3 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Mountain Creek Camp Ground in Gardners, Pennsylvania houses comfortable glamping accommodations for those seeking outdoor experiences with modern conveniences. The campground operates from March 15 to November 20 and features yurts among its accommodation options, set on spacious sites with picnic tables and fire rings. A well-stocked camp store provides essentials and treats for guests. One guest shared, "We stay here 2-3 times a year in a tent. Family friendly campground, lots of weekend activities, great pool, well stocked campstore, playground." The property maintains two bathhouses that are cleaned regularly, though guests should note they might need to walk some distance depending on their site location.
Visitors access numerous recreational activities directly from the glamping sites, with a swimming pool, mini golf course, and a creek suitable for tubing and exploration. The campground's proximity to hiking trails, including connections to the Appalachian Trail, appeals to outdoor enthusiasts looking for day hikes. Weekend guests benefit from organized activities scheduled throughout their stay, with particularly robust programming during summer months. Families appreciate the kid-friendly atmosphere with playgrounds and open spaces for gathering. A reviewer noted, "Lots for kids to do. Camp store has pretty much anything you need! Friendly staff and clean grounds." Golf cart rentals are available and recommended for navigating the expansive property, especially for families with young children who might find the distances between amenities challenging.
"The lake is large and gorgeous. There are a lot of lake side campsites which are amazing. The hosts are all very friendly."
"We stayed in July on site 235. When we arrived, our first thought was “Wow, these sites are narrow!” Fortunately, backing in was fairly easy. Some sites would’ve been more difficult."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $20 - $90 / night
"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."
"campground was pretty crowded, but the tent sites were secluded and well kept. staff was extremely helpful. close to the battleground and all attractions."
"Fire pit, picnic table, swimming pool ( not open), miniature golf course, laundromat, bathrooms, showers, dump station, gathering areas for groups, playground, and even a horse area and stalls for horses"
"A dog park, walking distance to most everything we wanted to see. The national park is mostly dog friendly. My husband caught a fish first day in the pond behind our site."
"Family friendly campground, lots of weekend activities, great pool, well stocked campstore, playground. Lots of pets, bikes and golf carts. Kids can play in creek with tubes or hunt critters."
"Campsites could be further apart and there's only one bathhouse and it's at the entrance."
"We stayed Memorial Day weekend here because it’s so close to home. Our 1st ever RV camping was here 4 yrs ago. This time we’re in loop B site 79."
"After arriving at Codorus, we checked in at the visitor station which was quick and easy."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $20 - $195 / night
"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."
"The staff was extremely nice. Was easy for me to pull into. I didn’t have any issues. I ended up having a spot basically alone. Which was nice."
"Its very big, only 1 central bathhouse for very large area. Female restrooms has 6 toilets and 6 showers (push button, luke warm water). COME PREPARED WITH LEVELING BLOCKS!!!!"
"As such, it has a great pool, most of the sites are level, and nice bathhouse facilities. It also has a lake and cabins available."
"We belong to just this one because when we need make sure we have electricity for work or just to touch base with humanity private RV parks are great."
Campground full this weekend
from $66 - $121 / night
"Lake to kayak. Playground for the kids. Plenty of trails and road to walk. A beach to swim at. Or my favorite, sit around the fire and look at the lake. FYI tent campers get site 280."
"Bugs weren’t too bad and we were in between two bathroom/shower houses. The cons to this place is that it doesn’t seem like the bathrooms and wash basins are kept up."
GuideGreat campsite. Fire pit, picnic table, swimming pool ( not open), miniature golf course, laundromat, bathrooms, showers, dump station, gathering areas for groups, playground, and even a horse area and stalls for horses. Dog friendly. Staff was very helpful and curious.
GuideWe booked two nights mid October not realizing that it's duck hunting season and that hunting is allowed RIGHT by the campground - with kids everywhere. We were jolted out of sleep at 5 am by gun fire right near our site. It kept up for the next hour. In addition, the bathrooms, although clean are in poor condition. Peeling paint everywhere with bare concrete in the showers. For such a pretty site, we had a miserable stay. We left after one night.
GuideWhere we were camping had blown up their dump station. Artillery Ridge helped us out. $10. to dump. If we come to camp in Gettysburg, it will be hear.
GuideYou just can't beat a pennsylvania park. This one is not an exception. Nice clean restroom, plenty of room. Now, what cost a star. Yes, it rained like hell. When we broke camp and go dump. The dump station was overflowing with sewer. Go to the guard shack to tell them, and find another site. None there. Can I go to an unused full hookup to dump? No! I would have to pay for the site. Two hours later, we found a place to dump for $10.
TravelerThere was no hot water in the showers. There are no dog poo stations. There is a dumpster marked “STAFF ONLY”. It’s nice they have a place to stuff the staff!
ScoutTrip -week before labor day , temps 93 degrees, nothing on website when booked said about peak and non peak days on booking page. Said there were only 7 sites left(complete lie) campground was empty. First time we ever been to a place where EVERYTHING was closed. Campstore, jump pillow and the final straw was we went to go to the pool and that was closed. It was 545 pm sun still bright in the sky , nowhere near dusk( when its suppose to close) . So much conflicting info from what the paper we got handed vs what internet site said. Charged a resort fee ? for what a place to park? This is no resort. Grass was high enough to be seeding itself. My wife was so upset she was actually crying. This was supposed to be a fun trip for our da6ughter before going back to school. We decided this place over Buttonwood just because it was alittle closer. Did a full tour of the place. Realized there is nothing here. Went to dinner in town. Decided we didnt want to stay where we knew our Daughter would be bored. She's pretty easy to entertain but this was just ridiculous. 12 HOURS OF MY LIFE AND $400 BUCKS i will never get back. (Loading , driving , realizing we got screwed, driving, unloading) yup was pretty bad.
TravelerOMG! Next to busy interstate, railroad tracks and shooting range. Way to much for me!
TravelerVery clean campgrounds with nice trails along the lake and the creek that feeds it! Plenty of space near swimming area and even a geocache to find!
ScoutStaff is friendly and everything is kept up well, newly renovated pool and pavilion area.
Mountain Creek Camp Ground in Gardners, Pennsylvania sits at approximately 1,100 feet elevation in the South Mountain region. The camp offers a mix of tent sites, RV hookups, cabins, and yurts across terrain that changes dramatically with the seasons. The creek that runs through the property connects to the Appalachian Trail system, making it a strategic basecamp for hikers and outdoor enthusiasts from March through November.
Creek exploration: At Mountain Creek Camp Ground, the natural waterway provides a refreshing activity during summer months. "Loved camping here. The store has everything. Including hand dipped ice cream. Pool. Mini golf. A creek to fish or splash in. My husband loved finding frogs and fish," notes Emily, who stayed in the upper tent area.
Appalachian Trail access: The park connects to hiking trails of varying difficulty levels. At Gifford Pinchot State Park, visitors can experience additional trail systems. "I took an early morning hike on the 8.5 mile Lakeside Trail that goes around the lake and it was really awesome to see the lake from all different angles," reports Danielle V., who found multiple trail options.
Mini-golf and recreation: Recreational activities beyond hiking include mini-golf courses and swimming pools at several campgrounds. "The resort had great amenities for all ages. We stayed in October so there was plenty of activities for kids from crafts, games, dancing, to trick or treating," explains Michael R. at Gettysburg, describing the seasonal programming.
Fishing opportunities: Stocked ponds and creek access appeal to fishing enthusiasts. "The lake is nice and they stock it with trout," notes Nate J. about Cedar Lake Family Campground, appreciating the managed fishing resources.
Weekend activities: Scheduled events provide structure for weekend visitors. At Gettysburg Campground, "Very fun family friendly getaway for the weekend. Close to Gettysburg Battleground," reports Matthew K., highlighting the historical location advantage.
Seasonal programming: Fall and holiday weekends feature specialized activities. "Gettysburg Battlefield Resort is a membership resort. As such, it has a great pool, most of the sites are level, and nice bathhouse facilities. It also has a lake and cabins available," describes Gregory L., who purchased a membership after experiencing the amenities.
Bathhouse locations: Some campgrounds have limited bathroom facilities requiring longer walks. "Two bath houses, one near the entrance and one in the way back. May not be anything fancy or new, but they are clean," reports a reviewer at Mountain Creek about the practical bathroom situation.
Site elevation: Some tent sites sit on sloped terrain requiring adjustment. At Codorus State Park, "We camped at Codorus State Park for the first time a few years ago while out east. We really love this Campground! There is a wide variety of sites so finding one that you like should not be difficult," J K. explains about the site options.
Golf cart rentals: Many campgrounds offer golf cart rentals for navigating larger properties. "We were in the upper tent area. It's a walk to the pool and arcade area. As an adult I was fine with it. I have a 5 year old though and she got tired. Lesson learned: rent a golf cart ahead of time," advises Emily about Mountain Creek's layout.
Proximity to playgrounds: Some sites offer direct views of playground equipment. At Deer Run Campgrounds, "We had a wonderful family time. Concerts, games, pool, hikes etc. Can't wait to go again!" shares Amy G., emphasizing the organized activities.
Swimming options: Pool facilities provide alternatives to creek swimming. "Site and bathrooms clean. Activities provided free each day. Food trucks in park. Close to museum and battleground sites," notes Paula M. about Artillery Ridge Campground's amenities.
Creek water depth: The creek depth varies significantly through the season, affecting tube and swimming activities. "Kids can play in creek with tubes or hunt critters," explains Barb C. about Mountain Creek, highlighting the water-based recreation options for children.
Hookup extensions: Due to varied site configurations, electrical and water extensions may be necessary. "The hookups are oddly spaced and you need to ensure you have extensions handy. My electric hookup didn't work on 30A," advises Bobby S. about Granite Hill Camping Resort, sharing a practical challenge.
Site levelness: RV sites often require leveling blocks for proper stabilization. "Nice sized spots, wooded, paved roads beautiful lake. Not a garbage can to be found park wide! Dumpster at either end that's it," notes John K. about Gifford Pinchot State Park, combining praise with practical limitations.
Tight navigation: Some campgrounds have narrow roads requiring careful maneuvering. "Roads are narrow, but the sites are large and level. The lake is nice and they stock it with trout," shares Nate J. about Cedar Lake, balancing the access challenges with site benefits.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Gardners, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Gardners, PA is Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground with a 4.1-star rating from 58 reviews.
What is the best site to find glamping camping near Gardners, PA?
TheDyrt.com has all 40 glamping camping locations near Gardners, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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