6 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Mountain Creek Camp Ground and Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground offer upscale glamping accommodations near Newville, Pennsylvania. Both locations feature yurts with comfortable furnishings, electricity, and climate control systems that blend outdoor adventure with modern comforts. Mountain Creek's glamping sites provide a more secluded experience with private fire rings and picnic tables, while Gifford Pinchot's lakeside yurts offer stunning water views and easy access to swimming and boating. These glamping options include amenities not found in traditional camping, such as real beds, indoor lighting, and lockable doors, creating a true outdoor retreat experience without sacrificing comfort. One guest shared, "We love this campground! The area is absolutely beautiful. The lake is large and gorgeous. There are a lot of lake side campsites which are amazing."
Hiking trails surrounding these glamping accommodations range from easy lakeside paths to more challenging woodland routes, perfect for exploring the Pennsylvania countryside. Gifford Pinchot State Park's glamping guests enjoy direct access to kayaking, fishing, and swimming in the park's expansive lake, with rental equipment available seasonally. The park also features wildlife viewing opportunities, with many visitors spotting local birds and even turtles near their accommodations. Mountain Creek's location provides convenient access to nearby attractions while maintaining a peaceful natural setting. According to a camper, "The sites are very well maintained. Not a fan of kids running around through sites. In all seriousness, it's very quiet and really can't complain." Both locations operate seasonally, with Gifford Pinchot open from mid-April through October and Mountain Creek available from March through November, making advance reservations essential during peak summer months.
"The lake is large and gorgeous. There are a lot of lake side campsites which are amazing. The hosts are all very friendly."
"We stayed in July on site 235. When we arrived, our first thought was “Wow, these sites are narrow!” Fortunately, backing in was fairly easy. Some sites would’ve been more difficult."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $20 - $90 / night
"Family friendly campground, lots of weekend activities, great pool, well stocked campstore, playground. Lots of pets, bikes and golf carts. Kids can play in creek with tubes or hunt critters."
"Campsites could be further apart and there's only one bathhouse and it's at the entrance."
"The fire pits are even top notch. There are many activities including boating on the lake, fishing, pedal carts, shuffle board, mini golf and swimming."
"Tucked in the woods but near activities. The store is well stocked and also has a variety of sweet treats!"
from $35 - $150 / night
"This central Pa campground is located a short drive to many attractions. Amish Country, Hershey, Gettysburg, and winerys are within 40 min drive. There are many things to do at the campground, also."
"We arrived late moring on Saturday. Reserved site 16 and it was plenty big enough for my 34ft trailer, but not enough to fit my truck."
"Camping trails, grills to cook on but bring ur own charcoal, giant lake to fish and boat on, hiking for all experience levels, great fishing, lots of space, wildlife is everywhere and there is even an"
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $22 - $92 / night
"I always appreciate the near solitude experience of this campground as 90% of the sites are RV sites, that are kept away from the tenting area."
"campground was pretty crowded, but the tent sites were secluded and well kept. staff was extremely helpful. close to the battleground and all attractions."
"Fire pit, picnic table, swimming pool ( not open), miniature golf course, laundromat, bathrooms, showers, dump station, gathering areas for groups, playground, and even a horse area and stalls for horses"
"A dog park, walking distance to most everything we wanted to see. The national park is mostly dog friendly. My husband caught a fish first day in the pond behind our site."
"This state park is at the top of the mountain and has a smaller lake perfect for a short kayak trip or fishing. Lovely views from the lake and very nice secluded sites."
"The pros:
- Easily accessible and CLEAN bathhouse and showers."
Available this weekend
from $20 - $48 / night
"Clean and well kept campground located 12 mile below Lewistown, Pa. As clean a campground as you will find. Staff is super friendly."
"we stayed at buttonwood for the first time the end of August. probably the friendliest campground I’ve stayed out. when you arrive you are met by a staff member on a golf cart that takes you to your campsite"
from $30 - $78 / night
GuideGreat campsite. Fire pit, picnic table, swimming pool ( not open), miniature golf course, laundromat, bathrooms, showers, dump station, gathering areas for groups, playground, and even a horse area and stalls for horses. Dog friendly. Staff was very helpful and curious.
LegendWe spent a long weekend for walks in the woods, seeing the fall colors, and all around a huge lake.
What We Liked:
- Even though the sites are sloped, they’re huge. I like that a lot.
- This property is enormous. They have a marina on the lake, a wedding facility, conference center, lots of cabins which look pretty good, and tent sites in addition to the RV sites. Go say hi to the goats behind the store. The property is amazing!
- If you’re interested, it’s a 90-minute drive to the Flight 93 Memorial— well worth the trip!
Things to Keep in Mind:
- The roads getting there are like a roller coaster. This isn’t the resort’s fault, but something you need to know if you’re going there.
- The sites are sloped. Took several blocks to get even close to level. I may be spoiled, but I really appreciate a level site.
- No sewer connection. There’s a dump station available, but just know the sites are water and electric only.
Would We Return?
- Probably not. It’s not fun driving in that area and there’s nothing much to do in the area.
GuideWe booked two nights mid October not realizing that it's duck hunting season and that hunting is allowed RIGHT by the campground - with kids everywhere. We were jolted out of sleep at 5 am by gun fire right near our site. It kept up for the next hour. In addition, the bathrooms, although clean are in poor condition. Peeling paint everywhere with bare concrete in the showers. For such a pretty site, we had a miserable stay. We left after one night.
GuideWhere we were camping had blown up their dump station. Artillery Ridge helped us out. $10. to dump. If we come to camp in Gettysburg, it will be hear.
GuideYou just can't beat a pennsylvania park. This one is not an exception. Nice clean restroom, plenty of room. Now, what cost a star. Yes, it rained like hell. When we broke camp and go dump. The dump station was overflowing with sewer. Go to the guard shack to tell them, and find another site. None there. Can I go to an unused full hookup to dump? No! I would have to pay for the site. Two hours later, we found a place to dump for $10.
TravelerThere was no hot water in the showers. There are no dog poo stations. There is a dumpster marked “STAFF ONLY”. It’s nice they have a place to stuff the staff!
ScoutThis campground is nothing as stated in the reviews. And now I know why. The one review on here besides mine is from the owner. The bathrooms are not clean. I was told for Labor Day weekend I could stay for two nights had reserved and all. They then abruptly cancelled my reservation and took three days to respond and say I could have a different cabin and tent sight but would need to stay three nights because of the holiday. They also charged a cleaning for a service pet which is not legal. We then showed up and were the only people staying that weren’t seasonal site people and very not welcomed. The first comment made was here come the weekend warriors. We look at the cabin which was ironically filthy and covered in mouse poop yet we got charged a cleaning fee. The grass was not mowed the porter potty’s so gross bugs are crawling in the bottom. The camp store was closed during the car show they had and when we asked when it will be open they stated it will not. It was 1 pm on a Saturday. The reservation process was unorganized. The playground was not mowed or weed whacked and a slide is ratchet strapped together. I would not recommend this place to anyone.
ScoutTrip -week before labor day , temps 93 degrees, nothing on website when booked said about peak and non peak days on booking page. Said there were only 7 sites left(complete lie) campground was empty. First time we ever been to a place where EVERYTHING was closed. Campstore, jump pillow and the final straw was we went to go to the pool and that was closed. It was 545 pm sun still bright in the sky , nowhere near dusk( when its suppose to close) . So much conflicting info from what the paper we got handed vs what internet site said. Charged a resort fee ? for what a place to park? This is no resort. Grass was high enough to be seeding itself. My wife was so upset she was actually crying. This was supposed to be a fun trip for our da6ughter before going back to school. We decided this place over Buttonwood just because it was alittle closer. Did a full tour of the place. Realized there is nothing here. Went to dinner in town. Decided we didnt want to stay where we knew our Daughter would be bored. She's pretty easy to entertain but this was just ridiculous. 12 HOURS OF MY LIFE AND $400 BUCKS i will never get back. (Loading , driving , realizing we got screwed, driving, unloading) yup was pretty bad.
TravelerVery clean campgrounds with nice trails along the lake and the creek that feeds it! Plenty of space near swimming area and even a geocache to find!
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.
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.
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.
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."
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.
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."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Newville, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Newville, PA is Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground with a 4.1-star rating from 58 reviews.
What is the best site to find glamping camping near Newville, PA?
TheDyrt.com has all 41 glamping camping locations near Newville, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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