The Loysville area sits in the heart of Perry County, Pennsylvania, at approximately 640 feet above sea level in the Appalachian Mountain ridge and valley region. The terrain features a mix of wooded hillsides and agricultural valleys, with seasonal temperature fluctuations that make spring and fall particularly popular for camping. The area serves as a gateway to several state forests and parks within a 30-mile radius.
What to do
Hiking at challenging elevations: Colonel Denning State Park offers the Flat Rock Trail, a challenging 6-mile round trip with 1,200 feet of elevation gain. According to a visitor, "Our family of six made the trek up the Flat Rock Trail to the overlook. A six mile round trip with a 1200 ft climb. Spectacular views. The park rangers had an owl program on Friday night and ended up calling in several screech owls. Very cool to hear their eerie cries in the woods" (Colonel Denning State Park Campground).
Fishing in stocked waters: Little Buffalo State Park provides fishing opportunities in its lake. One camper notes, "Lots of easy hiking trails and tons of fishing. Super clean." Another mentions, "There is a large lake for fishing! You can rent boats there!" (Little Buffalo State Park Campground).
Historical explorations: Visit the working mill at Little Buffalo or venture to Gettysburg battlefields about an hour away. "The historical mill was well worth the trip. By the far the highlight of ours as well. Especially since they engaged the wheel and actually ground corn!" Many Loysville area campers make day trips to historical sites within driving distance.
What campers like
Clean, well-maintained facilities: Colonel Denning State Park receives praise for exceptional cleanliness. A camper reports, "Bathhouse is very nice and clean" while another states it has "the absolute cleanest bathrooms we've seen in a state park." This makes it particularly comfortable for extended stays.
Water-adjacent sites: Many campers value sites near streams or lakes. "We love the dog friendly sites near the water, the kids and pups play all day! We love how large site 15 is and that it is near the trail head," notes a frequent visitor to Colonel Denning State Park Campground.
Nighttime quiet: Ferryboat Campsites offers a peaceful atmosphere away from city noise. "If I could I would live there. I never wanted to leave. It was the nicest place I ever visited. Rode on the Ferry every time I could," shares one enthusiastic camper at Ferryboat Campsites.
What you should know
Limited equestrian facilities: Horse campgrounds near Loysville, Pennsylvania are scarce. While state forests like Michaux permit horse riding on designated trails, specific horse campgrounds with corrals near Loysville are limited. Teaberry Parking Area in Michaux State Forest does have "a few hitching posts and a two step mounting block available" according to a frequent visitor at Michaux State Forest.
Weather considerations: The Loysville region experiences significant seasonal changes. Spring can be wet, summer humid, and fall offers cooler temperatures with foliage colors. One camper at Rothrock noted, "The road is narrow and you've got some sharp bends depending on which way you come from. This road is not safe to access in the winter in my opinion."
Permit requirements: Most state forest camping requires advance permits. For Michaux State Forest, a camper explains: "Michaux State Forest sites fall into 4 categories: Designated motorized sites, which require a free online permit and are open April 2 until the 3rd Sunday after Thanksgiving; Designated motorized parking lot sites, which require the same free online permit but are open year-round."
Tips for camping with families
Pool options for hot days: Little Buffalo State Park features an exceptional swimming facility. A visitor describes, "The pool is very nice! 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!" However, note that "you have to pay to get in the pool, yes even if you are camping!!!" (Little Buffalo State Park Campground).
Educational programs: Many area parks offer ranger-led activities. At Colonel Denning, "The park rangers had an owl program on Friday night and ended up calling in several screech owls." These programs typically run weekends during summer months.
Camping proximity to amenities: When selecting sites with children, consider distances to bathrooms and activities. At Ferryboat Campsites, a family notes, "This is a wonderful little campsite primarily catering the seasonal RVer. With that said they do have primitive camping spots next to the putt putt course and water only tent sits at the upper feild."
Tips from RVers
Site selection for larger rigs: Choose outer loop sites at Little Buffalo for more privacy. A camper at Gettysburg Campground advises, "If you're looking for a backwoods, off-the-beaten-path type of campground, this isn't it. If you are looking for a campground that is very close to an historical National Park not to mention shopping and restaurants, this is for you...decently sized sites long enough for my 32' coach and a toad."
Parking challenges: Some campgrounds near Loysville have tight turns or difficult terrain. One camper mentioned, "We have a small 19" travel trailer which was almost impossible to park due to very tight sites" at Colonel Denning State Park before its renovation.
Hookup availability: Full-service RV sites are limited in state parks. A visitor to Ferryboat Campsites mentioned, "We stayed at a Susquehanna river view site with full hookups for 2 nights. Site was level and shaded, but very close to neighbors. Most sites were occupied by permanent or seasonal residents."
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