Looking to go glamping near Shippensburg and enjoy a rustic retreat into nature? Glamping near Shippensburg, PA is a great way to go camping with the tastes of home. The Dyrt makes it easy to find glamping for your Shippensburg adventure.
$15 - $130 / night
Cowans Gap State Park is a diverse landscape nestled within the scenic Allens Valley of Fulton County. Campers come to enjoy the park’s 1,085 acres which offer a large lake, a full-size campground, provincial lodges, and many climbing trails throughout. Aside from the attractions, Buchanan State Forest encompasses the park, offering up fun and beauty regardless of the season. Open every day of the year, the park is a great place to visit for day-trip recreation. That said, if planning to camp here you’ll want to prepare in advance as campsite availability changes by the season.
One of the unique offerings that Cowans Gap features is a number of environmental educational programs for the local public. These programs serve to help the pubic, especially the youth, foster a sense of responsibility for the nature that surrounds them every day. There are guided walks, hands-on activities, and even evening programs for those up to it.
Aside from the educational opportunities, Cowans Gap is also right in the center of over 71,000+ acres of protected land thanks to Buchanan State Forest. There are 19 tracts of forest which occupy the acreage, showcasing numerous ravines, gulches, and brooks as well as groves of pine, hemlock, and maple.
Subsequently, this wild and rugged backdrop attracts hikers, campers, fishers, and outdoor enthusiasts from all over. A number of state game lands located nearby are also popular visiting places for season hunters looking to bag an elk or other large game.
Within the campground itself, there’s a variety of fun activities to get in on. During the winter, the park lake freezes making it perfect for ice-fishing and other winter fun. There’s also a maintained skating rink, so you can even come and ice-skate or play a quick game of hockey.
It’s during the warmer months however that Cowans Gap state park really starts to shine. Once the lake unfreezes, campers flock for kayaking, canoeing, and pedal boating. The campground itself starts to bustle as children and families visit the local volleyball courts, and check out the nearby trails on Horseback. The lake offers a sandy beach area to recreate, as well as a pier for fishers to get easier access to deep water.
Campsites are fully serviced here, and spacious enough to accommodate most families. There are restrooms available throughout the park, and a full-service concession stand for firewood and other conveniences. There are also cabins available for rental, but like most parks be sure to plan ahead as they tend to fill up quick.
$29 / night
Located just 3 miles West of the center of town, our Gettysburg Campground is bordered by beautiful Marsh Creek, with both shady or sunny RV sites, and a primitive tent area along the creek. We offer 260 sites, accommodating everything from a tent to literally any size RV. Gettysburg Campground is also the only campground in Gettysburg with an on-site RV repair facility. We also have rustic cabins and full-facility cottages
Welcome to Artillery Ridge Campground! Located upon the very grounds of the Union Artillery Reserve, we are conveniently located within walking distance to Gettysburg Battlefield trails, museums, & monuments. We offer a variety of full hook up RV sites and tent camping. No gear, no problem! Relax in one of our themed cabins. We are also the only campground in Gettysburg, PA with overnight accommodations for horses. Known for our long-standing relationships with camping tourists, families and groups, come see why it’s going to be a great time camping with us!
$21 - $65 / night
The 3,500-acre Codorus State Park is in the rolling hills of southern York County.
The 1,275-acre Lake Marburg has 26 miles of shoreline and is a rest stop for migrating waterfowl and shorebirds. The lake is also popular with sail and motor boaters.
Anglers love the lake for warmwater fishing and can also fish Codorus Creek for trout.
Picnicking, swimming in the pool, and camping are popular activities.
$4 - $19 / night
Whether you come to relax, delve into Civil War History, or enjoy the great outdoors, you will discover a fun family vacation experience at Granite Hill Camping Resort and Adventure Golf. Full amenities in the bright sunshine and forested seclusion in the tall trees are equally accessible. Our scenic 150-acre Civil War-era farm is graced with a perfect mix of woodlands, tree-dotted meadows, and grassy rolling hills. Regardless of your definition of camping, you will always find precisely what you need at Granite Hill.
At Granite Hill Camping Resort we offer over 300 private camping sites. Our accommodations include tent sites, pull-thru RV sites and rustic camping cabins in a wooded setting. We can also accommodate your groups and rallies, inquire today.
$23 - $29 / night
Gettysburg Battlefield Resort is conveniently located near the towns of Hershey and Lancaster, Pennsylvania and is only an hour and a half away from Washington, DC and located on the southern edge of the most famous battlefield in civil war history. Take a trip through the Appalachian Trail or visit the Soldier’s National Monument near the location where President Lincoln gave his historic Gettysburg Address.
Located on the southern edge of the most famous battlefield in civil war history, visitors to Gettysburg Battlefield Resort can walk through time to explore the battlefield as it once was. Visitors can also experience the historic town of Gettysburg and witness the beauty of the Pennsylvania countryside that surrounds them.
Gettysburg Battlefield Resort offers a bass stocked lake for fishing and paddle boating, updated facilities, scheduled activities for the entire family, as well as live Civil War Reenactment Weekends.
Gettysburg Battlefield Resort is also conveniently located to other popular and historic destinations and attractions. Hike parts of the Appalachian Trail or spend time at the Soldier’s National Monument where President Lincoln delivered his famous Gettysburg Address. Travel the short distance to the “Sweetest Place on Earth” in Hershey, Pennsylvania, explore the heart of Dutch Country in Lancaster, or take an hour and a half drive to Washington DC to visit our nation’s capital.
Whether you are part-time or full-time traveler, Gettysburg Battlefield Resort is a RV campground you will want to stay at to make the most out of your visit to historic Gettysburg, Pennsylvania.
$55 - $115 / night
Scout
Great getaway campground for some camping or glamping fun! So much to do here including swimming on the beach or at the water park, mountain biking, boating, hiking, and enjoying the beautiful lake!
Spend many many weekends here as a child and so glad to go back as an adult!
Guide
We stayed in the Bear Branch Loop of the William Houch Camping Area. This is a lovely area if you're a beginner camper or just looking for the glamping experience. The sites are small and not very private but are well defined. It's very clear where to park, set up the tent etc. The park itself is very scenic with nice hiking trails and a lake to enjoy. I was there in the fall so didn't go out on the water but can imagine it would be popular during the warmer months.
Traveler
We have camped here several times and love the waterfront sites and the yurts.
TravelerIf tenting, be sure to check tent on reservation request. Some spots are too narrow for tenting. Cabins are mainly across lake from campground. Only 2 yurts. Two day use areas. Two swimming areas- one for day use, one just for campers!
GuideOverall: 3.5
Bathrooms: 1
This state park offered campsites with full amenities (water, electric, sewer), water & electric, water, or primitive. Also had designated areas for camping with or without pets. We had a water site that was an end spot with the lake directly behind us- #316. We have a teardrop trailer (T@G XL). Spot was a quick walk to the bathrooms.
Campground offers hiking trails, kayaking, boat launches, playground, cabins, and yurts. Lake was beautiful and grounds offered many trails of different distances for both hiking and biking.
Bathrooms: Had automatic lights that went on at dark. Problem is that it was dark in the bathrooms and there was no way to turn the lights on. Bathrooms were extremely run down. Paint peeling off the ceiling, showers so stained - not sure if dirt or permanent mold. Showers were scary - I am no princess but did not take a shower in there. They received a 1 because it was a flushable toilet.
Would go back to enjoy the campground but would bring the solar shower. beautiful birds were everywhere and if it wasn’t so cold when we were there (38’ in evening) I am sure we would have seen more wildlife.
LegendWe stayed in July on site 235. When we arrived, our first thought was “Wow, these sites are narrow!” Fortunately, backing in was fairly easy. Some sites would’ve been more difficult. Site pads are 25’-55’. Most sites had room for just one vehicle. Overflow parking was in the front of the campground. We had an electric site. The entire campground has non-electric, electric, and full hookup mixed throughout the campground. There are ADA sites in B loop that were a bit close to neighbors and directly across from bathhouse but in direct sunshine. There are designated dog sites in B loop/area. Some sites do have a lake view and possible access, it was hard to tell. The non electric sites had a parking pad and then for many you walked into the woods to the tent and fire pit area. There were cabins and yurts available too. The dump station had 2 dumps and was wide open when we left on a Sunday at 12:00. Surprisingly! Check out time is 3:00pm. Bathhouses had 3-4 shower stalls and 2-3 stalls. Good water pressure and temperature and clean. There are several spread around the loops. There was a Sunday service that was packed full. Check in was easy, there was none. Just drive to your site. Swimming was prohibited due to low water level but kayaks and canoes were allowed. No fishing also due to low water level in the lake. The beach area was very nice with a concession building and large bathhouse. It wasn’t open due to no swimming right now. There was another beach area at a boat launch in one of the loops. There are a lot of boat launches around the lake, which is large. There are several hiking trails; Lakeside, Oak, and Old Farm Trails go through the camp area. They are multi-use (ski, hike, & bike). There is a playground and volleyball pit area. You can also find group camping areas. This campground is open mid-April to late October. We had a great short trip here but are planning to return in the fall months.
LegendGifford Pinchot is one of the largest state park campgrounds (339 campsites) in PA with a lot of different types of camping available: tent sites, RV sites, group camping, yurts / camping cottages / cabins, and everything in between. We had site 108 which is an electric site along the shore and close to the beach, and it was perfect for our needs. It has a small beach area within the campground loop that we camped in, but the main beach is on the other side of the large Pinchot Lake. The bathhouses / restrooms are clean (about average for PA state park system) and the campground has a very friendly atmosphere - we really enjoyed our stay.
The state park itself has a LOT to offer, especially in the two main day use areas: the Conewago day use area on the south side of the lake and the Quaker Race day use area on the north side of the lake. Both areas have great access for fishing (bring your license! the rangers in this park check), and we caught a handful of bass and an absurd amount of bluegill from shore. Both areas also have their own 18 hole disc golf course, but I will say: BEWARE of poison ivy!! We played the first 10 holes around the Conewago day use area and I was shocked at how much poison ivy we had to dodge all over the prime walking areas through the course. The course in the Conewago area is relatively flat, whereas the Quaker Race course is built into the side of the hill leading into the QR day use area, so it is a lot more wooded and hillier. I took an early morning hike on the 8.5 mile Lakeside Trail that goes around the lake and it was really awesome to see the lake from all different angles. I also hiked / jogged the Quaker Race Trail and that was nice, too, but obviously much less maintained - it was a little confusing at times as it actually crossed the disc golf course in that area multiple times and it was not well blazed. The LARGE beach area in the QR day use area is one of the nicest I've ever seen at a PA state park, with tons of picnic tables with grills, a playground, a volleyball court, and a special fence solution to keep the stupid geese out of the water in the swimming area. There is also a nice concession area to grab some food, ice cream, and drinks that the kids appreciated.
We also did some hiking and fishing nearby in the Boiling Springs / Dillsburg area, and I would recommend checking that area out if you like either. Yellow Breeches is well known among flyfisherman (bring your waders), and TCO Outdoors on the main drag in Boiling Springs has all the fly patterns and knowledge you could want for the area. Before fishing, we hiked the White Rocks Trail a few miles outside of town, and it was a ton of fun with some cool rock scrambles. It hooks up with the AT going through the area if you want to extend the hike. This area (central PA in general) tends to have a lot of rattlesnakes, and we spotted one about 20 feet off the trail in a downed wood pile - cool, but a little terrifying!
Overall, we really loved the campground and this area and will definitely be back.
LegendSite Details: We stayed in the Dragonfly camping cottage (quick weekend trip without the husband, and I’m not quite up for towing and setting up the popup by myself with 3 kids!). It was a standard rustic-type state park cabin, with one double bed, one single twin bunk, and one regular set of bunk beds, so it sleeps 5-6 comfortably. There was also a sturdy dining room table with chairs and an oscillating fan inside. Electricity/lights and heat, but no AC. Very clean inside. The cabin also had a really nice front porch, picnic table, and fire ring, and was situated with a beautiful lake view. The area we were in contained both rustic cabins and yurts (which looked really neat).
Facilities/Overall Park: Multiple bath houses were scattered among various loops, and each one we visited was very old, dim and drab, but they were also spacious and reasonably clean. Showers all had old rust and water stains. However, it was nice that there were so many of them, because this is a very large state park with multiple camping loops. Most tent and basic RV sites were shaded and private, while the newer FHU sites were more open (but still nicely spaced). Hosts and rangers were nice, but not very helpful or proactive when they needed to correct a reservation mistake they made (but it worked out in the end). There is a beautiful lake with a really nice day area in the center of the park, with a great playground and concession stand. The lake is popular for fishing and swimming, although there is oddly no sand beach; swimmers just entered the water straight from the grass.
Surrounding Area/Attractions: Not much going on in the immediate vicinity, but Harrisburg, Amish country, and Hershey are all doable day trips from the park. We were here just for the Hershey RV show, and it was an easy 40-minute drive.
Overall, this was a very pretty park with site options for every type of camper, but certain elements are in need of updating. I don’t think I’d go out of my way to make this park a destination, but it’s a nice option as a base camp for visiting the RV show or other attractions (with a much cheaper price tag than the private CGs closer to the action).
Guide
Nestled in the mountains of Pennsylvania, this gem of a campground.
There is a beautiful lake across the road from camping area, which consists of; a very nice hiking trail the whole way around,
boating, fishing,swimming & in season concession stand.
Also, many hiking trails.
Scout
This campground is located on the east side of Pennsylvania and offers a beautiful view of Lake Raystown. The campground has over 200 sites to choose from, and many of them are right on the water. There are also plenty of activities to keep you busy, including swimming, fishing, kayaking, and canoeing and my favorite thing to do Mt Biking. Raystown lake is also a really nice boating lake. The lake is a natural beauty with so many coves and inlets for the biggest of boats to enjoy. They do have a camping resort on the other side of the lake which makes it nice for anyone looking for rustic cabins or cabin rentals.
There are 50 miles of single track mountain biking at this campground. They are some of the best flow trails on the East coast and are the# 1 trail system in Pennsylvania. This is a family friendly campground and has so much to offer. There are volleyball nets, playgrounds, kayak and paddleboard rentals. The kids took a kayak over to an island and spent the afternoon cliff jumping with a 10 ft and 25 ft cliff to launch off of. The sites here are some of the nicest we have ever seen. They are all big and private with stunning views of Raystown Lake. There are steps down from your camper to a pad with a fire pit and area for a tent. You are literally 10 feet away from the water as you enjoy a sunset while sitting around the fire. The lake is a great place to kayak, paddleboard, or just relax and enjoy the view. We love coming here and spending our weekends on the lake. All tent sites are equipped with picnic tables and most sites are electric. looking for other epic reviews check out the top ten campgrounds in PA https://www.longdaycampingco.com/post/10-best-campsites-in-pennsylvania-gorgeous-sites-to-enjoy-the-outdoors
LegendCampground Review: Cowans Gap State Park was pretty awesome. Off the Pennsylvania Turnpike at Fort Littleton, through Burnt Cabin on Rt522, signage the entire way. A drive through the PA mountain-scape, excellent scenery to be seen.
The dog section is 1-30 and a few cabins are offered for them also. No restrictions for dogs on the trails but they are restricted from the rest of the campground.
Several trails to enjoy with easy to very strenuous climbs. Part of the Allegheny trail passes through the Buchanan State Forest, near the campground. Would be a good place to practice your backpacking craft.
New showerhouse facilities which are energy efficient lighting and heating. The water in the shower never gets very warm but they are very clean and well maintained.
There is plenty of water sports at the lake, watercraft, swimming and fishing.
Product Review: As a Dyrt Ranger I have the opportunity to review some pretty awesome outdoor gear. I received Mishmi Takin hiking boots after winning one of the monthly contests.
I love the color, I’m all about burnt orange. I have large feet and was happy to see that the company offers footwear up to 13.5 in. I ordered an 11, was surprised when they arrived and were a little big on my feet. So you may want to order a 1/2 size down. On the flip side though I put on my thick hiking socks, synched the laces down and they fit fine.
I wore the boots multiple times during our 8 state trip on several different trail types. I was impressed by grip, no slippage on multiple surfaces.
I hate to say it but I have sweaty feet! And wearing thick hiking socks in boots often leaves me with raisinie toes and damp socks/boots at the end of a long hike. I did not experience that problem while wearing the Mishmi Boots though. My feet stayed comfortable and were dry when I pulled the boots off back at camp. I am liking these boots!
Guide
Our favorite campground. The most relaxing setting. Our kids love the creek and playing in and around it.
Some activities, playground, mini golf etc. but more of a relaxing campground.
ScoutTook our new Fifth Wheel for a shakedown trip and decided to try Twin Bridges Campground. Staff was polite, amenities are great and clean, and everyone was friendly and polite. Big spacious sites, and a honeywagon to make things easier (there weren't any full hookup sites the I saw besides the long term spaces). Would definatley stay here again.
GuideWe had a great Memorial Day weekend here — it was our first visit and we didn’t know what to expect. This is the campground to come to with kids! If you’re looking for activities and fun and friendliness this is the spot. If you do not like kids running around (sometimes through your campsite to get to the creek) or lots of laughing and biking and ball-playing snd water-splashing… maybe don’t go here. We have 3 young kids so this was great! We spent the weekend participating in their MANY activities as well as fishing and swimming in the creek. The concierge service here is unreal! You can get just about anything from the store delivered to your site. The firewood is plentiful and affordable, the honey wagon makes the E/W sites no problem! And the price is right. Everyone we met was friendly and welcoming. The owner and his young family are busy making it the best experience for their guests. We are looking forward to going back next season!
ScoutGreat atmosphere and great people
GuideThis 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. This was a very nice site and we had more space between us than others had. The water and electric were fine. We had nice people with extended families on either side of us. It seems to be a place where families get together yearly. There were lots of political flags and bumper stickers - many with pro gun slogans and that sort of thing, which may make some folks uncomfortable, but there weren't any problems. One minor issue with our site was that a public road ran next to it through the campground and there were some teens roaring through in cars and motorcycles.
There is a nice little shop with some grocery/gift items, ice, propane, and ice cream. The people who run it are quite helpful and pleasant.
Although it wasn't quite was I was hoping for, it was pleasant enough. I have no complaints.
Scout
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. Camp store is clean and has lots of goodies. There's a pool, mini golf, and 4 wheel bikes. The kids enjoyed playing in the creek and tubing. I didn't think site sizes were bad but it depends on which site... I was great but the one behind me was a joke and I hear that they are making changes to back row and making them smaller.
TravelerLoved camping here. The store has everything. Including hand dipped ice cream. Pool. Mini golf. A creek to fish or splash in. My husband loved finding frogs and fish. Lots of activities going on even during the week.
We stayed in the upper tent area. It’s a walk to the pool and arcade area. As an adult I was fine with it. I have a 5 year old though and she got tired. Lesson learned: rent a golf cart ahead of time.
Also site 529 is on a hill.
GuideWe stay here 2-3 times a year in a tent. Family friendly campground, lots of weekend activities, great pool, well stocked campstore, playground.
Lots of pets, bikes and golf carts. Kids can play in creek with tubes or hunt critters.
Negatives: Bathrooms and activities can be a hike. Some areas flood when it rains hard.
RangerCamped here 3 times. Campsites could be further apart and there's only one bathhouse and it's at the entrance.
Besides the above there is access to hiking trails that connect to the AT, plenty of organized activities for kids, fishing and mini golf. Most camper sites have electric and water hookups and some have septic. We will keep coming back for weekend getaways
TravelerThe rv sites are pretty close together, but this place was so fun for our kids! Plus the staff is so helpful and nice. Will definitely come back. Next time I hope we can get a place on the creek.
TravelerThe kids had a blast, tubing in the creek, swimming pool and an excellent camp store. Sites in some areas are tight, real tight. Over all, a good camping experience.
TravelerLots for kids to do. Camp store has pretty much anything you need! Friendly staff and clean grounds. Overall good campgrounds. Quiet mid-week which was nice too.
Traveler
By far, the worst place we have ever camped. The sites are so small that my truck was either parked over the firering or blocking our door. Our slideout is 3” from the neighbor site’s picnic table. There are MULTIPLE long term residents, complete with sheds & tarped covered belongings clogging the lots. The fuse on the (campsite) panel kept blowing every time we ran the air and microwave together.
GuideWe had reserved a site for 6 days. We ended up only staying 36 hours and had the entire reservation refunded. The view from any of my windows was of the long-term resident’s tarped over garbage. We shared 1 water source with 2 other campers. In order to hook anything up, you had to be in your neighbor’s space. The train wreck behind our camper was VERY vocal about how we were entering their site to hook up. Apparently, we were supposed to use the force. The fire pits were crammed under the tree and between the 5ft space to park your vehicle. The fuse at power source blew every time the air turned on. The access roads are so tight/narrow, that there is multiple areas of damaged trees and corners of structures. We woke up to the lovely aroma of dog feces and cigarette smoke (with the windows closed). This is not a place you vacation at. By far, the worst place we have ever stayed.
TravelerWe tent camp here on weekends. Usually check to see what bands are playing or fun activity going on. We live 5 minutes away so it’s a nice “getaway”.
Only downside is the walk to the bathrooms if you tent camp. A long walk if you really got to go.
GuideCame in late and add back into a very tight spot The sewer is in odd locations all around our campsite I'm excited as well as sharing the water source with or source with up to 5 other R v's For almost $60 tonight you'd think it would be a little bit
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular glamping campsite near Shippensburg, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular glamping campground near Shippensburg, PA is Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground with a 4.2-star rating from 56 reviews.
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TheDyrt.com has all 38 glamping camping locations near Shippensburg, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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