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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 Gilbertsville, PA
2 campgrounds with availability this weekend
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Tent camping options around Gilbertsville, Pennsylvania include several park-based campgrounds within a short drive. Deep Creek Campground at Green Lane Park offers tent sites from April through October, while Evansburg State Park Campground provides walk-in tent sites with varying levels of privacy and access. Boulder Ridge Farm also offers primitive tent camping with a more secluded atmosphere.
Most tent sites in the area have basic amenities but limited privacy. At Deep Creek Campground, the tent sites are arranged along service roads with minimal separation between campsites. One camper noted, "The sites are close to each other with absolutely no privacy," while fire rings are provided at most locations. Many campsites feature picnic tables and access to toilet facilities, though drinking water availability varies significantly between locations. Hibernia County Park maintains a lake campground with tent sites that include fire rings with built-in grills, but campers should note the prohibition of alcohol at most county-managed campgrounds.
The tent camping experience in this region offers access to numerous outdoor activities despite the proximity of sites to one another. Areas with greater tree cover, such as Boulder Ridge Farm, provide a more natural setting where campers report "waking up to owls" and enjoying the surrounding wildlife. Trails are accessible from most campgrounds, with Evansburg State Park featuring multiple well-marked hiking paths. A camper described Evansburg as "a great place to walk with your dog and enjoy the Pennsylvania outdoors." Water features enhance several camping areas, with Hibernia County Park offering a lake approximately three minutes by foot from the campground, making it suitable for families seeking tent sites with recreational opportunities nearby.
Best Tent Campgrounds near Gilbertsville (32)
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. 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
4. 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
5. 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
6. 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
7. 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
8. Shambala at Mystic Hollow
"Shambala at Mystic Hollow offers great creekside campsites for anyone looking to pitch a tent and enjoy some time by the water. Check them out and share your experience on the Dyrt!"
Check Availabilityfrom $40 / night
9. 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."
10. Brandywine Meadows Family Campground
Drive Time
- 29 min from Reading, PA
- 34 min from Allentown, PA
- 52 min from Philadelphia, PA
- 1 hr from Lancaster, PA
Recent Tent Camping Photos near Gilbertsville, PA
58 Photos of 32 Gilbertsville Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Deep Creek Campground at Green Lane Park
Rolling Hills RetreatsA
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Tent Camping Reviews near Gilbertsville, PA
945 Reviews of 32 Gilbertsville 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!
Nancy W.
LegendHickory Run State Park Campground
Peaceful State Park Camping in the Fall
This is a large campground with a wide array of campsites so be careful attention when you book online, especially if you have a pet because some sites are not pet-friendly. Some are 50-amp full hook-up and some are primitive with no hook-ups.
There is a nice nature center with interesting interpretive exhibits and lots of informational brochures including ones about the hiking trails, bears, scat and tracks of local animals, and fishing. Our site was at the edge of the campground and backed up to Route 534 which resulted in a bit of road noise at our site. Other than the road noise the campground was pretty quiet and was not very crowded when we camped there in October.
Not all sites are level and we happened to book one that was not and we had to live with a slant for our stay. The roads in the park are gravel/dirt and since it rained the day we arrived the roads were a muddy mess which made the roads slippery and there were lots of potholes. Unfortunately, some campers were disrespectful and left bags of trash in the fire pit and scattered around their site which was totally unnecessary because there were dumpsters plenty of dumpsters in the campground. Since we camped at Hickory Run late in the season, there were no camp hosts and the trash never got picked up.
The campground is open from mid-April to mid-December; however, the shower facilities and dump station are not available after the third week of October so plan accordingly. We really like the hiking trails which are of varying degrees of difficulty and lengths. The Hawk Falls is a nice easy walk (1.4 miles round-trip) to a waterfall but is extremely popular so don’t think you will be admiring the falls alone. The parking lot at this trail head fills up fast so you better get there early if you want to get a spot.
You can enter the park from two different directions. If you have a big-rig, it is best to approach from the east side. We made the mistake of coming in from the west side as we dropped down from I-80 and came down 534 and the road was really windy with no shoulder. Luckily, there was very little traffic so we could go 10 mph and safely navigate the roads.
Be aware alcohol is not allowed in PA state parks. This park does allow hunting in certain sections of the park. The no-hunting areas are clearly marked with white no hunting signs on trees and you can also pick up a brochure from the office that designates hunting and no-hunting sections.
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.
Guide to Gilbertsville
Tent camping options within 25 miles of Gilbertsville, Pennsylvania range from primitive wilderness sites to more developed facilities. This region of southeastern Pennsylvania features rolling hills with elevations between 200-600 feet and moderate rainfall throughout the camping season. Most campgrounds operate from April through October, with temperatures averaging 60-85°F during summer months.
What to do
Hiking trails near water features: Round Valley State Park Campground offers multiple options for active campers. "Beautiful area. We paddled in, the water is very clean and crystal clear," notes a visitor who appreciated the lake access. The reservoir creates numerous opportunities for water-adjacent hiking.
Disc golf outings: Green Lane Park provides additional recreational options beyond standard camping activities. According to one camper, there's a "Phenomenal disc golf course, hiking, and fishing" making it ideal for groups with varied interests.
Birdwatching excursions: Fort Washington State Park Campground serves as an excellent base for wildlife observation. The park features "great trail hiking" with opportunities for viewing "warblers, woodpeckers, various hawks and red thrushes," according to visitor reports.
What campers like
Well-maintained bathroom facilities: Deep Creek Campground at Green Lane Park earns praise for its cleanliness. "Beautiful campground. Clean restrooms, lots of open space!" reports one visitor, highlighting the practical amenities that enhance comfort during primitive camping experiences.
Peaceful natural surroundings: Boulder Ridge Farm offers a more secluded camping option with unique geological features. One camper specifically mentioned the "really cool huge rocks and waking up to owls was awesome," noting the distinctive wilderness experience available close to Gilbertsville.
Lake-adjacent camping: Hibernia County Park provides water access that campers consistently rate highly. "The lake is about a 3 minute hike down the clearly marked trails," reports a visitor, making it accessible for families looking for best tent camping near Gilbertsville, Pennsylvania with water recreation options.
What you should know
Privacy concerns: Several campgrounds in the region feature closely spaced sites. At Green Lane Park, one camper noted the sites are "right on top of each other with no tree cover between spots, so you'll definitely be right up on your neighbors."
Reservation requirements: Many tent sites near Gilbertsville require advance booking. At Evansburg State Park Campground, camping is "only open to organized camping" according to one reviewer, requiring group reservations rather than individual site bookings.
Fire ring variations: Campfire setups differ significantly between locations. One Green Lane Park visitor noted, "The fire rings are big and frustrating, the fire sits on a lifted grate so you go through wood like crazy," which affects how much firewood campers need to bring.
Tips for camping with families
Children's fishing pond: Hibernia County Park offers specialized fishing opportunities for younger campers. "Great children's pond for 12 and under" mentions one visitor, providing an activity specifically designed for family camping experiences near Gilbertsville.
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature play areas within walking distance of tent sites. A camper at Hibernia County Park noted the "Great playground" that's accessible from the camping area, giving children structured recreation options.
Flat terrain for new campers: Some tent camping areas near Gilbertsville feature level ground suitable for first-time campers. At Ridley Creek State Park, a visitor mentioned, "This place is great for first time campers" with "a nice open field with two sites and two fire pits," making setup simpler for families.
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup availability: Most tent-focused campgrounds near Gilbertsville offer minimal RV services. One visitor to Round Valley State Park Campground noted the primitive nature of the facilities: "no roads to the campgrounds it takes some effort to get there," indicating most RVs won't have direct site access.
Site size limitations: Campgrounds accepting RVs have restrictions on vehicle dimensions. At Fort Washington State Park Campground, while group camping is available, one visitor mentioned that facilities are "primitive and lack any kind of privacy," with limited space for larger recreational vehicles.
Access challenges: Many of the best tent camping areas near Gilbertsville, Pennsylvania present difficulties for RV campers. Evansburg State Park requires visitors to "haul gear by foot to the campsite. Some are further than others," making it impractical for traditional RV camping setups.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent
campsite near Gilbertsville, PA?
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Gilbertsville, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Gilbertsville, 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
Gilbertsville, PA?
What is the best site to find tent camping near Gilbertsville, PA?
TheDyrt.com has all 32 tent camping locations near Gilbertsville, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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