Mountain Creek Camp Ground offers family-friendly tent and RV sites within 20 minutes of Newville, Pennsylvania. Located in the Cumberland Valley region at elevations between 500-700 feet, this area experiences moderate seasonal temperatures with summer highs averaging 83°F. Camping options range from primitive tent sites to luxury glamping accommodations, with most campgrounds operating from April through October.
What to do
Trail hiking on the Appalachian Trail: Access trailheads connecting to the AT from Mountain Creek Camp Ground. "Camped here 3 times... there is access to hiking trails that connect to the AT, plenty of organized activities for kids, fishing and mini golf," notes Benjamin A.
Lake activities at Pinchot Lake: Enjoy fishing, kayaking and swimming at Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground. The 340-acre lake features multiple access points. "Easy walk to the lake with a small beach. There was also a beach location on the state park side vs campground side of the lake. Boat rentals available. Good sized lake for canoeing or kayaking," shares Julie Y.
Explore historical sites: Visit Gettysburg battlefields just 30 minutes from Gettysburg Campground. "Nice quiet place to camp... Close to battlefield," writes Martin E. The campground's location puts you minutes from historical tours and monuments.
What campers like
Creek access for water play: Campers appreciate creekside camping options at Paradise Stream Family Campground, located 45 minutes from Newville. "We had site 20 which we liked! Tucked in the woods but near activities... My kids enjoyed the beautiful Mini golf course, splashing in the creek, the pool and the pedal carts," shares Melissa.
Clean, well-maintained facilities: Visitors consistently mention the cleanliness at area campgrounds. According to a camper at Little Buffalo State Park Campground, "This place is so quiet and so well maintained! The trails are awesome and the swimming pool is great for the kids in the summer!"
Organized activities: Many sites offer scheduled events to keep campers entertained. "We had a wonderful family time. Concerts, games, pool, hikes etc. Can't wait to go again!" reports Amy G. about Buttonwood Campground.
What you should know
Site spacing varies significantly: Some campgrounds offer more privacy than others. A reviewer at Deer Run Campgrounds cautions, "It's very nice here, good for kids, big pool. The sites for campers are very tight."
Seasonal limitations: Most campgrounds near Newville operate from April through late October. Gifford Pinchot is open "2nd Fri April to October 31" while Mountain Creek runs from "Mar 15 - Nov 20."
Bathroom facilities vary: Campground bathhouses range from basic to modern. At Cowans Gap State Park, a camper notes, "The bathhouse with showers was located at the other end of the loop; a little bit of a walk. It had three regular showers and one large handicap accessible shower."
Tips for camping with families
Look for campgrounds with splash features: During hot summer months, water amenities are popular. Kelly M. shares, "The swimming pool is great for the kids in the summer!" at Little Buffalo State Park Campground, which includes a dedicated kids' swim area.
Choose sites near playgrounds: Many families recommend selecting sites close to play areas. At Paradise Stream, one camper mentions they were "tucked in the woods but near activities," providing a good balance of privacy and convenience.
Consider glamping options for first-timers: Luxury glamping near Newville, Pennsylvania makes family camping more accessible. Gifford Pinchot offers yurts that one reviewer described as having "nice waterfront sites," perfect for families new to camping.
Tips from RVers
Reserve full hookup sites early: Premium RV sites with water, electric and sewer connections book quickly. At Buttonwood Campground, a reviewer notes "nearly all full hook-ups with back-ins and pull-thrus available."
Check amperage before booking: Electric service varies between campgrounds. Mountain Creek Camp Ground offers 50-amp service at many sites, while others may only provide 30-amp connections, impacting what appliances you can run simultaneously.
Watch for tight turns: Some campgrounds have challenging access roads. At Deer Run, one RVer mentions "the dump was up on the other side so had to pull a U turn, luckily our camper was small enough to make the turn."