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Best Campgrounds near Harrisburg, PA

963 Reviews

Several good camping spots are within reach of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground draws many families with its clean sites and hiking trails nearby. Kids tend to have fun at Pinch Pond Family Campground, which has spaces that work for both tents and RVs. Caledonia State Park Campground feels more basic and quiet, with lots of trees and natural surroundings. Most campers find spring and fall are the best times to visit these places since the weather stays comfortable for outdoor activities. The summer gets pretty hot and sticky around Harrisburg, which can make camping less pleasant if you don't like the heat. Most of these campgrounds come with basic stuff like bathrooms, tables for eating, and fire rings. You won't have trouble finding these places - the roads are clearly marked and in good shape. It's always smart to look up whether any campgrounds close during certain seasons before you make plans.

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Best Camping Sites Near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania (155)

    1. Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground

    56 Reviews
    Wellsville, PA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 292-4112

    $24 - $89 / night

    "My friends and I booked a spot at this campground after visiting Harrisburg, PA."

    "Good bathrooms, a beach, and some hiking around the lake. It's also pretty convenient to Harrisburg, Gettysburg, and Hershey if you want things to do. It also has some nice birding."

    2. Hersheypark Camping Resort

    29 Reviews
    Hummelstown, PA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (833) 936-0949

    "This campground has a little something for everyone, from full hook up sites neatly stacked next to each other, to quiet patches of grass next to the river."

    "They don’t sell alcohol but there is a shopping center within walking distance with restaurants and liquor stores! Even a supermarket. There is shuttle service to the park."

    3. Elizabethtown-Hershey KOA

    15 Reviews
    Elizabethtown, PA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 367-7718

    $45 - $279 / night

    "There was a bathhouse and dish sink nearby, as well as the entrance to a nice little nature trail a few sites down. "

    "Large and easy to enter/exit sites. Wifi was pretty good. (It helped that the antenna was right beside our site!) Cable TV, too! Everyone we talked to was nice and friendly."

    4. Thousand Trails Hershey

    21 Reviews
    Mount Gretna, PA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    $50 - $60 / night

    "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. They don't reserve sites for you."

    "This is a clean, nice looking campground in a location very close to Hershey park and the outlets. It’s a very nice area."

    5. Little Buffalo State Park Campground

    18 Reviews
    New Bloomfield, PA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 567-9255

    $26 - $151 / night

    "A playground is near bathhouse in the campground, along with several hiking trails. The dump station is easily accessible. Firewood is also available for purchase at the campground."

    "The driving path is gravel with a steep hill at the end so if you can help it I would avoid sites 32,34,36 as they are VERY difficult to back into with larger rigs."

    6. Harrisburg East Campground

    2 Reviews
    Steelton, PA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 939-4331

    $84 - $94 / night

    "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."

    "The highway bordered it on one side and while we were on the other side of the campground we could still hear the noise if our door was open. Our site was level, but many were not."

    7. Riverfront Campground

    4 Reviews
    Duncannon, PA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 834-5252

    "Great river front location! Could be a bit muddy depending on the river. The train does run right near all night long, but I find it soothing. Bath houses are a bit rough, hence the 4 stars."

    8. River Rock Recreation

    5 Reviews
    Bainbridge, PA
    15 miles
    Website

    $75 - $90 / night

    "There is no on site running water or electric but they did leave us with a 5 gallon water jug and a 5 gallon shower bag to use in the outside shower."

    "https://www.riverrockadv.com/#/ I was fortunate enough to find this local gem while browsing“camping near me”. Not only that, my unlucky butt won a 2 night stay there!"

    9. Lower Allen Community Park

    1 Review
    Lewisberry, PA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 975-7575

    $10 - $25 / night

    "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."

    10. Camp Hebron

    2 Reviews
    Halifax, PA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 896-3441

    $26 - $85 / night

    "Nice pool and lots of hiking trails. The sites have lots of tree cover and they are private. This place does not have many amenities as far as crafts and "drop off the kids" activities."

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Recent Camping Photos near Harrisburg, PA

405 Photos of 155 Harrisburg Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Harrisburg, PA

963 Reviews of 155 Harrisburg Campgrounds

  • Marcandpatti B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 11, 2025

    Gettysburg Campground

    Good spot for Gettysburg, a bit spendy.

    We stayed here mid-week in September so it was very quiet. There was a bit of road noise as our site was close to the entrance. Host was super friendly. They have a bunch of things going on with groups that stay here; next group is quilters with vintage trailers, sorry to miss that. All of the utilities worked just fine. Sites re a bit close to each other, not a lot of foliage between sites.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 9, 2025

    Artillery Ridge Campground

    Great location and friendly staff

    We have a motorhome with no additional vehicle and two dogs, and this site couldn’t have been more perfect for us. A dog park, walking distance to most everything we wanted to see. The national park is mostly dog friendly. My husband caught a fish first day in the pond behind our site. The staff was super friendly and welcoming.

  • p
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Artillery Ridge Campground

    Rv stay

    Site and bathrooms clean. Activities provided free each day. Food trucks in park. Close to museum and battleground sites.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 7, 2025

    Round Top Campground

    Better than OK

    Stayed for 2 days while passing through from FL to NH. Off-season so not crowded. Pool was clean and quite good sized, had it to ourselves due to season. Did laundry while here, ample laundry room. On-site extras include food-truck restaurant and small country goods vendor during our stay. Office staff did ok. Sites have reasonable spacing with gravel pads, mostly level. Trees between sites with sloping hills , not just a big open field. It’s a corporate site so automated web-based reservation system was finicky so we had to verify reservation went through. Tried to book 2 nights but system only set us up for 1. Phone call to help line easily resolved the issue. Quiet and no spotlights on all night.

  • Stephen W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 7, 2025

    Hersheypark Camping Resort

    Very clean campground friendly staff

    We stay here once a year in September. Stone surface. Not to bad for leveling. Our site was spacious.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground

    Peace and quiet !

    Great spot! We had site 114 . It has water access and is right next to a small man made beach and playground. Bathrooms were in good shape. Sites were of ample size and well spaced.

  • Werner S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Old Mill Stream Campground

    In Amish area, next to an amusement park

    Our kids where happy with the small playground and with a few dollars they could have some fun in the small arcade/gameroom. In the area you have Lancaster, Amish area and an amusement park (that is a bit outdated). The camping has a bit over 100 spots. They are just oké.

  • Scott J.
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Sun Valley Campground

    My Happy Place

    My wife and I have been seasonal camper for 4 years and love it. We had visited numerous campgrounds and found Sun Valley to be the atmosphere there beyond our expectations. The minute you walk into the office you get that" aha" moment. The office greets you with a smile and " Welcome to Sun Valley, how can I help you ". That alone told us these folks are here to make your stay enjoyable. They go above and beyond any campground we have ever been to. The activities go above and beyond. The Saturday night bands are concert worthy. We have enjoyed our stay more than you ever imagined. For the past 4 years it has been our "Happy Place"

  • eThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 21, 2025

    Round Top Campground

    I camped and worked here.

    I’m a shamanic energy healer and health enthusiast exploring a new life and hunting for healthy. While this campground has some nice features. This certainly is not a health conscious facility. Lots of smoking, drinking and unhealthy food. There was also evidence of mice in the main store and definitely issues with the water.

Guide to Harrisburg

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!

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there state parks with camping facilities near Harrisburg, PA?

Yes, the Harrisburg area is surrounded by excellent state parks with camping facilities. Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground is one of the closest options, featuring lakeside camping with good bathroom facilities, a swimming beach, and hiking trails. The park is conveniently located for day trips to Harrisburg, Gettysburg, and Hershey. Another option within driving distance is Little Buffalo State Park Campground near Newport, which offers drive-in and walk-in access with reservable sites, toilets, and big-rig-friendly spaces. These state parks provide affordable camping options with access to natural attractions while maintaining proximity to Harrisburg's urban amenities.

Can I find waterfront camping near Harrisburg, PA?

Yes, the Harrisburg area offers several appealing waterfront camping options. Buttonwood Campground provides well-maintained sites along the Juniata River, with both open spaces and shaded spots available. This clean campground features super friendly staff and is about an hour from Harrisburg. Pequea Creek Campground offers a beautiful picturesque setting with large, tree-covered sites. For those seeking a state park experience, Gifford Pinchot State Park features camping options around its lake, complete with fishing opportunities and a beach area. Riverfront Campground near Duncannon is another option with boat-in access and water-adjacent sites.

What RV camping options are available near Harrisburg, PA?

RV campers have several good options near Harrisburg. Harrisburg East Campground is conveniently located right off the interstate, offering full hookups, clean restrooms, and a nice pool. While it's primarily used as a stopover for travelers, its proximity to the city makes it practical. Pinch Pond Family Campground & RV Park is another option for RVers traveling to the Harrisburg/Hershey area. For overnight parking, several retailers allow RV stays, including Bass Pro Shops and Home Depot in Harrisburg, though these are better suited for brief stays. The region also offers several overnight parking options at businesses like Walmart in Camp Hill and Cracker Barrel in Mechanicsburg for those needing a quick stopover.

What are the best campgrounds near Harrisburg, PA?

The Harrisburg area offers several excellent camping options. Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground is a popular choice within easy driving distance of Harrisburg, offering fishing, hiking trails around the lake, and a beach area. The park provides convenient access to attractions in Harrisburg, Gettysburg, and Hershey. For those seeking a resort-style experience, Hersheypark Camping Resort offers diverse camping options from full hookup sites to peaceful spots by the river, making it ideal for families visiting nearby attractions. The area also features several private campgrounds with varying amenities and price points, giving campers plenty of options depending on their preferences for activities, privacy, and proximity to attractions.

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