Best Campgrounds near New Germantown, PA

The New Germantown area in central Pennsylvania features several established campgrounds within a 30-mile radius, including Colonel Denning State Park, Fowlers Hollow State Park, and Paradise Stream Family Campground. These locations accommodate various camping styles from tent sites to RV hookups, with some offering cabin rentals. Most campgrounds in this region of Pennsylvania sit within forested settings near water features, creating opportunities for both secluded woodland camping and more developed sites with amenities. The terrain typically consists of rolling hills and mountain landscapes characteristic of the Appalachian region, with elevations that provide scenic views and access to hiking trails.

Seasonal considerations significantly impact camping availability, with most campgrounds operating from April through October or early December. Colonel Denning and Fowlers Hollow State Parks typically open mid-April and close by mid-December, while private campgrounds like Paradise Stream Family Campground operate from April to late October. Winter camping options become limited as many facilities close during the colder months. Reservations are recommended, particularly for weekend stays during summer and fall foliage season when sites fill quickly. According to one visitor at a nearby state park, "This campground is located in the mountains of Pennsylvania, this gem of a campground has a beautiful lake across the road from camping area, which consists of a very nice hiking trail the whole way around."

Campers report high satisfaction with sites that offer water access, with several campgrounds featuring lakes or streams. Pine Grove Furnace State Park, located about 25 miles south of New Germantown, receives praise for its location between two lakes and proximity to hiking trails. The campground includes "lots of electric sites and nice, updated bathrooms," according to visitor feedback. Many campgrounds in the region provide fire rings, picnic tables, and access to vault toilets or modern bathhouses. Cell service can be limited in more remote areas, with some visitors noting the peaceful disconnect from technology. Tent sites tend to offer more seclusion and are often situated back in wooded areas, while RV sites typically provide easier access to amenities. Several campgrounds feature mixed-use areas that accommodate both tent and RV camping, with varying levels of hookups available.

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Best Camping Sites Near New Germantown, Pennsylvania (137)

    1. Colonel Denning State Park Campground

    7 Reviews
    Blain, PA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 776-5272

    $20 - $38 / night

    "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."

    2. Paradise Stream Family Campground

    6 Reviews
    Blain, PA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 789-2117

    $35 - $150 / night

    "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."

    3. Fowlers Hollow State Park Campground

    5 Reviews
    New Germantown, PA
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 776-5272

    $18 - $45 / night

    "This is a small campground with about half the sites being rustic electric back-in sites and the other being rustic walk-to tent sites. We stayed in the walk-to section."

    "Several walking/hiking trails directly from the campground. Clean and convenient restrooms. Large sites."

    4. Dogwood Acres Campground

    5 Reviews
    Newville, PA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 776-5203

    "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."

    5. Buttonwood Campground

    14 Reviews
    Mifflintown, PA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 436-8334

    $30 - $78 / night

    "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. "

    6. Pine Grove Furnace State Park Campground

    25 Reviews
    Peach Glen, PA
    24 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."

    7. Little Buffalo State Park Campground

    18 Reviews
    New Bloomfield, PA
    22 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."

    8. Caledonia State Park Campground

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

    $20 - $92 / 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."

    9. Cowans Gap State Park Campground

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

    $20 - $48 / 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."

    10. Free Spirit Campground

    1 Review
    Loysville, PA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 880-3747

    $30 - $50 / night

    "Bugs weren’t too bad for being right next to the woods. I think we paid $35. Camp hosts were super nice, they don’t leave the picnic tables out so they bring one out to you."

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Recent Reviews near New Germantown, PA

733 Reviews of 137 New Germantown Campgrounds


  • 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.

  • S
    Sep. 3, 2025

    Rothrock Roadside Campsites — Rothrock State Forest

    Nice spot to camp in the mountains

    First I'll just say that the Rothrock campsites should probably each be listed separately, rather than as a group; they are very spread out throughout the State Forest and each is a different experience.  This review will be for site 002 Colerain Road.  

    This site is accessed by driving up a bit of a winding dirt road up the mountain.  It's easy enough during the summer, though the road is narrow and you've got some sharp bends depending on which way you come from.  This road is not safe to access in the winter in my opinion.  

    The parking is just right off the road, and there's a picnic table and large stone fire ring near the parking.  There's a small path further up the hill into the woods where there is a tent pad, another fire ring and another picnic table.  There are also a lot of flat spots nearby for additional tents to be set up.  

    Just behind the upper tent site is the top of the mountain, and the site has their own private overlook to the valley below.  The site is pretty remote, though there were vehicles and the occasional biker coming up the road.  Traffic may have been busier than usual the weekend we went because there was the Mid Atlantic Overland festival nearby at the same time.  At one point a family parked in the campsite's parking to start a walk... (there's a better trailhead up closer to Indian Lookout they should have used).

    No hookups, water, bathrooms, etc; its fully primitive camping here.  Cell coverage was fine on Xfinity Mobile (Verizon). 

    These sites used to be totally free but they're now $10 a night.  You still need to book a while out if you want to be here on a weekend, especially during the fall when Penn State is playing.

  • 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.

  • Tiana S.
    Jul. 13, 2025

    STAR LEE FARM

    Great stay

    Place was very pretty and secluded. And customer service was excellent. There's a huge field to start gaze as well as taking pictures, lots of hiking and if you're a bee enthusiast they grow their own honey in the property and you're more than welcome to walk around and look at all the boxes. There's no electricity there but the owner is working on that but there is power in the shower house. Service is a little sketch but it's perfect for those who want to completely escape the business of modern world. Highly recommend

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 7, 2025

    Reeds Gap State Park Campground

    Awesome !

    Stayed here on a Sunday night without a reservation. We were the only ones there. Pay by honor system at the park office. Campground was quiet and lovely. Only 14 sites. Bathroom with hot showers is nearby. One shower stall in each bathroom and the showers had a large dressing area. Water is near the picnic pavilion.


Guide to New Germantown

Camping near New Germantown, Pennsylvania, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled weekend, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the Appalachian Trail, which runs near several campgrounds. One visitor mentioned, "Nice creek running through. Pool. Appalachian trail runs right by it," highlighting the beautiful surroundings at Caledonia State Park Campground.
  • Fishing and Boating: Enjoy fishing or kayaking at Lake Raystown Resort. A reviewer said, "Clean and amazing fishing. Highly recommend," making it a great spot for water activities.
  • Historical Sites: Visit Gettysburg and its battlefields. Campers at Gettysburg / Battlefield KOA found it convenient, stating, "Just 15-minutes to historic sites, restaurants, and breweries."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Many campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. One review for Cowans Gap State Park Campground noted, "Bathrooms and showers very clean."
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often mention the helpfulness of the staff. A visitor at Buttonwood Campground said, "You can't ask for a nicer group of people working there."
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Many campgrounds provide a peaceful environment. A camper at Pine Grove Furnace State Park Campground shared, "Very quiet. Plenty to do."

What you should know:

  • Limited Cell Service: Be prepared for spotty cell service in some areas. A visitor at Cowans Gap State Park Campground mentioned, "We had no cell service with Cricket or Verizon."
  • Reservations Recommended: Especially during peak seasons, it's wise to book your site in advance. A camper at Gettysburg Campground noted, "The campground was packed out."
  • Alcohol Policies: Some campgrounds have strict no-alcohol policies. For instance, Little Buffalo State Park Campground enforces this rule, so check before you go.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Activities for Kids: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and games. A reviewer at Buttonwood Campground said, "Lots for the kids to do," making it a family-friendly option.
  • Cabin Rentals: If tent camping isn't your style, consider renting a cabin. One family enjoyed their stay at Little Buffalo State Park Campground, stating, "Cabins are nice and spacious."
  • Plan for Meals: Bring easy-to-cook meals or snacks. A camper at Lake Raystown Resort mentioned enjoying a "fabulous lunch at the marina," which is a great option for families.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Gettysburg Campground noted, "The sites are very tight," which could be a concern for larger rigs.
  • Utilities Access: Some sites may have utilities farther away than expected. A camper at Caledonia State Park Campground mentioned needing to move their RV forward to reach the power cord.
  • Dump Stations: Familiarize yourself with dump station locations. A visitor at Cowans Gap State Park Campground found it easy to access the dump station, which is a plus for RVers.

Camping around New Germantown, Pennsylvania, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near New Germantown, PA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near New Germantown, PA is Colonel Denning State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 7 reviews.