L
Laurel D.
Traveler
TravelerCamp Swatara
Very family oriented
The sites ard nice, it's run by Mennonites, I believe. Lots of recreation for kids, quiet time respected and a service on Sunday morning. Full hookups for a very reasonable price.
Camping near New Bloomfield, PA
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SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
State parks and forests surrounding New Bloomfield, Pennsylvania feature a diverse range of camping experiences within central Pennsylvania's rolling hills and wooded valleys. Little Buffalo State Park Campground, just 5 miles northeast in Newport, provides year-round camping with electric hookups, showers, and accommodations for tents, RVs, and cabins. Within a 30-minute drive, Paradise Stream Family Campground in Loysville offers family-oriented camping with full hookups and recreational amenities. The region includes both state-managed facilities and private campgrounds, many situated near waterways like the Susquehanna River tributaries, providing opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and swimming during warmer months.
Camping reservations throughout the New Bloomfield area typically require advance planning, especially for summer weekends when sites fill quickly. Most state park campgrounds open from April through October, though some like Little Buffalo maintain year-round availability. Winter camping options become limited as many private facilities close seasonally. As one camper noted about a nearby state park, "The sites are not crowded, with plenty of shade and privacy. The bathroom is close by, has showers and is very clean." Cell service varies considerably throughout the region, with better coverage in developed campgrounds closer to towns and spotty reception in more remote areas. Many campgrounds sell firewood on-site, with outside firewood often restricted to prevent pest introduction.
Lakeside and creek-adjacent sites receive consistently high ratings from visitors to the region. Several campers highlight the peaceful settings and well-maintained facilities at state parks within driving distance of New Bloomfield. One reviewer described a nearby campground as "wonderfully secluded" with "a rugged experience" that still provided basic amenities. Family-friendly campgrounds predominate in the area, with most offering playgrounds, hiking trails, and fishing access. Noise levels vary significantly between locations, with some campgrounds experiencing occasional road noise or, as one camper noted, "being awoken at 5 a.m. to a freight train blowing through." Sites with more separation between neighbors tend to receive better reviews, with primitive tent sites often providing more seclusion than developed RV areas.
Best Campgrounds near New Bloomfield (161)
1. Little Buffalo State Park Campground
"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."
from $26 - $165 / night
Check Availability2. Buttonwood Campground
"One is along the River and the other is situated near the camp store, playground and pool. This campground had it all! There was laser tag, playground, jump pillow, pedal carts!"
"Buttonwood is actually divided in to two sections with the upper lot, which is near all the activities and pool; and the lower area, which is near the Juniata River. "
from $30 - $78 / night
Check Availability3. Riverfront Campground
"Great river front location! Could be a bit muddy depending on the river. The train does run right near all night long, but I find it soothing. Bath houses are a bit rough, hence the 4 stars."
4. Colonel Denning State Park Campground
"Cleanest facilities of the year so far, amazing large flat sites, dog friendly and great stream right behind the sites."
"We stayed in site 28 which was a walk-in site, this was perfect for us since we wanted to be further away from people and the light from the bathroom/shower facility."
from $24 - $38 / night
Check Availability5. Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground
"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 Availability6. Paradise Stream Family Campground
"Tucked in the woods but near activities. The store is well stocked and also has a variety of sweet treats!"
"It was also a gated entrance which was nice. We will definitely return."
from $35 - $150 / night
Check Availability7. Ferryboat Campsites
"With that said they do have primitive camping spots next to the putt putt course and water only tent sits at the upper feild."
"Lots to do very close to water and many things to do in and around camp ground. Stayed for a few days would go back."
from $30 - $100 / night
Check Availability8. Hersheypark Camping Resort
"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."
9. Pine Grove Furnace State Park Campground
"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 Availability10. Dogwood Acres Campground
"It's close enough to 81 that's it's easy to find but tucked back in that you are not bothered by anyone."
"Located a few miles off 81, in the country surrounded by beautiful views. It’s a mix campground of seasonal campers and short term campers. Very family oriented. Very nice off leash fenced dog park."
Drive Time
- 27 min from Harrisburg, PA
- 52 min from York, PA
- 1 hr 3 min from Lebanon, PA
- 1 hr 5 min from Gettysburg, PA
Recent Camping Photos near New Bloomfield, PA
363 Photos of 161 New Bloomfield Campgrounds
Chelsea K.
Little Buffalo State Park Campground
Jon F.
Warm Springs Camp
Jim N.
Riverfront Campground
Darcy S.
Buttonwood Campground
AdventureStang
Free Spirit Campground
Kaitlynn M.
Standing Stone Farm
Jen R.
Paradise Stream Family Campground
Kelly F.
Ferryboat Campsites
Camp
Camp Hebron
Rick W.
Colonel Denning State Park Campground
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Lake Heron Retreat
Dave E.
Dogwood Acres Campground
Recent Reviews near New Bloomfield, PA
886 Reviews of 161 New Bloomfield Campgrounds
TSWX3475 B.TravelerShikellamy State Park Campground
Shikallamy Marina
It's a nice park but it's daytime only there's no camping here
- Patrick Z.
ScoutTwin Grove RV Resort
Nothing open
Picked 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.
- JJohn B.Scout
Artillery Ridge Campground
One of the nicer campgrounds in the area
Staff is friendly and everything is kept up well, newly renovated pool and pavilion area.
- MMark M.
GuideWestern Village RV Park
Pretty campground, friendly staff, but RVs are packed in like sardines
We 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.
christian G.GuideRussell P Letterman Campground — Bald Eagle State Park
Loved it
Its was great, we stayed in new area, sites had ample room, not many trees at our spot so summer there wouldnt be much shade but we were next to a retention pond/drainage. We brought our dig whole loved running through there.
Not much to say besides it was clean, not crowded (in November) and decent spacing between sites
- christian G.Guide
Bellefonte-State College KOA
Easy
It was overall good, Nice amenities, pool was clean (3ft-5ft) Splash pad, air pillow, playground, pond, etc
It has nice wooded areas but very compact, if you have a large camper id be concerned with trying to make some turns on the upper area
- KKelly S.Scout
Wilson Boondock Hollow
Awesome hospitality !
Micheal met us with a welcome packet, delivered campwood at a very reasonable price (and loaned us a hatchet), clean facilities and hot shower were a bonus!
Very responsive to messages and an overall delightful experience. Great bird watching and a huge herd of deer came to visit too.
Greg S.
LegendHershey Road Campground
4.5 stars
Pros- 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.
Guide to New Bloomfield
Camping spots near New Bloomfield, Pennsylvania center around the Susquehanna River watershed and Tuscarora State Forest area. The region sits within the Ridge and Valley Province of the Appalachian Mountains, with elevations ranging from 400 to 1,200 feet. Campgrounds often experience high humidity in summer months, with temperatures typically 5-10 degrees cooler than nearby Harrisburg due to the elevation and forest cover.
What to do
Tubing on the Juniata River: At Buttonwood Campground, tubing is a popular summer activity. "Tubing down the river is so fun and the highlight of a stay here. Campground does have a wristband system for most activities and amenites, with the exception of pool and playgrounds," notes one camper.
Tackle the Flat Rock Trail: Hikers can explore Colonel Denning State Park's challenging trails. "We made the trek up the Flat Rock Trail to the overlook. A six mile round trip with a 1200 ft climb. Spectacular views," shares a visitor who experienced the park's terrain firsthand.
Explore historical sites: The region contains numerous historical attractions, including the old iron furnace at Pine Grove Furnace State Park. "The Park also has an old iron furnace with historical information about it. There is an Appalachian trail museum, which was very neat to check out, and the old Ironmaster's Mansion serves as a hostel and event venue," explains one reviewer.
Wildlife observation: Evening programs at Colonel Denning State Park offer unique wildlife encounters. "The park rangers had an owl program on Friday night and ended up calling in several screech owls. Very cool to hear their eerie cries in the woods," reports a camper who attended this ranger-led activity.
What campers like
Private riverside sites: Many campers prefer waterfront locations. At Riverfront Campground, "Great location with lots of riverfront sites. Pet friendly near the Appalachian trail. The propieter is also an AT shuttler," mentions one review highlighting the strategic location.
Clean facilities: Campgrounds in the New Bloomfield region vary in facility quality. "This is a small campground but worth going to. Very nice park and clean bath house. They do have a pool but not included in the camping price and it gets very crowded," explains a visitor to Little Buffalo State Park.
Dark night skies: Some campgrounds offer excellent stargazing conditions. "It is nice and dark at night!" notes a camper at Little Buffalo State Park Campground. This is particularly valuable for campers seeking to escape light pollution from nearby urban areas.
Quiet atmosphere: Lake Heron Retreat provides a tranquil setting. "We wanted to find something close enough to home, but far away from the hustle and bustle of our suburban lives. This fit the bill. There are 10 sites... It was very quiet and peaceful!" shares a recent visitor.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds in the area fill quickly during peak season. "You can book your site online and go straight to your site! No check in required. If you are passing through and there are sites you can sign in by the honor envelopes!" explains a Little Buffalo State Park visitor.
Activity fees: Some parks charge extra for amenities. "You have to pay to get in the pool, yes even if you are camping! I am pretty sure it's the most expensive state park in PA!" notes one Little Buffalo State Park visitor about additional costs.
Train noise: Some campsites experience railroad disruptions. "The train does run right near all night long, but I find it soothing," mentions a Riverfront Campground guest, highlighting how noise impacts can vary by personal preference.
Elevation changes: Colonel Denning State Park Campground features significant terrain variations. "If you stay in lower sites you are near the water and will have to walk up a large hill to get to bathrooms," cautions a reviewer, providing practical site selection advice.
Tips for camping with families
Consider accessibility between amenities: Some campgrounds require transportation between areas. "The campground is divided by a local road and has 2 different feels. The lower section is right by the river with several riverfront sites and many river view sites. The upper side has the playground and kids activities," explains a visitor to Buttonwood Campground.
Look for specially designed kid-friendly areas: Paradise Stream Family Campground offers numerous youth activities. "My kids enjoyed the beautiful Mini golf course, splashing in the creek, the pool and the pedal carts. Everyone was friendly and the staff was amazing!!" shares an enthusiastic parent.
Plan for bathroom proximity: When camping with young children, bathroom location matters. "We had one of the few full hook up sites. Very quiet and peaceful. Lots to do at the lake if you want or quiet enough to just kick back. Bath houses were very clean," notes a Little Buffalo visitor who prioritized these practical aspects.
Test out camping close to home: For families new to camping, the New Bloomfield region offers convenient options. "Only 20-30 min from my house. Who can go just that far and have a beach, camp site, trails and water?!?!" exclaims a local camper about Pine Grove Furnace State Park.
Tips from RVers
Advance planning for water hookups: Some campgrounds have limited water access at individual sites. "If traveling in an RV you will need to fill your fresh water tank as each site does not have water hook up," advises a Pine Grove Furnace camper.
Site layout considerations: At Dogwood Acres Campground, "Flat all gravel sites. Lots of trees. Some made pulling in/backing in a bit challenging," warns one RVer about potential access issues.
Assistance with parking: Some campgrounds offer special services for RVs. "There are people on golf carts to take you to your site. They then help you back your rig in. They were so friendly and will even give you rides to where you need to go in the campground," notes a Buttonwood Campground visitor.
Check for levelness: Uneven sites can cause problems for larger rigs. "The sites are a good size and there is plenty to do (swimming, fishing, hiking, escape room, and weekend activities for everyone)," shares a Dogwood Acres camper about site conditions and amenities.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near New Bloomfield, PA?
Which is the most popular campground near New Bloomfield, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near New Bloomfield, PA is Little Buffalo State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 19 reviews.
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