Best Tent Camping near Ephrata, PA
Are you planning a tent camping trip to Ephrata? We've got you covered. Find the best tent camping sites near Ephrata. From remote to easy-to-reach, these Ephrata campsites are perfect for tent campers.
Best Tent Sites Near Ephrata, Pennsylvania (20)
1. Hibernia County Park
8 Reviews•14 Photos•105 SavesCoatesville, PennsylvaniaThe campground is open Friday and Saturday nights only. Two camping units are permitted at each site, one unit must be a tent. Sleeping in personal vehicles is not permitted.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Equestrian
$15 - $50 / night
2. Susquehannock State Park Campground
6 Reviews•3 Photos•68 SavesDrumore, Pennsylvania- Pets
- Fires
- Electric Hookups
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
3. Lancaster County Mill Creek Camping Area
2 Reviews•4 Photos•16 SavesLancaster, Pennsylvania- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
4. Group Camp — Ridley Creek State Park
10 Reviews•10 Photos•186 SavesGradyville, PennsylvaniaGroup Camping only by arrangement/reservation Qualified organized groups can use the 120-person area from April to October. A restroom with flush toilets, but no showers, is available. To reserve a group tent campsite, call 888-PA-PARKS (888-727-2757), Monday to Saturday, 7:00 A.M. - 5:00 P.M. except on the Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year’s Day holidays.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
- Tents
5. 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
6. Deep Creek Campground at Green Lane Park
8 Reviews•2 Photos•85 SavesPerkiomenville, PennsylvaniaDEEP CREEK CAMPGROUND The campground’s are open from April 1 through November 1. The location is near the Park’s Main Office area at 2144 Snyder Road, Green Lane, PA 18054. Each site is equipped with a fire ring, grill and picnic table. No electric, no water hookup, and no RV dump station. Maximum RV length 25 ft. There is a bath house at Deep Creek Campground with showers and restrooms. Non-Profit Organized Group Camp Area: For use by non-profit groups and by reservation only. Please bring your own drinking water. Dog friendly campground. Please keep dogs on leashes and clean up after your dog.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Standard (Tent/RV)
$20 - $30 / night
7. 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.
- Pets
- Fires
- Reservable
- Tents
- Group
- Trash
$23 / night
8. Evansburg State Park Campground
7 Reviews•10 Photos•102 SavesSkippack, Pennsylvania- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- ADA Access
- Tents
$43 / night
9. Rolling Hills Retreats
1 Review•27 Photos•29 SavesOley, PennsylvaniaSleeping
Our cozy setup includes a spacious king-size bed, along with 2 extra single mattresses for 2 more people. Need room for one more person? No problem! You've got extra space on the floor where they can snuggle up with a sleeping bag. If you wish to add an extra single mattress for convenience let us know in advance and we will drop an extra one for you before you arrive.
Don't worry if you don't have sleeping bags of your own or prefer not to bring them along—we've got you covered! You can rent our comfy sleeping bags for just $10 each, regardless of how long you'll be staying. Let us know in advance if you will need sleeping bags. The king size bed comes with 2 pillows, sheets and a blanket.
Electricity
Our campsite caters to both primitive and luxurious experiences. If you desire electricity, a quiet generator is available nearby for an additional fee of $30 per day, including one fill of gasoline. You can use it to light up the camp with our delightful string lights, charge your devices, and more.
Bonfire
We have a fantastic fire pit available for your enjoyment at the campsite. Feel free to bring your own wood, and if needed, we can also supply you with wood for the fire. Simply let us know in advance how many packs you'll require. Each pack of wood is priced at $15.
For those who prefer a smoke-free and hassle-free way to stay warm, we offer a convenient small propane outdoor heater that functions similarly to a bonfire. The fee for using this heater is $30 per stay or per propane tank (20 lb.), depending on which one ends first. Please note that using 16 oz small propane cylinders with this heater is not recommended, as they will deplete quickly.
Kitchen
Our kitchen is equipped with a grill/smoker, a spacious cooler, and a convenient serving table, ensuring a seamless cooking experience during your stay.
We've provided essential cooking utensils, including a skillet, a small pot for boiling water, a spatula, a serving spoon and fork, utensils for four people, and cups. Additionally, grill tools are available for your convenience. Kindly remember to bring your own cooking essentials such as oil, salt, pepper, and other preferred seasonings.
If you intend to use the propane stove for cooking, we ask you to bring your own Coleman 16 oz. All-Purpose Propane Camping Gas Cylinders. These green small containers are commonly available in stores. However, if you prefer us to handle the propane supply, we offer the service at a cost of $15 per container. Simply inform us in advance, and we will gladly take care of it for you.
Restroom/Shower
We provide restroom and shower facilities for your convenience during your stay.
The shower is a field shower, and while it does not have hot water, it offers a refreshing bathing experience amidst the natural surroundings.
For restroom needs, we have porta-potties available. They are conveniently located just a 1-minute walk from the campsite.
Heating inside the tent
We have a propane heater with a 20 lb. tank that can warm you up during the night. Let us know if you wish to use it. The fee for using this heater is $30 per stay or per propane tank. A backup tank will be available if you need it.
Noise
We kindly request that our campsite be treated as a tranquil and peaceful environment, rather than a venue for raves or parties with loud music. While we appreciate the healing power of music and welcome its presence, we ask that it be kept at a reasonable volume throughout the day. To ensure a restful experience for all our guests, we observe quiet hours from 9 PM until 8 AM. We appreciate your understanding and cooperation in respecting these guidelines.
Property lines
We would like to inform our guests that the surrounding woods are not part of our property. Therefore, we kindly request that you refrain from crossing over into the neighboring properties during your stay.
Pets
We love animals! This place is heaven for dogs, so bring your lovely friend with you and have fun. If you do bring your pet make sure that it doesn't go on the bed and mattresses and that you clean after your pet, even if he or she did it in the forest or the open field. Others follow you and wouldn't want to bump into it.
We have goats and chickens near the house at the top of the property that you are welcome to visit, pet the friendly animals, and maybe collect a few free-range eggs for breakfast.
When you leave
Please close all windows and the door all the way.
Don't forget your belongings.
Dumping your garbage at the entrance of the property is very much appreciated!
Our premises offer a variety of scenic paths for you to walk and explore. Take in the breathtaking views of Oley Valley from our swing located at the top of the hills, known as Vista Point. Feel free to embark on a journey of discovery and make the most of the beautiful surroundings.
The Oley Valley and the mountains and other valleys around have a lot to offer. If you'd like to explore the area, please let us know what you are looking for and we will do our best to get you the best information we can get about the available opportunities.
Note! There might be other guests on the property when you arrive, as well as the owners of the property. The entire place, except your secluded campsite, is open for everyone who stays in the property to use. So, you might bump into us working in the fields or other guests hiking around. The tipi tent is also open for everyone to visit and use, unless someone rented it for the night.
- Pets
- Fires
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Tents
- Yurts
$160 - $380 / night
Recent Tent Reviews near Ephrata, Pennsylvania
799 Reviews of 20 Ephrata 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.
- Karralee B.
Guide
Boulder Woods Campground
Relaxing, with activities for everyone- Disc Golf Crazy!
We did a weekend trip with just adults, tent camping. It was quite muddy so we moved our set up into the grass field, we reserved the majority of the sites in this location so it worked well. The RV spots seem nice and large. The bathrooms were nice and clean, showers were nice. There are a few bath houses that make the large camp ground have easy access to the bathrooms which I appreciated. The tent sites are on dirt and not stone which we enjoyed, I hate stone under my tent. The general store had everything plus, and very reasonably priced. The camp ground has a very large golf disc course and they seem to have tournaments. They sell disc golf things in the store as well. This course is huge and brings in groups who play for the day. They do allow golf carts we saw gas and powered. Nice and quite. We had a great time and it’s on our list as a successful tent camping location for us. The owners are AWESOME!
- DDanielle F.Scout
Blue Rocks Family Campground
Family Campground with great hiking
We have been to blue rocks twice for tent camping and it is one on my favorite campgrounds. The tent sites are separated from the RVs and are very large sites, so you have some space from your neighbors. There are hiking trails right from the campground to access the Pinnacle, Pulpit rock and Appalachian trail. The boulder field in the campground is great, too. We loved hanging out on the boulders in the morning, or star watching from them in the evening. The only con was that the water is a bit of a walk from the tents. It could be imporoved by adding even a simple water spicket closer to the tents.
- 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…!
Marvin D.GuideBlue Rocks Family Campground
Large campground in Pennsylvania near the AT
"Rocksylvania". According to hikers on the AT, this is what they call Pennsylvania, as they hike through this section of the state. And Blue Rocks Campground doesn't dissapoint.
This campground sits in the woods and rolling hills just below the Appalachian Trail. Nice huge campground. The RV sites are mainly situated at the botom section, and the tent camping is pretty much on the upper portion of the site. The tent sites are pretty spacious. There are also places to buy wood nearby (very economically priced) and the campground sells it also. Worse comes to worse, there is a lot of forage wood on the site as well.
There are plenty of hiking trails, and a "yellow blaze" trail that leads directly to the Appalachian trail (AT). Take a hike up to "Pinnacle Rock" on the AT, and you can catch a nice view. There are rattlesnakes and Copperheads in the area, so be sure to act like you've got some sense.
And not to be missed is the "Blue Rocks" river of rocks, which is situated on the campground, and the reason the site got its name.
- 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.
- 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.
- Keith K.Scout
Boulder Woods Campground
Not good tent sites
Staff was pleasant. Tent sites were not marked at all. No real clear boundaries of any of the tent sites. Took a awhile to figure out where our site was supposed to be. Other tent campers who arrived had the same issue. Bath house was relatively close and clean. Camp store at office has almost everything you need for camping.
- Debbie P.
Traveler
Allentown KOA
Allentown Koa
This campground is nestled in rhe mountains of Pennsylvania. This campgound is family oriented, it has a pool, a store, a game room. They also do things for different holidays. There is showers and bathrooms a crick goes through the campground. Therebis pull thru sites, tent sites and cabins.
- Joe B.Guide
Blue Rocks Family Campground
Fun to stay and hike
Title says it all. Great place to tent camp and go hiking. I took my girlfriend there and now she's my wife! Coincidence? Maybe, maybe not!
- LLois .Guide
Roamers Retreat Campground
Small but quaint
Small campground with tent sites that are close together. Cleanly run close to Lancaster shopping and Amish country
- JJohnGuide
White Oak Campground
Good and near Lancaster
Nice tent camping with plenty of space. Has a pool, too. The campground is clean and showers and restrooms like new and very clean. We liked our stay a lot.
- 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
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.
- 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!
- JJenTraveler
White Oak Campground
Noisy but nice
The tent sites here are in an open field close to a busy road. The nearby mooing cow - cool. The horse and buggy traffic - super cool. The motor vehicles - so far from cool they can’t even see cool. Other than that, this is a very nice campground with a pool, rec room, and playground. The host was friendly and helpful, and the restrooms and showers were clean and adequate. The RV sites look a bit close together, but the tent sites are spaced more generously. There is a camp store with general items on the premises. Our only negative review is the road noise. And there’s a lot of it.
- AAngel L.Traveler
French Creek State Park Campground
Close to the city
This state park is close to Philly but has some wonderful tent sites. There are also cabins and yurts but they aren’t dog friendly. Lots of nice trails.
- Robert T.Scout
Locust Lake State Park Campground
Always nice
I’ve tent camped here many times over the years and always had a pleasant experience. I always choose to go over the dam and camp there. It’s always quieter because there are less children on that side. The beach is the opposite side of the lake.
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
- MMaggie H.Traveler
Blue Rocks Family Campground
Family Campground
Great campground with lots of amenities. The staff was friendly, the store had essentials and more, and there was great hiking right from the grounds. Our site was a little rocky so he prepared with a good mat/mattress if tent camping. Our site was on a little stream which was relaxing. All around great private campground.
- 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.
MsTrailBlazer 🏔.GuideFrench Creek State Park Campground
A great Trip for us.
I usually Tent Camp so the Cottage was nice. Had a stack of wood waiting for me and light and heat on. The campground is very nice but I’m here in the off Season and so heard it gets crazy. So much to do. We will be back!!! Bathrooms were not the best. But maybe bc it was off Season?
- 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.
AnthonyTravelerFrench Creek State Park Campground
Solo Tenter- winter trip
Great location for a tent setup, especially since I’m new to winter camping. The site facilities were near my site and I felt comfortably spaced from other sites although that can also be attributed to choosing a corner space. There were a few other campers, mostly RV, but that didn’t detract from the beauty or experience of tent camping. Only wish I could have stayed longer to fish!
Great spot for a state park!
- 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.
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
Guide to Ephrata
Tent camping near Ephrata, Pennsylvania, offers a variety of scenic locations and amenities for outdoor enthusiasts looking to enjoy nature and create lasting memories.
Tips for tent camping near Ephrata
- For a family-friendly experience, consider staying at Hibernia County Park, where you'll find clean facilities and a playground nearby.
- If you're looking for a peaceful retreat, Shambala at Mystic Hollow provides creekside campsites perfect for relaxation and enjoying the sounds of nature.
- Budget-conscious campers will appreciate the affordable rates at Lancaster County Mill Creek Camping Area, which offers a refreshing stream and plenty of hiking opportunities.
Tent campers should check out Hibernia County Park
- This park features picnic tables and fire rings at each site, making it ideal for evening gatherings around the campfire at Hibernia County Park.
- Enjoy the convenience of drinking water and clean toilets, ensuring a comfortable stay while you explore the beautiful surroundings.
- The park's proximity to hiking trails allows for easy access to outdoor adventures, with scenic views and wildlife encounters.
Explore local attractions near Ephrata
- The Susquehannock State Park Campground offers stunning views of the Susquehanna River and access to extensive hiking trails, perfect for day trips.
- Families can enjoy a day at the children's pond at Hibernia County Park, which is well-stocked for fishing and provides a great spot for kids to play.
- For a unique experience, check out Rolling Hills Retreats, where you can enjoy glamping in a serene setting, complete with modern amenities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Ephrata, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Ephrata, PA is Hibernia County Park with a 4-star rating from 8 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Ephrata, PA?
TheDyrt.com has all 20 tent camping locations near Ephrata, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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