Pet-friendly camping options around Harrisburg range from waterfront sites along Yellow Breeches Creek to rural locations near the Appalachian Trail. The region sits at the foothills of Pennsylvania's Appalachian Mountains where the Susquehanna River flows through the capital area, creating diverse camping environments with elevations between 300-1,200 feet. Summer temperatures typically reach 85-90°F, while spring and fall camping seasons offer milder 60-75°F days.
What to do
Creek swimming access: Several campgrounds feature shallow water perfect for cooling off. At River Rock Recreation, campers enjoy direct river access. "If you sit by the river long enough you may see a barn owl fly by in the evening and back again in the morning. My boys spotted the nest while kayaking," writes Kellyann M.
Disc golf courses: Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground offers two separate 18-hole courses. "Both areas have their own 18 hole disc golf course, but I will say: BEWARE of poison ivy!! We played the first 10 holes around the Conewago day use area and I was shocked at how much poison ivy we had to dodge," reports Danielle V.
Kayak and fishing trips: Many sites offer convenient water access for small craft. "We spent our time fishing the river banks right outside our tents and kayaking on the Susquehanna to fish the warm waters. We caught a ton of catfish and carp using live bait," notes Zach R. about his River Rock Recreation stay.
What campers like
Private tent platforms: More secluded sites provide better outdoor experiences. "They have 3 wood tent platforms. 2 small ones are right near the river and one very large one is set back in the trees. We used the large platform for our REI Kingdom 8 tent," explains Kellyann M. about her River Rock Recreation visit.
Seasonal swimming pool access: Little Buffalo State Park Campground features an extensive aquatic facility. "They offer a large area that is only 1 foot deep, great for little ones! There is also a splash pad! There are 2 slides for fun!" reports Amanda H., though she notes "you have to pay to get in the pool, yes even if you are camping."
Camping near historical attractions: Sites provide bases for exploring regional history. At Elizabethtown-Hershey KOA, visitors appreciate the location. "The campground is connected to the Swatara Rail trial which is great for biking. The Swatara creek runs right next to it so it is great for kayaking, tubing, etc," writes Bobby S.
What you should know
Weather preparedness: Storms can be sudden and intense. "A 1:00 AM thunder storm reminded me to never forget to use ALL the tie downs," shares James B. about River Rock Recreation.
Site selection strategies: Some campgrounds have significantly better sites than others. At Thousand Trails Hershey, "The first thing to know is that Thousand Trails sites are a first come, first serve. Meaning you have to arrive early in order to get the best spots," advises Yamileth K.
Environmental concerns: Watch for poison ivy and insects. "We came for a hike and quick one night tent escape... After we pitched in the new spot, all was good. Then I left and woke up with a serious case of chigger bites," warns Scott B. about his Gifford Pinchot experience.
Tips for camping with families
Dog-friendly water spots: Several campgrounds near Harrisburg offer creek access for pets. At Lower Allen Community Park, "The sites sit right along the Yellow Breeches creak so you can put in a few miles up and float down to your site," notes Joann, making it ideal for families with dogs wanting water access.
Affordable multi-family stays: Sharing primitive sites reduces costs. "We usually plan to go camping with 1-2 other families to split the rates for longer stays at the campsite," explains Megan S. about River Rock Recreation.
Play area considerations: Some campgrounds have better facilities for children. At Little Buffalo, "There is a large lake for fishing! You can rent boats there! There is a pool! The pool is very nice!" writes Amanda H., though she notes it's "across the street" from the camping area.
Tips from RVers
Highway noise awareness: Some campgrounds are convenient but noisy. "The sites that were close to the interstate were noisy from traffic. Also it was close to Harrisburg International Airport so planes also made it noisy at times," reports Tammy K. about Harrisburg East Campground.
Site leveling challenges: Many RV sites require extra work. At Thousand Trails Hershey, "The sites are gravel and most are not level. They are not well maintained as the site next to us has weeds a foot high," warns James G.
Campground navigation: Layout affects RV maneuverability. "While it offers nice amenities and a shuttle to Hersheypark, the campground itself is very tight, cramped, and hard to navigate. The sites are so small that many tow vehicles have to park partially on the narrow access roads making it difficult to get in and out of with a big rig," cautions Rick B. about his Thousand Trails Hershey experience.
