142 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
The South Mountain region surrounding Mount Holly Springs, Pennsylvania features a diverse range of camping options within the Cumberland Valley. Pine Grove Furnace State Park, located just 8 miles southwest of Mount Holly Springs, serves as a popular destination for campers seeking access to the Appalachian Trail, which passes through the park at its midpoint. Mountain Creek Campground in nearby Gardners provides both RV and tent sites with hookups in a wooded setting. State parks dominate the public camping landscape, with Gifford Pinchot State Park offering lakeside camping about 30 minutes northeast. Private campgrounds near Gettysburg, approximately 20 miles south, provide additional options for those interested in historical sites.
Seasonal considerations significantly impact camping availability in the region. Most campgrounds operate from April through October, with Pine Grove Furnace State Park extending its season from March to mid-December. Winter camping options are limited, with only Caledonia State Park and Western Village RV Park open year-round. As one camper noted, "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." Cell service can be spotty in the mountainous areas, particularly in more remote campgrounds. Reservations are strongly recommended during summer weekends and fall foliage season when sites fill quickly.
Shaded campsites receive consistently positive reviews from visitors to the area. Many campgrounds feature wooded settings that provide natural privacy between sites. At Pine Grove Furnace State Park, campers appreciate the electric sites and updated bathrooms. The proximity to lakes and swimming areas makes many locations family-friendly during summer months. Weekend crowding can be an issue at popular state parks, with one reviewer noting, "The beach by the lake is PACKED every weekend with day trippers." Facilities vary widely between campgrounds, with state parks generally offering basic but well-maintained amenities, while private campgrounds near Gettysburg and Hershey provide more extensive hookups and recreational facilities.
"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. "
from $24 - $89 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $24 - $43 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $24 - $165 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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."
"I always appreciate the near solitude experience of this campground as 90% of the sites are RV sites, that are kept away from the tenting area."
"If you’re looking for a backwoods, off-the-beaten-path type of campground, this isn’t it."
"This park is a perfect location if you want to explore Gettysburg National Historical Site as you can literally walk across the street and be in the park or venture½ mile up the road and you come to the"
"Behind the campsite we stayed at, we learned connected to Stangler Farm, which served as a hospital for the wounded."
"Spent 2 nights at Gettysburg KOA in July while touring Pennsylvania with granddaughter. Very convenient to historical stuff. Large sites, separated by rocks and trees. Quiet and private."
"Our site was very spacious, beautifully landscaped and wooded, but right next to the road. There was a buffer of trees, but unfortunately that didn’t make much of a difference with regard to noise."
"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."
ScoutPicked the nicest days of the week. Got here and the carousel, Ferris wheel, restaurant, and ice cream shoppe are closed. They are apparently only open 2 days a week, maybe 3. I would have just went down the road to the KOA had I not known this.
ScoutStaff is friendly and everything is kept up well, newly renovated pool and pavilion area.
GuideWe used to camp here 30+ years ago. Nice that it hasn't changed much. Still has a game room with pool table, driving games, skeet ball, etc. No more pinball games like in the past. Apparently in the 1930 there was a working train around the campground, a restaurant and horse shoes - none of which are at present.
Sites are quite small. I thought our neighbor's awning was going to hit our RV, and that ours might hit the next neighbor's RV. In some parts the campers are also back to back, luckily ours is not.
They have wi-fi but you must pay for it, no free service. No cable TV (which is the norm these days). Good cell reception so you will need that or a Starlink to stream shows.
Staff are friendly. Sites are pretty level. The campground itself is rather pretty with trees, grassy areas, playgrounds for kids, etc. Lots of lightning bugs at night, and birds during the day.
At night it's interesting to walk around as so many seasonal and permanent campers have lights around their campers, trees, etc. Almost like walking around one of those light up parks they do around Christmas.
TravelerThis is a very nice and quiet park owned by the city of Jacksonville, Florida. On the beach with tons of stuff to do.
LegendPros- Pool is sparkling clear and new. Mini golf is awesome. Nice people, nice store.
Cons- further from Hershey Park than ideal, lots of seasonal campers leaving for work before dawn in loud trucks, not much privacy, some road noise.
ScoutWe stayed only one night in primitive tent site which was massive with a turnaround. It was great. There are fire pits and picnic tables and level ground. Very serene. We walked down to the river, breathtaking. Not sure of other amenities as we didn’t use them.
ScoutFrome the moment you drive up the women at the gate is about as welcoming ( as my Pops would say ) "A fart in church.," Great way to start your vacation. Didn't get much better in the office. The one guy that worked there did at least smile at us....
ScoutWhere do I start?
We came to this campground to connect with family who was hiking the AT. We left after one miserable night. Here are some reasons:
A giant confederate flag near the entrance
Highway noise and not one but two train tracks
One Filthy “bathroom”
No shade at our campsite- despite other available sites with some shade
A trail of poison ivy on the narrow path to the river
Cigarette butts everywhere
And a creepy man on a bike who declared he was a local and wouldn’t leave our site while I was alone and insisted on talking to me about the strip club down the street, where to buy condoms and how my tent’s mesh shelf is perfect for drying out my wet panties.
ScoutWe called ahead of time to reserve two sites for two nights for a bunch of people from out of state and some hikers from the AT. They said it was $35 per site per night. When we arrived we were told that we had to pay for three nights because it was a holiday weekend AND that the price was per tent. The porta potties were gross and hadn’t been serviced in a while. It was difficult to use them. During a heat wave we were given a site with little shade when several sites further along with plenty of trees were empty. The plumbed bathroom was dirty and had no soap. The shop did not in fact sell love bait, which cramped our fishing style. There is a loud rail road with constant trains on one side and a very busy highway with loud trucks on the other. The river front was lovely, but with detritus from previous campers on the rocks. We left after one night.
Camping spots near Mount Holly Springs, Pennsylvania sit within the South Mountain ridge system, with elevations ranging from 700 to 1,300 feet throughout the region. The area features a humid continental climate with four distinct seasons, where summer temperatures typically reach the mid-80s°F and winter lows often drop below freezing. Cell service can be inconsistent in these mountain areas, particularly in the western sections where terrain creates natural signal barriers.
Hiking to Pole Steeple: A challenging but rewarding 1.5-mile trail leading to a scenic overlook accessible from Pine Grove Furnace State Park. "We did a very nice run from our campsite out to the scenic viewpoint on top of Pole Steeple (about 7ish miles). The lake is great to jump in and cool off after a summer run," notes one camper.
Cornfield exploration: Walk through working farmland at Thousand Trails Gettysburg Farm with marked paths. "We've enjoyed mini-golf, feeding the animals, 'hiking' through the cornfield, fishing, and campfires," says a visitor who stayed during COVID restrictions.
Historical immersion: Artillery Ridge provides direct battlefield access for history enthusiasts. "Behind the campsite we stayed at, we learned connected to Stangler Farm, which served as a hospital for the wounded. Literally right outside the entrance of the campgrounds is where the battlefield starts," explains one visitor.
Fishing in local waters: Multiple campgrounds offer fishing opportunities with no boat required. At Gifford Pinchot State Park, campers report "great access for fishing (bring your license! the rangers in this park check), and we caught a handful of bass and an absurd amount of bluegill from shore."
Private wooded sites: Mountain Creek Camp Ground offers tent sites bordering forests for more seclusion. "We stay here 2-3 times a year in a tent. Family friendly campground, lots of weekend activities, great pool, well stocked campstore, playground," says a regular visitor.
Animal interactions: Several campgrounds feature farm animals for children to enjoy. At Thousand Trails Gettysburg Farm, one family noted, "Got a kick out of the children playing with the kids (baby goats) pigs, goats, chickens, horses and even lamas. Plenty to see and learn."
Clean facilities: Caledonia State Park receives high marks for maintenance. "Very nice campground with clean bathrooms and showers. Nice creek for the kids to play on a hot day. Great spot for kids," reports a summer visitor.
Multi-lake access: Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground features a distinctive layout with multiple water features. "The state park itself has a LOT to offer, especially in the two main day use areas: the Conewago day use area on the south side of the lake and the Quaker Race day use area on the north side of the lake."
Site selection matters: At Gettysburg / Battlefield KOA, location within the campground significantly impacts your experience. "We stayed in site #68, to the left when you enter the campground... Our site was very spacious, beautifully landscaped and wooded, but right next to the road. There was a buffer of trees, but unfortunately that didn't make much of a difference with regard to noise."
Weather impacts: Spring brings frequent rain to the area, affecting site conditions. "Some areas flood when it rains hard," warns a Mountain Creek Camp Ground visitor, suggesting higher elevation sites for spring camping.
Space considerations: Several campgrounds have tight site spacing. At Western Village RV Park, campers report extremely close quarters: "Our slideout is 3" from the neighbor site's picnic table."
Bathroom locations: Plan accordingly for bathroom proximity when tent camping. "Bathrooms were in good shape. Sites were of ample size and well spaced," notes a camper at Gifford Pinchot, while another camper at a different facility warns: "Bathrooms can be a hike."
Animal-focused camping: Children particularly enjoy Deer Run Campgrounds for its amenities. "We had a wonderful family time. Concerts, games, pool, hikes etc. Can't wait to go again!" shares one enthusiastic parent.
Creek play opportunities: Several campgrounds feature shallow water play areas. At Mountain Creek, "Kids can play in creek with tubes or hunt critters," making it ideal for families seeking natural water recreation.
First-time camping success: Pine Grove Furnace State Park works well for camping novices. "This campground was definitely on point. Great amenities, incredibly friendly staff and camp host, two lakes to swim/fish/boat in, lots of trails to bike or hike on, nice DRY firewood!"
Off-peak visitation: For quieter family experiences, visit campgrounds mid-week. One Pine Grove Furnace visitor mentioned, "Nice fairly private tent sites, clean showers and pet friendly" during a mid-week stay when crowds are significantly reduced.
Hook-up locations: At several campgrounds, utility connections require planning. "The sewer is in odd locations all around our campsite as well as sharing the water source with up to 5 other RVs," notes a Western Village RV Park visitor.
Site leveling: Check specific site reviews before booking. At Artillery Ridge, one camper mentioned, "Nice pull through site for our 21ft popup. Site was pretty level," while at other campgrounds, leveling can be challenging.
Electrical capacity: Be aware of power limitations at some campgrounds. One visitor reported, "The fuse on the (campsite) panel kept blowing every time we ran the air and microwave together," highlighting the need to manage electrical usage carefully.
Reservation timing: During peak season (June-August), book RV sites at least 3-4 months in advance. For holiday weekends, a 6-month advance booking is recommended, particularly for sites with full hookups.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find camping near Mount Holly Springs, Pennsylvania?
Mount Holly Springs offers several excellent camping options in the surrounding area. Pine Grove Furnace State Park Campground is a popular choice with numerous electric sites, updated bathrooms, and access to the Appalachian Trail. For those seeking a more rustic experience, Mountain Creek Camp Ground near Gardners provides drive-in and walk-in access with reservable sites and basic amenities. Other nearby options include Caledonia State Park Campground, Western Village RV Park near Carlisle, and several state parks within a 30-minute drive that offer diverse camping experiences for tents and RVs alike.
What seasonal activities are available when camping in Mount Holly Springs?
The Mount Holly Springs area offers year-round outdoor recreation with distinct seasonal highlights. Summer brings swimming and boating opportunities at Cowans Gap State Park Campground, which features a beautiful lake with a beach area and clean water. Fall showcases spectacular foliage along the numerous hiking trails, especially at Caledonia State Park Campground. Winter enthusiasts can enjoy snowshoeing and cross-country skiing on designated trails, while spring brings wildflower viewing and fishing opportunities. The region's proximity to Amish country also allows for cultural experiences and roadside shopping throughout the year.
What amenities are available at Holly Springs Campground?
While specific information about Holly Springs Campground is limited in the reviews, nearby campgrounds offer a good indication of typical amenities in the region. Pequea Creek Campground features spacious sites with shade trees, quiet surroundings, and recreational activities like river tubing and entertainment events such as music bingo on Saturday nights. Similarly, Pinch Pond Family Campground & RV Park provides convenient roadside camping with basic facilities. Most campgrounds in the area typically offer water hookups, restrooms with showers, picnic tables, fire rings, and access to hiking trails. For specific amenities at Holly Springs Campground, it's recommended to contact them directly before your visit.
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