Glamping and camping options near Shippensburg occupy the rolling foothills of South Mountain, with elevations ranging from 640 to 2,100 feet. The region experiences distinct seasonal changes, with summer temperatures averaging 80-85°F during day and dropping to 60-65°F at night. Tent and RV campers can find sites within 20 miles of Shippensburg that provide direct access to the Appalachian Trail and multiple state parks.
What to do
Hiking trails: Cowans Gap State Park offers varied terrain options from easy lake loops to challenging mountain climbs. "There is showers on site and depending on the time you get to the showerhouse it may be a cold one. Nice small lake within walking distance along with a beach. There is also a few hiking trails near the campground," notes Amber in her review. Multiple trails connect directly to campsites.
Water recreation: Gifford Pinchot State Park provides a 340-acre lake with designated swimming areas. A camper mentioned, "We took our 3 yo camping for the first time here. He had so much fun. It was clean campground located in a State Park. Easy walk to the lake with a small beach. There was also a beach location on the state park side vs campground side of the lake. Boat rentals available."
Historical sites: Artillery Ridge Campground connects directly to Gettysburg battlefields. "The whole campground was clean and well kept. Ths campground is approximately a 3 minute drive from everything in the town of Gettysburg. The battefields are very close as well," explains a recent visitor. Several sites back up to historic Stangler Farm which served as a Civil War field hospital.
What campers like
Creek access: Most sites at Twin Bridge Campground include stream access points for wading and fishing. A reviewer shared, "Our favorite campground. The most relaxing setting. Our kids love the creek and playing in and around it." The stream remains accessible even during drier summer months.
Well-stocked stores: Gettysburg Campground maintains complete camping supplies. "Really nice place. Recommend a site by the creek. Cool laid back staff and clean bathrooms nice playground for kids. Not to mention it's a few minute drive to historic Gettysburg. It's nice and out of the way of the busy parts of town," according to one camper.
Fall colors: The mountain settings transform in autumn with peak foliage from late September to mid-October. A visitor to Cowans Gap noted, "Absolutely amazing fall color on the lake and great drives surrounding. Bathrooms are clean and hot showers." Area campgrounds typically remain open through October with reduced crowding after Labor Day.
What you should know
Limited tent privacy: Many campgrounds prioritize RV sites with minimal separation. At Deer Run Campground, a camper reported: "The tent and RV sites are absolutely crammed together. We started setting up our tent and were somewhat pleased with the amount of space we had from a big family in the next site...Then another car pulled up and signaled that there was ANOTHER site between us. There wasn't even 10ft between our tents."
Weekend bookings: Campgrounds within 30 minutes of Gettysburg fill completely during summer weekends. Reserve at least 30 days in advance for prime sites. Multiple reviews mention arriving to find limited or no availability without reservations.
Seasonal operation: Most campgrounds close between late October and early April. Exceptions include Gettysburg Battlefield Resort which remains open year-round. "We belong to just this one because when we need make sure we have electricity for work or just to touch base with humanity private RV parks are great. They are spacious, clean, events and activities," notes a member.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Position tents or RVs near play areas for easier supervision. A visitor to Granite Hill noted, "We stayed in the 'C' row site. 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."
Weekend activities: Many campgrounds organize structured programs. According to a Cunningham Falls State Park visitor, "We had a good site near the showers. Well looked after and plenty to do for our 5 year old with evening activities. Picnic bench, fireplace, gravel camp area." Activity schedules typically post one week in advance.
Lake swimming options: Several campgrounds maintain designated swimming areas with gradual entries suitable for younger children. One parent mentioned, "The beach area at the lake was fantastic! My kids loved it plenty of areas to grill and dogs are allowed." Most swimming areas operate from Memorial Day through Labor Day weekend.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Bring additional blocks for uneven terrain. A visitor to Granite Hill Camping Resort warned, "it took 2 hours to get our camper set up because of the very uneven stone lot, thankfully we had enough wood to get the jack up without having to over extend it."
Extension cords required: Many electric hookup placements require longer connections. A camper noted, "The hookups are oddly spaced and you need to ensure you have extentions handy. My electric hookup didn't work on 30A."
Dump station timing: Most campgrounds have limited dump stations with peak usage occurring between 9-11am on checkout days. Plan for 30+ minute waits during these periods. Several reviews mention arriving before 8am to avoid wait times.
