Tent camping near Parkesburg, Pennsylvania offers easy access to multiple Lancaster County parks with primitive sites. The region sits within the Piedmont Plateau at elevations around 545 feet, creating moderate hiking challenges at some campgrounds. Summer temperatures typically range between 70-85°F, making creek-side camping particularly appealing during warmer months.
What to do
Hiking along water features: Susquehannock State Park Campground has trails with varying difficulty levels leading to scenic viewpoints. One camper noted, "There are lots of long scenic hiking trails down to Deer creek and to the Susquehanna River." Another mentioned "There's a great bike trail to the Conowingo dam which is a nice place to visit, and a great place to see lots of eagles."
Fishing opportunities: Several local parks offer fishing access for various species. At Evansburg State Park Campground, a visitor shared, "I caught a beautiful Brown Trout here a few weeks ago! Great park. You need a license to fish, and if you plan on catching Trout you need the Trout endorsement on the fishing licence, currently $9.90."
Trail exploration with children: Parks within 20 miles of Parkesburg have family-friendly hiking options. According to a visitor at Group Camp — Ridley Creek State Park, "Easy hike. We found a lot of really unique sites around the park. Will keep going back." Another visitor mentioned, "well marked trails great for hiking. pet friendly! we love walking here with our dog."
What campers like
Creek-side tent sites: The sound of running water creates a pleasant camping atmosphere at some locations. At Mill Creek Camping Area, a camper shared, "Campsite for where we stayed is down by the creek making for a cooler camping experience and love the sound of water flowing at night."
Wooded camping areas: Tree cover varies between campgrounds, with some offering more secluded experiences. A camper at Hibernia County Park noted, "We LOVE this campground. It's tiny (19 sites in Fiddlers loop), it's quiet, it's heavily wooded. There is NOTHING to do except walk or bike the beautiful trails, spend time on Chamber's Lake, spend time in the hammock and stare at the fire."
Low-cost camping options: Budget-friendly tent camping is available throughout the region. At Hibernia County Park Lake Campground, a camper mentioned, "Inexpensive $15 a night, but you only get picnic table and fire ring. No hook ups. Great children's pond for 12 and under. Brandywine creek and Chambers Lake are there too."
What you should know
Public trail access through campsites: Some campgrounds have trails that intersect or pass directly through camping areas. At Lancaster County Mill Creek Camping Area, a camper reported, "The site is public access and there are lots of hikes, joggers, and people expecting you not to be camping. I was woke up every morning by people walking through the site but the conversation were friendly and pleasant."
Limited water access: Many campgrounds have centralized water sources rather than individual site hookups. A visitor to Hibernia County Park noted, "There are NO HOOKUPS, and water is not easy to come by if you are in an RV. If you are coming in an RV, you should come with a full water tank. There is one spigot at the 'bathroom'."
Variable bathroom facilities: Toilet facilities vary significantly between parks. At Deep Creek Campground at Green Lane Park, a visitor noted, "Bathrooms however are nice and clean with plenty of them around the park." In contrast, at other locations, only pit toilets may be available.
Tips for camping with families
Dedicated children's fishing areas: Some parks offer specially designated areas for young anglers. A visitor to Hibernia County Park shared, "We loved the lake campground. My kids are age 3-12. Great children's pond for 12 and under."
Playground access: Several parks include playground facilities near camping areas. According to a camper at Hibernia, "Great playground," making it suitable for families with young children needing recreational options beyond hiking.
Privacy considerations: Some campgrounds offer more secluded sites than others. At Susquehannock State Park Campground, a visitor mentioned, "The camping area is small but worth it. a short walk from the scenic overlooks and other hiking trails," providing a quieter experience for families.
Tips from RVers
Site size limitations: Many campgrounds near Parkesburg have size restrictions for RVs. A camper at Hibernia County Park explained, "Most sites are heavily wooded which means plenty of hammock hanging opportunities. The sites are mostly grass, and not very well defined which means the distance between you and your neighbor can vary depending on how you set up camp... there are a few sites that will, including #3, #17 & #18 and plenty of sites will fit a small RV or pop up camper."
Leveling challenges: Tent campers and RVers alike should be prepared for uneven terrain. A reviewer noted about Hibernia County Park, "They aren't level, but nothing a little creative positioning can't fix," suggesting bringing leveling blocks for RVs or selecting tent placement carefully.
Limited dump facilities: The area lacks convenient dump stations for RVs. A camper warned about Hibernia County Park, "There is NO DUMP STATION. There are a few nearby campgrounds that will let you dump for a fee, otherwise, you'll have to look for a truck stop on the way home."
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