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.
What to do
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."
What campers like
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."
What you should know
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."
Tips for camping with families
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.
Tips from RVers
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.
