Tent camping near Pequea, Pennsylvania centers around river valleys where the terrain drops from 900-foot plateaus to low-lying floodplains along the Susquehanna River. Summer temperatures typically range from 65Ā°F to 85Ā°F with higher humidity in July and August. The region's creek-side campsites remain popular for their natural cooling effect, with water temperatures in Mill Creek staying 10-15 degrees cooler than ambient air temperatures during summer months.
What to do
Hiking to river overlooks: At Susquehannock State Park Campground, trails lead to spectacular viewpoints. "There are lots of long scenic hiking trails down to Deer creek and to the Susquehanna River. 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," notes David G.
Wildlife observation: The Susquehanna River corridor offers excellent birdwatching opportunities. "The Susquehanna River...puts you up with the birds," shares Nick S. in his review, highlighting the elevated perspective that makes this area unique for nature enthusiasts.
Fishing: Hibernia County Park provides fishing opportunities suitable for children. "Great children's pond for 12 and under. Brandywine creek and Chambers Lake are there too," explains John Z. Access requires a Pennsylvania fishing license for anglers 16 and older.
What campers like
Creek-side cooling: Lancaster County Mill Creek Camping Area offers sites adjacent to a stream that provides natural air conditioning. According to Philip B., "The stream is refreshing and the site stays fairly cool. When it hits the high temperatures a quick dip in the water is amazing."
Spacious tent sites: Most tent areas offer enough room for multiple tents. "Campgrounds are spaced out large spaces for multiple tents, camping cost $25 a night flat rate, for up to 6 days," notes Meagan J., who also appreciated that "Campground will refund you if rain prevents your stay or allow you to rebook."
Tree coverage: Group Camp ā Ridley Creek State Park provides good shade for camping. David K. mentioned, "I go camping here almost every year and they a nice open field with two sites and two fire pits. They also have a tone of trails to hike on."
What you should know
Limited shower facilities: Most campgrounds in the area offer basic amenities without showers. At Hibernia County Park, "There are NO HOOKUPS, and water is not easy to come by if you are in an RV... There are only pit toilets in Fiddler's loop, however there is a bathroom with running water, flush toilets and electric outlets (no shower) within walking distance of the loop," explains Jennifer S.
Trail access complications: Public hiking trails often run through or near camping areas, which can affect privacy. One camper at Mill Creek noted, "Hikers take any trail instead of marked trails regardless of families camping in a private areas." This can be particularly disruptive in the mornings.
Weekend-only operations: Some county parks have limited availability. At Hibernia County Park, "This campground is only open on the weekends, in season. Sites can be reserved on line, by phone, or by 'first come, first served' self-registration."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Patapsco Valley State Park-Hilton Area offers excellent facilities for children. "It seem like this area is, possibly unintentionally, geared toward children. There is a massive playground, nature play space, sensory trail, and a small nature center," reports Sean M.
Kid-friendly water features: Shallow creek access points provide safe water play. Anna noted, "The lake is about a 3 minute hike down the clearly marked trails. Each site has a large picnic table and a fire ring with a built in grill. Plenty of firewood to be found. Great for families."
Weather considerations: Sites near creeks can be problematic during heavy rain. Alexandra T. warns, "One negative was that when it rains it really flushes through the grounds. We had a site on the lower end of the loop and our site was hard to set up as we arrived during a storm."
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup options: RV camping near Pequea requires preparation. Jennifer S. advises about Hibernia County Park: "Though at first glance the sites don't look big enough to house an RV, there are a few sites that will, including #3, #17 & #18 and plenty of sites will fit a small RV or pop up camper. They aren't level, but nothing a little creative positioning can't fix."
Water tank preparation: Most sites lack water hookups, requiring self-sufficiency. "If you are coming in an RV, you should come with a full water tank," notes a camper at Hibernia County Park, where spigots are limited to central locations.
Dump station absence: Plan for waste management as most local campgrounds lack dump stations. "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."
