Best Campgrounds near Harrisburg, PA

Camping near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. From scenic parks to family-friendly campgrounds, there’s something for everyone looking to escape into nature.

What to do:

• Hiking and Biking: Explore the numerous trails available in the area. At French Creek State Park Campground, one reviewer noted, "Hiking and biking this park is fun. It's a great place to camp and enjoy downtime!"
• Fishing: Many campgrounds, like Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground, provide access to lakes for fishing. A visitor shared, "The lake is very nice and it's a very family park!"
• Historical Sites: Visit nearby Gettysburg for a dose of history. Campers at Gettysburg / Battlefield KOA mentioned, "Just 15-minutes to historic sites, restaurants, and breweries."

What campers like:

• Spacious Sites: Campers appreciate the roomy sites at Codorus State Park Campground. One review said, "The sites are fairly large and they do have some full hookup sites which is nice."
• Clean Facilities: Many campgrounds, such as Caledonia State Park Campground, are praised for their cleanliness. A visitor remarked, "I was very impressed with the cleanliness of the campground, privacy from other campers and the amenities they offered."
• Friendly Staff: Campers often mention the helpful staff at places like Hersheypark Camping Resort. One guest noted, "The security guard patrols the park at night, and he was very nice!"

What you should know:

• No Alcohol Allowed: Some campgrounds, like Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground, have strict rules against alcohol. A camper mentioned, "This park is one of our favorites! We have a small camper and there are some great sites on the lake side."
• Site Proximity: Campers at Locust Lake State Park Campground noted that sites can be close together. One review stated, "We felt very squished together with our neighbors."
• Limited Cell Service: Many campgrounds, including Cowans Gap State Park Campground, have little to no cell service. A visitor shared, "There is none. NONE. No AT&T, no Verizon, no TMobile."

Tips for camping with families:

• Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with amenities for kids. At Gettysburg / Battlefield KOA, families enjoyed "mini golf and a few other games."
• Safety First: Ensure kids know campground rules, especially about noise. One parent at Codorus State Park Campground mentioned, "People don't understand quiet after 10 PM."
• Plan for Meals: Bring food and snacks, as some campgrounds may not have markets nearby. A camper at Caledonia State Park Campground noted, "There are lots of neat things around such as an apple orchard."

Tips from RVers:

• Check Site Levels: Some sites can be unlevel, so be prepared to adjust. A visitor at Hersheypark Camping Resort said, "Our site was very unlevel, but we made it work."
• Full Hookups: Look for campgrounds with full hookups for convenience. Campers at French Creek State Park Campground appreciated the "fifty amp hookups."
• Bring Extra Supplies: Some campgrounds, like Pine Grove Furnace State Park Campground, have limited stores. A camper advised, "Bring everything you are planning to have in with you."

Camping near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, has its quirks, but with the right preparation, it can be a fantastic experience for everyone involved!