Rick W.
Traveler
TravelerColonel 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...
Tent Camping near Glen Rock, PA
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
Several tent campgrounds serve the Glen Rock area in Pennsylvania, with Susquehannock State Park Campground offering tent sites within 30 miles of town. This state park provides both electric and non-electric tent sites with potable water available at multiple locations throughout the camping loops. Lancaster County Mill Creek Camping Area represents another tent-focused option, featuring walk-in sites along a stream that maintains cooler temperatures during summer months.
Tent sites throughout the region typically include fire rings and picnic tables, though amenities vary significantly between locations. Most established campgrounds provide toilet facilities, but shower access is limited primarily to larger state parks like Patapsco Valley. Walk-in tent sites at Mill Creek require campers to transport their gear from parking areas to streamside locations. Reviews indicate some campgrounds experience high foot traffic from hikers and day visitors, particularly at Mill Creek where campers noted unexpected trail users passing through sites. Reservations are recommended for weekend camping during peak season from May through October.
The tent camping experience near Glen Rock offers varied environments from forested settings to creek-side options. Susquehannock State Park provides access to hiking trails with views of the Susquehanna River, while Mill Creek offers the unique advantage of stream proximity for cooling off during hot weather. Tent campers at Patapsco Valley State Park benefit from well-maintained grounds with clean bathhouses, though the lower sites in the campground loop can become very wet after rainfall. Site selection matters significantly for tent comfort, with one camper noting that "the stream is refreshing and the site stays fairly cool. When it hits high temperatures a quick dip in the water is amazing."
Best Tent Campgrounds near Glen Rock (18)
1. Susquehannock State Park Campground
"Potable water is available in several places on each loop. The bathhouses are rebuilt recently and are very nice. Some walk in tent sites."
"This is Organized Group Tenting Only."
from $28 - $72 / night
Check Availability2. Starry Pond
from $40 - $45 / night
3. Patapsco Valley State Park-Hilton Area
"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."
"There is a massive playground, nature play space, sensory trail, and a small nature center. There are a lot of easy, but beautiful hikes. The campground is on the smaller side."
from $20 - $51 / night
Check Availability4. Lower Allen Community Park
"The park is in the suburbs so it’s close to lots of things. They do lock the park at dusk though. They have portapotties, fire pits, and picnic tables."
from $10 - $25 / night
Check Availability5. Mill Creek Camping Area
"Campgrounds are spaced out large spaces for multiple tents, camping cost $25 a night flat rate, for up to 6 days. Campground will refund you if rain prevents your stay or allow you to rebook."
from $23 / night
Check Availability6. Lancaster County Mill Creek Camping Area
7. Gamlers Boat Yard Campgrounds
8. Finksburg Forest
from $22 - $100 / night
Check Availability9. 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."
from $15 - $50 / night
Check Availability10. Annapolis Rock Campground — Appalachian National Scenic Trail
"Annapolis Rock Campground is right off the Appalachian Trail just about 1/5 of a mile before Annapolis Rock overlook."
"great primitive campsite that has undergone major restorations and preventative measures to reverse the damage from huge camping crowds of the past. no fires, but there are two privies and a really nice"
Drive Time
- 19 min from York, PA
- 46 min from Gettysburg, PA
- 46 min from Lancaster, PA
- 47 min from Harrisburg, PA
Recent Tent Camping Photos near Glen Rock, PA
9 Photos of 18 Glen Rock Campgrounds
Tent Camping Reviews near Glen Rock, PA
1023 Reviews of 18 Glen Rock Campgrounds
Nate & Erika L.
GuideSusquehanna State Park Campground
Great State Park Camping
We decided to stay a weekend at Susquehanna based on the reviews on the Dyrt and it’s closer proximity to home. We arrived and were greeted by super friendly rangers who gave us the lay of the land. We found the rangers to be very knowledgeable about the area and the wildlife, plants, and trees in the park. They had two display tables full of flora and fauna by the check-in station set up for kids and adults alike to glean some knowledge. On one night while we were there, there was a program run by the rangers where kids could learn about some common native and invasive species.
We hiked the Green Trail, which had a sign saying it was ‘very difficult’, but we found it to be no problem for our crew of seven kids aged 3-10 and four adults. We only passed one other hiker. We saw some champion trees, lots of deer, and had some run ins with more than a few spotted lantern flies. One ranger told us they have nine champion trees in the park, we’d love to go back and hike to find the others.
With only two loops, the sites were fairly spaced out with lots of trees between them. We had a spacious electric site for our pop up and camped with friends who had a nice level, secluded tent site. We hardly ever heard any neighbors and all was quiet at night. Each loop shares a bathhouse, and there are some portable toilets spaced around the loop, too. The facilities were cleaned every morning. They even have a large laundry utility sink in the bathhouse should you need it. The only downside we found was that showering at prime time (around 8 or 9 pm) led to very little hot water. A small price to pay for good camping and hiking!
- Nick C.
RangerOwens 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.GuideGifford Pinchot State Park Campground
Fun Camping and Lake Activities
We had a wonderful stay at Gifford Pinchot State Park!Â
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.Â
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.
LegendOwens 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
Carol C.
ScoutOtter Creek Campground
Lovely tranquil campsites next to river
We stayed only one night in primitive tent site which was massive with a turnaround. It was great. There are fire pits and picnic tables and level ground. Very serene. We walked down to the river, breathtaking. Not sure of other amenities as we didn’t use them.
Stuart K.LegendPinch Pond Family Campground & RV Park
Amenity-Packed Campground in PA Dutch Country
Set just off I-76 in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch country, Pinch Pond Family Campground& RV Park is a large, all-in-one, family-focused campground with a layout that feels more like a small neighborhood than a traditional woods-only campsite. While its proximity to the highway makes access easy, the property itself is gated, organized into distinct camping zones and packed with amenities that clearly cater to longer stays and families looking for built-in entertainment.
HIGHLIGHTS:(1) Full-service resort-style amenities including pool, playground, arcade, laundry, propane refills, dump stations, sports field, picnic tables and in-ground fire rings throughout the property;(2) Wide variety of lodging options including RV sites with 30/50 amp hookups, water, sewer and cable, primitive tent sites, and multiple on-site cottages for non-campers;(3) Gated entrance and very welcoming, helpful staff at check-in with a well-stocked camp store offering snacks, ice cream, sundries and souvenirs;(4) Strong family appeal with fishing pond, barn, open play areas and space for kids to roam safely; and(5) Excellent location for regional attractions including Hershey Park, Chocolate World, Amish countryside tours and the nearby wolf sanctuary with guided educational tours.
LOWLIGHTS:(1) Immediate proximity to I-76 means persistent highway noise day and night with no real sound buffer;(2) Access is oddly indirect despite being next to the turnpike, requiring a several-mile loop through countryside roads to reach the entrance;(3) Overall layout is wide open with limited natural privacy between many RV sites;(4) Nearby shooting range produces frequent target practice noise, especially noticeable during early morning hours; and(5) Pricing for primitive tent sites feels disproportionately high compared to full-hookup RV rates.
Happy Camping!
- Jim N.Guide
Hibernia County Park
Hidden gem
A nice primitive campground - good for a quick trip away. The campground is a county run one that works on a first come first serve basis, which is fine if there are others close by. They are wooded sites and have 2 loops. There is no store, but there a places close to get supplies. The park is dry, no alcohol. No hook ups either. There is an old mansion that gives tours on weekends.
- AAlexandra T.Ranger
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 Glen Rock
Tent camping around Glen Rock, Pennsylvania centers on several county and state park options within a 30-mile radius. The region sits in the Piedmont Plateau with elevations ranging from 400 to 800 feet and receives moderate rainfall throughout summer camping months. Weather conditions in peak camping season (May-September) typically range from 60-85°F with higher humidity levels in July and August.
What to do
Hiking with river views: At Susquehannock State Park Campground, campers can access trail networks with varying difficulty levels. "There's a great bike trail to the Conowingo dam which is a nice place to visit, and a great place to see lots of eagles. There are amazing wildflowers on that trail," notes reviewer David G., who mentions you can bike directly from the campground but should "be ready for the climb back up."
Family-friendly playground access: Patapsco Valley State Park-Hilton Area offers recreational facilities beyond standard camping. "This area is, possibly unintentionally, geared toward children. There is a massive playground, nature play space, sensory trail, and a small nature center," reports reviewer Sean M. The playground isn't within easy walking distance for small children but is "a very short drive by the entrance to the park," according to Alexandra T.
Fishing opportunities: Several campgrounds provide fishing access, with Hibernia County Park offering specific options for younger anglers. "The children's pond is a short ways away for well stocked fishing," notes reviewer Anna, who found the location ideal for families with children ages 3-12.
What campers like
Creek-side cooling: During summer months, Lancaster County Mill Creek Camping Area provides natural relief from heat. One camper, Philip B., appreciated that "the stream is refreshing and the site stays fairly cool. When it hits the high temperatures a quick dip in the water is amazing."
Trail access from campsites: Many tent campers value direct access to hiking trails. At Susquehannock State Park Campground, Chuck C. notes, "The camping area is small but worth it. A short walk from the scenic overlooks and other hiking trails."
Basic amenities with privacy: The primitive nature of some campgrounds appeals to those seeking a simpler experience. At Hibernia County Park, campers get "picnic table and fire ring. No hook ups," explains John Z., who appreciates the $15 per night cost despite limited amenities. Chelsea adds that the "large campsites at the Lake Loop" provide adequate space despite being "farther from the lake than expected."
What you should know
Trail traffic through campsites: Be prepared for hikers passing through your camping area at certain locations. At Mill Creek Camping Area, one reviewer noted: "Hikers take any trail instead of marked trails regardless of families camping in private areas." Philip B. at Lancaster County Mill Creek similarly reported: "The site is public access and there are lots of hikers, joggers, and people expecting you not to be camping. I was woke up every morning by people walking through the site."
Limited shower access: While most established campgrounds have toilet facilities, shower amenities vary widely. Many primitive camping areas like Hibernia County Park have only "porta potties [that] are very clean and don't smell and are lit with a street lamp," according to Anna.
Weather considerations: Rain can significantly impact camping comfort at certain locations. At Patapsco Valley, Alexandra T. warns 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."
Tips for camping with families
Playground proximity: When tent camping Glen Rock with children, consider proximity to play areas. Patapsco Valley State Park offers extensive recreation options with "a huge playground, sensory trail and nature discovery center at the entrance to the park," says Angel G., though she cautions these areas "are not stroller friendly."
Campsite selection for privacy: At Annapolis Rock Campground, you'll find "about a dozen campsites to choose, and several group sites. Some fairly private," according to Christopher B. This allows families to select more secluded spots when camping with children.
Water features for hot days: Stream access provides natural cooling and entertainment for children. At Hibernia County Park, Anna notes the "lake is about a 3 minute hike down the clearly marked trails" from the camping area, making it accessible for supervised children.
Tips from RVers
Limited access for larger vehicles: Most tent-focused campgrounds near Glen Rock have significant limitations for RVs. At Hibernia County Park, Jennifer S. advises: "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... there are a few sites that will, including #3, #17 & #18 and plenty of sites will fit a small RV or pop up camper. They aren't level, but nothing a little creative positioning can't fix."
Water tank preparation: For RVers considering primitive campgrounds, Jennifer S. notes at Hibernia County Park: "There are NO HOOKUPS, and water is not easy to come by if you are in an RV. If you are coming in an RV, you should come with a full water tank. There is one spigot at the bathroom."
Dump station planning: When RV camping near Glen Rock, prepare for limited waste disposal options. At Hibernia County Park, "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."
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campsite near Glen Rock, PA?
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Glen Rock, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Glen Rock, PA is Susquehannock State Park Campground with a 4-star rating from 6 reviews.
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