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Best Tent Camping near Fannettsburg, PA

945 Reviews

Tent campsites near Fannettsburg, Pennsylvania include several established options for outdoor enthusiasts seeking primitive camping experiences. STAR LEE FARM offers secluded tent-only sites with basic amenities in a rural setting, while Penn Roosevelt State Park provides tent camping with more developed facilities. These areas are situated within Pennsylvania's forested landscape, offering access to nearby trails and natural features.

The tent camping experience at these locations varies in terms of amenities and accessibility. At STAR LEE FARM, campers find a rustic setting with drinking water, fires allowed, and showers available despite the absence of electrical hookups. Sites feature picnic tables and are reservable in advance. One visitor noted, "Place was very pretty and secluded... lots of hiking and if you're a bee enthusiast they grow their own honey in the property." Most tent sites in the region require campers to bring their own water filtration systems or carry in sufficient water, as reliable water sources can be limited, especially at primitive locations.

Walk-in tent sites are common throughout the region, with some requiring short hikes from parking areas to reach camping spots. Penn Roosevelt State Park offers tent-only camping with clean facilities and proximity to hiking trails. A camper shared that "sites are tent only and pretty close together but some still feel secluded." The area features several backcountry options for those seeking more isolation, though cell service is often limited or non-existent at these primitive tent locations. During peak summer months, tent campers should arrive early to secure preferred sites, as the more scenic locations with water access tend to fill quickly. Many tent campgrounds in the region feature fire rings and primitive toilet facilities, but showers and other amenities are typically only available at more established sites.

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Best Tent Sites Near Fannettsburg, Pennsylvania (29)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Fannettsburg, PA

31 Photos of 29 Fannettsburg Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Fannettsburg, PA

945 Reviews of 29 Fannettsburg Campgrounds

  • S
    Sep. 3, 2025

    Rothrock Roadside Campsites — Rothrock State Forest

    Nice spot to camp in the mountains

    First I'll just say that the Rothrock campsites should probably each be listed separately, rather than as a group; they are very spread out throughout the State Forest and each is a different experience.  This review will be for site 002 Colerain Road.  

    This site is accessed by driving up a bit of a winding dirt road up the mountain.  It's easy enough during the summer, though the road is narrow and you've got some sharp bends depending on which way you come from.  This road is not safe to access in the winter in my opinion.  

    The parking is just right off the road, and there's a picnic table and large stone fire ring near the parking.  There's a small path further up the hill into the woods where there is a tent pad, another fire ring and another picnic table.  There are also a lot of flat spots nearby for additional tents to be set up.  

    Just behind the upper tent site is the top of the mountain, and the site has their own private overlook to the valley below.  The site is pretty remote, though there were vehicles and the occasional biker coming up the road.  Traffic may have been busier than usual the weekend we went because there was the Mid Atlantic Overland festival nearby at the same time.  At one point a family parked in the campsite's parking to start a walk... (there's a better trailhead up closer to Indian Lookout they should have used).

    No hookups, water, bathrooms, etc; its fully primitive camping here.  Cell coverage was fine on Xfinity Mobile (Verizon). 

    These sites used to be totally free but they're now $10 a night.  You still need to book a while out if you want to be here on a weekend, especially during the fall when Penn State is playing.

  • Lee D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 31, 2019

    Greenbrier State Park Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED

    Nice hiking opportunities!

    Ranger Review: Firebiner and Fiber Light Fire Starter at Greenbrier State Park

    **Campground Review: **

    We were here one week before this campground closed for the season (open April through October) and it was so quiet that it was hard to imagine what it is like in the summer when the beach is open and the campground is likely full. There are four loops; two with no hookups and no pets allowed, one with no hookups that allow pets and one with electric sites that allow pets. Each site is clearly defined, and the sites all appeared level with gravel pads. The bathrooms were reasonable. There are several trails in the campground plus it is close to several AT day hikes.

    There is a large day-use area and beach with lots of picnic tables. While the beach was closed for swimming, we saw a kayaker and two people fishing from a boat. Many hiking trails and this is an excellent place to camp if you’d like to do AT day hikes.

    ------------------------- 

    Product Review: 

    As a Ranger for The Dyrt, I have the opportunity to test products. At this campground, we tested the Firebiner and Fiber Light Fire Starter by Outdoor Elements. I’m reviewing both products since they can be used together, and we had much more luck with one than the other. 

    Upon unpacking my box from Outdoor Elements, my first experience was that it took a sharp knife to free the Firebiner from its cardboard backing, which was not an auspicious start. Once at our campground, we were able to use the safety blade to easily open the plastic packaging on our firewood. Unfortunately, it took several tries by two men trying the Firebiner to get a spark; they had to really crank on it, and it was not enough to light a fire. I’m guessing that with more patience and practice, it would have worked. Admittedly, we are car campers and not backpackers (and have the luxury of being able to carry/use a butane lighter), but I was looking forward to trying a new method. 

    We did use the Fiber Light Fire Starter and using our tried and true fire-starting methods, we got a roaring fire started very quickly. So, we had a 50% success! Packed in a small tin, you only need a pinch to easily get a fire started so we will use this in the future. 

    We also used the cutting tool on the Firebiner a few days later to remove the wristband from an activity we participated in and also used it to hang our lantern on a hook; this little tool is very strong (did not test but appreciate the 100-pound weight limit). I appreciate that it can also be used as a screwdriver, so the Firebiner is truly a multi-use tool!

  • Joann&WellsThePup I.
    Jul. 14, 2021

    Penn Roosevelt State Park Campground

    Quiet camping

    Beautiful primitive campground (tent only). Get a site on the outside towards the water. They are spaced out and peaceful. Has restrooms (no shower), picnic table, and fire pit at each site. Short walk to creek and beautiful pond.

  • Michelle N.
    Aug. 13, 2020

    Antietam Creek Campground — Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park

    Great Site Along the Potomac River

    Stayed one night on 8/9.

    This is such a nice little spot right along the Potomac River. All sites are walk-in only, which means you park on the street, cross the bridge over the C&O and towpath, and then down a little hill to your site. When my dog and I arrived, someone was still there, but after letting them know I had this spot reserved, they promptly packed out. There were no camp hosts on-site and nowhere to check in. 

    There isn't much privacy between you and your neighbors (or the C&O towpath so be prepared to see bikers, walkers, and runners). Each site has a grill, fire pit, and picnic table. I stayed at Site 11 which had its own path down to the Potomac River. It was quite steep for my bum knees and ankles, but I saw kids easily run up and down it. The Potomac is mostly flat with some "swirlies" for experienced paddlers. I also saw some people tubing. 

    There's one bathroom area- 2 pit toilets and 2 portapotties. There is nowhere to leave trash, so be sure to follow Leave No Trace principles and pack everything out with you. The sites are fully or mostly shaded. Be prepared to make friends with bugs, but they shouldn't bother you. Also great news- no mosquitoes! 

    I have Verizon and had better service by my car on the road than at the actual campsite. At the site I could make calls but couldn't check the internet. Other than a few check-in calls to family, I was looking to unplug for the night. 

    I ended up not sleeping overnight due to a personal health issue, but I am looking forward to coming back when it's a little cooler.

  • Rick W.
    Aug. 15, 2022

    Colonel Denning State Park Campground

    Tent camping sites

    Walk in sites have picnic table and fire ring. Tent pads are level and smooth. Showers and restrooms are close to sites. Strongly recommend...

  • Nick C.
    Jun. 19, 2022

    Owens Creek Campground — Catoctin Mountain Park

    Cozy and Clean - Lots of Firewood

    The sites are very clean but close to each Other. You can hear the kids and families and all that. The sites have a nice mulched tent pad, fire ring / grill grate, lantern pole and picnic table. There is a firewood hut at the entrance and you can take what you need - just leAve a donation. The bathrooms are very clean and there’s some trails around the creek (dry creek/ nothing impressive)

  • Craig F.
    Jul. 1, 2019

    Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground

    Fun Camping and Lake Activities

    We had a wonderful stay at Gifford Pinchot State Park! 

    The camping area at GP is separated into A loop and B loops with approximately 300 sites. All sites had a paved pad, varying in size depending on the location, with tent site being smaller. Most sites have electric and there are 22 full hookup sites in the camping area. Both loops are peninsulas into the lake, which is convenient to launching boats directly from many sites. Loop A is closer to the designated swimming area with a sandy beach and playground. B loop is closer to many of the hiking trails and also several boat launch areas. It is nice that the camping area and amenities are separated from the public day use area. At the entrance to the camping area there are three dump stations. 

    During our stay we were at a full hookup site which was very spacious and often hard to find in PA State Parks. Our site was#299 and for some reason the entire site was paved/blacktop, which was different than all the other sites where the pad was paved and the picnic table area was gravel/grass. While this site made it easy to level our camper, it became quite hot in the afternoon/evening after the sun had baked it all day.

    Overall, we thoroughly enjoyed GP and couldn’t believe we hadn’t visited before because it is a great state park. Wood is available for purchase at the campground hosts’ sites and ice at the park office. As with most PA state parks, quiet hours are at 9:00PM, which is a bit early, and there is no alcohol allowed in the park. We look forward to returning to GP in the future.

  • Roger W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 2, 2023

    Owens Creek Campground — Catoctin Mountain Park

    Peaceful w filtered sun

    Owens Creek Campground : (Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good (70 yr olds in 17’ trailer) Overall Rating: 4.5 Price: $15/night w senior pass Usage during visit: very low including Fri night Site Privacy: understory trees, filter l e of site in many sites. Site Spacing: most very nicely spaced Site surface: blacktop Reservations: Yes Campground Noise: Very quiet Road Noise: Only a bit in first few campsites Through Traffic: no problem Electricity: No Water: Spigots at bathhouses Sewer: No Dump: No Generators: 6 AM to 10 PM Bathroom: Old but very clean.
    Showers: Yes. Double curtains Pull Throughs: Some Cell Service (Verizon): Very good Setting: A thick deciduous forest Weather: nice. Cooler because of shade Bugs: A few. Will probably increase as month moves on Solar: Too much shade for fixed solar panels Host: Yes Rig size: Not all sites will accommodate a 22’ trailing. Sites: Pictures are of some of the best sites. My favs: 14 nice woods view , (28 & 29 hear creek,)37. 45, 46

  • Brian C.
    Sep. 17, 2025

    Cowans Gap State Park Campground

    Solid State Park Camping

    Stayed in a walk-in tent site. Much better spacing than typical sites, though sites 2 & 3 were basically connected. The non-walk in sites in Loop B are typical to smaller than average and mostly suited for campers/RVs.

    Pros : Site spacing/privacy was good Bathrooms and showers were clean. Firewood available at the park ($5 for 6 pieces self-serve). Location near the dam and lake trail is nice. Cell service was limited, but had reliable (but low) signal with T-Mobile at my site. Easy access (on foot) to all of the hiking trails.

    Cons: The tent pads could use some leveling and there was some trash around the site. The major negative was generator noise coming from the facility just beyond the dam. Droning generator noise was on/off at all hours of the day and went on until 10pm in the evening. Not sure how far up in Loop B this was heard, but it was pretty loud in the walk-in site area.

Guide to Fannettsburg

Tent camping near Fannettsburg, Pennsylvania offers primitive and secluded options within Pennsylvania's Ridge and Valley region. The area sits between Tuscarora Mountain and Blacklog Mountain at elevations ranging from 600 to 1,000 feet. Summer temperatures typically reach 80-85°F during day and drop to 60-65°F at night, making proper sleeping gear essential for comfort.

What to do

Riverside recreation: At Nancy's Boat To Shore Campground, campers can enjoy water activities on Raystown Lake. "This campground is accessed by boat only. But it has a maintenance road and is patrolled by college kids with summer jobs," explains one visitor.

Stargazing opportunities: STAR LEE FARM offers excellent night sky viewing conditions away from light pollution. A camper noted, "There's a huge field to star gaze as well as taking pictures" and mentioned the campground's "perfect for those who want to completely escape the business of modern world."

Hiking the Appalachian Trail: Annapolis Rock Campground provides access to notable hiking routes. "Moderate difficulty 2+ mile hike from Route 40. Spring and compost outhouse. Great views. Been camping there for decades," shares one experienced backpacker.

What campers like

Waterfront access: Primitive sites along the Potomac River at Antietam Creek Campground offer direct water access. "I stayed at Site 11 which had its own path down to the Potomac River. It was quite steep for my bum knees and ankles, but I saw kids easily run up and down it."

Apiary exploration: Unique to STAR LEE FARM is their on-site beekeeping operation. As one visitor mentioned, "if you're a bee enthusiast they grow their own honey in the property and you're more than welcome to walk around and look at all the boxes."

Historic connections: Proximity to Civil War sites draws history buffs. "One can walk to Shepherdstown, WV for some fun. Antietam creek is very close by and is perfect for tubing or just enjoy the river & nature from your campsite!"

What you should know

Boat-only access: Some campsites require watercraft for entry. A camper at Nancy's Boat To Shore mentioned, "These campsites are accessible by boat ONLY! They are in an area of the lake that has a lot of boat traffic, the waterfront spots usually book a few weeks in advance."

Limited amenities: Most tent sites have minimal facilities. At Jordan Junction Hiker-biker Overnight Campsite, a camper noted, "Good site, has the necessities. Water, Porta p, fire pit. What else do you really need? Want to rinse off? Jump into the Potomac for a swim."

Walk-in requirements: Many campgrounds require carrying gear from parking areas. At Antietam Creek, "You have to park on the road and walk about 75 feet to your site. Not much traffic on that road and a trail with many cyclists and runners."

Tips for camping with families

Creek exploration: Long Acres on Clover Creek offers safe water play for children. "This campsite was absolutely perfect! The secluded area combined with the creek nearby made for a great escape from reality," reports one family.

Wildlife watching: Morning and evening hours provide best wildlife viewing times. At Annapolis Rock, campers should "be careful for the copperheads that come warm up on the rocky overlook," showing the importance of teaching children safe wildlife observation.

Pack-in/pack-out preparation: No trash facilities exist at most sites. At Antietam Creek, "There is nowhere to leave trash, so be sure to follow Leave No Trace principles and pack everything out with you."

Tips from RVers

Limited RV options: Few tent camping areas near Fannettsburg accommodate larger vehicles. At Opequon Junction Hiker-biker Overnight Campsite, RVs cannot access the "gorgeous spot just off the trail and 50 meters from the Potomac."

Alternative arrangements: RV campers often stay at more developed campgrounds outside immediate area. Nancy's Boat To Shore does technically permit RVs but with significant access limitations as it's "in an area of the lake that has a lot of boat traffic."

Parking challenges: Larger vehicles face difficulties with limited parking. One Antietam Creek camper mentioned, "It's also a weird setup with respect to parking—as you have to park on the opposite side of the canal and walk to your campsite."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Fannettsburg, PA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Fannettsburg, PA is STAR LEE FARM with a 5-star rating from 2 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Fannettsburg, PA?

TheDyrt.com has all 29 tent camping locations near Fannettsburg, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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