Tent camping options near Lampeter, Pennsylvania can be found across several Chester and Lancaster county parks and state-managed lands. Most sites sit at elevations between 250-450 feet in the rolling hills of southeastern Pennsylvania. Primitive camping areas typically experience seasonal restrictions from late March through mid-November, with temporary closures during hunting seasons and severe weather events.
What to do
Hiking riverside trails: Susquehannock State Park Campground offers several long scenic trails connecting to both Deer Creek and the Susquehanna River. "There's a great bike trail to the Conowingo dam which is a nice place to visit, and a great place to see lots of eagles. There are amazing wildflowers on that trail," notes camper David G.
Wildlife viewing: Ridley Creek State Park provides opportunities for animal spotting along well-marked paths. "We found a lot of really unique sites around the park. Will keep going back," shares Andrea R., while another camper mentions "Horses and hills... I had the best time here hiking up and down the mini mountains. The water was clear and beautiful."
Creek swimming: Lancaster County's parks offer access to refreshing water during summer months. A camper at Lancaster County Mill Creek Camping Area reports: "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."
What campers like
Secluded woodland sites: Hibernia County Park features two distinct camping loops with different environments. "Fiddler's loop is where we always camp... it's tiny (19 sites), it's quiet, it's heavily wooded. There is NOTHING to do except walk or bike the beautiful trails, spend time on Chamber's Lake, spend time in the hammock and stare at the fire," explains Jennifer S.
Group camping opportunities: Both Susquehannock and Ridley Creek State Park provide designated group camping areas. A Ridley Creek reviewer notes: "There is only group tenting here. I would stay over in a heartbeat though as I'm always here!" while at Susquehannock, a camper confirms: "This is Organized Group Tenting Only."
Affordable rates: Basic tent camping near Lampeter remains reasonably priced. A visitor to Hibernia County Park shares: "Inexpensive $15 a night, but you only get picnic table and fire ring. No hook ups. Great children's pond for 12 and under."
What you should know
Site privacy varies significantly: Some campgrounds offer more seclusion than others. A recent Hibernia County Park visitor cautions: "The park itself is beautiful. First, there is absolutely no privacy. The campsites are right next to each other with hardly any trees. The more dense woods is on the other side of the trail."
Public trail access through camps: Many tent sites sit along public trails. At Mill Creek Camping Area, a camper warns: "Hikers take any trail instead of marked trails regardless of families camping in private areas. When I made the reservation it was noted that hikers were not allowed on campsites."
Weather-related policies: Some campgrounds offer flexibility with bookings during inclement conditions. A Mill Creek camper notes: "Campground will refund you if rain prevents your stay or allow you to rebook."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly fishing spots: Several parks maintain dedicated fishing areas for younger visitors. At Hibernia County Park, a camper highlights: "Great children's pond for 12 and under. Brandywine creek and Chambers Lake are there too. Great playground."
Family-friendly amenities: The best tent camping near Lampeter for families includes sites with basic but functional facilities. A visitor to Shambala at Mystic Hollow reports: "Shambala at Mystic Hollow offers great creekside campsites for anyone looking to pitch a tent and enjoy some time by the water."
Water-adjacent campsites: Sites along creeks provide both recreation and natural cooling. A family at Hibernia's Lake Campground shared: "We loved the lake campground. My kids are age 3-12... The lake is about a 3 minute hike down the clearly marked trails. Each site has a large picnic table and a fire ring with a built in grill."
Tips from RVers
Limited RV accessibility: Most primitive tent sites cannot accommodate larger vehicles. At Susquehannock State Park Campground, "Two loops. One has a few sites with electric and some cabins. Potable water is available in several places on each loop."
RV site leveling challenges: Hibernia County Park can accommodate smaller RVs despite first appearances. Jennifer S. explains: "We mostly camp in a 28ft 5th wheel... though at first glance the sites don't look big enough to house an RV, there are a few sites that will, including #3, #17 & #18... They aren't level, but nothing a little creative positioning can't fix."
Water access limitations: RVers should arrive prepared at sites without hookups. A Hibernia County Park visitor advises: "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."
