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Best Tent Camping near Gettysburg, PA

963 Reviews

Several tent campgrounds are available within short driving distance of Gettysburg, Pennsylvania, primarily spread across neighboring Maryland. Antietam Creek Campground in Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park offers walk-in tent sites along the Potomac River. Annapolis Rock Campground along the Appalachian Trail provides primitive tent camping with no vehicle access, requiring a 2+ mile moderate hike from Route 40 to reach the campground area.

Most tent sites in the region require some walking from parking areas. Antietam Creek requires campers to park on the road and carry equipment across a bridge and down a path to reach their sites, which can be a considerable distance. Each site typically includes a fire ring, picnic table, and grill, though amenities vary between locations. Vault toilets or pit toilets are available at most campgrounds but are minimally maintained. One camper noted that "the bathrooms were okay at first, but by the 3rd night they were really gross." Water sources are limited, with some areas like Dahlgren Backpacker Campground offering year-round water sources while others have no drinking water available.

The tent camping experience near Gettysburg offers varying levels of privacy and natural immersion. Annapolis Rock Campground provides backcountry tent sites with scenic overlooks at 1700 feet elevation. A visitor described it as having "about a dozen campsites to choose, and several group sites. Some fairly private." Sites at Antietam Creek Campground lack privacy between neighbors and the C&O towpath, with constant foot and bicycle traffic passing by. Campers appreciate the proximity to water features, with some campgrounds offering direct access to the Potomac River. These sites attract hikers and cyclists using the C&O Canal towpath, making them social gathering spots rather than isolated wilderness experiences. Most locations require adherence to Leave No Trace principles as trash facilities are typically not provided.

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Best Tent Sites Near Gettysburg, Pennsylvania (24)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Gettysburg, PA

31 Photos of 24 Gettysburg Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Gettysburg, PA

963 Reviews of 24 Gettysburg Campgrounds

  • 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)

  • Craig F.
    Jul. 1, 2019

    Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground

    Fun Camping and Lake Activities

    We had a wonderful stay at Gifford Pinchot State Park! 

    The camping area at GP is separated into A loop and B loops with approximately 300 sites. All sites had a paved pad, varying in size depending on the location, with tent site being smaller. Most sites have electric and there are 22 full hookup sites in the camping area. Both loops are peninsulas into the lake, which is convenient to launching boats directly from many sites. Loop A is closer to the designated swimming area with a sandy beach and playground. B loop is closer to many of the hiking trails and also several boat launch areas. It is nice that the camping area and amenities are separated from the public day use area. At the entrance to the camping area there are three dump stations. 

    During our stay we were at a full hookup site which was very spacious and often hard to find in PA State Parks. Our site was#299 and for some reason the entire site was paved/blacktop, which was different than all the other sites where the pad was paved and the picnic table area was gravel/grass. While this site made it easy to level our camper, it became quite hot in the afternoon/evening after the sun had baked it all day.

    Overall, we thoroughly enjoyed GP and couldn’t believe we hadn’t visited before because it is a great state park. Wood is available for purchase at the campground hosts’ sites and ice at the park office. As with most PA state parks, quiet hours are at 9:00PM, which is a bit early, and there is no alcohol allowed in the park. We look forward to returning to GP in the future.

  • 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

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • A
    Sep. 24, 2020

    Patapsco Valley State Park-Hilton Area

    Nice Small Campsite Close to DC

    Nice small campsite in MD not too far from DC. One negative was that when it rains it really flushes through the grounds. We had a site on the lower end of the loop and our site was hard to set up as we arrived during a storm and it was very wet even after the rain died down. Another negative was after the storm for the next few days we heard trees falling nearby. Where we were hiking. 😬 The positives are as others have pointed out there is a huge park for kids- it’s not within walking distance for little kids but it’s a very short drive by the entrance to the park. There’s also another small park on the loop. The restrooms were central and well maintained. We found a small river and swimming hole at the bottom of the hill off to the side opposite the cabins/park. All sites had a picnic table and fire ring. Firewood available from camp host. Hiking poles would have been good for the trails when we had a kid in a pack on our back. Overall a nice close small campground.

Guide to Gettysburg

Tent camping near Gettysburg, Pennsylvania often means exploring neighboring Maryland, with many sites within a 30-60 minute drive. The elevation across these campgrounds varies from riverside locations at around 400 feet to Appalachian Trail sites at 1700 feet. Summer temperatures typically range from 70-85°F during day with cooler nights, while spring and fall bring more variable conditions.

What to do

Water activities along the Potomac: At Antietam Creek Campground, campers can enjoy swimming, paddling and tubing directly from their sites. One visitor noted, "The Potomac is mostly flat with some 'swirlies' for experienced paddlers. I also saw some people tubing."

Historical exploration: Many campgrounds serve as bases for exploring Civil War sites. Patapsco Valley State Park puts you within 30 minutes of Baltimore's historical attractions. "Very short drive in to Baltimore- around 30 minutes. Getting in to the park was a little difficult. We missed the entrance and had to turn around," a camper reported.

Hiking the Appalachian Trail: Access points near camping areas provide day hike opportunities. The campgrounds along the AT offer varying difficulty levels. One camper at Dahlgren Backpacker Campground mentioned, "This is a stop on the AT open only to multi-day backpackers. I've heard it is sometimes enforced."

What campers like

Natural water features: Many sites offer direct river access. At Lower Allen Community Park, "Cute site in a local township park that not many people know about. There actually three total. You just need to call the township to reserve. The sites sit right along the Yellow Breeches creak so you can put in a few miles up and float down to your site."

Strategic overnight stops: Hikers appreciate the Gettysburg-area campgrounds as rest points during longer journeys. As one camper at Dahlgren Backpacker Campground stated, "I only stopped here for a night while I was hiking the AT, but it was a welcome relief to get to a spot where I could wash off and have indoor plumbing for a night."

Scenic overlooks: Many sites feature elevated viewpoints. A camper at Annapolis Rock Campground described the view: "Beautiful view. About a dozen campsites to choose, and several group sites. Some fairly private. No camp fires allowed."

What you should know

Limited site privacy: Most tent campgrounds in the region have open layouts with little separation between sites. At Antietam Creek, "The campground itself is just one big field along the canal towpath, so you have no privacy from other campers."

Variable bathroom conditions: Facilities deteriorate quickly during busy periods. "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."

Parking logistics: Many sites require walking gear from parking areas. At Antietam Creek Campground, "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."

Wildlife encounters: Be prepared for local fauna. At Annapolis Rock, a camper warned, "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."

Tips for camping with families

Playground access: Several campgrounds feature excellent play areas for children. At Patapsco Valley State Park, "The Hilton entrance of Patapsco Valley Park is perfect for keeping the kids entertained. There is a huge playground, sensory trail and nature discovery center at the entrance to the park."

Child-friendly hikes: Look for shorter trails with engaging features. "This park has a wide range of activities for kids. The hike I did was not very long but was well worth it. The trail was well marked but there was some confusion at one point on where we were supposed to go."

Prepare for weather impacts: Rain can significantly affect the camping experience. "One negative was that when it rains it really flushes through the grounds. We had a site on the lower end of the loop and our site was hard to set up as we arrived during a storm."

Tent setup surfaces: Some sites have challenging terrain for tents. "The crushed stone at the sites isn't comfortable for tents, and they won't let you pitch it on the ground, so bring extra pads and alternative ways to secure the tent to the ground."

Tips from RVers

Size restrictions: Most campgrounds near Gettysburg have limited RV accommodations. At Mulehalla, sites are primarily designed for tents but offer "Tons of open spaces for tents, and sites are spaced far apart."

Alternative cabin options: For those seeking more comfort without an RV, several parks offer cabin rentals. Patapsco Valley features "neat mini cabins. Small one room cabins that have electricity and heat. They are a nice touch for those that want to camp, but not completely 'rough it.'"

Resource limitations: Many sites lack RV hookups or dump stations. Check ahead for amenities and prepare accordingly for self-contained camping.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where are the best tent camping sites near Gettysburg, PA?

For tent camping near Gettysburg, Antietam Creek Campground offers a peaceful experience along the Potomac River with walk-in sites, picnic tables, and fire rings. It's a great base for exploring both Gettysburg and nearby historical sites. Another excellent option is Patapsco Valley State Park-Hilton Area, which is tent-focused with non-electric sites in a natural setting. This campground specifically caters to tent campers by not allowing RVs in the main camping area, creating a more rustic and quiet environment. Both locations are within reasonable driving distance to Gettysburg while offering beautiful natural surroundings.

What amenities are available at Gettysburg tent camping grounds?

Tent camping grounds near Gettysburg typically offer basic but essential amenities. Marble Quarry Hiker-biker Overnight Campsite provides flat tent sites and basic facilities that meet campers' needs. Many campgrounds in the area feature fire rings, picnic tables, and access to water. For more developed options, Dahlgren Backpacker Campground offers additional amenities while maintaining a natural setting. Most tent campgrounds in the region provide pit toilets or porta-potties, though facilities vary by location. Water access is common but may be seasonal, so it's advisable to check availability before your trip, especially during shoulder seasons.

Are there year-round tent camping options in Gettysburg?

Year-round tent camping options near Gettysburg are limited due to Pennsylvania's seasonal climate. While some campgrounds like Licking Creek Hiker-biker Overnight Campsite remain accessible throughout the year, amenities such as water pumps typically operate seasonally. Winter camping requires proper cold-weather gear and preparation. Most developed campgrounds in the area, including Jordan Junction Hiker-biker Overnight Campsite, reduce services or close entirely during winter months (November through March). Always check with specific campgrounds about their operating seasons before planning a trip outside the main camping season of April through October.

How much does tent camping cost in Gettysburg?

Tent camping costs near Gettysburg vary by location and amenities. Calico Rocks Hiker-biker Overnight Campsite offers an affordable option with basic amenities. Most public campgrounds in the region charge between $15-30 per night for standard tent sites. Gathland State Park Campground represents the typical state park pricing structure in the area. Campgrounds along the C&O Canal often have lower fees, sometimes around $10 for hiker-biker sites. Private campgrounds generally charge more ($25-45) but may offer additional amenities. Many campgrounds also have reservation fees ($5-10) and may charge extra for premium sites, additional vehicles, or firewood. Always check current pricing online or by phone before your trip.

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