

The camping experience near Duncannon benefits from proximity to both natural attractions and historical sites. Campers frequently mention the peaceful settings along creeks and rivers as highlights of their stays. One reviewer described their experience as "peaceful, beautiful location" with "large spots and a lot of trees." The Appalachian Trail passes directly through Duncannon, making several campgrounds convenient resupply points for through-hikers. State park campgrounds in the region typically offer more amenities like showers and flush toilets, while some private campgrounds feature additional recreational facilities such as swimming pools and game rooms. Noise levels vary significantly between locations, with sites closer to highways experiencing more traffic sounds compared to more secluded options tucked into wooded areas or along quiet waterways.

Detours Nearby

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Lake Heron Retreat

Lake Heron Retreat

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River Rock Recreation

River Rock Recreation

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Best Camping Sites Near Duncannon, Pennsylvania (144)

    1. Little Buffalo State Park Campground

    18 Reviews
    New Bloomfield, PA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 567-9255

    $22 - $92 / night

    "A playground is near bathhouse in the campground, along with several hiking trails. The dump station is easily accessible. Firewood is also available for purchase at the campground."

    "The driving path is gravel with a steep hill at the end so if you can help it I would avoid sites 32,34,36 as they are VERY difficult to back into with larger rigs."

    2. Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground

    56 Reviews
    Wellsville, PA
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 292-4112

    $20 - $89 / night

    "We have a small camper and there are some great sites on the lake side to park it where you can get AMAZING sunset views.  "

    "We had site 108 which is an electric site along the shore and close to the beach, and it was perfect for our needs. "

    3. Hersheypark Camping Resort

    29 Reviews
    Hummelstown, PA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (833) 936-0949

    "This campground has a little something for everyone, from full hook up sites neatly stacked next to each other, to quiet patches of grass next to the river."

    "They don’t sell alcohol but there is a shopping center within walking distance with restaurants and liquor stores! Even a supermarket. There is shuttle service to the park."

    4. Riverfront Campground

    4 Reviews
    Duncannon, PA
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (717) 834-5252

    "Great river front location! Could be a bit muddy depending on the river. The train does run right near all night long, but I find it soothing. Bath houses are a bit rough, hence the 4 stars."

    5. Ferryboat Campsites

    6 Reviews
    Millersburg, PA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 444-3200

    $30 - $100 / night

    "With that said they do have primitive camping spots next to the putt putt course and water only tent sits at the upper feild."

    "Lots to do very close to water and many things to do in and around camp ground. Stayed for a few days would go back."

    6. Buttonwood Campground

    14 Reviews
    Mifflintown, PA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 436-8334

    $30 - $78 / night

    "One is along the River and the other is situated near the camp store, playground and pool. This campground had it all! There was laser tag, playground, jump pillow, pedal carts!"

    "Buttonwood is actually divided in to two sections with the upper lot, which is near all the activities and pool; and the lower area, which is near the Juniata River. "

    7. Camp Hebron

    2 Reviews
    Halifax, PA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 896-3441

    $26 - $85 / night

    "Nice pool and lots of hiking trails. The sites have lots of tree cover and they are private. This place does not have many amenities as far as crafts and "drop off the kids" activities."

    8. Lake Heron Retreat

    5 Reviews
    Millersburg, PA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (929) 464-3766

    $20 - $240 / night

    "I wanted to find something close enough to home, but far away from the hustle and bustle of our suburban lives. This fit the bill. There are 10 sites….some are occupied by seasonal guests."

    "This lake was beautiful! A short walk from the campsite. We had the lake to ourself both evening and morning. $61. No WiFi. Leveling was fine. Verizon service was fine."

    9. Pine Grove Furnace State Park Campground

    25 Reviews
    Peach Glen, PA
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 486-7174

    $20 - $43 / night

    "It’s at the midpoint of the Appalachian Trail so there are lots of great hikes as well as a nice path between the two lakes. Our new favorite in Pennsylvania!"

    "We were right at the intersection near the campground entrance and one of the other loops, but it wasn't noisy at all. The drinking water was right next to our site, which was handy."

    10. Thousand Trails Hershey

    21 Reviews
    Mount Gretna, PA
    28 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    $50 - $60 / night

    "The first thing to know is that Thousand Trails sites are a first come, first serve. Meaning you have to arrive early in order to get the best spots. They don't reserve sites for you."

    "This is a clean, nice looking campground in a location very close to Hershey park and the outlets. It’s a very nice area."

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Recent Reviews near Duncannon, PA

827 Reviews of 144 Duncannon Campgrounds


  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 9, 2025

    Artillery Ridge Campground

    Great location and friendly staff

    We have a motorhome with no additional vehicle and two dogs, and this site couldn’t have been more perfect for us. A dog park, walking distance to most everything we wanted to see. The national park is mostly dog friendly. My husband caught a fish first day in the pond behind our site. The staff was super friendly and welcoming.

  • p
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Artillery Ridge Campground

    Rv stay

    Site and bathrooms clean. Activities provided free each day. Food trucks in park. Close to museum and battleground sites.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 7, 2025

    Round Top Campground

    Better than OK

    Stayed for 2 days while passing through from FL to NH. Off-season so not crowded. Pool was clean and quite good sized, had it to ourselves due to season. Did laundry while here, ample laundry room. On-site extras include food-truck restaurant and small country goods vendor during our stay. Office staff did ok. Sites have reasonable spacing with gravel pads, mostly level. Trees between sites with sloping hills , not just a big open field. It’s a corporate site so automated web-based reservation system was finicky so we had to verify reservation went through. Tried to book 2 nights but system only set us up for 1. Phone call to help line easily resolved the issue. Quiet and no spotlights on all night.

  • Stephen W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 7, 2025

    Hersheypark Camping Resort

    Very clean campground friendly staff

    We stay here once a year in September. Stone surface. Not to bad for leveling. Our site was spacious.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground

    Peace and quiet !

    Great spot! We had site 114 . It has water access and is right next to a small man made beach and playground. Bathrooms were in good shape. Sites were of ample size and well spaced.

  • Werner S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Old Mill Stream Campground

    In Amish area, next to an amusement park

    Our kids where happy with the small playground and with a few dollars they could have some fun in the small arcade/gameroom. In the area you have Lancaster, Amish area and an amusement park (that is a bit outdated). The camping has a bit over 100 spots. They are just oké.

  • eThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 21, 2025

    Round Top Campground

    I camped and worked here.

    I’m a shamanic energy healer and health enthusiast exploring a new life and hunting for healthy. While this campground has some nice features. This certainly is not a health conscious facility. Lots of smoking, drinking and unhealthy food. There was also evidence of mice in the main store and definitely issues with the water.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 19, 2025

    Old Mill Stream Campground

    Good stay

    The entrance in off the main road turns you into the theme park. Fear not. Turn in and follow the road to the right and into the campground. We stayed on site 123 with a 40 ft Allegro Bus. Plenty of room to maneuver a big rig. All gravel sites and we had full hookup with 50 Amp.

  • R
    Aug. 16, 2025

    Deer Run Campgrounds

    Good for kids

    It's very nice here, good for kids, big pool. The sites for campers are very tight.


Guide to Duncannon

Camping near Duncannon, Pennsylvania, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and family-friendly activities. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are several campgrounds that cater to different needs and preferences.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the Appalachian Trail, which runs nearby. Many campers enjoy the scenic views and well-maintained trails. One visitor at Caledonia State Park Campground mentioned, "The Appalachian trail runs right by it. About 20 minute drive to Gettysburg."
  • Fishing and Swimming: Spend a day at the lake. Campers at Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground appreciate the lake, with one saying, "The lake is very nice and it's a very family park!"
  • Local Attractions: Visit nearby historical sites like Gettysburg. A camper at Codorus State Park Campground noted, "There’s a lot to do in the area. Tons of hiking, exploring along the lake, and Gettysburg within a 30 minute drive."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Many campers appreciate well-kept restrooms and showers. A visitor at Cowans Gap State Park Campground said, "Bathrooms and showers very clean. Firewood always available."
  • Spacious Sites: Campers enjoy having enough room to spread out. One reviewer at Locust Lake State Park Campground mentioned, "The sites are spaced pretty well but are not level at all."
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Many campgrounds cater to families with activities for kids. A camper at Blue Rocks Family Campground shared, "The playground was great. Lots of activities. Ice cream parlor was a bonus."

What you should know:

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with activities for kids. Campers at Gettysburg / Battlefield KOA enjoyed, "They have plenty of activities for the kids from swimming, mini golf, and a scavenger hunt!"
  • Plan for Meals: Bring easy-to-cook meals or snacks. A camper at Hersheypark Camping Resort mentioned, "The store has just about anything you would need while visiting."
  • Check for Amenities: Make sure the campground has the facilities you need. One camper at Caledonia State Park Campground appreciated, "The bathhouse was new and nice."

Tips from RVers:

  • Level Sites: Look for campgrounds with level sites for easier parking. A visitor at Cowans Gap State Park Campground noted, "Our site was level and sizable."
  • Check Hookups: Ensure your site has the necessary hookups. A camper at Hersheypark Camping Resort said, "The bathrooms were clean and large."
  • Be Prepared for Limited Cell Service: Many campgrounds have poor cell reception. A camper at Pine Grove Furnace State Park Campground mentioned, "If you are planning to use your cellphone at this one, probably not going to happen."

Camping near Duncannon, Pennsylvania, has something for everyone, whether you're a family looking for fun or an RV enthusiast seeking adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where can I find camping in Duncannon, PA?

Duncannon offers several camping options within a short drive. Riverfront Campground is located directly in Duncannon with drive-in access, reservable sites, and toilet facilities. Just a short drive away, Pine Grove Furnace State Park Campground provides updated bathrooms, electric sites, and excellent hiking opportunities including access to the Appalachian Trail. Other nearby options include Little Buffalo State Park Campground and Ferryboat Campsites. The area's proximity to Harrisburg makes it a convenient base for exploring central Pennsylvania while enjoying the natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities.

Are there riverfront campgrounds in Duncannon, PA?

Yes, Duncannon offers excellent riverfront camping opportunities along the Susquehanna River. Campground Island provides a unique experience as it's completely surrounded by water, offering peaceful waterfall sounds and excellent fishing. The creek flows on both sides, with deeper water perfect for fishing on one side. Another option is Hersheypark Camping Resort, which features quiet patches of grass next to the river. While some sites are close to train tracks, riverside spots offer better tranquility and beautiful water views. Both campgrounds provide the relaxing sound of flowing water and river-based recreation opportunities.

Which is the most popular campground near Duncannon, PA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Duncannon, PA is Little Buffalo State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 18 reviews.