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Best Campgrounds near Shippensburg, PA

874 Reviews

Several good camping spots surround the small town of Shippensburg, Pennsylvania, each with its own character. Cowans Gap State Park Campground has a lake where campers can fish or take out kayaks during their stay. Many hikers camp at Pine Grove Furnace State Park Campground because it sits right along the Appalachian Trail amid woods and hills. Caledonia State Park Campground combines hiking access with some interesting historical sites nearby. Most of these parks have basic restrooms, designated picnic spots, and some campsites with electricity for those who need it. Spring and fall bring the best camping weather to the area, with comfortable temperatures and colorful trees. Summer camping works too, though you'll want to grab a shady site to avoid the heat. Some parks keep sites open through winter, but they often reduce services during the cold months. It's always smart to call ahead about closures, especially in the off-season. The Shippensburg area works well for campers who like to mix outdoor activities with some local history.

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Best Camping Sites Near Shippensburg, Pennsylvania (154)

    1. Caledonia State Park Campground

    33 Reviews
    Fayetteville, PA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 352-2161

    $20 - $92 / night

    "Stayed here two nights while visiting Gettysburg (short 20mi drive between the two). Stayed on Chinquapin Hill, each site has picnic table and fire ring and good space for camp."

    "It’s a fantastic state park with great picnic areas next to the creek. You can also drive up the road to the dam where there’s a beautiful lake with fishing, kayaking, etc."

    2. Pine Grove Furnace State Park Campground

    25 Reviews
    Peach Glen, PA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 486-7174

    $20 - $43 / night

    "It’s at the midpoint of the Appalachian Trail so there are lots of great hikes as well as a nice path between the two lakes. Our new favorite in Pennsylvania!"

    "We were right at the intersection near the campground entrance and one of the other loops, but it wasn't noisy at all. The drinking water was right next to our site, which was handy."

    3. Gettysburg / Battlefield KOA

    26 Reviews
    Fairfield, PA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 642-5713

    "Spent 2 nights at Gettysburg KOA in July while touring Pennsylvania with granddaughter. Very convenient to historical stuff. Large sites, separated by rocks and trees. Quiet and private."

    "Our site was very spacious, beautifully landscaped and wooded, but right next to the road. There was a buffer of trees, but unfortunately that didn’t make much of a difference with regard to noise."

    4. Michaux State Forest

    6 Reviews
    Shippensburg, PA
    7 miles
    Website

    $10 / night

    "Some reviewers have confused nearby State Parks with the actual State Forest, resulting in inaccurate information."

    "Every January for the last few years some friends and I have gone and camped along the Appalachian Trail."

    5. Cowans Gap State Park Campground

    30 Reviews
    Fort Loudon, PA
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 485-3948

    $20 - $48 / night

    "Nestled in the mountains of Pennsylvania, this gem of a campground."

    "The bathroom is close by,has showers & is very clean. You can walk or ride a bike to the beach. The water is clean with sand on the bottom. Lakeside trail is short and easy."

    6. Gettysburg Campground

    25 Reviews
    Gettysburg, PA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 642-5713

    "I always appreciate the near solitude experience of this campground as 90% of the sites are RV sites, that are kept away from the tenting area."

    "If you’re looking for a backwoods, off-the-beaten-path type of campground, this isn’t it."

    7. North Michaux State Forest Campsites

    7 Reviews
    South Mountain, PA
    12 miles
    +1 (717) 352-2211

    $10 / night

    "Park at the lot off Shippensburg road and then hike SOBO a little less than a mile. Lots of nice sites along the creek before you cross the bridge. If you hit the AT shelter you’ve gone too far."

    "There's a parking area which fits several cars, and I actually counted 4 campsites there is immediate access to."

    8. Mountain Creek Camp Ground

    9 Reviews
    Peach Glen, PA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 486-7681

    "Campsites could be further apart and there's only one bathhouse and it's at the entrance."

    "Two bath houses, one near the entrance and one in the way back. May not be anything fancy or new, but they are clean. Staff needed to be reminded about activities scheduled during the week."

    9. Granite Hill Camping Resort

    16 Reviews
    Fairfield, PA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 642-8749

    "Great shade and access to the playground. You can let the kids play all day while sitting at your campsite cooking and just hanging. It’s only 15 yards for the play set."

    "Nice place to camp me and the wife was there July 4th weekend close to the pool"

    10. Twin Bridge Campground

    5 Reviews
    Chambersburg, PA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 369-2216

    $38 - $43 / night

    "This is a huge campground with mostly very large RVs situated on farmland. The sites varied. Some were in an open field, others by the stream with trees. We had Site C, which was right on the stream."

    "Our kids love the creek and playing in and around it.

    Some activities, playground, mini golf etc. but more of a relaxing campground."

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Recent Camping Photos near Shippensburg, PA

439 Photos of 154 Shippensburg Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Shippensburg, PA

874 Reviews of 154 Shippensburg Campgrounds

Guide to Shippensburg

Camping near Shippensburg, Pennsylvania, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a quiet retreat or a family-friendly adventure, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails at Caledonia State Park Campground. "The Appalachian trail runs right by it," said one camper, highlighting the great hiking opportunities.
  • Fishing and Swimming: At Cowans Gap State Park Campground, visitors enjoy kayaking and fishing. One reviewer mentioned, "We brought our kayaks and had a nice day paddling around the lake."
  • Historical Sites: The Gettysburg / Battlefield KOA is close to historic battlefields. A camper noted, "Just 15 minutes to historic sites, restaurants, and breweries."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness at Greenbrier State Park Campground. One visitor said, "The bath houses & sites are always clean, camp hosts are friendly."
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Many enjoy the peacefulness at Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground. A reviewer shared, "It was nice and quiet. Lots of birds singing, and owls at night."
  • Family-Friendly Activities: The Gettysburg Campground offers mini-golf and playgrounds. One family mentioned, "They have plenty of activities for the kids from swimming, mini golf, and a scavenger hunt!"

What you should know:

  • Site Sizes Vary: At Cunningham Falls State Park, some sites are smaller and closer together. A camper warned, "The campsites were relatively small, and close together."
  • Limited Cell Service: Many campgrounds, like Cowans Gap State Park Campground, have little to no cell service. One visitor noted, "We had no cell service with Cricket or Verizon."
  • Seasonal Access: Some campgrounds, such as Pine Grove Furnace State Park Campground, are only open from March to mid-December. A camper mentioned, "It's definitely off grid!"

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Kid-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places like Cunningham Falls State Park, which has a swimming lake that is great for small kids. A parent shared, "The roped-in part of the swimming lake only gets a few feet deep."
  • Plan for Activities: Make sure to bring games and outdoor activities. One family at Gettysburg Campground enjoyed the mini-golf and playgrounds.
  • Pack Snacks: Having snacks on hand can keep kids happy. A camper at Greenbrier State Park Campground mentioned, "There are also easy trails from the camping loops to the lake," perfect for a picnic.

Tips from RVers:

Camping near Shippensburg, Pennsylvania, has something for everyone, from quiet retreats to family fun. Make sure to check out these campgrounds for your next outdoor adventure!

Frequently Asked Questions

What campgrounds are available near Shippensburg, PA?

The Shippensburg area offers several excellent camping options. North Michaux State Forest Campsites provides primitive sites along a creek, accessible by hiking less than a mile from Shippensburg Road. For those seeking amenities, Twin Bridge Campground near Chambersburg is a short drive away. Other nearby options include Caledonia State Park Campground, Mountain Creek Camp Ground, and Campground Island - a unique spot completely surrounded by water. Most campgrounds in the region offer a mix of wooded sites, water access, and hiking opportunities, making the Shippensburg area a great base for exploring south-central Pennsylvania's outdoor attractions.

Are there any state parks with camping options near Shippensburg, PA?

Several state parks with camping facilities are located within driving distance of Shippensburg. Pine Grove Furnace State Park Campground offers numerous electric sites, updated bathrooms, and sits at the midpoint of the Appalachian Trail with great hiking opportunities and two lakes. Cowans Gap State Park Campground features spacious, shaded sites with a beautiful lake that's perfect for swimming, fishing, and boating. Additionally, Caledonia State Park Campground is nearby, offering drive-in sites with toilets and big-rig-friendly options. These state parks typically require reservations, especially during peak summer months.

What are the most affordable camping options around Shippensburg, PA?

For budget-conscious campers near Shippensburg, Michaux State Forest offers free primitive camping options with basic amenities. These sites provide an economical base for exploring the region's natural beauty. For those traveling in RVs, several overnight parking options exist, including Cracker Barrel — Mechanicsburg and The Home Depot in Lower Paxton, though these are intended for brief overnight stops rather than extended stays. If you're willing to drive a bit further, Campground Island offers reasonably priced sites with the unique experience of camping completely surrounded by water. Always check current rates and reservation requirements as fees may change seasonally.

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