Tent campsites near New Kingstown, Pennsylvania offer rustic experiences within the Appalachian foothills at elevations ranging from 400-1,200 feet. The region experiences four distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F and winter temperatures often dropping below freezing. Most primitive sites remain open May through October, though select campgrounds like Penn Roosevelt State Park maintain year-round access.
What to do
Creek fishing opportunities: Reeds Gap State Park Campground features Honey Creek with both native and stocked trout populations. A reviewer noted, "It has native and stocked trout" making it ideal for anglers seeking peaceful morning fishing.
Hiking access: Penn Roosevelt State Park Campground connects to multiple trail systems including the Midstate Trail. A camper mentioned, "The area has lots of hikes to offer including the Alan Seeger State Forest, Midstate Trail and several others."
Water activities: Mill Creek Camping Area provides creek access for wading and cooling off during hot summer days. A visitor shared, "Campsite for where we stayed is down by the creek making for a cooler camping experience and love the sound of water flowing at night."
What campers like
Site privacy: Several campgrounds offer well-spaced sites with natural separation. At Penn Roosevelt State Park Campground, campers appreciate that "some sites are very private" and the overall "quiet, peaceful campground."
Natural soundscapes: Creekside sites provide ambient water sounds that enhance sleeping conditions. One camper at Mill Creek noted, "The stream is refreshing and the site stays fairly cool. When it's hits the high temperatures a quick dip in the water is amazing."
Minimal light pollution: The rural setting offers excellent stargazing opportunities away from urban centers. A visitor to Reeds Gap State Park Campground mentioned, "This campground is beautiful! It's so peaceful and serene" with minimal artificial lighting interfering with night skies.
What you should know
Limited facilities: Most primitive sites have minimal amenities. A Penn Roosevelt camper advised, "Make sure you bring everything you need as the isn't a store nearby."
Cell service limitations: Many campgrounds have poor or no connectivity. A Reeds Gap State Park Campground visitor warned, "Put your phone away cuz there's no cell service here!"
Access challenges: Some campgrounds have difficult access roads. A Penn Roosevelt visitor cautioned, "If you have a trailer, I do not recommend this spot. there is a very tight hairpin turn on the way in. My six foot long trailer barely made the turn!"
Public trail interference: Several camping areas experience hiker traffic through or near sites. One Lancaster County Mill Creek camper reported, "The site is public access and there are lots of hikes, joggers, and people expecting you not to be camping. I was woke up every morning by people walking through the site."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several parks offer play structures for children. A visitor to Shikellamy State Park noted, "A pavilion and playground with many picnic tables also available."
Creek exploration: Shallow creek areas provide natural play spaces for supervised water activities. At Reeds Gap State Park, a visitor mentioned, "There's a nice creek that runs through it, picnic pavilions and a playground for the kids!"
Quieter weekday visits: For families seeking less crowded experiences, mid-week camping offers more solitude. One camper at Penn Roosevelt arrived "on a Wednesday evening. I had my pick of campsites, because I was the only person there!"
Tips for RVers
Limited RV options: Most primitive sites in this region accommodate tents only. One visitor to Lancaster County Mill Creek Camping Area noted RV facilities "need attention" with "laundry is pricey & not up to their price point."
Tight access roads: Many campground roads have tight turns unsuitable for larger rigs. A Penn Roosevelt visitor warned specifically about "a very tight hairpin turn on the way in."
Tent-only designations: Several parks like Reeds Gap explicitly limit accommodations to tents. A camper mentioned, "it is tents only, but I like that about it too... I like the rustic setting."
