Best Campgrounds near Mechanicsburg, PA

Mechanicsburg is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. Mechanicsburg is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Mechanicsburg. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.

Best Camping Sites Near Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania (147)

    1. Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground

    56 Reviews
    Wellsville, PA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 292-4112

    $20 - $89 / night

    "We have a small camper and there are some great sites on the lake side to park it where you can get AMAZING sunset views.  "

    "We had site 108 which is an electric site along the shore and close to the beach, and it was perfect for our needs. "

    2. Hersheypark Camping Resort

    29 Reviews
    Hummelstown, PA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (833) 936-0949

    "This campground has a little something for everyone, from full hook up sites neatly stacked next to each other, to quiet patches of grass next to the river."

    "They don’t sell alcohol but there is a shopping center within walking distance with restaurants and liquor stores! Even a supermarket. There is shuttle service to the park."

    3. Pine Grove Furnace State Park Campground

    25 Reviews
    Peach Glen, PA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 486-7174

    $20 - $43 / night

    "It’s at the midpoint of the Appalachian Trail so there are lots of great hikes as well as a nice path between the two lakes. Our new favorite in Pennsylvania!"

    "We were right at the intersection near the campground entrance and one of the other loops, but it wasn't noisy at all. The drinking water was right next to our site, which was handy."

    4. Deer Run Campgrounds

    8 Reviews
    Mount Holly Springs, PA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 486-8168

    "This central Pa campground is located a short drive to many attractions. Amish Country, Hershey, Gettysburg, and winerys are within 40 min drive. There are many things to do at the campground, also."

    5. Little Buffalo State Park Campground

    18 Reviews
    New Bloomfield, PA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 567-9255

    $22 - $92 / night

    "A playground is near bathhouse in the campground, along with several hiking trails. The dump station is easily accessible. Firewood is also available for purchase at the campground."

    "The driving path is gravel with a steep hill at the end so if you can help it I would avoid sites 32,34,36 as they are VERY difficult to back into with larger rigs."

    6. Elizabethtown-Hershey KOA

    15 Reviews
    Elizabethtown, PA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 367-7718

    $45 - $279 / night

    "There was a bathhouse and dish sink nearby, as well as the entrance to a nice little nature trail a few sites down. "

    "Large and easy to enter/exit sites. Wifi was pretty good. (It helped that the antenna was right beside our site!) Cable TV, too! Everyone we talked to was nice and friendly."

    7. Mountain Creek Camp Ground

    9 Reviews
    Peach Glen, PA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 486-7681

    "Campsites could be further apart and there's only one bathhouse and it's at the entrance."

    "Two bath houses, one near the entrance and one in the way back. May not be anything fancy or new, but they are clean. Staff needed to be reminded about activities scheduled during the week."

    8. Thousand Trails Gettysburg Farm

    9 Reviews
    Wellsville, PA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "The bathroom near the pool left a little something to be desired. It wasn’t filthy but also wasn’t sparking clean. It was great being close to the battlefield."

    "We were there around Halloween and they had decorated the park so nicely. The sounds of the farm animals all around was fun and amusing for us."

    9. Lower Allen Community Park

    1 Review
    Lewisberry, PA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 975-7575

    $10 - $25 / night

    "The park is in the suburbs so it’s close to lots of things. They do lock the park at dusk though. They have portapotties, fire pits, and picnic tables."

    10. Cedar Lake Family Campground

    6 Reviews
    Wellsville, PA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 292-2918

    $60 - $100 / night

    "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"

    "Just takes away from the rural feel. Cabin was clean and perfect. Grounds were very clean. Toilet and showers clean. Golf carts a little dated but overall good. Night time was serene and quite."

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Recent Reviews near Mechanicsburg, PA

905 Reviews of 147 Mechanicsburg Campgrounds


  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 9, 2025

    Artillery Ridge Campground

    Great location and friendly staff

    We have a motorhome with no additional vehicle and two dogs, and this site couldn’t have been more perfect for us. A dog park, walking distance to most everything we wanted to see. The national park is mostly dog friendly. My husband caught a fish first day in the pond behind our site. The staff was super friendly and welcoming.

  • p
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Artillery Ridge Campground

    Rv stay

    Site and bathrooms clean. Activities provided free each day. Food trucks in park. Close to museum and battleground sites.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 7, 2025

    Round Top Campground

    Better than OK

    Stayed for 2 days while passing through from FL to NH. Off-season so not crowded. Pool was clean and quite good sized, had it to ourselves due to season. Did laundry while here, ample laundry room. On-site extras include food-truck restaurant and small country goods vendor during our stay. Office staff did ok. Sites have reasonable spacing with gravel pads, mostly level. Trees between sites with sloping hills , not just a big open field. It’s a corporate site so automated web-based reservation system was finicky so we had to verify reservation went through. Tried to book 2 nights but system only set us up for 1. Phone call to help line easily resolved the issue. Quiet and no spotlights on all night.

  • Stephen W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 7, 2025

    Hersheypark Camping Resort

    Very clean campground friendly staff

    We stay here once a year in September. Stone surface. Not to bad for leveling. Our site was spacious.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground

    Peace and quiet !

    Great spot! We had site 114 . It has water access and is right next to a small man made beach and playground. Bathrooms were in good shape. Sites were of ample size and well spaced.

  • Werner S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Old Mill Stream Campground

    In Amish area, next to an amusement park

    Our kids where happy with the small playground and with a few dollars they could have some fun in the small arcade/gameroom. In the area you have Lancaster, Amish area and an amusement park (that is a bit outdated). The camping has a bit over 100 spots. They are just oké.

  • eThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 21, 2025

    Round Top Campground

    I camped and worked here.

    I’m a shamanic energy healer and health enthusiast exploring a new life and hunting for healthy. While this campground has some nice features. This certainly is not a health conscious facility. Lots of smoking, drinking and unhealthy food. There was also evidence of mice in the main store and definitely issues with the water.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 19, 2025

    Old Mill Stream Campground

    Good stay

    The entrance in off the main road turns you into the theme park. Fear not. Turn in and follow the road to the right and into the campground. We stayed on site 123 with a 40 ft Allegro Bus. Plenty of room to maneuver a big rig. All gravel sites and we had full hookup with 50 Amp.

  • Edison L.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 18, 2025

    Country Acres Campground

    So Nice It’s Almost Not Camping

    We stayed at one of the primitive tent sites with no hookups adjacent to the farm field. Watching a horse drawn equipment cutting grass while we cooked dinner was a joy. Amenities are super clean and modern. Clean bathroom, laundry room, pool area for the kids, and a well stocked store. The only critique I have is that you can hear the distant sound of cars on the road. But this is by no means a nuisance. Just helping you make an informed decision. I would definitely go back.


Guide to Mechanicsburg

Camping near Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. From serene lakes to family-friendly activities, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful region.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the scenic trails at Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground. One camper mentioned, "We love this park…great sites on the lake side to park it where you can get AMAZING sunset views."
  • Fishing: Enjoy fishing at Codorus State Park Campground. A visitor shared, "This campground isn't too far from our home…there’s a lot to do in the area. Tons of hiking, exploring along the lake."
  • Swimming: Relax at the swimming beach at Greenbrier State Park Campground. One review noted, "Swimming lake is excellent. Only basic amenities, but dump station."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A reviewer at Greenbrier State Park Campground said, "The bath houses & sites are always clean, camp hosts are friendly."
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Many enjoy the peaceful environment. A camper at Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground remarked, "It was nice and quiet. Lots of birds singing, and owls at night."
  • Family-Friendly Activities: Families love the amenities available. A visitor at Gettysburg / Battlefield KOA mentioned, "They have plenty of activities for the kids from swimming, mini golf, and a scavenger hunt!"

What you should know:

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with activities for kids, like Hersheypark Camping Resort. A reviewer said, "The campground had two pools and a child’s pool."
  • Plan for Quiet Hours: Be mindful of noise levels, especially at busier campgrounds. A camper at Codorus State Park Campground noted, "People don't understand quiet after 10 PM."
  • Pack Snacks and Drinks: Having snacks on hand can keep kids happy. A visitor at Pine Grove Furnace State Park Campground mentioned, "Bring everything you are planning to have in with you."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Levels: Some sites may not be level, so be prepared to adjust. A camper at Locust Lake State Park Campground said, "Campsite unleveled, but plenty of room."
  • Bring Extra Supplies: Stock up on essentials before arriving, as some campgrounds have limited stores. A visitor at Pine Grove Furnace State Park Campground advised, "The store is really just a small carry out with a few things."
  • Enjoy the Outdoors: Many RVers appreciate the natural beauty. A camper at Cowans Gap State Park Campground shared, "Great campground for a relaxing weekend unplugged."

Camping near Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, offers a mix of adventure and relaxation. Whether you're with family or friends, there's a spot waiting for you!

Frequently Asked Questions

What campgrounds are available in Mechanicsburg, PA?

Mechanicsburg offers convenient access to several campgrounds. Cracker Barrel — Mechanicsburg provides overnight parking for RVs with a spacious lot that's larger than most chain restaurant locations. For those seeking traditional camping experiences, Shady Oak Campground is nearby with full hookups and extremely friendly staff. The area also features Pinch Pond Family Campground & RV Park, conveniently located near major highways, and Cedar Lake Family Campground in Dover. If you're looking for more overnight parking options, The Home Depot in Lower Paxton is another possibility for self-contained RVs passing through the area.

Is tent camping available near Mechanicsburg?

Tent camping is readily available near Mechanicsburg. Pine Grove Furnace State Park Campground offers excellent tent camping with electric sites and updated bathrooms. Located at the midpoint of the Appalachian Trail, it provides numerous hiking opportunities and access to two lakes. Campground Island is another peaceful option where you can tent camp on an island surrounded by creek waters, perfect for fishing and enjoying wildlife. Additional tent camping can be found at Mountain Creek Camp Ground near Gardners and Little Buffalo State Park Campground, both offering water access and reservable sites within a reasonable drive from Mechanicsburg.

Are there full hook-up RV camping options near Mechanicsburg?

Hersheypark Camping Resort offers full hook-up sites with convenient access to Hershey attractions. The campground features various site options, including neatly arranged full hook-up areas and quieter spots by the river. Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country provides another excellent full hook-up option in nearby Amish country. Other full hook-up options in the region include Pequea Creek Campground with its large, tree-filled sites and quiet atmosphere, and Elizabethtown-Hershey KOA with big-rig-friendly sites. Most of these campgrounds require reservations, especially during peak summer months and weekends.

What state parks can I visit near Mechanicsburg, PA?

Gifford Pinchot State Park is a favorite state park near Mechanicsburg, featuring lakeside camping with stunning sunset views. The park offers clean facilities, a beautiful lake for recreation, and accommodations for small campers. Little Buffalo State Park is another excellent option with boat-in, drive-in, and walk-in access. Slightly further but worth the drive is Cunningham Falls State Park, known for its proximity to Camp David and featuring great campsites with access to hiking trails. These state parks offer a range of outdoor activities including hiking, fishing, swimming, and boating during the peak season, typically April through October.