Camping spots near Fairfield, Pennsylvania sit within the rolling foothills of the Appalachian Mountains at elevations between 500-1,200 feet. The region experiences distinct seasons with summer highs averaging 85°F and winter lows around 20°F. Fall camping season (September-November) typically brings cooler nighttime temperatures in the 40s, requiring proper sleeping gear even when daytime temperatures remain pleasant.
What to do
Hiking on the Appalachian Trail: Pine Grove Furnace State Park marks the midpoint of the Appalachian Trail, offering excellent day hikes for all skill levels. "This park is the half way point on the AT, and we got to meet quite a few hikers and hear some cool stories about their travels on the trail," notes a camper at Pine Grove Furnace State Park Campground.
Historical exploration: Visit Gettysburg's historic battlefields right from your campsite. "The campground is approximately a 3 minute drive from everything in the town of Gettysburg. The battlefields are very close as well," reports a visitor at Artillery Ridge Campground.
Water activities: Multiple lakes offer swimming and fishing opportunities throughout the region. At Cunningham Falls State Park, "The beach area at the lake was fantastic! My kids loved it plenty of areas to grill and dogs are allowed," according to one camper.
Trail riding: Some campgrounds offer horseback tours of battlefield areas. "You can take guided tours of the battlefield on horseback. Nice catch and release pond in campground," mentions a reviewer about Artillery Ridge Campground.
What campers like
Natural settings: Many campsites provide wooded surroundings with varying levels of privacy. A camper at Owens Creek Campground shared, "Nice small campground WAY back in woods. Been here many times over the last 25 years."
Well-maintained facilities: Clean bathrooms and modern amenities are consistently mentioned. At Gettysburg / Battlefield KOA, a reviewer noted, "This was a very clean and wooded campground. They have plenty of activities for the kids from swimming, mini golf, and a scavenger hunt! They also had live music one night!"
Kid-friendly amenities: Most campgrounds offer dedicated play areas and activities. "They have a pool, mini golf and live music were great. Also amazing location to the battlefield and all the tourist attractions," explains a visitor at Artillery Ridge Campground.
Water features: Streams and lakes enhance many camping experiences. "There is a lake, boating, playgrounds, hike to the falls. So much scenery and nature. The electric 'A loop' is paved so it's great for bike riding," describes a camper at Cunningham Falls State Park.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds fill quickly during peak season. "This is a very busy campground and I was advised it normally sells out on weekends, so securing a site in advance is wise," warns a camper at Cunningham Falls State Park.
Site spacing: Privacy varies significantly between campgrounds. At Gettysburg / Battlefield KOA, a visitor observed, "I wasn't as fond of the camper sites they seemed kind of close together but the cabins were amazing."
Seasonal considerations: Some campgrounds close during winter. "The sites are small and not very private but are well defined. It's very clear where to park, set up the tent etc. The park itself is very scenic with nice hiking trails and a lake to enjoy," notes a camper about Cunningham Falls State Park.
Water access: Not all sites have direct water hookups. A camper at Pine Grove Furnace State Park advises, "If traveling in an RV you will need to fill your fresh water tank as each site does not have water hook up."
Tips for camping with families
Choose activity-rich campgrounds: Select locations with built-in entertainment. A camper at Gettysburg Campground shared, "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."
Consider proximity to attractions: Stay close to historical sites for easy day trips. "The resort had great amenities for all ages. We stayed in October so there was plenty of activities for kids from crafts, games, dancing, to trick or treating," notes a visitor at Gettysburg Battlefield Resorts.
Look for themed weekends: Many campgrounds host special events. "We have been members at the Gettysburg battlefield resort campground for over 10 years. They have tons to do as the family. During the summer may have different themed weekends and fun activities for the whole family," a regular camper explains.
Check camp store offerings: Some locations have well-stocked stores for forgotten items. "The camp store has everything that any camper could need, and the game room is really nice," reports a visitor to Artillery Ridge Campground.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Many campgrounds have uneven terrain. At Granite Hill Camping Resort, a camper warned, "it took 2 hours to get our camper set up because of the very uneven stone lot, thankfully we had enough wood to get the jack up without having to over extend it."
Hookup placement: Electric and water connections may require extensions. "The hookups are oddly spaced and you need to ensure you have extentions handy. My electric hookup didn't work on 30A," explains an RVer at Granite Hill Camping Resort.
Road access: Some campgrounds have challenging entry points. At Gettysburg / Battlefield KOA, a visitor noted, "We stayed in site 55. Big site but hard to get into. There are a couple of pull thru sites that are much easier."
Big rig considerations: Not all sites accommodate larger RVs. "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," shares a camper about Gettysburg Campground.
