Tent camping near Quarryville, Pennsylvania offers diverse terrain with forested sites located in the piedmont region where the Appalachian foothills transition to the coastal plain. Sites typically sit at elevations between 300-600 feet, creating microclimates that affect campground temperatures and conditions. Most campgrounds in southeastern Pennsylvania remain open from April through October, closing during winter months due to freezing conditions and limited maintenance.
What to do
Hiking with views: At Susquehannock State Park Campground, multiple trails offer various difficulty levels. A camper noted, "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."
Historic exploration: Visit the restored mill at Susquehannock State Park for a glimpse of regional history. "There's a working, renovated mill and home at the river also," explains one visitor who appreciated the cultural aspects beyond natural features.
Fishing opportunities: Hibernia County Park offers dedicated fishing areas for younger campers. "Great children's pond for 12 and under. Brandywine creek and Chambers Lake are there too," shares a recent visitor who rated their experience highly.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Lancaster County Mill Creek Camping Area provides generously sized tent areas. "Campgrounds are spaced out large spaces for multiple tents, camping cost $25 a night flat rate, for up to 6 days," reports one visitor who appreciated the layout.
Water features: Many campers value the cooling effects of nearby creeks. One camper at Mill Creek noted, "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."
Reliable reservations: Several campgrounds offer flexible booking policies. A Mill Creek camper mentioned, "Campground will refund you if rain prevents your stay or allow you to rebook," highlighting the customer-friendly approach to weather disruptions.
What you should know
Trail traffic: Hikers frequently pass through camping areas on established paths. A camper at Lancaster County Mill Creek observed, "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."
Varied bathroom facilities: Ridley Creek State Park offers group camping with limited facilities. A regular visitor notes, "There is only group tenting here," which affects availability for individual campers seeking overnight stays.
Seasonal limitations: Most campgrounds operate during specific periods. Hibernia County Park is "only open on the weekends, in season," according to experienced campers, with reservations available online through the Chester County website.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Hibernia County Park features recreational facilities for children. A family camper shared, "We loved the lake campground. My kids are age 3-12. The park ranger this weekend was the nicest and very helpful with directions to walk to the playground and indoor restrooms."
Loop selection matters: Choose your camping loop carefully at Hibernia. "This campground has 2 small loops, the Lake Loop and the Fiddler's Loop. Lake loop is the bigger of the two, however the 'sites' are smaller and it's more open," advises a regular visitor who prefers the more wooded Fiddler's loop.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Blackbird State Forest Campground offers nature observation within a short drive of Quarryville. "There are plenty of hiking trails in the state forest, complete with mushrooms, and deer-hunting-stands," notes one visitor who recommends bringing mosquito repellent.
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup options: RVers face significant constraints near Quarryville. An experienced camper at Hibernia County Park cautions, "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."
Dump station availability: Plan ahead for waste disposal. "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," advises a Hibernia County Park camper.
Site positioning techniques: Uneven terrain requires adaptability. As one RV camper at Hibernia County Park explains, "The sites aren't level, but nothing a little creative positioning can't fix," referring to specific sites that accommodate larger vehicles despite initial appearances.
