Dogwood Acres Campground
Well run
The staff here are amazing. Quiet time is respected, clean campground. Will come again.
2 campgrounds with availability this weekend
Tent camping opportunities within 30-50 miles of Newville, Pennsylvania include several parks with dedicated tent sites. Reeds Gap State Park Campground offers a secluded tent-only camping experience with 14 sites situated along Honey Creek. Penn Roosevelt State Park provides primitive tent camping in a peaceful forest setting with sites available year-round. Lower Allen Community Park features a small number of tent sites positioned along Yellow Breeches Creek that require advance reservation through the township.
Most tent sites in the region include basic amenities like fire rings and picnic tables, though facilities vary considerably between locations. Penn Roosevelt State Park provides vault toilets but no showers, making it suitable for campers prepared for a more primitive experience. Reeds Gap offers more developed facilities with hot showers available in the campground bathroom. Several locations like Standing Stone Farm offer drive-in tent sites with fire rings but no toilets or water sources on site. Water access points are limited at many locations, requiring campers to bring sufficient supplies or plan for filtering creek water.
The tent camping experience around Newville rewards those seeking quieter natural settings. Many sites provide creek access, with Lower Allen Community Park specifically accommodating kayakers who can paddle to their campsites. For hikers, Annapolis Rock Campground along the Appalachian Trail offers tent sites approximately 2 miles from the nearest road access point. Sites at Penn Roosevelt State Park are particularly secluded, with one camper noting that "it was so secluded, I heard nothing but nature for over an hour before a plane flew over." Most tent campgrounds in the region remain uncrowded during weekdays, with visitors often reporting having their choice of sites, especially during shoulder seasons.
Campground full this weekend
from $25 - $50 / night
"The park is in the suburbs so it’s close to lots of things. They do lock the park at dusk though. They have portapotties, fire pits, and picnic tables."
from $10 - $25 / night
"Then I go find a deserted section and a picnic table and just sit down. Immediately I can feel every bit is stress or anxiety dissipate."
"Nice and peaceful with a dozen or so tent only sites. We got a nice one tucked back in the trees, but a few of them are pretty close to the road - not like it's terribly busy."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $22 / night
"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"
"We're so happy to welcome this new property to our platform. Check them out, and come back here to leave them some love."
"Beautiful primitive campground (tent only). Get a site on the outside towards the water. They are spaced out and peaceful. Has restrooms (no shower), picnic table, and fire pit at each site."
"The sites are tent only and pretty close together but some still feel secluded. Very accessible and the park has some good trails."
from $25 / night
"Annapolis Rock Campground is right off the Appalachian Trail just about 1/5 of a mile before Annapolis Rock overlook."
"great primitive campsite that has undergone major restorations and preventative measures to reverse the damage from huge camping crowds of the past. no fires, but there are two privies and a really nice"
"They are in an area of the lake that has a lot of boat traffic, the waterfront spots usually book a few weeks in advance and are in a wake zone. There is mooring along both sides of the campground."
Campground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $15 / night
from $40 - $50 / night
The staff here are amazing. Quiet time is respected, clean campground. Will come again.
Great 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.
We 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.
We 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.
Where 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.
You 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.
This pet friendly campground in Caledonia State Park is .8 miles from the larger Chinquapin campground (no pets), ranger station and swimming pool. Our site #171 was level, paved, full hook ups and next to modern clean bathrooms with flush toilets, warm showers and outside dish washing sinks. Many available sites with and without services on a Sunday in October. There were a good number of friendly, tidy, long term campers with large wall tents. (They allow 21 day stays after Labor Day)
This is a great camping spot. The sites aren’t too close together and the hosts are very friendly. The only reason I gave it four stars is because we are near a highway so you can hear cars throughout the night. But the crickets make up for it by being as loud as possible. With the fees, it cost $25 for a non-electric site and with access to showers after a long trek I was happy to pay.
The area is very nice and so are the people. The sites are clean and the livestock are a cool sight to see
Tent camping near Newville, Pennsylvania offers access to the Appalachian Mountains and quiet forest settings throughout central Pennsylvania. Most tent-specific campsites in the region sit at elevations between 1,000-1,700 feet, providing cooler summer temperatures than urban areas. Fall camping season typically extends through mid-October, with spring camping beginning in April when overnight temperatures consistently remain above 40°F.
Creek fishing opportunities: At Nancy's Boat To Shore Campground, campers can fish directly from their waterfront sites. "These campsites are accessible by boat ONLY! They are in an area of the lake that has a lot of boat traffic, the waterfront spots usually book a few weeks in advance and are in a wake zone," notes reviewer Kristen H.
Rock climbing access: The best tent camping near Newville includes options for climbers at Annapolis Rock Campground. "The best part is the Annapolis Rock cliffs. They offer beautiful views and all kinds of single pitch rock climbing! There are also two bear poles," explains Cory D. The climbing area is approximately 2 miles from parking.
Stargazing fields: STAR LEE FARM provides open fields perfect for astronomy enthusiasts. "Place was very pretty and secluded... There's a huge field to star gaze as well as taking pictures, lots of hiking and if you're a bee enthusiast they grow their own honey in the property," reports Tiana S.
Isolation from technology: The tent camping experience around Newville often includes limited connectivity. At Penn Roosevelt State Park Campground, Chuck M. notes the natural quiet: "It was so secluded, I heard nothing but nature for over an hour before a plane flew over."
Water-access camping: Sites near Newville provide unique boat-in camping opportunities. John H. recommends Nancy's Boat To Shore Campground: "This campground is accessed by boat only. But it has a maintenance road and is patrolled by college kids with summer jobs. Follow the rules and you will have a wonderful time."
Weekday solitude: Many tent sites remain uncrowded during weekdays, especially in shoulder seasons. "I arrived on a Wednesday evening. I had my pick of campsites, because I was the only person there!" reports Chuck M. about Penn Roosevelt State Park Campground.
Fire restrictions: Several campgrounds near Newville have strict fire policies. "No fires, but there are two privies and a really nice spring near the campsites," explains Cory D. about Annapolis Rock Campground. Always check current restrictions before planning your trip.
Limited services: Many tent sites have minimal facilities. At STAR LEE FARM, "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."
Spring water sources: Natural springs provide water at some sites instead of treated water stations. Bob S. notes about Annapolis Rock Campground: "Spring and compost outhouse. Great views. Been camping there for decades."
Short hikes to viewpoints: Some of the best tent camping near Newville connects to scenic overlooks. "Annapolis Rock Campground is right off the Appalachian Trail just about 1/5 of a mile before Annapolis Rock overlook," shares Teresa K. "The overlook at Annapolis Rock is glorious."
Frequently Asked Questions
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