Tent campsites near Orbisonia, Pennsylvania range from accessible drive-in options to remote boat-access sites along Raystown Lake. The area sits at elevations between 800-1,100 feet in the Ridge and Valley section of the Appalachian Mountains. Summer temperatures typically reach 80-85°F with cooler nights, while spring and fall provide milder temperatures with occasional frost.
What to do
Creek exploration: Long Acres on Clover Creek offers direct access to fishing and wading. A camper noted, "This campsite was absolutely perfect! The secluded area combined with the creek nearby made for a great escape from reality. Close access to state game lands and nearby hiking trails and fishing spots!"
Stargazing opportunities: Star Lee Farm features excellent night sky viewing conditions with minimal light pollution. "There's a huge field to star gaze as well as taking pictures," reports one visitor.
Honey Creek fishing: Reeds Gap State Park Campground provides access to Honey Creek with both native and stocked trout. A visitor shared, "The beautiful stream (Honey Creek) running through it might be the pearl for a fisherman (It has native and stocked trout)."
What campers like
Private waterfront sites: At Penn Roosevelt State Park Campground, many tent campers appreciate the secluded waterfront sites. One camper advised, "Get a site on the outside towards the water. They are spaced out and peaceful. Short walk to creek and beautiful pond."
Backcountry solitude: The region offers true disconnection opportunities. A Penn Roosevelt visitor mentioned, "Driving in I got a little worried I was getting lost, but I drove on. I arrived on a Wednesday evening. I had my pick of campsites, because I was the only person there!"
No-service retreats: For those wanting to unplug, several campgrounds offer limited connectivity. A Reeds Gap camper advised, "Put your phone away cuz there's no cell service here! Nice and peaceful with a dozen or so tent only sites."
What you should know
Seasonal water availability: Water systems at some campgrounds shut down during colder months. A Penn Roosevelt camper noted, "The water was off, but I was prepared to wilderness camp later in my trip so, that was no big deal."
Variable amenities: Facilities differ significantly between locations. At Nancy's Boat To Shore Campground, "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."
Limited supplies: Many campgrounds are remote with no nearby stores. A camper at Penn Roosevelt shared, "Make sure you bring everything you need as there isn't a store nearby."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Some locations offer recreation areas for children. A Reeds Gap visitor mentioned, "There's a nice creek that runs through it, picnic pavilions and a playground for the kids!"
Weekday visits: For a quieter experience with children, mid-week camping offers more privacy and space. At Nancy's Boat To Shore, "Some weekends get slightly loud because of college kids, but most are mindful of younger children if you ask them to keep it down."
Bee education opportunities: Long Acres on Clover Creek offers unique nature learning experiences. A Star Lee Farm visitor noted, "If you're a bee enthusiast they grow their own honey on the property and you're more than welcome to walk around and look at all the boxes."
Tips from RVers
Trailer access limitations: The best tent camping near Orbisonia, Pennsylvania often has challenging access for larger vehicles. A Penn Roosevelt camper warned, "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!"
Honor system payments: Some smaller tent campgrounds operate with self-registration. A Reeds Gap visitor shared, "Stayed here on a Sunday night without a reservation. We were the only ones there. Pay by honor system at the park office."
Site selection strategy: At Reeds Gap, "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. There's a creek along the outside and a nice easy hiking trail that follows it."
