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Best Campgrounds near Gardners, PA

904 Reviews

Camping in the Gardners area of Pennsylvania centers around several established campgrounds including Pine Grove Furnace State Park and Mountain Creek Campground. These facilities offer a mix of accommodation types with tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin rentals across varied terrain. The region provides access to the Appalachian Trail, which passes through Pine Grove Furnace State Park, making it popular with hikers and outdoor enthusiasts. Most campgrounds in the area operate seasonally, typically from spring through late fall, with Pine Grove Furnace remaining open from March through mid-December.

The camping season in central Pennsylvania generally runs from April through October, with most facilities closing during winter months. Road access to campgrounds is generally good, with paved roads leading to most established sites. Many campgrounds require advance reservations, particularly during summer weekends and holidays. One camper noted, "Beautiful picturesque campground with large spots and a lot of trees. Very quiet and close enough to Lancaster for shopping." Cellular coverage can vary throughout the region, with some areas having limited service. Elevation changes are moderate in this part of Pennsylvania, with campgrounds situated in rolling, forested terrain that provides natural shade at most sites.

Campers frequently mention the natural beauty and peaceful setting of campgrounds in the Gardners area. Several visitors highlight the proximity to water features, with Gifford Pinchot State Park offering lakefront camping and Pine Grove Furnace providing access to two lakes connected by a hiking path. A visitor described Pine Grove Furnace as "a great little campground with lots of electric sites and nice, updated bathrooms. It's at the midpoint of the Appalachian Trail so there are lots of great hikes as well as a nice path between the two lakes." Campground amenities vary widely, with some offering basic facilities while others provide full hookups, showers, and recreational amenities like swimming beaches. The historical significance of the area, particularly around Gettysburg, adds another dimension to camping experiences in the region, with several campgrounds positioned to provide convenient access to historical sites.

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Best Camping Sites Near Gardners, Pennsylvania (134)

    1. Pine Grove Furnace State Park Campground

    25 Reviews
    Peach Glen, PA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 486-7174

    $20 - $43 / night

    "It’s at the midpoint of the Appalachian Trail so there are lots of great hikes as well as a nice path between the two lakes. Our new favorite in Pennsylvania!"

    "We were right at the intersection near the campground entrance and one of the other loops, but it wasn't noisy at all. The drinking water was right next to our site, which was handy."

    2. Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground

    55 Reviews
    Wellsville, PA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 292-4112

    $20 - $89 / night

    "We have a small camper and there are some great sites on the lake side to park it where you can get AMAZING sunset views.  "

    "We had site 108 which is an electric site along the shore and close to the beach, and it was perfect for our needs. "

    3. Caledonia State Park Campground

    33 Reviews
    Fayetteville, PA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 352-2161

    $20 - $92 / night

    "Stayed here two nights while visiting Gettysburg (short 20mi drive between the two). Stayed on Chinquapin Hill, each site has picnic table and fire ring and good space for camp."

    "It’s a fantastic state park with great picnic areas next to the creek. You can also drive up the road to the dam where there’s a beautiful lake with fishing, kayaking, etc."

    4. Gettysburg / Battlefield KOA

    26 Reviews
    Fairfield, PA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 642-5713

    "Spent 2 nights at Gettysburg KOA in July while touring Pennsylvania with granddaughter. Very convenient to historical stuff. Large sites, separated by rocks and trees. Quiet and private."

    "Our site was very spacious, beautifully landscaped and wooded, but right next to the road. There was a buffer of trees, but unfortunately that didn’t make much of a difference with regard to noise."

    5. Gettysburg Campground

    25 Reviews
    Gettysburg, PA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 642-5713

    "I always appreciate the near solitude experience of this campground as 90% of the sites are RV sites, that are kept away from the tenting area."

    "If you’re looking for a backwoods, off-the-beaten-path type of campground, this isn’t it."

    6. Artillery Ridge Campground

    22 Reviews
    Gettysburg, PA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 334-1288

    "This park is a perfect location if you want to explore Gettysburg National Historical Site as you can literally walk across the street and be in the park or venture½ mile up the road and you come to the"

    "Behind the campsite we stayed at, we learned connected to Stangler Farm, which served as a hospital for the wounded."

    7. Mountain Creek Camp Ground

    9 Reviews
    Peach Glen, PA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 486-7681

    "Campsites could be further apart and there's only one bathhouse and it's at the entrance."

    "Two bath houses, one near the entrance and one in the way back. May not be anything fancy or new, but they are clean. Staff needed to be reminded about activities scheduled during the week."

    8. Codorus State Park Campground

    40 Reviews
    Porters Sideling, PA
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 637-2816

    $20 - $195 / night

    "The trails from

    Campground are ok for a short walk, not much of a lake view but mostly shaded trail.  The pool is conveniently located maybe even walking distance for some.  "

    "Older State Park just outside of Hanover, PA. Used it as a home base to explore Gettysburg and the surrounding area."

    9. Deer Run Campgrounds

    8 Reviews
    Mount Holly Springs, PA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 486-8168

    "This central Pa campground is located a short drive to many attractions. Amish Country, Hershey, Gettysburg, and winerys are within 40 min drive. There are many things to do at the campground, also."

    10. Granite Hill Camping Resort

    16 Reviews
    Fairfield, PA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 642-8749

    "Great shade and access to the playground. You can let the kids play all day while sitting at your campsite cooking and just hanging. It’s only 15 yards for the play set."

    "Nice place to camp me and the wife was there July 4th weekend close to the pool"

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425 Photos of 134 Gardners Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Gardners, PA

904 Reviews of 134 Gardners Campgrounds

Guide to Gardners

Camping near Gardners, Pennsylvania, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor fun. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are several campgrounds that cater to different needs and preferences.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the Appalachian Trail, which runs near several campgrounds. Many campers enjoy the scenic views and the chance to connect with nature. One reviewer mentioned, "Great small campground in South-central PA. Sites are nicely spaced...lots of shade during the warm seasons."
  • Fishing and Swimming: At Codorus State Park Campground, you can enjoy the lake for fishing or just relaxing by the water. A visitor noted, "The lake is great! Lovely areas to relax and explore."
  • Historical Sites: Visit Gettysburg, just a short drive away. Campers appreciate the convenience, with one saying, "Was very easy to access from the campground. Was not a lot in the way of restaurants and take out nearby."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers often mention the cleanliness of the campgrounds. For instance, a reviewer at Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground said, "The restrooms...are clean and pretty much in good order."
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Many enjoy the peacefulness of the area. One camper shared, "It was nice and quiet. Lots of birds singing, and owls at night."
  • Family-Friendly: Campgrounds like Cunningham Falls State Park are great for families. A parent noted, "My kids also LOVED the swimming lake -- especially great for small kids."

What you should know:

  • Site Size: Some campgrounds have tight spots. A visitor at Hersheypark Camping Resort mentioned, "The ONLY good thing this RV park has going is the Hershey park bus that runs all day back and forth."
  • Crowded Areas: Popular spots can get busy, especially on weekends. One camper at Gettysburg Campground said, "The campground was packed out."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have extensive facilities. A reviewer at Owens Creek Campground pointed out, "The sites are very clean but close to each other."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with amenities for kids, like playgrounds and swimming areas. A parent at Cunningham Falls State Park mentioned, "Nice playground by lake."
  • Plan Activities: Make sure to have a list of fun things to do nearby. One camper at Caledonia State Park Campground said, "There is a pool there and the area is fantastic."
  • Pack Snacks: Keep the kids happy with snacks for hikes and downtime. A visitor at Pine Grove Furnace State Park Campground noted, "The store is really just a small carry out with a few things."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Levels: Some sites can be uneven. A reviewer at Cunningham Falls State Park warned, "Beware: The sites on the lower side of the road...are pretty level."
  • Bring Extra Supplies: Not all campgrounds have full amenities. A camper at Owens Creek Campground mentioned, "The campground is very wooded so I did not feel a lack of privacy."
  • Plan for Crowds: If you're visiting during peak season, arrive early to secure a good spot. A visitor at Gettysburg Campground said, "The only reason for 4 instead of 5 stars is that the wifi is unusable and the campsites are very tight."

Camping near Gardners, Pennsylvania, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. With a little planning, you can enjoy the great outdoors and make lasting memories.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Gardners, PA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Gardners, PA is Pine Grove Furnace State Park Campground with a 4.6-star rating from 25 reviews.

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