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Best Tent Camping near Fort Loudon, PA

930 Reviews

Tent campers seeking primitive experiences near Fort Loudon, Pennsylvania can access multiple campgrounds in the surrounding region, with several options within a short drive. Jordan Junction and Opequon Junction offer hiker-biker overnight campsites along the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park, both providing basic accommodations for tent camping. Annapolis Rock Campground on the Appalachian National Scenic Trail presents another option for those willing to hike to their campsite.

Most tent sites in the Fort Loudon area feature minimal amenities, consistent with backcountry camping expectations. Sites typically include fire rings where allowed, though Jordan Junction Hiker-biker Overnight Campsite prohibits fires. Drinking water is available at several locations including Jordan Junction and Annapolis Rock Campground, where toilets can also be found. Tent pads are generally unimproved, with natural surfaces that may become muddy after rain. The camping season varies by location, with some sites like Antietam Creek Campground operating only from May through October.

The region's tent camping areas provide excellent access to hiking trails, particularly those connected to the Appalachian Trail and C&O Canal Towpath. Many sites offer proximity to water features, including the Potomac River at locations like Opequon Junction. Backcountry tent campers should be prepared for varying levels of seclusion depending on the site chosen. A camper noted that Opequon Junction is a "gorgeous spot just off the trail and 50 meters from the Potomac." At Annapolis Rock, visitors enjoy significant elevation gain with the campground situated at approximately 1,700 feet, offering what one visitor described as "beautiful views" with "several fairly private" tent sites available.

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Best Tent Sites Near Fort Loudon, Pennsylvania (28)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Fort Loudon, PA

28 Photos of 28 Fort Loudon Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Fort Loudon, PA

930 Reviews of 28 Fort Loudon 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!

  • 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)

  • 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.

  • Simon S.
    Dec. 30, 2021

    Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park in Williamsport MD

    Great place for kids

    Camp site (Tent camping)

    Camp site was pretty spacious. We set up our tent on gravel. No hookups to electricity or water. Rangers deliver firewood for your convenience.

    Facilities / Amenities

    Huge pool divided into two sections, one for mainly kids and the other for swimming and water slides. There is a food court in the swimming pool and a camp store right next to it.

    They play movies every night at the outdoor theater near the pool.

    There is a basketball court, playgrounds, and jumping pads.

    During the day, we did tie dying t-shirts at the pavilion.

    There is a 18-hole mini golf course as well.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 2, 2023

    Pine Grove Furnace State Park Campground

    Camping at the AT Halfway Point

    Great small campground in South-central PA.  Sites are nicely spaced except for a few that are tucked into a few odd-shaped places.  I stayed in site 21, which was on an outside loop with a lot of space.  Campground seems very well maintained and the hosts were very friendly and active.  I wasn't there on a busy night, but nice to know it is a place where the hosts are trying to keep a relaxing atmosphere.  Nearly everything is in the woods so there's lots of shade during the warm seasons.  There's a fire ring, picnic table, lantern hanger and generous tent pad.  There's also room in many outside loop sites to set up in the woods.  Very quiet and relaxing evening.

    Bathrooms feel very modern and there is a combination of a traditional shower/bathroom center and a separate bathroom only area with 4 private bathrooms (though now showers).  Showers were clean and had hot water, though when you press the button for water, it only runs for about 10 seconds.  So you really have to just hold the water on while you shower one-handed.  I think there was a 1-car per site rule while I was there.

    Firewood is on-site for $5 for a six-piece bundle, with kindling available.  Wood lit right up for me.  The park has a general store, swimming lake, Appalachian Trail Museum, Park office and a few other historic buildings so there's a lot to do.  Just take note that everything closes at 4 PM.  The park is just north of the halfway point of the AT and is a popular place for hikers to stop and take a slow or zero day.  The museum is interesting if you have any interest in the AT and very knowledgeable host.

Guide to Fort Loudon

Tent camping near Fort Loudon, Pennsylvania offers opportunities for exploration along the Potomac River corridor and surrounding mountains. Campsites in this region range from river valley locations at approximately 400 feet elevation to mountain sites reaching 1,700 feet above sea level. Winter temperatures can drop below freezing while summer months typically see highs in the 80s with moderate humidity.

What to do

Outdoor climbing access: Annapolis Rock Campground provides a base for rock climbing enthusiasts. According to visitor Sy A., "The view is great but you can't have a campfire due to restorations. Also, be careful for the copperheads that come warm up on the rocky overlook." The campground sits at approximately 1,700 feet elevation.

River swimming options: Jordan Junction Hiker-biker Overnight Campsite offers quick access to water recreation. As reviewer ant S. notes, "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."

Stargazing opportunities: At STAR LEE FARM, campers can utilize open fields for night sky observation. According to Tiana S., "There's a huge field to start gaze as well as taking pictures, lots of hiking and if you're a bee enthusiast they grow their own honey in the property."

What campers like

Privacy between sites: Annapolis Rock offers more seclusion than many area campgrounds. Camper CHRISTOPHER B. explains there are "About a dozen campsites to choose, and several group sites. Some fairly private. No camp fires allowed. Short walk to cold natural spring for water."

River access points: Antietam Creek Campground provides direct water access from some sites. Kevin D. states, "Small campground with a pit toilet right on the Potomac river picnic table and fire ring with a few nice trees throughout the camp area. Easy to get to and not far from the towns."

Social camping atmosphere: For those who enjoy meeting fellow outdoors enthusiasts, Antietam Creek offers a community feel. Casey L. reports, "It is nice if you're a social camper, we got to talk to many people and also got to enjoy a nearby camper playing his violin as the sun was setting."

What you should know

Site accessibility challenges: Most tent sites near Fort Loudon require some effort to reach. At Antietam Creek Campground, Nick C. points out, "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."

Limited connectivity: Cell service varies significantly across the region. At STAR LEE FARM, Tiana S. notes, "Service is a little sketch but it's perfect for those who want to completely escape the business of modern world."

Bathroom maintenance varies: Facilities require different expectations at each location. At Antietam Creek, Casey L. warns, "The one thing we had to complain about were the bathrooms. When we got there, they were okay, but by the 3rd night they were really gross. We were at the site next to them and could smell them."

Tips for camping with families

Wildlife awareness education: Teach children about native species before arrival. At Annapolis Rock Campground, families should note Sy A.'s warning to "be careful for the copperheads that come warm up on the rocky overlook."

Site selection strategy: Choose locations based on specific needs. Michelle N. advises about Antietam Creek, "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."

Activity planning considerations: Balance hiking distances with children's abilities. Bob S. describes Annapolis Rock as a "Backpacking campground just off the AT. Moderate difficulty 2+ mile hike from Route 40. Spring and compost outhouse. Great views."

Tips from RVers

Boat-access camping alternative: Nancy's Boat To Shore Campground provides a unique option for those with watercraft. Kristen H. explains, "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 and are in a wake zone."

Campground monitoring awareness: Some locations have more supervision than appears at first glance. John H. notes about Nancy's Boat To Shore, "This campground is accessed by boat only. But it has a maintenance road and is patrolled by college kids with summer jobs. Follow the rules and you will have a wonderful time."

Noise considerations: Weekend atmosphere varies by location. At Nancy's Boat To Shore Campground, Kristen H. mentions, "Some weekend get slightly loud because of college kids, but most are mindful of younger children if you ask them to keep it down."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Fort Loudon, PA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Fort Loudon, PA is Jordan Junction Hiker-biker Overnight Campsite — Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park with a 5-star rating from 1 review.

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

TheDyrt.com has all 28 tent camping locations near Fort Loudon, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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