Best Campgrounds near Orrstown, PA
South-central Pennsylvania's forestland surrounding Orrstown offers camping options in the Appalachian Mountain foothills, with state parks and forests providing varied accommodation types. Caledonia State Park Campground, located near Fayetteville, provides tent, RV, and cabin sites within access to hiking trails including sections of the Appalachian Trail. Michaux State Forest offers free primitive camping with designated motorized sites requiring permits. Twin Bridge Campground in nearby Chambersburg features tent, RV, cabin, and glamping options along a creek, catering to families seeking more amenities.
Camping season typically runs from April through December across most facilities in the region, with some sites closing during deer hunting season in late fall. Most developed campgrounds operate seasonally, while Michaux State Forest offers some year-round options at designated parking lot sites. Permits are required for camping in state forests, though they are free and can be obtained online for motorized sites. Primitive backpacking sites in Michaux require no permit but must be at least one mile from trailheads with a one-night limit per site. Electric hookups are available at many state park campgrounds but absent from state forest sites. "Double check information before visiting," noted one camper, explaining that "some reviewers have confused nearby State Parks with the actual State Forest, resulting in inaccurate information."
Many visitors appreciate the family-friendly atmosphere at certain campgrounds in the region. Twin Bridge Campground receives consistently high ratings for its creek access and organized activities. A camper described it as "the campground to come to with kids! If you're looking for activities and fun and friendliness this is the spot." Conversely, state forest camping attracts those seeking more solitude and primitive experiences. Amenities vary significantly between locations, with state parks typically offering showers and flush toilets while forest sites provide minimal facilities. Fire regulations are strictly enforced throughout the region, with complete bans from March 1 to May 25 and during high fire danger periods in state forests. Cell service is inconsistent, particularly in more remote forest areas.
