Best Tent Camping near Maytown, PA

Tent campsites near Maytown, Pennsylvania include several primitive options within a short drive. Lancaster County Mill Creek Camping Area and Mill Creek Camping Area in Lancaster offer walk-in tent sites in wooded settings, while Susquehannock State Park Campground provides more established tent camping approximately 20 miles south. Most locations operate seasonally, with Mill Creek open from March 15 to November 15.

Primitive tent campgrounds in the region typically provide basic amenities suited for self-sufficient campers. Most sites include fire rings and picnic tables, with drinking water available at some locations but not all. Vault toilets are common, though shower facilities are rare. A review mentioned that "the sites are farther from the lake than expected and there are no running water bathrooms" at Hibernia County Park, which is within driving distance of Maytown. Sites are generally set on grass or natural forest floor with minimal development, and several campgrounds require walk-in access from parking areas.

The tent camping experience near Maytown offers opportunities for creek-side camping and wooded settings. Lower Allen Community Park provides tent sites along Yellow Breeches Creek, making it suitable for kayakers looking for primitive camping. One camper noted that "you can put in a few miles up and float down to your site." Most tent-only areas maintain a quieter atmosphere than developed campgrounds, though hikers may occasionally pass through camping areas on trails. Tree coverage provides shade at most locations, particularly at Hibernia County Park and Mill Creek Camping Area, where campsites are positioned under forest canopy. Weekday visits typically offer greater solitude than weekends, when popular tent campgrounds can fill quickly during summer months.

Best Tent Sites Near Maytown, Pennsylvania (15)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Maytown, PA

13 Photos of 15 Maytown Campgrounds


Tent Camping Reviews near Maytown, PA

876 Reviews of 15 Maytown Campgrounds


  • Napunani
    Jun. 25, 2022

    French Creek State Park Campground

    Campsites Jammed Closely Together

    PROS 

    Reserved 328 days prior to arriving

    $13.50 senior discount 

    Immediately greeted by Loop C camp host who was extremely friendly and helpful 

    Site C3 parking pad level asphalt 

    Metal frame wooden picnic table that was moveable 

    One hook lantern pole 

    Metal fire pit which was cleaned out upon our arrival 

    Some vegetation between sites provided a bit of privacy from neighbors sites 

    Park is 21 miles from Valley Forge National Historical Park. Catch National Park Service 90 minute trolley tour at the Visitor Center. 

    Shady Maple Smorgasbord...authentic Pennsylvania Dutch cooking…largest buffet in the USA…16 miles from French Creek SP 

    CONS

    $6.50 reservation fee for making my own on-line reservation 

    Horrible signage along PA-345. Never saw very small sign when we where intensely searching 

    Such a large overall park, but camping loop sites are jammed together

    Pitiful low water pressure  in Loop C

    Site sewer connection is high; needs to be knocked down to ground level 

    Short length of site caused creative tow vehicle parking 

    Loop C women’s toilet/shower building a big nasty mess Saturday 

    Trash dumpsters are on the main road near the campground check-in station (not walkable) 

    Noisy campground; 9pm quiet hour not enforced

    Lots of barking dogs 

    No wood sales in park 

    No WiFi 

    1 bar Verizon

  • Rick W.
    Aug. 15, 2022

    Colonel 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...

  • Craig F.
    Jul. 1, 2019

    Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground

    Fun Camping and Lake Activities

    We had a wonderful stay at Gifford Pinchot State Park! 

    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. 

    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 couldn’t believe we hadn’t visited before because it is a great state park. Wood is available for purchase at the campground hosts’ 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.

  • Jim N.
    Apr. 29, 2019

    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.

  • Max C.
    Oct. 14, 2019

    French Creek State Park Campground

    Gorgeous in the fall

    Stayed in B-08 on mid October and had a great trip. The site was non-electric and it seems most of the outer side of this loop is basic camping with the inside of the loop having power. The other loops offer full hookups but opting for this area kept us from being surrounded by massive RV's. Easy back in spot for our car, partially shaded, decent brush cover between sites and able to keep tent about 20 yards from the road on a crushed rock pad. I will say this site has a little bit of slope but nothing that affected our sleep. The fire ring is very high sided and if you're not sitting on a higher camp chairs you kind of miss the fire. Picnic table was sturdy but easy enough to move lnto place to fit our needs. Tons of hike mg within the park including some historic sites at Hopewell Furnace like the blacksmith shop and old residences. Checked in a. It before the stated 3pm time without issues. Very few rangers seen during stay but it is after labor day and most of the seasonal attractions like the pool etc were closed for the season. Very clean bathrooms with easy to use dish sinks on the outside. Overall for a trip that within 75 minutes of Philly you can't go wrong for a quick jaunt out of town.

  • K
    Sep. 1, 2021

    Codorus State Park Campground

    Nice campground for primitive tenting

    Large campground but only 15 sites dedicated to“roughin’ it” tent camping. However, those sites are isolated from the others. The tent sites were in very good condition, spaced well, and fairly private. Most sites have plenty of shade and grassy, though a few are dirt only. Many sites within walking distance from the lake(no swimming) and set up for you to store and launch your kayak or other boat. Water, bathrooms, and showers a little distant but everything clean and in excellent condition. Ice and firewood available on the grounds. There is also a small store but I didn’t see it because it was open for very limited weekend hours only. Otherwise, major grocery stores are only a few minutes’ drive. Definitely going back…!

  • Lee D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Mar. 15, 2023

    French Creek State Park Campground

    Convenient to Philadelphia

    General: Four loops with a total of 200 campsites. Two of the loops allow pets (A, C) and two do not. Loop D offers no hookups while Loops A-C offer a mix of no hookups, water/Electric, and full hookups. We had no problem securing a site on a weekday in October with no reservation. There are also two yurts and three cottages. 

    Site Quality: We chose a non-electric site in the B Loop, so this review focuses on this loop. There are abundant trees separating the sites. The pads were paved and B12 was very long. A picnic table and fire ring complete the site. Because the loops are on a slight slope, not all of the sites are completely level, something that would be difficult to determine if making reservations ahead of time. 

    Bathhouse: Pennsylvania state parks get high marks for their modern, clean restrooms and this park (at least the B Loop) was no exception. Hot showers were no additional charge and generous in size. 

    Activities: 35 miles of hiking trails. Be aware that the Hopewell Lake Loop is not very well marked (it appears to be a work in progress) although blazes on trees are abundant for most trails. Canoes and kayaks are available for rent during the summer season, and there is a boat dock for your own boat for fishing (either from a fishing pier or on your boat). There is a huge pool available from Memorial Day through Labor Day (there is an additional fee for this). Some of the trails allow horseback riding. Nearby Hopewell Furnace is accessible via hiking trails, or you can drive there. Other activities include orienteering and disc golf. Make sure you wear blaze orange during the fall hunting season as you will hear hunters! 

    In general, it is obvious Pennsylvania invests in its state park campgrounds and the price is reasonable ($27 for a non-electric site during the week with a $4.50 senior discount). My only complaint is that the dumpsters are a hike from the loops, but this is a minor complaint.

  • Laure D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 24, 2021

    French Creek State Park Campground

    Feels crowded

    This PA state park felt, upon first impression, very tightly spaced and had an overall crowded feel in loop C, the only dog friendly electric loop. The sites that aren’t ADA have more space between them than we did.  Our site C41 was full hookup as are several others (1-7, 39-47). This is an ADA site, there are several of them. Perhaps this is why it’s crowded so they could fit extra ADA sites? They are very level and have paved pads, but also a paved picnic pad, and paved fire ring pad. Non ADA full hookup sites appeared to be the nicest though they were narrow and some weren’t level side to side. There were a lot of rocks embedded in the ground around and on many sites. Non ADA sites have only a paved pad for the RV. The picnic table and fire ring were behind our RV and when sitting at them, we were within view of sites 37, 39, and 40. I felt like I was in a townhouse setting. Non ADA sites varied as to where picnic and fire rings were set. Also many sites looked like there was quite a drop off at the edge of the already narrow pad so that you had a big step down off your last RV step. Site C42 is ADA and is a nice, semi private, spacious site. Though I’d choose from sites  #1-7 next time. ALL parking pads are 45’ long.

    Loop B has a mix of electric and non electric but doesn’t allow pets. That loop was more spacious and had trees between some  sites so it felt  more private. The sites appeared level. There are Yurts and mini cabins outside Loop C that had lots of space around them. Loop A is a pet loop but no electric. However, it’s closed now for what appears to be renovations. Loop D is non electric, no pets.

    The campground had no vacancy on this particular weekend. One car allowed per site and most had to park perpendicular. Sites were short (45’ long). 2nd cars are $5 a night but wouldn’t fit in most sites.

    The day use areas have frisbee golf, boat rentals, fishing, hunting, hiking, and a pool that overlooks the lake. Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site is adjacent to the park but was not fully open due to covid. It’s a large state park. The pool was nice looking but not open until Memorial Day. Boat rentals are available weekends in May and Sept. and daily all summer. These amenities were far from the campground and would require driving your car. Hiking trails were plentiful but most were labeled as “more difficult.”  Horse back riding is allowed on some trails. I didn’t see any trails that started at the campground loops. 

    Overall, it’s an adequate campground but not my favorite.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 2, 2023

    Pine Grove Furnace State Park Campground

    Camping at the AT Halfway Point

    Great small campground in South-central PA.  Sites are nicely spaced except for a few that are tucked into a few odd-shaped places.  I stayed in site 21, which was on an outside loop with a lot of space.  Campground seems very well maintained and the hosts were very friendly and active.  I wasn't there on a busy night, but nice to know it is a place where the hosts are trying to keep a relaxing atmosphere.  Nearly everything is in the woods so there's lots of shade during the warm seasons.  There's a fire ring, picnic table, lantern hanger and generous tent pad.  There's also room in many outside loop sites to set up in the woods.  Very quiet and relaxing evening.

    Bathrooms feel very modern and there is a combination of a traditional shower/bathroom center and a separate bathroom only area with 4 private bathrooms (though now showers).  Showers were clean and had hot water, though when you press the button for water, it only runs for about 10 seconds.  So you really have to just hold the water on while you shower one-handed.  I think there was a 1-car per site rule while I was there.

    Firewood is on-site for $5 for a six-piece bundle, with kindling available.  Wood lit right up for me.  The park has a general store, swimming lake, Appalachian Trail Museum, Park office and a few other historic buildings so there's a lot to do.  Just take note that everything closes at 4 PM.  The park is just north of the halfway point of the AT and is a popular place for hikers to stop and take a slow or zero day.  The museum is interesting if you have any interest in the AT and very knowledgeable host.


Guide to Maytown

Tent camping options near Maytown, Pennsylvania span several county parks and established campgrounds within a 20-mile radius. Most sites operate seasonally from spring through fall, with limited availability during winter months. The area features predominantly wooded camping areas with varying access to bodies of water including the Susquehanna River, Yellow Breeches Creek, and smaller local streams.

What to do

Fishing access: Several campgrounds offer proximity to well-stocked fishing spots. At Hibernia County Park, campers appreciate the dedicated children's area. "The children's pond is a short ways away for well stocked fishing," notes Anna at Hibernia County Park.

Hiking trails: The trail system at Susquehannock State Park Campground provides routes to scenic overlooks. One camper reports, "There are lots of long scenic hiking trails down to Deer creek and to 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."

Water recreation: Floating and kayaking are popular activities, especially at creek-side sites. Lower Allen Community Park offers direct water access for paddlers. "You just need to call the township to reserve. The sites sit right along the Yellow Breeches creek so you can put in a few miles up and float down to your site," according to a visitor.

What campers like

Creek-side camping: The sound of flowing water enhances the experience at several tent sites. At Mill Creek Camping Area, "Campsite for where we stayed is down by the creek making for a cooler camping experience and love the sound of water flowing at night," reports Meagan J..

Shade coverage: The dense tree canopy at most campgrounds provides natural temperature regulation. One camper at Hibernia County Park notes, "Very clean and wooded sites. Walking/hiking trails and the lake were super peaceful."

Family-friendly amenities: Hibernia County Park provides facilities specifically designed for younger visitors. A camper shares, "We loved the lake campground. My kids are age 3-12. There's running water available, porta potties are very clean and don't smell and are lit with a street lamp. Very quiet at night."

What you should know

Reservation requirements: Most tent sites near Maytown require advance booking, especially during peak season. At Hibernia County Park, "Sites can be reserved on line, by phone, or by 'first come, first served' self-registration."

Limited facilities: Many sites offer minimal amenities. One camper at Hibernia notes, "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."

Public access concerns: Some campsites experience traffic from day visitors. At Lancaster County Mill Creek Camping Area, "The site is public access and there are lots of hikes, joggers, and people expecting you not to be camping. I was woke up every morning by people walking through the site but the conversation were friendly and pleasant."

Tips for camping with families

Playground proximity: When seeking the best tent camping near Maytown, Pennsylvania, choose sites near recreational areas. One camper at Hibernia Park mentions, "Great playground" among the amenities that make this location suitable for children.

Restroom accessibility: Shambala at Mystic Hollow offers shower facilities, which is uncommon among tent sites in the region. Most locations provide only vault toilets or porta-potties.

Trail difficulty: Select camping areas with appropriate hiking challenges. Susquehannock State Park provides options for different skill levels. A visitor notes it's "a great spot for a day hike with the family. It's look out over the Susquehanna River is fantastic and puts you up with the birds."

Tips from RVers

Site limitations: Most tent campgrounds near Maytown cannot accommodate larger RVs. At Hibernia County Park, a camper advises, "We mostly camp in a 28ft 5th wheel and 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 and plenty of sites will fit a small RV or pop up camper."

Leveling challenges: Prepare for uneven terrain when bringing small RVs. An experienced camper at Hibernia notes, "They aren't level, but nothing a little creative positioning can't fix."

Utility constraints: Bring fully stocked water tanks when using an RV at tent-focused campgrounds. A camper at Hibernia warns, "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."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Maytown, PA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Maytown, PA is Lancaster County Mill Creek Camping Area with a 3-star rating from 2 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Maytown, PA?

TheDyrt.com has all 15 tent camping locations near Maytown, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.