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sorcha A.
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TravelerShady Oak Campground
Easy access to Lancaster and Pennsylvania Dutch areas. Friendly, welcoming staff and plenty of colorful trees in the autumn. The only RV park in the area that is open year round.
Tent Camping near Frederick, PA
1 campground with availability this weekend
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Tent campgrounds around Frederick, Pennsylvania offer varied camping experiences across county and state park lands. Deep Creek Campground at Green Lane Park provides designated tent sites with basic amenities, while Evansburg State Park Campground offers walk-in tent camping options approximately 20 miles northeast of Frederick. Boulder Ridge Farm provides a more secluded tent camping experience with sites situated among large rock formations in a forested setting.
Most tent sites in the region feature dirt or grassy surfaces with minimal site preparation. Deep Creek Campground provides fire rings and picnic tables, but many reviewers note the lack of privacy between sites. A visitor commented, "The sites are large but there is NO privacy. The sites are lined up next to each other along the campground driveway and there are absolutely no trees or shrubs between them." Many locations offer toilet facilities, though the availability of drinking water varies significantly. Evansburg State Park requires campers to pack in their gear as the walk-in sites are accessible only by foot, with some locations requiring moderate hikes from parking areas.
Primitive tent camping experiences vary considerably across these locations. Hiking trails connect many of the tent campgrounds, making them suitable base camps for day hikes. Boulder Ridge Farm offers more secluded backcountry-style tent camping with numerous boulders and natural features throughout the property. As described in feedback on The Dyrt, the property is "close to town yet so serene" with "an abundance of wildlife." Tent campers at Evansburg State Park can access multiple trails directly from their sites, with creek access available for water activities during warmer months. Fort Washington State Park Campground provides tent sites in a historical setting with good tree cover, though this location primarily serves group camping by reservation rather than individual tent campers.
Best Tent Campgrounds near Frederick (31)
1. Deep Creek Campground at Green Lane Park
"Clean restrooms, lots of open space!"
"Large sites, clean bathrooms, lots of hiking trails"
Check Availabilityfrom $20 - $30 / night
2. Evansburg State Park Campground
"Lots of tree cover running along a small running creek"
"You need a license to fish, and if you plan on catching Trout you need the Trout endorsement on the fishing licence, currently$9.90.The restroom facilities we're clean."
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $43 / night
3. Boulder Ridge Farm
"We'd like to welcome Joe, your host, to our platform! This property is close to town yet so serene. 2WD is fine but 4WD will make your experience getting to the property a bit more smooth."
"Plenty of fire wood, really cool huge rocks and waking up to owls was awesome."
Check AvailabilityAvailable this weekend
from $20 - $30 / night
4. Fort Washington State Park Campground
"I’m following up on my review from over a year ago with new photos, updated weathered campers’ tales and a quick snapshot of HIGHLIGHTS and LOWLIGHTS: HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Rustic group camping nestled in nearly"
"The give you firewood—-if you bring your own, leave with any left over."
2 Sites AvailableAvailable this weekend
from $28 - $72 / night
5. Rolling Hills Retreats
"Her boyfriend and I wanted to plan an outdoor camping trip but we’re completely over having no privacy, worrying about my reactive dog, feeling like we had to follow ridiculous rules when going camping"
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
from $160 - $380 / night
6. Group Camp — Ridley Creek State Park
"Terrific space for exploring"
"well marked trails great for hiking. pet friendly! we love walking here with our dog. there are even a few great spots to get a small creek swim in! It also has a greag picnic area with grills."
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $57 / night
7. Hibernia County Park
"Inexpensive $15 a night, but you only get picnic table and fire ring. No hook ups. Great children's pond for 12 and under. Brandywine creek and Chambers Lake are there too. Great playground."
"We loved the lake campground. My kids are age 3-12. There’s running water available, porta potties are very clean and don’t smell and are lit with a street lamp. Very quiet at night."
Check Availabilityfrom $15 - $50 / night
8. Round Valley State Park Campground
"The crystal-clear water is home to huge lake trout and the forests are bursting with wildlife. The sunsets across the lake are to die for."
"Unlike traditional campgrounds, the campsites are accessible only by hiking or boating, so getting anywhere here requires some planning and a willingness to travel light."
9. Alverthorpe Private Park
"year ago with some refreshed insight, additional photos and, well, because once wasn’t enough, here’s a quick reel of HIGHLIGHTS and LOWLIGHTS: HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Hidden slice of suburban woodland tucked"
Check Availabilityfrom $1 - $100 / night
10. Washington Crossing State Park - TEMP CLOSED FOR 2024
"The Pennsylvania side is all about historic buildings, museums and picnic spots, while the New Jersey side (Washington Crossing State Park) offers organized group tent camping."
"The areas for that seemed well groomed, bathrooms were acceptable, and there was plenty of space. Some nice trees not too close allowed for good shade, without feeling like in a forest."
Check Availabilityfrom $50 - $100 / night
Drive Time
- 35 min from Reading, PA
- 38 min from Allentown, PA
- 50 min from Philadelphia, PA
- 58 min from Trenton, NJ
Recent Tent Camping Photos near Frederick, PA
58 Photos of 31 Frederick Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Deep Creek Campground at Green Lane Park
Evansburg State Park Campground
Rolling Hills RetreatsA
BMR Operations, LLC dba Blue Mountain Resort By: BM Resort Management, LLC its Authorized Agent
Mauch Chunk Lake Park
Round Valley State Park Campground
Scrub Mountain Retreat
Mill Creek Camping Area
Camp Starry Night at Gulyan Farms
Kirkrige Shelter / Kittatinny Mountain — Appalachian National Scenic Trail
Whitewater Challengers Adventure Center
Tent Camping Reviews near Frederick, PA
798 Reviews of 31 Frederick Campgrounds
- RRussell A.
Scout100 Mile View Camping
What a great place. So unique! Love the view, and a great experience! There are no hook ups, so be prepared but if you are looking for the dispersed camping experience you have found it. What a gem!
Stuart K.
LegendWashington Crossing State Park - TEMP CLOSED FOR 2024
Revolutionary History near Delaware River
Nestled along the picturesque Delaware River in beautiful Bucks County, Washington Crossing Historic Park is one of those destinations where American history practically jumps out from behind every tree. This sprawling, beautifully preserved historic park commemorates George Washington's daring Christmas night crossing of the Delaware in 1776, with charming colonial buildings, expansive green spaces, shaded walking paths and lovely riverfront scenery. Divided into Upper and Lower sections, the park offers plenty to explore, from historic homesteads and interpretive exhibits to scenic picnic areas and the impressive Bowman's Hill Tower. Unfortunately, while the park delivers a wonderful outdoor experience, traditional overnight camping isn't part of the equation unless your a Boy Scout or accompanying one of their troops.
HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Spectacular Revolutionary War history at the very site of Washington's legendary Delaware River crossing; (2) Beautifully maintained grounds featuring mature trees, open lawns and scenic riverfront views; (3) Fascinating colonial-era buildings, historic demonstrations and educational exhibits that bring America's founding history to life; (4) Wonderful recreational opportunities, including walking, cycling, fishing, kayaking and picnicking; and (5) Convenient proximity to charming New Hope, the Delaware Canal towpath and Bowman's Hill Tower, offering plenty of opportunities to extend your adventure.
LOWLIGHTS: (1) No conventional public tent or RV camping, with overnight group camping restricted to organized Scout groups by prior arrangement; (2) No dedicated RV campsites, electrical hookups, water connections or dump station; (3) Park grounds generally close at sunset, limiting opportunities to linger into the evening; (4) Some historic buildings and attractions require admission fees or operate on limited schedules; and (5) Periodic restoration projects and special events can restrict access to certain areas, while the historic Washington Crossing Bridge's three-ton weight limit makes it unsuitable for larger RVs.
Happy Camping!
Peggy C.TravelerCountry Acres Campground
Lovely campground!
Country Acres is a lovely, well maintained campground. Sites are level and bath house facilities clean and modern. Friendly staff in the office. Dog friendly. Local to all the Lancaster attractions. A complimentary farmland tour is offered by bus and it was great. They take you out into an area of Amish farms and shops and make a stop at 2 of these. The fresh Amish pretzels are amazing!
Tony F.
Guide100 Mile View Camping
The best views
This is a hidden gem, as close to dispersed camping you can get with dirt, gravel roads, large stone fire pits, a amazing views with the added benefit of a five gallon jug of non potable water and very clean port-a-potties. The owner regularly patrols the site and makes sure everything is okay.
Maria Mercedes M.LegendRound Valley State Park Campground
Peaceful Wilderness Escape for Adventurous Families
There's something wonderfully special about escaping into nature where the only sounds are rustling leaves, birds singing and the gentle movement of water along the shoreline. Nestled among the wooded hills surrounding the beautiful Round Valley Reservoir, this rustic SP campground offers families a chance to disconnect from everyday distractions and enjoy a little wilderness adventure together. Unlike traditional campgrounds, the campsites are accessible only by hiking or boating, so getting anywhere here requires some planning and a willingness to travel light. Once you've arrived, you'll find secluded, wooded campsites with picnic tables, fire rings and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the great outdoors. Amenities are basic, with pit toilets and no showers, but the beautiful reservoir, scenic hiking trails, fishing and kayaking opportunities more than make up for the lack of modern conveniences. Our kids loved exploring the woods, spotting wildlife and gathering around a crackling campfire at night to share stories beneath the stars. For families comfortable with the hike, I'd recommend choosing one of the campsites along the reservoir shoreline for the lovely water views and peaceful surroundings. Just remember that swimming is limited to the park's designated beach area. Round Valley isn't your typical family campground, but for adventurous families who enjoy hiking, camping under the stars and making wonderful memories together, it's a beautiful place to experience nature at its finest!
- LLynn C.Scout
Old Mill Stream Campground
Never Again
The advertisements for Olde Mill Campground were disingenuous. The campsite was 20 yards from a roller coaster. The NOISE of the roller coaster and children on it screaming was as relentless and unnerving as any train we have ever slept near. There was no quiet until almost midnight. The “pull-through” site left my truck almost in the road and our 25’ Airstream slightly over the road on the backside. The site was not level. The sites were close enough to hear a neighbor’s snoring.
Adam and Suzanne B.GuideBeacon Hill Camping
Great location
We stayed here to go to the Hershey RV show—about 55 min drive. Right in the center of Amish country. Campground is adults only. It was very clean. The bathrooms were very clean with great water pressure. The roads are tight for getting into sites. Site 5 was not level side to side. We met great people there.
- jjeanne A.Guide
Echo Valley Campground
Big sites with lots of trees
We only spent the night and didn't look at the amenities. The manager was very friendly and accommodating.
Guide to Frederick
Tent camping options around Frederick, Pennsylvania range from basic to rustic with temperatures averaging 55-75°F during camping season. The terrain varies from open fields to densely wooded areas, with elevations ranging from 300-800 feet above sea level across regional parks. Most sites accommodate tents up to 10x10 feet on uneven ground that requires careful site selection.
What to do
Fishing at multiple locations: At Green Lane Park, campers can enjoy fishing at the nearby lake. One visitor noted, "Phenomenal disc golf course, hiking, and fishing" at Deep Creek Campground in Green Lane Park, making it a versatile destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
Hiking through varied terrain: The trails at Evansburg State Park Campground offer excellent hiking opportunities with moderate difficulty levels. A reviewer described it as having "Lots of tree cover running along a small running creek," making it ideal for summer hikes when shade is needed.
Birdwatching opportunities: Fort Washington State Park Campground provides exceptional birdwatching. According to one visitor, the park is "comprised of 492 acres of unbridled, very well-manicured landscapes that offer up great spots for birding, hiking and exploring." The park includes an observation deck specifically designed for viewing raptors during migration seasons.
What campers like
Proximity to water features: Many campers appreciate access to water at various camping locations. At Round Valley State Park Campground, reviewers enjoy the "crystal clear" water, with one noting, "The water is crystal clear, the area is clean."
Large camping areas: Several campgrounds offer spacious sites. One camper at Deep Creek Campground in Green Lane Park mentioned, "Large sites, clean bathrooms, lots of hiking trails," highlighting the generous space available despite the noted lack of privacy between sites.
Natural rock formations: Boulder Ridge Farm offers a unique camping experience among natural boulders. A visitor described their experience: "Great place to escape the stress of everyday life. Plenty of fire wood, really cool huge rocks and waking up to owls was awesome."
What you should know
Site privacy varies significantly: Many campgrounds in the region have limited privacy between sites. A reviewer at Green Lane Park noted, "The campground is as basic as they get. Sites are close to each other with absolutely no privacy. Bathrooms however are nice and clean with plenty of them around the park."
Permit requirements and restrictions: Most parks have specific regulations. At Washington Crossing State Park, camping is "limited to a handful of Scout-designated sites with portable toilets, no running water and zero frills." According to reviews, "Reservations are required, permits are non-negotiable and the max stay tops out at 14 nights."
Water access limitations: Not all campgrounds provide reliable drinking water. At several locations, campers need to bring their own supply or locate the limited water sources. One reviewer at Alverthorpe Private Park mentioned, "There was one running spigot of water up here, but it was so gross we didn't use it."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Hibernia County Park offers a "Great playground" according to reviews, making it suitable for families with children. One camper reported, "We loved the lake campground. My kids are age 3-12. There's running water available, porta potties are very clean and don't smell and are lit with a street lamp."
Children's fishing areas: Several parks have designated fishing areas for children. A reviewer at Hibernia County Park mentioned, "Great children's pond for 12 and under. Brandywine creek and Chambers Lake are there too."
Easier hike-in options: For families looking to introduce children to more primitive camping without excessive difficulty, some locations offer gentler access routes. At Ridley Creek State Park, a camper noted, "This place is great for first time campers" and "I go camping here almost every year and they have a nice open field with two sites and two fire pits."
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup availability: Most tent-focused campgrounds in the Frederick area have minimal RV amenities. At Hibernia County Park, a reviewer warned, "Inexpensive $15 a night, but you only get picnic table and fire ring. No hook ups."
RV size restrictions: Larger RVs will find limited options in the region. One camper at Hibernia County Park explained, "I wouldn't attempt to park an RV up there. Fiddler's loop is where we always camp... We camp in a 28ft 5th wheel for the most part... There are NO HOOKUPS, and water is not easy to come by if you are in an RV."
Dumping station planning: A key consideration is the lack of dump stations at most area campgrounds. As noted by a Hibernia County Park reviewer, "There is NO DUMP STATION. There are a few nearby campgrounds that will let you dump for a fee, otherwise, you'll have to look for a truck stop on the way home."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent
campsite near Frederick, PA?
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Frederick, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Frederick, PA is Deep Creek Campground at Green Lane Park with a 3.4-star rating from 8 reviews.
What is the best site to find
tent camping near
Frederick, PA?
What is the best site to find tent camping near Frederick, PA?
TheDyrt.com has all 31 tent camping locations near Frederick, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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