Frederick, Pennsylvania sits at the edge of Pennsylvania Dutch Country, with elevations ranging from 300 to 600 feet above sea level and moderate seasonal temperatures that rarely fall below 20°F in winter. The area features scattered wooded hills interspersed with farmland that create natural boundaries between camping areas. Most campgrounds in the region remain open from April through October, though a few offer year-round accessibility for winter camping enthusiasts.
What to do
Hiking at the Pinnacle: Blue Rocks Family Campground provides direct access to some of the region's best hiking trails, including the Appalachian Trail. "It's right at the base of one of the most popular hiking trails, The Pinnacle. It's nestled in the woods and is very rustic. Really gives you that camping feel!" says Darrien K., highlighting the convenient trail access from your campsite.
Disc golf courses: Boulder Woods Campground features an extensive disc golf course that draws enthusiasts from across the region. According to Erik W., "They also have a disc golf course and they rent and sell discs. That's where we fell in love with disc golf." The course weaves through wooded terrain, offering both novice and experienced players a challenging experience.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple water bodies near Frederick offer fishing opportunities throughout the camping season. At French Creek State Park, visitors can access two fishing areas. One camper noted, "There are several warm water fish in the lakes including northern pike, chain pickerel, bass, walleye, muskellunge and several types of panfish. Ice fishing is also allowed at both lakes and the ice thickness is monitored."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many campers appreciate the natural separation between campsites at French Creek State Park Campground. A reviewer mentioned, "As long as you don't stay right across from the bath houses you will find ample shade at your site. There are so many trees and brush in between most sites you can't even really see your neighbors."
Level sites: French Creek State Park offers well-designed camping areas that require minimal setup effort. According to Jen R., "All sites have a paved level area which made set up a breeze. Sites were not on top of each other. Bathrooms were very nice and clean with large showers."
Unique boulder fields: The natural rock formations at Blue Rocks Family Campground provide a distinctive camping environment not commonly found elsewhere. "Our campsite had a great view of the glacier rock field and the corn field," writes one reviewer. Children particularly enjoy exploring these areas, as Terri S. confirms: "Our children loved to climb all over the rocks, that is where they spent most of the time."
What you should know
Weather considerations: The Frederick area experiences frequent rainfall in spring and summer. At Tohickon Family Campground, one camper advised, "Don't come if you're in a tent and it has been or will rain, it becomes flooded or turns into a mud pit." Several tent sites throughout the region have this issue, so check weather forecasts before booking.
Bathroom facilities vary: Campground bathrooms in the region range from basic to well-maintained. At Deep Creek Campground at Green Lane Park, Tiffany B. reported, "Bathrooms however are nice and clean with plenty of them around the park," while at French Creek one visitor noted that "the women's bathroom... I went one time and didn't go back."
Site selection matters: Many campgrounds have significant variation between sites. At Quakerwoods Campground, one camper advised, "The camp sites are very close together. Too expensive for the small site you have." Research site maps or call ahead to request specific areas for the best experience.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Evansburg State Park Campground offers family-friendly amenities that keep children entertained. According to one visitor, "There is a very nice playground situated conveniently between the loops of the campground. It had some slides, a bridge, lots of monkey bars, ladders to climb on and the best feature was the zip line."
Kid-friendly hiking: When camping with children near Frederick, seek out appropriate trails. Andrew C. shared his experience at Evansburg: "Since he was 2 years old I've taken my son, and we always have an amazing time, either hiking the trails to wandering in the woods looking for 'adventures'."
Glamping options for families: Families new to camping might prefer glamping near Frederick, Pennsylvania for a more comfortable introduction to outdoor stays. Rolling Hills Retreats offers a private glamping experience where, according to one visitor, "5 of us went here for my best friend's birthday weekend... It rained the weekend we went but it didn't ruin our time whatsoever."
Tips from RVers
Site navigation challenges: Some campgrounds have tight access roads that require careful maneuvering. At Boulder Woods Campground, Erik W. advised, "The spots are tight to get into but the staff will offer to park your camper using your vehicle. I let them park mine and I'm really glad I did. It was super tight."
Hookup availability: When planning an RV trip to the Frederick area, check hookup specifications carefully. Quakerwoods Campground provides full amenities according to reviews: "There are 170 mostly back-in slots with full hook-ups (30/50 amp electric, water and sewage) for RVs ranging between $55-$49."
Seasonal restrictions: Many glamping sites and RV campgrounds near Frederick operate seasonally. Tohickon Family Campground specifies its operating dates as "April 1 to October 31," while Green Lane Park's season runs "April to October," requiring winter camping enthusiasts to seek out year-round alternatives.
