Tent campsites near Highspire, Pennsylvania stretch across several counties within an hour's drive, offering varied terrain from riverfront to woodland settings. The region maintains moderate humidity with summer temperatures averaging 85-90°F during peak camping months. Many primitive camping areas require advance reservations through park offices, with sites often booked weeks ahead during summer weekends.
What to do
**Creek exploration: Lancaster County Mill Creek Camping Area offers direct stream access for wading and cooling off. "The stream is refreshing and the site stays fairly cool. When it's hits the high temperatures a quick dip in the water is amazing," notes Philip B. in his review of Mill Creek.
**Kayak camping: Arrange a float trip that ends at your campsite at Lower Allen Community Park. "You can put in a few miles up and float down to your site. There is parking right there," reports a visitor who appreciates this unique camping access option.
**Hiking trails: Susquehannock State Park connects campers to extensive trail networks. "There are lots of long scenic hiking trails down to Deer creek and to the Susquehannock River," states David G., who also notes the "amazing wildflowers" visible along certain routes.
What campers like
**Creek sounds: The natural white noise from flowing water enhances sleep quality at Mill Creek. According to Meagan J. at Mill Creek Camping Area, camping "down by the creek makes for a cooler camping experience and love the sound of water flowing at night."
**Tree coverage: Shaded tent sites provide natural cooling during hot summer days. "Great tree coverage," mentions Sakina P. about the campsites, noting how the shade helps moderate temperatures even during peak heat.
**River views: Susquehannock State Park Campground provides overlooks of the Susquehanna River. "It's look out over the Susquehanna River is fantastic and puts you up with the birds," reports Nick S. who visited with family.
What you should know
**Public access issues: Some camping areas experience unexpected visitor traffic. Philip B. notes about Mill Creek, "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."
**Reservation policies: Different parks have varying booking procedures. Shambala at Mystic Hollow requires reservations for their 15 creek-side tent sites, while some locations operate first-come, first-served.
**Gate closures: Security measures limit evening access at certain parks. Lower Allen Community Park enforces strict entry rules, with staff who "lock the park at dusk" according to visitor reports, preventing late arrivals.
**Facility conditions: Amenities vary widely between locations. One visitor to Lancaster County observed that "shower facilities are dirty and need maintenance" with "bugs in the showers," indicating inconsistent upkeep at certain locations.
Tips for camping with families
**Trail awareness: Alert children about potential hiker traffic. Sakina P. reports, "Hikers take any trail instead of marked trails regardless of families camping in private areas," suggesting parents establish clear boundaries with children about approaching strangers.
**Playground access: Some parks include recreational facilities beyond camping. Shikellamy State Park provides "a pavilion and playground with many picnic tables," according to Alec P., offering structured play options for younger campers.
**Temperature management: Creek proximity helps moderate summer heat. Several campsites positioned alongside water features maintain cooler temperatures, with one camper noting how stream-side locations "makes for a cooler camping experience" during hot periods.
**Picnic opportunities: Several parks maintain dedicated eating areas. Beth L. mentions "enjoying a picnic at the cliff-side pavilion" at Shikellamy, providing a designated space for family meals with views.
Tips from RVers
**Limited RV facilities: Most tent campgrounds near Highspire lack comprehensive RV hookups. While electric hookups exist at Susquehannock State Park, David G. notes the campground has "two loops. One has a few sites with electric and some cabins. Potable water is available in several places on each loop."
**Group camping options: Larger RV parties should research specific sites. "This is Organized Group Tenting Only," cautions one reviewer about certain areas of Susquehannock, indicating the need to verify group accommodation availability before arrival.
**Bathroom access: Most tent-focused campgrounds provide basic facilities only. "The bathhouses are rebuilt recently and are very nice," reports a camper at Susquehannock, though many primitive tent sites near Highspire offer only vault toilets or portable facilities.
