Tent campsites near Orrstown, Pennsylvania offer options for primitive camping in wooded areas within Michaux State Forest at elevations ranging from 800 to 1,200 feet. The region experiences four distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F and winter temperatures commonly dropping below freezing. Most tent sites in this area sit on forested ridgelines that provide natural wind protection but remain susceptible to sudden weather changes typical of the Appalachian foothills.
What to do
Creek exploration: Reeds Gap State Park features Honey Creek, a small stream that runs through the camping area with native and stocked trout. One camper noted this water feature as something special: "There's a creek along the outside and a nice easy hiking trail that follows it."
Rock climbing: Annapolis Rock offers single pitch climbing opportunities on the natural cliff formations. According to one visitor, "The best part is the Annapolis Rock cliffs. They offer beautiful views and all kinds of single pitch rock climbing!" This backcountry location requires a moderate 2+ mile hike from Route 40.
Boating and water activities: Raystown Lake provides boat-in camping at Nancy's Boat to Shore Campground where sites are "accessible by boat ONLY!" One review notes the "area of the lake that has a lot of boat traffic," making it popular for water-based recreation. The waterfront sites typically book several weeks in advance during summer months.
What campers like
Disconnected camping experience: Many tent sites in the region offer limited or no cell service, creating a true escape. At Reeds Gap State Park, campers advise to "Put your phone away cuz there's no cell service here!" This isolation appeals to those seeking a break from technology in a "nice and peaceful" setting with "a dozen or so tent only sites."
Primitive riverside locations: Sites along the Potomac River at Antietam Creek Campground provide direct water access. A camper described it as a "Small campground with a pit toilet right on the Potomac river picnic table and fire ring with a few nice trees throughout the camp area." Another mentioned how "It is nice being on the water."
Stargazing opportunities: Open fields at some campgrounds provide excellent night sky viewing. As one camper at Star Lee Farm observed, "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."
What you should know
Site access limitations: Many camping areas require equipment to be carried from parking areas. At Antietam Creek, "you have to park on the road and carry all your stuff across a bridge and down the path to your site. Could be a very far walk." Another camper noted the setup is "weird with respect to parking—as you have to park on the opposite side of the canal and walk to your campsite."
Bathroom conditions vary significantly: Facilities range from well-maintained shower houses to basic pit toilets. One camper at Opequon Junction noted the lack of facilities at this primitive site, while another at Antietam Creek reported: "The one thing we had to complain about were the bathrooms. When we got there, they were okay, but by the 3rd night they were really gross."
Seasonal operations: Several camping areas close during winter months. Reeds Gap State Park operates from "2nd Friday in April to 2nd Sunday in October," while Antietam Creek Campground runs from May through October. Winter camping options are limited to year-round backcountry sites on public lands.
Tips for camping with families
Choose locations with playground access: Some campgrounds offer play equipment for children. Reeds Gap State Park provides "picnic pavilions and a playground for the kids!" as one visitor mentioned, though they noted "They used to have a swimming pool but they removed it a few years ago."
Consider site privacy levels: Many campgrounds have varying degrees of separation between sites. At Dahlgren Backpacker Campground, sites are arranged as "a large grassy area to pitch tents" without designated boundaries. Another camper noted these open-field arrangements can leave sites "very open" where "people are constantly walking, running, and biking by."
Check water source reliability: Not all campgrounds have convenient drinking water. Some like Antietam Creek require campers to bring their own water or use pumps that may be some distance from campsites. At Dahlgren, a visitor appreciated the "year-round water source" as a notable amenity.
Tips from RVers
Limited RV options in immediate area: Most tent campsites near Orrstown are designed for tent camping only. Lower Allen Community Park offers sites for small recreational vehicles but lacks hookups. One visitor noted: "Cute site in a local township park that not many people know about. There actually three total. You just need to call the township to reserve."
