Best Campgrounds near Mercersburg, PA

Mercersburg, Pennsylvania and the surrounding areas feature a variety of campground options for outdoor enthusiasts. Cowans Gap State Park Campground, located about 12 miles west of Mercersburg, offers tent sites, RV spots, and cabins surrounding a mountain lake. Sunvalley Campground provides year-round facilities with electric hookups and water access. The region encompasses both developed state park facilities and smaller private campgrounds that support various camping styles from primitive tent sites to full-service RV parks with amenities like showers, electric hookups, and picnic areas.

Camping seasons vary considerably throughout the region, with most state parks operating from April through December. Saunderosa Park and other private campgrounds in the area maintain different operating calendars, with some offering year-round access. A visitor to Cowans Gap State Park noted, "Beautiful campground nestled in the mountains of Pennsylvania with a beautiful lake across the road from camping area, which consists of a very nice hiking trail the whole way around, boating, fishing, swimming and in season concession stand." Sites at popular locations like Cowans Gap fill quickly during summer weekends and holiday periods, particularly those with water views or electric hookups. Cell service can be inconsistent throughout the mountainous terrain, and some areas require advance reservations.

The mixed-use campgrounds near Mercersburg provide access to numerous outdoor activities. Many campsites feature proximity to hiking trails, fishing spots, and swimming areas. Campers report high satisfaction with state park facilities that offer both natural settings and modern conveniences. Based on reviews from The Dyrt, family-friendly amenities like playgrounds, beach access, and well-maintained bathhouses are common highlights. Waterfront camping locations tend to receive particularly positive feedback, though they also tend to book faster than more secluded sites. The region's topography creates distinct camping experiences, from mountain settings with cooler temperatures to valley locations that may offer more protection from wind but less dramatic views. Several campgrounds in the area feature a mix of wooded and open sites, providing options for those seeking shade or sun exposure.

Best Camping Sites Near Mercersburg, Pennsylvania (163)

    1. Cowans Gap State Park Campground

    30 Reviews
    Fort Loudon, PA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 485-3948

    $24 - $69 / night

    "Nestled in the mountains of Pennsylvania, this gem of a campground."

    "The bathroom is close by,has showers & is very clean. You can walk or ride a bike to the beach. The water is clean with sand on the bottom. Lakeside trail is short and easy."

    2. Hagerstown / Antietam Battlefield KOA

    19 Reviews
    Williamsport, MD
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (301) 223-7571

    "Set right next to the river and you fish if you want to. DO NOT follow your GPS. Follow the directions on the KOA Website."

    "Beautiful campgrounds situated near a creek. The campgrounds have a homey feel and were decorated nicely for fall & Halloween. The staff & hosts were incredibly nice & helpful."

    3. Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park in Williamsport MD

    23 Reviews
    Williamsport, MD
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (301) 223-7117

    $99 - $471 / night

    "There is a food court in the swimming pool and a camp store right next to it.

    They play movies every night at the outdoor theater near the pool."

    "This campground has tons of nice cabins and tent sites, all in wooded surroundings. There is a small creek to play in and a nice little hiking trail within the campground."

    4. Caledonia State Park Campground

    33 Reviews
    Fayetteville, PA
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 352-2161

    $24 - $151 / night

    "Stayed here two nights while visiting Gettysburg (short 20mi drive between the two). Stayed on Chinquapin Hill, each site has picnic table and fire ring and good space for camp."

    "It’s a fantastic state park with great picnic areas next to the creek. You can also drive up the road to the dam where there’s a beautiful lake with fishing, kayaking, etc."

    5. McCoys Ferry Campground — Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park

    13 Reviews
    Big Pool, MD
    16 miles
    Website

    $20 - $40 / night

    "There is no privacy from adjacent campsites, but you are on the Potomac in sites 1 - 7.
    Price 2023: $10 w interagency pass Usage during visit: Light during the week. 40% full on weekends."

    "We stayed at campsite 1 which had nice views of the river and a pretty good distance from neighbors. Closest site to the drop toilet and day use area portapots (very clean!)."

    6. Greenbrier State Park Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED

    41 Reviews
    Boonsboro, MD
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 432-2267

    $23 - $29 / night

    "Positives

    * Big, immaculately groomed tent pads

    * Mostly tent campers!"

    "Our site was private and kind of faced away from most other sites. There was a hiking trail behind us that led to the lake."

    7. Twin Bridge Campground

    5 Reviews
    Chambersburg, PA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 369-2216

    $38 - $43 / night

    "This is a huge campground with mostly very large RVs situated on farmland. The sites varied. Some were in an open field, others by the stream with trees. We had Site C, which was right on the stream."

    "Our kids love the creek and playing in and around it.

    Some activities, playground, mini golf etc. but more of a relaxing campground."

    8. Fort Frederick State Park Campground

    11 Reviews
    Big Pool, MD
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 432-2267

    $15 - $17 / night

    "Added some more photos to show proximity to other sites. Great spot for some small hikes and history at the fort. There’s also tons of markers on the trails with history."

    "My spot had a cool path down to the river. There aren’t really facilities other then a porta potty near the sites and there is a code to get into the gate."

    9. Sunvalley

    1 Review
    Mercersburg, PA
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 328-3593

    10. Saunderosa Park Inc

    1 Review
    Mercersburg, PA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 328-2216
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Recent Reviews near Mercersburg, PA

1003 Reviews of 163 Mercersburg Campgrounds


  • Marcandpatti B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 11, 2025

    Gettysburg Campground

    Good spot for Gettysburg, a bit spendy.

    We stayed here mid-week in September so it was very quiet. There was a bit of road noise as our site was close to the entrance. Host was super friendly. They have a bunch of things going on with groups that stay here; next group is quilters with vintage trailers, sorry to miss that. All of the utilities worked just fine. Sites re a bit close to each other, not a lot of foliage between sites.

  • 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.

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Harpers Ferry Campground - River Riders

    Awesome views on the Potomac

    Very cool spot. Amazing sites right on the Potomac. There is a Ale House above the office that delivers for free to your site (2.5 miles away), just tip the driver

  • Ronnie B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 2, 2025

    Hidden Springs Campground

    Labor Day Weekend

    It was packed-all went smoothly. From check in, wood delivery, and parking.

  • 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.

  • R
    Aug. 16, 2025

    Deer Run Campgrounds

    Good for kids

    It's very nice here, good for kids, big pool. The sites for campers are very tight.

  • Sue J.
    Aug. 5, 2025

    Rocky Gap State Park Campground

    Willing to give it another try

    I just returned from a 2-night tent camping solo trip with my dog.  This was my first time at Rocky Gap and I found some strong pros and cons.

    Pros

    Large camp sites, with decent space for tents. The descriptions on the State Park site seem very accurate. Mid week (Sunday and Monday nights) the campground was less than a third full, and the folks who were there were spread out so it felt more spacious than it was. There are some great trails for hiking, and the dog beach was perfect. You can rent kayaks, canoes, and SUPs, or bring your own for no launch fee.

    Cons

    It was very noisy at night due to traffic on I-68 and even the campground road, which despite a 15 mph posting has no speed bumps and seems to have a poplar straightaway for cars with loud mufflers who like to open it up. I don't know if the I68 traffic just sounds louder at night because everything else is quiet, or if the sound carries farther at night. But sleeping my tent, I was woken up many times by the sound of trucks down shifting and braking.

    Another noise -- during the day I heard what sounded like the world's largest circular saw, only to discover that there is a large saw mill about 2 miles north. Fortunately that noise stopped by about 6 pm.

    And finally, although there were only a few occupied sites in Dogwood loop, some were with very large groups with either no self awareness or no consideration for others. No fault of the park, and people did basically follow quiet hours, but 8:30am blasting music, and hooping and hollering into the night. Just. know that it is a popular park for large groups.

    Based on other reviews here saying that it was quiet, I'm willing to give it another try in a different loop. Or, not in a tent but in a camper van which is my other option.


Guide to Mercersburg

Camping spots near Mercersburg, Pennsylvania range from primitive riverside sites to full-service RV parks at elevations between 400-1,200 feet in the Appalachian foothills. The region experiences distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F, while spring and fall camping offers cooler temperatures in the 50-70°F range. Many campgrounds don't receive cell service due to the mountainous terrain, particularly in valley locations.

What to do

Fishing access: McCoys Ferry Campground offers direct Potomac River access with spacious riverside sites. "The site was very large and fairly spread out from the other sites unlike most campsites. We had a really nice view of the lake," notes one camper, though another mentions "it's worth noting that the only bathrooms were two sets of Porto potties. No sinks or showers."

Water activities: At Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park, families can enjoy multiple water features beyond traditional swimming. "There is a small creek to play in and a nice little hiking trail within the campground. Has a great water park, playground and bounce pad feature," according to one visitor. The park recently expanded its offerings, with one guest mentioning "They are finishing a lazy river which I look forward to next season."

Historical exploration: Fort Frederick State Park provides an educational component to camping trips. One visitor notes, "The fort is very cool, and exhibits are great." Another camper describes the experience: "There are some nice hot showers, they are on the opposite side of the bathroom facility but you have to bring your swimsuit because they are open air."

What campers like

Digital detox: Cowans Gap State Park Campground offers a true escape from technology. "Our first time at Cowans Gap and we loved it. 5 nights, 6 days with no cell or wifi to stress us out," writes Tom R. Another visitor confirms the off-grid nature: "You are totally off the grid as far as cell, WiFi, and TV signal. Be prepared to be out of communication during your stay."

Creek access: Twin Bridge Campground features water access that appeals to families. As one camper explains, "Our favorite campground. The most relaxing setting. Our kids love the creek and playing in and around it." The campground also offers delivery services that enhance convenience: "The concierge service here is unreal! You can get just about anything from the store delivered to your site."

Fall foliage: Caledonia State Park Campground provides exceptional seasonal experiences. "Beautiful in the fall," writes Michael W., noting "Absolutely amazing fall color on the lake and great drives surrounding." Facilities remain comfortable even in cooler months with "clean bathrooms and hot showers."

What you should know

Site spacing: Sites at many campgrounds in the region can be quite close together. At Greenbrier State Park Campground, "The sites on Dogwood are quite close together, but it still felt like camping." A visitor to Caledonia State Park noted, "Not the best spot... Every turn led to a dead end or closed gate with little to no signage pointing us toward the part of the park that was actually open."

Seasonal considerations: While peak summer season brings crowds, spring and fall offer quieter experiences. "We went to Cowans gap last full for a Halloween weekend and the children loved it. We even won the campsite decorating contest," shares one family. Another camper warns about Greenbrier State Park: "The beach by the lake is PACKED every weekend with day trippers - we avoided it since we are careful due to COVID."

Transportation needs: Facilities at many campgrounds are spread out, requiring planning. At Fort Frederick State Park, "The showers, water and bathrooms are very very far away (require a car) and outside of the gate. You're limited to portapoties as your only option near your campsite. You must bring in all your water too."

Tips for camping with families

Activity scheduling: Hagerstown/Antietam Battlefield KOA offers family-oriented programming. "Love love love this campground. Activities for the kids, diner with a great breakfast selection and subs and pizza for dinner," writes one camper, adding "At Halloween they have a great haunted house."

Budget considerations: Prices vary significantly between campgrounds, with some premium options costing more for comparable amenities. A visitor to Jellystone Park noted, "It was a nice place to stay for kids, lots to do for them. But very expensive for tent camping. I still paid nearly $100 a night."

Entertainment variety: Family-focused campgrounds offer structured activities that help during longer stays. "The kids were never bored and had so much fun. Us, as adults, were also never bored," reports one family at Jellystone Park, while another visitor appreciated that "Lots of family fun...Fall is the best at this campground with the trick or treating and haunted house."

Tips for RVers

Site selection: Sunvalley Campground provides year-round RV options with electric hookups. One camper describes it as a "Great camp ground base of the mountain and great people like the country life this is the place for you."

Site access: Several campgrounds feature narrow roads that can challenge larger rigs. A visitor to Hagerstown KOA noted, "The roads are very windy and narrow, and I can't imagine trying to maneuver a large RV in there."

Utilities management: Most campgrounds in the region offer limited full hookup sites. At Twin Bridge Campground, one RVer found workable solutions: "Big spacious sites, and a honeywagon to make things easier (there weren't any full hookup sites the I saw besides the long term spaces)."

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Mercersburg, PA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Mercersburg, PA offers a wide range of camping options, with 163 campgrounds and RV parks near Mercersburg, PA and 1 free dispersed camping spot.

Which is the most popular campground near Mercersburg, PA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Mercersburg, PA is Cowans Gap State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 30 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Mercersburg, PA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Mercersburg, PA.

What parks are near Mercersburg, PA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 21 parks near Mercersburg, PA that allow camping, notably Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park and Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park.