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Best Campgrounds near South Mountain, PA

975 Reviews

South Mountain in Pennsylvania offers a range of camping experiences across several established campgrounds and state forest sites. Caledonia State Park Campground provides tent, RV, and cabin accommodations with electric hookups and shower facilities, while Michaux State Forest offers more primitive camping at both North and South Michaux State Forest Campsites. The area includes several KOA locations near Gettysburg with full amenities, including Gettysburg Battlefield KOA and Gettysburg Campground, both rated above 4 stars by visitors and offering cabin options alongside traditional camping.

Camping permits are required for sites within Michaux State Forest, though many are available free of charge through Pennsylvania's state park reservation system. Most developed campgrounds in the region operate seasonally, with peak availability from April through October, though some like Caledonia State Park remain open year-round. The terrain varies from lakeside settings to wooded mountain sites, with elevations creating cooler temperatures even during summer months. Cell service can be spotty throughout the forest areas but improves near larger campgrounds and towns. "South Michaux State Forest Campsites has beautiful large sites with open fields, fire pits, and trees. No water close by so you'll have to bring it," noted one visitor about site #14 at Poplar Grove.

Waterfront camping receives consistently high ratings throughout the region, particularly at nearby Raystown Lake and Pine Grove Furnace State Park. Campers appreciate the privacy found at many sites, with several reviewers noting the spaciousness and natural screening between campsites at Gettysburg Battlefield KOA. Bathroom facilities vary widely across the region, with state parks generally offering more updated amenities than forest service sites. Historical attractions provide additional appeal, as many campgrounds serve as convenient bases for exploring Gettysburg National Military Park and the Appalachian Trail, which passes through the area. According to one camper at Pine Grove Furnace State Park, "This is a great little campground with lots of electric sites and nice, updated bathrooms. 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."

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Best Camping Sites Near South Mountain, Pennsylvania (152)

    1. Caledonia State Park Campground

    33 Reviews
    Fayetteville, PA
    4 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. Gettysburg / Battlefield KOA

    26 Reviews
    Fairfield, PA
    8 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."

    3. Gettysburg Campground

    25 Reviews
    Gettysburg, PA
    11 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."

    4. Owens Creek Campground — Catoctin Mountain Park

    28 Reviews
    Sabillasville, MD
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (301) 663-9388

    $30 / night

    "We stayed at site 28 which is right next to the little bridge over the creek for easy access to the trails and near the bathrooms."

    "Our campsite was quiet with the creek right behind us and had lots of privacy. This place is a great campground to go during summer as it's tucked in the mountains with lots of tree coverage."

    5. Granite Hill Camping Resort

    16 Reviews
    Fairfield, PA
    9 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"

    6. Houck - Cunningham Falls State Park

    24 Reviews
    Thurmont, MD
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (301) 271-7574

    $21 - $65 / night

    "Camp next to the president."

    "There are a few vineyards and breweries nearby. Gettysburg, PA is close as is Frederick, MD. Our site was level and had a good view of the woods. Family was staying in site next to us, site 12."

    7. Artillery Ridge Campground

    22 Reviews
    Gettysburg, PA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 334-1288

    "This park is a perfect location if you want to explore Gettysburg National Historical Site as you can literally walk across the street and be in the park or venture½ mile up the road and you come to the"

    "Behind the campsite we stayed at, we learned connected to Stangler Farm, which served as a hospital for the wounded."

    8. Pine Grove Furnace State Park Campground

    25 Reviews
    Peach Glen, PA
    16 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."

    9. North Michaux State Forest Campsites

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

    $10 / night

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

    "Great campsite - Site 8, Hairy Springs; long walk from vehicle so pack lightly. "

    10. South Michaux State Forest Campsites

    6 Reviews
    South Mountain, PA
    3 miles
    +1 (717) 352-2211

    $10 / night

    "No water close by so you’ll have to bring it. Short walk from car to site. Lots of trails and a golf course close by. Free permit required but you can now get it online"

    "Walk in tent site. No amenities, dispersed camping only. Next to a water source that runs well in Spring/Early summer. Midsummer and early Fall can be iffy, so bring a backup."

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975 Reviews of 152 South Mountain Campgrounds

Guide to South Mountain

Camping near South Mountain, Pennsylvania, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are several campgrounds that cater to different needs and preferences.

What to do:

  • Hiking: There are numerous trails around the area. For instance, at Caledonia State Park Campground, one reviewer mentioned, "The Appalachian trail runs right by it," making it a great spot for hiking enthusiasts.
  • Fishing and Boating: Many campgrounds, like Cowans Gap State Park Campground, offer access to lakes for fishing and kayaking. A visitor shared, "We brought our kayaks and had a nice day paddling around the lake."
  • Exploring History: The area is rich in history, especially around Gettysburg. Campers at Gettysburg Campground appreciate its proximity to historical sites, with one saying, "Was very easy to access from the campground."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers often mention the cleanliness of the campgrounds. For example, at Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground, a reviewer noted, "The restrooms... are clean and pretty much in good order."
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Many enjoy the peaceful environment. One camper at Codorus State Park Campground said, "Codorus state campground provided a comfortable and quiet stay."
  • Family-Friendly Activities: Campgrounds like Greenbrier State Park Campground are noted for their family-friendly amenities. A visitor remarked, "There is one dog-friendly loop... and easy trails from the camping loops to the lake."

What you should know:

  • No Cell Service: Many campgrounds, such as Cowans Gap State Park Campground, have little to no cell service. One camper humorously noted, "If you were planning on going out to do stuff off the state park, there's nothing nearby."
  • Crowded on Weekends: Popular spots can get busy, especially during holidays. A visitor at Cunningham Falls State Park mentioned, "The campsites were relatively small, and close together."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may not have extensive amenities. A camper at Owens Creek Campground pointed out, "The sites are very clean but close to each other."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with activities for kids. At Gettysburg / Battlefield KOA, one parent said, "They have plenty of activities for the kids from swimming, mini golf, and a scavenger hunt!"
  • Plan for Crowds: If you're camping during peak times, arrive early to secure a good spot. A visitor at Cunningham Falls State Park noted, "The parking fills up pretty early in the morning."
  • Pack Snacks and Drinks: Having food on hand can save you trips to the store. One camper at Pine Grove Furnace State Park Campground mentioned, "The store is really just a small carry out with a few things, so bring everything you are planning to have in with you."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure the site can accommodate your RV. A reviewer at Caledonia State Park Campground advised, "I would give my site an 8. It would be a 10 if the utilities were closer to the back of the site."
  • Be Prepared for Limited Hookups: Some campgrounds may not have full hookups. A camper at Owens Creek Campground noted, "No electric hookups, but fires allowed."
  • Bring Extra Supplies: Since some campgrounds are remote, stock up on essentials before arriving. A visitor at Pine Grove Furnace State Park Campground mentioned, "It's a pretty decent piece out to civilization."

Camping near South Mountain, Pennsylvania, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near South Mountain, PA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near South Mountain, PA is Caledonia State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 33 reviews.

What parks are near South Mountain, PA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 19 parks near South Mountain, PA that allow camping, notably Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park and Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park.

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