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 Jacobus, PA
16 campgrounds Ā· Check availability for any dates.
Search destinations
Add dates
Several tent campgrounds are available within driving distance of Jacobus, Pennsylvania, with options ranging from creek-side sites to more developed areas in state parks. Susquehannock State Park Campground offers tent camping with picnic tables and fire rings, while the Mill Creek Camping Area in Lancaster County provides a more natural setting by a stream. Lower Allen Community Park features tent sites along Yellow Breeches Creek that are suitable for kayak camping.
Tent sites in the region typically feature crushed stone or natural ground surfaces, with most providing basic amenities like picnic tables and fire rings. Many campgrounds require reservations through township offices or park services, especially during peak seasons. The tent sites at Mill Creek and Lancaster County Mill Creek Camping Area include access to drinking water and toilets, though showers are uncommon. A camper noted that "the stream is refreshing and the site stays fairly cool" at Lancaster County Mill Creek. Firewood is available at several locations, and fires are permitted at most sites except during seasonal restrictions.
The tent camping experience near Jacobus offers varied environments from creek-side to wooded settings. Sites at Susquehannock State Park provide access to hiking trails with views of the Susquehanna River. According to one visitor, "the camping area is small but worth it, a short walk from the scenic overlooks and other hiking trails." Mill Creek campsites offer a cooling stream for hot weather, though some visitors report frequent trail users passing through the camping areas. Tent campers at Lower Allen Community Park benefit from direct creek access that allows for put-in and float trips to the campsite. Most tent sites in the area maintain natural settings with tree cover providing shade during summer months, making them suitable for weekend escapes close to suburban areas.
Best Tent Campgrounds near Jacobus (16)
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. Lower Allen Community Park
"The park is in the suburbs so itās 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 Availability3. 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 Availability4. Lancaster County Mill Creek Camping Area
5. 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 Availability6. Starry Pond
from $40 - $45 / night
7. Gamlers Boat Yard Campgrounds
8. 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. Thereās running water available, porta potties are very clean and donāt smell and are lit with a street lamp. Very quiet at night."
from $15 - $50 / night
Check Availability9. Finksburg Forest
from $22 - $100 / night
Check Availability10. Greystone Manor Backyard Camping
from $25 - $50 / night
Check Availability
Drive Time
- 8 min from York, PA
- 35 min from Lancaster, PA
- 36 min from Harrisburg, PA
- 48 min from Gettysburg, PA
Recent Tent Camping Photos near Jacobus, PA
9 Photos of 16 Jacobus Campgrounds
Tent Camping Reviews near Jacobus, PA
1003 Reviews of 16 Jacobus 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 itās 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 āvery difficultā, 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, weād 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 ā 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 thereās 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!Ā
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.Ā
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 couldnāt believe we hadnāt visited before because it is a great state park. Wood is available for purchase at the campground hostsā 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 ā Catoctin Mountain Park
Peaceful w filtered sun
Owens Creek Campground : (Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good (70 yr olds in 17ā 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 22ā trailing. Sites: Pictures are of some of the best sites. My favs: 14 nice woods view , (28 & 29 hear creek,)37. 45, 46
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. š¬ The positives are as others have pointed out there is a huge park for kids- itās not within walking distance for little kids but itās a very short drive by the entrance to the park. Thereās 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.
Sean M.LegendPatapsco Valley State Park-Hilton Area
Great Small Campground - Cool Cabinso
This is a small gem of a state park campground, one of only two is the massive Patapsco Valley State Park. Itās a bit odd getting here through a suburban neighborhood, but the Hilton area is great. It seem like this area is, possibly unintentionally, geared toward children. 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. You get a fire pit and cooking crate, and a picnic table. The crushed stone at the sites isnāt comfortable for tents, and they wonāt let you pitch it on the ground, so bring extra pads and alternative ways to secure the tent to the ground. There are helpful and friendly camp hosts always on duty. The bathhouse is nothing special, but itās well maintained and clean. The best part of this campground are the neat mini cabins. Small one room cabins that have electricity and heat. They are a nice touch for those that want to camp, but not completely ārough it.ā We found everything reasonably priced.
Remember: no alcohol or firewood can be brought into the park. Firewood can only be purchased on site due to harmful insects. But the money goes toward the parks volunteer program.
This is a very nice small campground that is great for kids!
Guide to Jacobus
Tent camping near Jacobus, Pennsylvania takes place primarily in the southeastern region of Pennsylvania, with elevations ranging from 400 to 800 feet above sea level. The area experiences typical Mid-Atlantic weather patterns with summer highs around 85Ā°F and evening lows near 65Ā°F. Most campgrounds in the region are located near streams or forested areas and operate seasonally from April through October.
What to do
Hiking with river views: At Susquehannock State Park Campground, campers can access trails with views of the Susquehanna River. "There are amazing wildflowers on that trail. You can bike to the trail from the campground. All downhill. So be ready for the climb back up," notes David G.
Kayaking opportunities: Camping at Lower Allen Community Park allows for water recreation. "You can put in a few miles up and float down to your site. There is parking right there. The park is in the suburbs so it's close to lots of things," shares Joann&WellsThePup I.
Fishing access: Hibernia County Park offers stocked fishing ponds with designated areas for younger anglers. "The children's pond is a short ways away for well stocked fishing," reports Anna, while another visitor notes "Brandywine creek and Chambers Lake are there too."
What campers like
Shaded sites: Tent campers appreciate the natural cooling at Mill Creek Camping Area. "Great tree coverage. Hikers take any trail instead of marked trails regardless of families camping in a private areas," notes Sakina P.
Water features: Hibernia County Park provides multiple water features for recreation. "Walking/hiking trails and the lake were super peaceful," reports Chelsea, while another camper mentioned that "Brandywine creek and Chambers Lake are there too."
Family amenities: Patapsco Valley State Park-Hilton Area caters to families with children. "This area is, possibly unintentionally, geared toward children. There is a massive playground, nature play space, sensory trail, and a small nature center," shares Sean M.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds near Jacobus require advance booking, especially during summer weekends. "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," explains Meagan J. about Mill Creek Campground.
Tent site surfaces: Tent platforms vary significantly between campgrounds. "The crushed stone at the sites isn't comfortable for tents, and they won't let you pitch it on the ground, so bring extra pads and alternative ways to secure the tent to the ground," advises Sean M. about Patapsco Valley.
Trail traffic: Several campgrounds have public trails that pass through or near camping areas. "When I made the reservation it was noted that hikers were not allowed on campsites. They should post this info for the people on the trails," suggests a camper at Mill Creek Camping Area.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Hibernia County Park offers play areas close to camping. "My kids are age 3-12... The park ranger this weekend was the nicest and very helpful with directions to walk to the playground and indoor restrooms," shares Anna.
Nature programs: Some parks offer educational opportunities for children. "The Hilton entrance of Patapsco Valley Park is perfect for keeping the kids entertained. There is a huge playground, sensory trail and nature discovery center at the entrance to the park," advises Angel G.
Weather considerations: Lancaster County Mill Creek Camping Area provides natural cooling during hot weather. "When it hits the high temperatures a quick dip in the water is amazing," writes Philip B., though he also cautions about "lots of creepy crawlers" in this creek-side setting.
Tips from RVers
Hook-up limitations: RV campers should note most sites have minimal or no hookups. "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," warns Jennifer S. about Hibernia County Park.
Site leveling: Many tent camping areas near Jacobus have uneven terrain. "They aren't level, but nothing a little creative positioning can't fix," notes Jennifer S. about fitting a 28-foot fifth wheel at Hibernia County Park.
Dump station access: Plan for waste disposal before arriving. "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," advises an RV camper at Hibernia County Park.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent
campsite near Jacobus, PA?
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Jacobus, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Jacobus, PA is Susquehannock State Park Campground with a 4-star rating from 6 reviews.
What is the best site to find
tent camping near
Jacobus, PA?
What is the best site to find tent camping near Jacobus, PA?
TheDyrt.com has all 16 tent camping locations near Jacobus, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring