The Dyrt – find campgrounds for tents, RVs, cabins, glamping and more.
Open in App

Best Campgrounds near Loysville, PA

836 Reviews

Campgrounds surrounding Loysville, Pennsylvania offer a diverse mix of developed camping in the rolling Appalachian foothills. Paradise Stream Family Campground in Loysville serves as a central hub for visitors seeking tent sites, RV hookups, cabin rentals, and glamping accommodations. Several nearby state parks including Colonel Denning, Little Buffalo, and Fowlers Hollow expand camping options within a 20-mile radius, providing both primitive and electric sites across forested terrain.

The camping season typically runs from April through late October in most facilities, with state parks like Pine Grove Furnace remaining open until mid-December. Advance reservations are strongly recommended for weekend stays during summer months when facilities reach capacity. Sites at Paradise Stream Family Campground feature electric hookups, fire rings, and picnic tables, while several state parks offer more rustic options with vault toilets rather than shower facilities. Colonel Denning State Park includes walk-in tent sites requiring short hikes from parking areas. As one camper noted, "Walk-in sites have picnic tables and fire rings. Tent pads are level and smooth. Showers and restrooms are close to sites."

Many campgrounds in this region maintain family-oriented environments with amenities like swimming pools, fishing ponds, and hiking trails. Paradise Stream Family Campground consistently receives praise for its maintenance and activities. According to visitor feedback, "The sites were spacious, everything was clean and well kept. The staff was SO nice! It was also a gated entrance which was nice." Colonel Denning State Park offers more secluded experiences, with a camper describing it as "a very quiet and small campground. We love the dog-friendly sites near the water." Most facilities provide a mix of open and wooded sites, with premium spots featuring additional amenities like gas grills or creek access. Bathroom facilities generally receive positive reviews for cleanliness, particularly at state parks where recent renovations have improved infrastructure.

Map showing campgrounds near Loysville, PennsylvaniaExplore the Map

Best Camping Sites Near Loysville, Pennsylvania (146)

    1. Little Buffalo State Park Campground

    18 Reviews
    New Bloomfield, PA
    10 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."

    2. Buttonwood Campground

    14 Reviews
    Mifflintown, PA
    12 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. "

    3. Paradise Stream Family Campground

    6 Reviews
    Blain, PA
    5 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."

    4. Colonel Denning State Park Campground

    7 Reviews
    Blain, PA
    7 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."

    5. 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."

    6. Pine Grove Furnace State Park Campground

    25 Reviews
    Peach Glen, PA
    23 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. Free Spirit Campground

    1 Review
    Loysville, PA
    5 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."

    8. Fowlers Hollow State Park Campground

    5 Reviews
    New Germantown, PA
    14 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."

    9. Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground

    56 Reviews
    Wellsville, PA
    31 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 292-4112

    $20 - $89 / night

    "We have a small camper and there are some great sites on the lake side to park it where you can get AMAZING sunset views.  "

    "We had site 108 which is an electric site along the shore and close to the beach, and it was perfect for our needs. "

    10. Riverfront Campground

    4 Reviews
    Duncannon, PA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 834-5252

    "Great river front location! Could be a bit muddy depending on the river. The train does run right near all night long, but I find it soothing. Bath houses are a bit rough, hence the 4 stars."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 146 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win

Loysville Contest

Enter to Win

Recent Camping Photos near Loysville, PA

422 Photos of 146 Loysville Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Loysville, PA

836 Reviews of 146 Loysville Campgrounds

  • tThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 5, 2025

    Stoevers Dam Park

    Park is closed. We were kicked out.

    LThe park is a beautiful city park. There are 7 small, level, back-in sites with electric, a picnic table and fire pit. We arrived in a Sunday and you have to call for a permit, but the office is only open on M-F during working hours. At 8 pm, a police officer told us the park was closed because of a bear, but that they had not gotten around to putting up signs. Wound up in a Walmart instead.

  • Brian C.
    Sep. 17, 2025

    Cowans Gap State Park Campground

    Solid State Park Camping

    Stayed in a walk-in tent site. Much better spacing than typical sites, though sites 2 & 3 were basically connected. The non-walk in sites in Loop B are typical to smaller than average and mostly suited for campers/RVs.

    Pros : Site spacing/privacy was good Bathrooms and showers were clean. Firewood available at the park ($5 for 6 pieces self-serve). Location near the dam and lake trail is nice. Cell service was limited, but had reliable (but low) signal with T-Mobile at my site. Easy access (on foot) to all of the hiking trails.

    Cons: The tent pads could use some leveling and there was some trash around the site. The major negative was generator noise coming from the facility just beyond the dam. Droning generator noise was on/off at all hours of the day and went on until 10pm in the evening. Not sure how far up in Loop B this was heard, but it was pretty loud in the walk-in site area.

  • Marcandpatti B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 11, 2025

    Gettysburg Campground

    Good spot for Gettysburg, a bit spendy.

    We stayed here mid-week in September so it was very quiet. There was a bit of road noise as our site was close to the entrance. Host was super friendly. They have a bunch of things going on with groups that stay here; next group is quilters with vintage trailers, sorry to miss that. All of the utilities worked just fine. Sites re a bit close to each other, not a lot of foliage between sites.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 9, 2025

    Artillery Ridge Campground

    Great location and friendly staff

    We have a motorhome with no additional vehicle and two dogs, and this site couldn’t have been more perfect for us. 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. The staff was super friendly and welcoming.

  • p
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Artillery Ridge Campground

    Rv stay

    Site and bathrooms clean. Activities provided free each day. Food trucks in park. Close to museum and battleground sites.

  • 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.

  • SkywaystoHighways.com Y.The 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.

Guide to Loysville

Camping near Loysville, Pennsylvania, offers a mix of beautiful nature and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a family adventure, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails at Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground. One camper mentioned, "We love this park… it's one of our favorites!" The park has scenic views and plenty of paths to wander.
  • Fishing and Swimming: At Susquehannock, you can enjoy fishing and swimming in Raystown Lake. A visitor noted, "Raystown lake is incredible for fishing and swimming."
  • Animal Encounters: Visit Thousand Trails Gettysburg Farm for a unique experience with farm animals. One family shared, "The sounds of the farm animals all around was fun and amusing for us."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A reviewer from Caledonia State Park Campground said, "The restrooms at this park, while they are older, they are clean and pretty much in good order."
  • Spacious Sites: Many campers enjoy the spaciousness of the sites. A visitor at Pine Grove Furnace State Park Campground mentioned, "The sites are nicely spaced except for a few that are tucked into a few odd-shaped places."
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Campgrounds like Buttonwood Campground are great for families. One grandparent shared, "My grandkids had a blast. My granddaughter said Buttonwood is the best campground."

What you should know:

  • No Alcohol Policies: Some campgrounds, like Little Buffalo State Park Campground, have strict no alcohol policies. A camper noted, "Rangers are on site a lot and enforce the no alcohol policy."
  • Limited Cell Service: Be prepared for spotty cell service in areas like Michaux State Forest. One visitor mentioned, "If you are planning to use your cellphone at this one, probably not going to happen."
  • Check Site Conditions: Some sites may not be level, so it's good to check before setting up. A camper at Caledonia State Park Campground advised, "Sites were close together, some more level than others."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Activities for Kids: Look for campgrounds with activities like mini-golf and playgrounds. At Hersheypark Camping Resort, one parent said, "The campground had two pools and a child’s pool."
  • Plan for Meals: Bring easy-to-cook meals or snacks. A visitor at Buttonwood Campground mentioned, "There’s a ton of activities for the kids."
  • Safety First: Always supervise kids near water. A camper at Susquehannock noted, "The spots are small though and the fire ring for spot 4 is right next to where you park your car."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Hookups: Make sure your site has the right hookups for your RV. A reviewer at Caledonia State Park Campground mentioned, "I would give my site an 8. It would be a 10 if the utilities were closer to the back of the site."
  • Arrive Early: Get to your campground early to secure a good spot. A camper at Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground shared, "We camped in a tent. It was nice and quiet."
  • Level Your RV: Some sites may require leveling your RV. A visitor at Pine Grove Furnace State Park Campground noted, "Sites were gravel and some weren’t level front to back."

Camping near Loysville, Pennsylvania, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Loysville, PA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Loysville, PA is Little Buffalo State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 18 reviews.

Keep Exploring