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Best Tent Camping near Steelton, PA

834 Reviews

State parks and community recreation areas surrounding Steelton, Pennsylvania offer several tent-only camping options for outdoor enthusiasts. Lower Allen Community Park provides walk-in tent sites along Yellow Breeches Creek, with three reservable sites that require contacting the township office. Reeds Gap State Park Campground, located about 60 miles northwest of Steelton, features 14 tent-only sites in a peaceful woodland setting. Mill Creek Camping Area in Lancaster County, approximately 30 miles southeast, offers walk-in tent sites with creek access. Shambala at Mystic Hollow provides 15 tent campsites with creekside locations for primitive tent camping experiences.

Most tent campgrounds in the region feature basic amenities suited for traditional tent camping. Sites typically include fire rings or pits, and many offer picnic tables. Water availability varies significantly between locations, with some parks providing potable water near pavilions or central facilities while others require campers to bring their own supply. Bathroom facilities range from modern shower houses at Reeds Gap to basic vault toilets or portable facilities at smaller parks like Lower Allen. Reservation policies differ by location, with some sites available through honor system payment and others requiring advance booking. Seasonal operation affects availability, with most tent campgrounds open from April through October.

Creekside locations characterize many tent camping options near Steelton. According to reviews, Mill Creek Camping Area offers "large spaces for multiple tents" with sites "down by the creek making for a cooler camping experience." Campers at Lower Allen Community Park appreciate the unique kayak-to-camp opportunity, where paddlers "can put in a few miles up and float down to your site." At Reeds Gap State Park, visitors note the peaceful atmosphere with "a dozen or so tent-only sites" and "a nice creek along the outside and an easy hiking trail that follows it." The park's tent-only policy contributes to its quiet environment, with one camper reporting they were "the only ones there" on a Sunday night, enjoying the "quiet and lovely" campground.

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Best Tent Sites Near Steelton, Pennsylvania (13)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Steelton, PA

18 Photos of 13 Steelton Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Steelton, PA

834 Reviews of 13 Steelton Campgrounds

  • Rick W.
    Aug. 15, 2022

    Colonel Denning State Park Campground

    Tent camping sites

    Walk in sites have picnic table and fire ring. Tent pads are level and smooth. Showers and restrooms are close to sites. Strongly recommend...

  • Craig F.
    Jul. 1, 2019

    Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground

    Fun Camping and Lake Activities

    We had a wonderful stay at Gifford Pinchot State Park! 

    The camping area at GP is separated into A loop and B loops with approximately 300 sites. All sites had a paved pad, varying in size depending on the location, with tent site being smaller. Most sites have electric and there are 22 full hookup sites in the camping area. Both loops are peninsulas into the lake, which is convenient to launching boats directly from many sites. Loop A is closer to the designated swimming area with a sandy beach and playground. B loop is closer to many of the hiking trails and also several boat launch areas. It is nice that the camping area and amenities are separated from the public day use area. At the entrance to the camping area there are three dump stations. 

    During our stay we were at a full hookup site which was very spacious and often hard to find in PA State Parks. Our site was#299 and for some reason the entire site was paved/blacktop, which was different than all the other sites where the pad was paved and the picnic table area was gravel/grass. While this site made it easy to level our camper, it became quite hot in the afternoon/evening after the sun had baked it all day.

    Overall, we thoroughly enjoyed GP and couldn’t believe we hadn’t visited before because it is a great state park. Wood is available for purchase at the campground hosts’ sites and ice at the park office. As with most PA state parks, quiet hours are at 9:00PM, which is a bit early, and there is no alcohol allowed in the park. We look forward to returning to GP in the future.

  • V
    Jul. 11, 2018

    Knoebels Campground

    Clean, quiet, inexpensive, fun place to camp!

    Knoebels campground is situated next to Knoebels amusement park and offers sites for tent campers and RVs, as well as cabins.

    There is electricity at every site but not water. There are fill stations throughout the campgrounds. Most sites are level and shaded. There are nice sturdy wooden platforms for tent campers.

    The bath houses are clean and well maintained. There are outside sinks with mirrors, laundry facilities, shower stalls, and toilet stalls. Or if you prefer there are also traditional bathrooms with showers.

    Quiet hours are enforced between 10p and 8a.

    Each site has a fire ring and picnic table. Wood is available by the bucket near the check in building. Sites are inexpensive and are all a short walk, or free shuttle ride, to the park!.

  • K
    Sep. 1, 2021

    Codorus State Park Campground

    Nice campground for primitive tenting

    Large campground but only 15 sites dedicated to“roughin’ it” tent camping. However, those sites are isolated from the others. The tent sites were in very good condition, spaced well, and fairly private. Most sites have plenty of shade and grassy, though a few are dirt only. Many sites within walking distance from the lake(no swimming) and set up for you to store and launch your kayak or other boat. Water, bathrooms, and showers a little distant but everything clean and in excellent condition. Ice and firewood available on the grounds. There is also a small store but I didn’t see it because it was open for very limited weekend hours only. Otherwise, major grocery stores are only a few minutes’ drive. Definitely going back…!

  • Danielle
    Apr. 12, 2021

    Bald Eagle State Forest

    Dispersed Site #13; Pretty, loud, not accessible for pop up campers

    Husband and I set off for a weekend of boon docking at Bald Eagle State Forest in our little pop up camper. We stayed at site #13, which is a dispersed site- not in the campground. 

    Picture a lovely large, round grassy meadow surrounded by trees at the end of a long gravel road. Picnic table, fire ring, one pretty tree in the center, and a babbling brook down below the site. It looks so perfect! Now picture large boulders preventing any wheeled vehicle (including a light little pop up) from rolling into said field. Add in that the I-80 interstate is so close that you can see trucks through the trees in some places- not to mention hear them all.night.long. Would we camp here again? Nope. We would not. Would this be right for some? Probably yes- especially tent campers, loud groups, and those who feel safer with road noise in the background. 

    This site was not listed as"tent only", and I suppose being able to set up on the gravel road did work. But I was majorly bummed we couldn't set up at the back of the actual site itself. The road set up was not nearly as nice. You can see in my photos the size of the site, and the boulders, and where we ended up setting up. 

    I will also mention that the road getting here involved a hairpin turn (from Long Run Rd. onto Ransaires Rd.) that large set ups would not be able to make. We made it work and we had a great trip.

    Not what we expected, but we still had a good time. We will try again at Bald Eagle State Forest, but would not choose this site again.

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 2, 2023

    Pine Grove Furnace State Park Campground

    Camping at the AT Halfway Point

    Great small campground in South-central PA.  Sites are nicely spaced except for a few that are tucked into a few odd-shaped places.  I stayed in site 21, which was on an outside loop with a lot of space.  Campground seems very well maintained and the hosts were very friendly and active.  I wasn't there on a busy night, but nice to know it is a place where the hosts are trying to keep a relaxing atmosphere.  Nearly everything is in the woods so there's lots of shade during the warm seasons.  There's a fire ring, picnic table, lantern hanger and generous tent pad.  There's also room in many outside loop sites to set up in the woods.  Very quiet and relaxing evening.

    Bathrooms feel very modern and there is a combination of a traditional shower/bathroom center and a separate bathroom only area with 4 private bathrooms (though now showers).  Showers were clean and had hot water, though when you press the button for water, it only runs for about 10 seconds.  So you really have to just hold the water on while you shower one-handed.  I think there was a 1-car per site rule while I was there.

    Firewood is on-site for $5 for a six-piece bundle, with kindling available.  Wood lit right up for me.  The park has a general store, swimming lake, Appalachian Trail Museum, Park office and a few other historic buildings so there's a lot to do.  Just take note that everything closes at 4 PM.  The park is just north of the halfway point of the AT and is a popular place for hikers to stop and take a slow or zero day.  The museum is interesting if you have any interest in the AT and very knowledgeable host.

  • Laure D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2021

    Muddy Run Recreation Park

    Older but great day use area

    We visited the day use area but drove through the campground for future reference. The campground offers a lot of sites (189 sites). 148 sites have electric and water. Some sites are monthly rental only. They also offer seasonal sites. There are 38 tent only sites as well. There are 3 primitive group sites. There are paved parking pads, picnic tables, charcoal grills, and of course a fire ring in each. No sewer hookups but we saw 2 dump stations. There are laundry facilities and bathhouses. $35 a night or $185 a week. Use of the day use area included is awesome. Plenty of playgrounds, disc golf, boat rentals, an observatory (closed due to covid for now), snack bar that is open 8-5 or 6 daily for breakfast, lunch, dinner or snacks, and a splash pad (free!) for water fun open 10-7 daily but shuts down Sept 6. All this is all nestled around a 100 acre lake. You can fish, or rent boats (kayak, paddle boats, canoes, or rowboats with electric motors) on the lake. Tons of fun here!

  • C
    Sep. 8, 2021

    Deer Run Campgrounds

    No COVID-19 Precautions in 2020 and Tight Spaces

    We took a chance in September 2020 and decided to make plans to camp for two nights so we could get some hiking in nearby at the Pine Grove Furnace State Park. You're greeted by a sign on the front office door that says "Masks are optional," so that tells you all you need to know about camping here during the COVID-19 crisis. Check-in is easy enough and you are given a card to hang on your mirror that has a barcode to scan to get access to the campground. Then you drive to your site. The signs/directions posted are...not very helpful, and you can easily find yourself face-to-face with someone driving a golf cart from the opposite direction or kids running around through the road, so be very careful. We picked a tent site (218 or 219) as far away from everyone else as we could get. A bunch of the tent sites border the woods, and I definitely recommend snagging one of those if you're able. 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 because we could all enjoy our respective spaces without getting in each other's way. Then another car pulled up and signaled that there was ANOTHER site between us. There wasn't even 10ft between our tents; you could hear everything. The RV/camper sites looked even more snug, so I can't imagine trying to maneuver there. Our tent site was one of the flatter and less rocky ones that I could see. Each site is provided with a fire ring (more like a fire pit/contained cauldron) and picnic table, which was great. I will say that from what we saw, the grounds are kept very clean. The bath house near the tent site is cleaned daily, however not always at the posted hours so I would say to assume it is half an hour before the posted time. There are 2 showers and toilet stalls in each bathroom. Here is where we were the most unhappy about masks being optional: not a single other person that we saw over 3 days was wearing a mask while in the enclosed bathrooms. There are hand dryers, so particles are flying all over the place. There was a concert that ended while I was showering and it was a line of people to get in and the dryers were constantly blasting; I basically held my breath while I was in there. The campgrounds are clean and easy to find off of the main roads. However, if you're looking for a place to stay outside during the COVID-19 situation, look elsewhere.

  • PhiladelphiaKaley R.
    Jun. 1, 2018

    Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground

    Basic amenities and activities for the average camper

    Large campground with electric RV/camper sites as well as non-electric tent sites. Several bathroom and shower facilities. Lake-side sites are available and each site comes equipped with a picnic table, fire ring, and parking spot. Friendly staff, decently maintained. There were several planks missing from our picnic table and the parking spot was a mud hole. Some pet friendly sites are available as well. A snapping turtle stopped by for a visit at our campsite and ended up laying eggs! Quite a sight to see, there is plenty of wildlife around to enjoy during your stay.

Guide to Steelton

Tent campsites near Steelton, Pennsylvania are primarily concentrated along waterways and in woodland settings within a 60-mile radius. The region experiences humid continental climate with warm summers averaging 85°F and cold winters, with most tent camping available from April through October. Most creekside campsites require advance planning during summer weekends when local temperatures regularly exceed 90°F.

What to do

Creek fishing opportunities: Anglers visiting Reeds Gap State Park Campground can fish for native and stocked trout in Honey Creek. "There's a nice creek along the outside and an easy hiking trail that follows it," notes camper Danielle C., who appreciates the peaceful setting.

Hiking the river overlooks: The trails at Susquehannock State Park offer exceptional views. "There are some excellent views of the Susquehanna River," reports reviewer Tom F. The park also features "lots of long scenic hiking trails down to Deer creek and to the Susquehanna River," according to David G.

Playground access: Families with children can enjoy outdoor play areas at several campgrounds. At Reeds Gap State Park, reviewer Paula L. notes, "the playground might be the pearl for a mom or dad," making it ideal for families needing to balance camping with children's activities.

What campers like

No-phone zones: Tent campers appreciate disconnecting at certain sites. At Reeds Gap State Park Campground, Danielle C. advises, "Put your phone away cuz there's no cell service here! Nice and peaceful with a dozen or so tent only sites."

Honor system payments: Self-registration at some parks creates a flexible arrival experience. "Pay by honor system at the park office. Campground was quiet and lovely. Only 14 sites," reports Cheryl K. about her stay at Reeds Gap on a Sunday night.

Creek cooling effects: Summer campers value waterside sites for natural temperature control. At Mill Creek Camping Area, Meagan J. found that "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."

What you should know

Site spacing considerations: Tent sites vary significantly in privacy and proximity. Mill Creek Camping Area offers "large spaces for multiple tents," according to Meagan J., making it suitable for group camping.

Trail traffic issues: Some campgrounds experience hiker interference. At Mill Creek Camping Area, Sakina P. reports, "Hikers take any trail instead of marked trails regardless of families camping in private areas. When I made the reservation it was noted that hikers were not allowed on campsites."

Shower facilities: Bathroom infrastructure varies widely between locations. Paula L. specifically praises Reeds Gap for its "super clean, eco-shower. Timed water, lights (solar?)etc. are spot on for me!" while other locations may offer more basic facilities or none at all.

Seasonal challenges: Sites near Steelton have limited off-season availability. Kelly C. notes that at Reeds Gap, "the only reason it isn't 5 stars is because the bathrooms were down during our trip making night time potty visits a little unpleasant."

Tips for camping with families

Check bathroom proximity: When selecting specific tent sites, verify distance to facilities. John Z. notes about Reeds Gap State Park that "Bathhouses were a little far away" despite the "clean nice sites."

Consider noise levels: Weekday camping often provides quieter experiences. Cheryl K. reports being "the only ones there" on a Sunday night at Reeds Gap, creating an exceptionally peaceful environment for families needing rest.

Verify park hours: Some parks have restricted access times. At Lower Allen Community Park, Joann&WellsThePup I. warns that "They do lock the park at dusk," which requires planning for evening arrivals or departures with children.

Tips from RVers

Limited RV options: Most tent camping areas near Steelton restrict or don't accommodate RVs. At Susquehannock State Park Campground, David G. describes, "Two loops. One has a few sites with electric and some cabins," indicating limited options for RVs seeking hookups.

Tent-only policies: Several campgrounds explicitly prohibit RVs to maintain a quieter atmosphere. Kelly C. appreciates that Reeds Gap "is only tents and it's dog and family friendly," contributing to the relaxing environment that many tent campers seek away from larger RV setups.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Steelton, PA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Steelton, PA is Lower Allen Community Park with a 5-star rating from 1 review.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Steelton, PA?

TheDyrt.com has all 13 tent camping locations near Steelton, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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