Looking for the best tent campgrounds near Lykens? Finding a place to camp in Pennsylvania with your tent has never been easier. Would you prefer a quiet dispersed site or an established camgpround with amenities? Either way, The Dyrt makes it easy to find the perfect place to pitch your tent.
Nestled on 110 acres of rolling land, Lower Allen Community Park (LACP) is in the southern part of the Township at 4075 Lisburn Road. It is an ideal location for retreats or meetings, weddings, parties, picnics, family reunions, athletic games and tournaments, special events, or just to simply enjoy family or some quiet time alone. In 2008, Capital Blue Cross and Central Penn Parent Magazine readers awarded LACP as the Second Best Park/Playground. The park offers pavilions, play areas, camp sites and numerous athletic fields for rent. The Camping area is located on the banks of the Yellow Breeches Creek and is perfect for anyone who likes to get back to nature. These “primitive” camp sites are available for tent camping. A nature trail, which winds its way through park pointing out native flowers and foliage, sets the backdrop for your camping getaway.
$10 - $25 / night
Pitch your tent along Irish Creek under a canopy of Maples at Mystic Hollow. Irish Creek, which is a stream, is a tributary to the Schuylkill River. Site are a 5 minute walk from main house. The land is flat for walking to the camping area. A slight bit bumpy in a small area. I can manage just fine in flip flops but I did want to provide the information if anyone would be using a wheelchair. There is also a small bridge that goes over a small strip of wetlands. Fire rings are included. Tables can be provided. Just let us know ahead of time. I can haul your gear to your spot with tractor and wagon if needed. I have electric available. There is a port-a-potty close by. Showers and bathrooms are in the main house. Please let us know in advance if you would like to use them. Open fire cooking grills can be provided if needed. I have a sink set up for washing dishes, etc.. The fresh water is from our well located on the property.
We are flexible with check-in and check-out times if we are not at full capacity. Just let us know ahead of time if you want to check in or out earlier or later.
We are 5 minutes from the Schuylkill River. 10 minutes from Ontelaunee Lake. 15 minutes from Blue Marsh. 15 minutes from the Appalacian Trail. Trail heads nearby would be Port Clinton, Hamburg, Bernville, Bethel, Blue Rocks, Kempton… 20 minutes from Hawk Mountain. We are an hour from Jim Thorpe. There are several wineries in the area including Long Trout Winery where wine is cool and hippy chicks rule! My favorite!
Lots of wildlife in the area. Expect to hear owls, blue herring, cows, goats, chickens, horses, hawks, eagles, dogs, racoons and coyotes. There is a good chance of being visited by racoons at night if your food isn't stored away properly. I do have a few coolers if needed. Also, the deer may walk past in the middle of the night as well. We do also get wild turkey during different times of the year.
Hiking, kayaking, tubing, fishing, mountain biking, bike trails, etc… all nearby. Sadly there are no fish in Irish Creek worth catching. The Crayfish are! We have kayaks available for rental for an additional fee. Guided hikes can be scheduled as well for all levels of hikers.
We ask that you observe the PA noise ordinance. We are located down in a hollow and sound travels. Quiet time is 10 PM to 7 AM. That doesn't mean no sound. Just no loud music and rowdiness. Besides, you will scare the deer away.
We ask that you stay on our property and do not wander onto the 2 adjacent farms, including the pond. We have 6 acres total.
Please don't hesitate to contact us with questions. 420 friendly.
$40 / night
This primitive tent-only camping area spans 10 acres and has five campsites; each with a picnic table and fire ring.
The Mill Creek Camping Area is located in the southern end of Lancaster County Central Park, in the woods and fields behind the Environmental Center. A driveway leads from Eshelman Mill Road to the camping area parking lot. It is bordered on the west by Mill Creek and includes both woodland and grassy areas.
A permit is required to camp. The maximum stay at the Mill Creek Camping Area is 7 consecutive days (6 nights), followed by a 7 day absence. View the camping brochure for more information.
Parking: Please park your vehicle in the cul-de- sac area. No parking is permitted at the campsites. • Water: Water spigots are located next to Campsite #2 and near Campsite #5. • Electricity: There is no electricity in the camping area. • Restrooms: A port-a-pot is provided near the parking area. Full-service restrooms are available at the Environmental Center from 8 am - dusk. Please note there are no shower facilities. • Trash: Please place all trash in the trash receptacles provided in the cul-de-sac or take it with you. • Fire Rings: Each campsite is equipped with a fire ring. Fires are permitted only in the provided fire rings. • Firewood: A cooking pile of firewood (10-12 pieces) may be purchased for $10. Any dead wood on the ground may be used for fires. The cutting of standing trees and operation of chain saws is not permitted.
$23 / night
Nestled along Sherman’s Creek, our campsite sits on six wooded acres with 600 feet of creek frontage. Everything in the pictures is included in your stay! All you need to bring is food and your love of the outdoors. Firewood, charcoal, bedding, toiletries, kitchenware (as pictured), a private shower, sink and composting toilet are all included. The shower and sink have an on demand hot water heater, so no cold showers! Bring your fishing gear and you can reel in Smallmouth Bass, Sunnies, Fall Fish, and Trout all from our property. This campsite is far enough away from the city to enjoy the sounds of nature while still being less than 30 minutes from the shopping and dining and Carlisle and Mechanicsburg. Historic Gettysburg and Lancaster are just over an hour away. Hersheypark is less than an hour away!
This campsite is fully private. As your hosts, we live on the property, so if there are any issues or help needed, we are nearby!
A relaxing getaway nestled along the Juniata River. Less than one mile from the famous Port Royal Speedway! Come for the race, stay for the fishing, floating, and campfire memories you’re bound to make!
$25 - $50 / night
Scout
We love this campground for tent camping. Tent sites are lined up along the water which is great for fishing (especially when you need to stay close to the littles sleeping in the tent). Lots of benches lined up along the water. Each site has a fire pit and picnic table. There is also a playground in the middle of the tent site line, along with a basketball court. It’s not terribly exciting but it serves its purpose.
Great location on route 30, tons and tons of shopping, restaurants, tourist attractions nearby within a 5 minute drive. Lots of 24 hour places in case there was a middle of the night emergency since the little store closes fairly early, it also opens fairly late.
Being attached to Dutch wonderland is great too. It’s awesome to not have to drive home after a day of being at an amusement park.
Scout
We have been to blue rocks twice for tent camping and it is one on my favorite campgrounds. The tent sites are separated from the RVs and are very large sites, so you have some space from your neighbors. There are hiking trails right from the campground to access the Pinnacle, Pulpit rock and Appalachian trail. The boulder field in the campground is great, too. We loved hanging out on the boulders in the morning, or star watching from them in the evening. The only con was that the water is a bit of a walk from the tents. It could be imporoved by adding even a simple water spicket closer to the tents.
Guide"Rocksylvania". According to hikers on the AT, this is what they call Pennsylvania, as they hike through this section of the state. And Blue Rocks Campground doesn't dissapoint.
This campground sits in the woods and rolling hills just below the Appalachian Trail. Nice huge campground. The RV sites are mainly situated at the botom section, and the tent camping is pretty much on the upper portion of the site. The tent sites are pretty spacious. There are also places to buy wood nearby (very economically priced) and the campground sells it also. Worse comes to worse, there is a lot of forage wood on the site as well.
There are plenty of hiking trails, and a "yellow blaze" trail that leads directly to the Appalachian trail (AT). Take a hike up to "Pinnacle Rock" on the AT, and you can catch a nice view. There are rattlesnakes and Copperheads in the area, so be sure to act like you've got some sense.
And not to be missed is the "Blue Rocks" river of rocks, which is situated on the campground, and the reason the site got its name.
Scout
We camped in a tent. It was nice and quiet. Lots of birds singing, and owls at night. The bathroom is older, but ok.
Traveler
We tent camp here on weekends. Usually check to see what bands are playing or fun activity going on. We live 5 minutes away so it’s a nice “getaway”.
Only downside is the walk to the bathrooms if you tent camp. A long walk if you really got to go.
Scout
We have been here tenting twice, once last year and once this summer. They have upgraded the tent sites since last year, no more primitive sites, all the tent sites are now mulch pad with water and electric. Bathrooms are very clean and modern, but a decent walk from tent sites. The facilities are all lovely, staff in the camp store are kind and helpful. The snack bar is very convenient, breakfasts on the weekends in the summer. Close to lots of great activities and there is lots to do at the campground as well. Highly recommend.
Traveler
A little outdated, but staff was very friendly. Park is kinda boring for kids. If I were them I’d add new stuff to playground and clean up the tent sites more. Tent sites are pretty rocky. I was pretty upset that our camp site had not been mowed. The grass was pretty tall. Overall we enjoyed our stay though.
Guide
Nice fairly private tent sites, clean showers and pet friendly.
Scout
They offer the typical tent camping environment, mostly out in an open field and good walk to showers/head. Other than that was enjoyable place to stay.
GuideTitle says it all. Great place to tent camp and go hiking. I took my girlfriend there and now she's my wife! Coincidence? Maybe, maybe not!
Scout
I’ve tent camped here many times over the years and always had a pleasant experience. I always choose to go over the dam and camp there. It’s always quieter because there are less children on that side. The beach is the opposite side of the lake.
ScoutThe campground had a good feel to it. We had a nice view of the lake. We booked a non electric site for our tent camping. The bath houses need updated though. The only negative I can say is that our site did not have a great spot for the tent except by the parking spot and not down by the fire ring.
Traveler
Everything was on point here! The staff run the place like a resort or a cruise ship. So many activities for kids and adults and a huge family atmosphere with staff and campers! Tent site near the lake is HUGE
Scout
Nice and quite campground, owners were amazing and very accommodating. Only power sites were all gravel. Could use some grass tent sites with power. Other then that this place was very quite, owners helped haul firewood to our campsite so we didn't have to carry it.
Traveler
Tent camped here one night, perfect for a quick little stopover. As other reviewers mention, it’s right near a road so you hear car (and horse & buggy!) noise — would try to get a spot further away from the road if possible. Pretty clean bathroom, easy self-registration process, and not too many folks!
TravelerGreat campground with lots of amenities. The staff was friendly, the store had essentials and more, and there was great hiking right from the grounds. Our site was a little rocky so he prepared with a good mat/mattress if tent camping. Our site was on a little stream which was relaxing. All around great private campground.
GuideFamily cabins available, tent sites are small. Clean parks with a small stream. Next to Dutch Wonderland, showers are nice, laundry facilities available. Enjoyed our time but only because we were going to the park, not a campground to visit if your looking for quiet and isolation.
TravelerThere are two fun ponds where you can rent boats, go fishing, and swim. There's walking paths around the lakes. The tent sites are rustic and in the woods by a creek. The RV sites are more exposed. There's a bar and restaurant and also an arcade. Overall great place.
Guide
This is our 3rd year renting a cabin here. The cabins are clean and affordable, with plenty of room for two people and a doggo. There are 15 cabins, and plenty of RV sites and Tent sites. The staff have always been extremely friendly and accommodating, and Inwould recommend this Campground to anyone.
RangerNot a bad camping trip. We stayed in a tent site with electric. It was pretty crowded. The sites were pretty close together and covered in rocks but level. It wasn't our favorite spot/site but there were a lot of things to do in the park! The young kids really enjoyed the playground and beach.
Guide
Great smaller campground. Staff was friendly, general vibe was low key. A lot of year round sites. Only complaint being not a lot for the kids to do aside from ride bike. We did notice they have really nice tent sites that are all to themselves. Might be back to give those a try at some point
Scout
We took a chance in September 2020 and decided to make plans to camp for two nights so we could get some hiking in nearby at the Pine Grove Furnace State Park. You're greeted by a sign on the front office door that says "Masks are optional," so that tells you all you need to know about camping here during the COVID-19 crisis. Check-in is easy enough and you are given a card to hang on your mirror that has a barcode to scan to get access to the campground. Then you drive to your site. The signs/directions posted are...not very helpful, and you can easily find yourself face-to-face with someone driving a golf cart from the opposite direction or kids running around through the road, so be very careful. We picked a tent site (218 or 219) as far away from everyone else as we could get. A bunch of the tent sites border the woods, and I definitely recommend snagging one of those if you're able. The tent and RV sites are absolutely crammed together. We started setting up our tent and were somewhat pleased with the amount of space we had from a big family in the next site because we could all enjoy our respective spaces without getting in each other's way. Then another car pulled up and signaled that there was ANOTHER site between us. There wasn't even 10ft between our tents; you could hear everything. The RV/camper sites looked even more snug, so I can't imagine trying to maneuver there. Our tent site was one of the flatter and less rocky ones that I could see. Each site is provided with a fire ring (more like a fire pit/contained cauldron) and picnic table, which was great. I will say that from what we saw, the grounds are kept very clean. The bath house near the tent site is cleaned daily, however not always at the posted hours so I would say to assume it is half an hour before the posted time. There are 2 showers and toilet stalls in each bathroom. Here is where we were the most unhappy about masks being optional: not a single other person that we saw over 3 days was wearing a mask while in the enclosed bathrooms. There are hand dryers, so particles are flying all over the place. There was a concert that ended while I was showering and it was a line of people to get in and the dryers were constantly blasting; I basically held my breath while I was in there. The campgrounds are clean and easy to find off of the main roads. However, if you're looking for a place to stay outside during the COVID-19 situation, look elsewhere.
ScoutVery nice campground nice size sites all have picnic table and fire ring. Lot of full time RV here but many other for people traveling and tent sites also. Nice lake for fishing. Easy check in. Nice little store. About an hour away from Hershey where we went to the RV show. We will come back if we are in the area again
Scout
I would recommend this campground. It's very peaceful and relaxing. Tent site was a good size. We had water and electric. Pricing was reasonable. The pool was very nice.. along side the river is nuce to be by.. Campground employees as well as other campers were a delight to be around. It's neat that there is a restaurant in the campground too.
Guide
We drove to several campgrounds in the NE PA area for future reference. This was by far the nicest one we visited. There were plenty of sites with full hookup, some tent sites with electric, and a beautiful creek that ran along the lower sites. I would definitely stay here for a few days, although there seems to be plenty full timers here.
Ranger
We camped right up against the lazy River, the campground was pretty open because it was a weekday. Spots are kind of close, no trees or anything to separate spots. We’re used to that now haha. It had really nice bathrooms and showers. The washers and dryers work awesome, grateful for that! We paid $29 for a no hook up tent site. Very happy with our stay!
GuideVery expensive for what is offered. No water or electric at tent sites. Off season $36 peak season starting May 1st $40. Bathrooms were a hike from site 120. Pricey for what is offered. I'd only take this camping area again as a last resort as I could've done just as well creating a site on my own in the many open spaces located in the area.
Lykens, Pennsylvania, offers a variety of tent camping options for outdoor enthusiasts looking to immerse themselves in nature. With scenic views and unique amenities, these campgrounds cater to different preferences and experiences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Lykens, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Lykens, PA is Shikellamy State Park Campground with a 3-star rating from 3 reviews.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Lykens, PA?
TheDyrt.com has all 12 tent camping locations near Lykens, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
Keep Exploring
