Tent camping near Stewartstown, Pennsylvania places campers within the Piedmont Plateau region, characterized by rolling hills and stream valleys typically ranging from 300-1,100 feet in elevation. The camping season typically runs from mid-March through mid-November, with July and August temperatures averaging 85°F during the day and dropping to the mid-60s at night. Most local campgrounds require advance registration for weekend stays during peak summer months.
What to do
Hiking trails access: Susquehannock State Park Campground in Susquehannock State Park offers multiple trail options within walking distance of campsites. "There are lots of long scenic hiking trails down to Deer creek and to the Susquehanna River," notes camper David G. The park also features "a great bike trail to the Conowingo dam which is a nice place to visit, and a great place to see lots of eagles."
Fishing opportunities: Many campsites at Hibernia County Park provide access to multiple fishing locations. "Great children's pond for 12 and under. Brandywine creek and Chambers Lake are there too," reports John Z. The children's pond is well-stocked and specifically designated for younger anglers.
Kayaking routes: Yellow Breeches Creek offers paddling options for tent campers. As one reviewer notes about Lower Allen Community Park, "You can put in a few miles up and float down to your site. There is parking right there." This creates an opportunity for campers to combine water recreation with their camping trip without needing to transport boats long distances.
What campers like
Cooler temperatures by water: Mill Creek Camping Area in Lancaster County offers tent sites adjacent to flowing water. Camper Philip B. mentions, "The stream is refreshing and the site stays fairly cool. When it hits the high temperatures a quick dip in the water is amazing." This natural cooling effect is particularly valuable during summer camping trips.
Wildlife viewing: Numerous tent sites in the region offer opportunities to observe local fauna. At Patapsco Valley State Park near Baltimore, one camper observed "small crabs were skittering around the campsite and birds perched in the marsh." This location provides marsh and water views not commonly found at other area campgrounds.
Tree coverage: Dense forest canopy provides shade at most local campgrounds. One camper at Hibernia County Park reported "heavily wooded sites... under trees," while another noted the "large campsites at the Lake Loop" with "wooded sites" that provide natural shade during summer camping trips.
What you should know
Parking arrangements: Many tent campgrounds separate parking from actual tent sites. At Mill Creek Camping Area, "The campground is not a far walk from the parking lot" according to reviewer Sakina P., though the walk-in nature of sites should be considered when packing gear.
Trail proximity: Some campgrounds have hiking trails that run directly through camping areas. As one Hibernia County Park camper noted, "The campground is ON the hiking trail so everyone doing the loop walks along the sites. Including people with dogs off leash." This creates both advantages for access but potential privacy concerns.
Water sources: Potable water availability varies significantly between campgrounds. At Susquehannock State Park, "Potable water is available in several places on each loop," while at Hibernia County Park, campers report limited water access, advising RVers to "come with a full water tank" as "water is not easy to come by."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature dedicated play areas. Patapsco Valley State Park-Hilton Area is "geared toward children" with "a massive playground, nature play space, sensory trail, and a small nature center." Another camper noted it's "perfect for keeping the kids entertained."
Bathroom considerations: Facility types vary widely between campgrounds. At Hibernia County Park, "There are only pit toilets in Fiddler's loop, however there is a bathroom with running water, flush toilets and electric outlets (no shower) within walking distance of the loop." Another camper confirmed the porta potties are "very clean and don't smell and are lit with a street lamp."
Child-friendly water features: Select campgrounds offer safe water access for young campers. As Anna at Hibernia County Park reports, "The lake is about a 3 minute hike down the clearly marked trails" and "The children's pond is a short ways away for well stocked fishing," making it appropriate for families with varied ages from 3-12.
Tips from RVers
Site sizing limitations: Many tent campgrounds in the area have limited space for larger vehicles. At Hibernia County Park, though sites "don't look big enough to house an RV, there are a few sites that will, including #3, #17 & #18 and plenty of sites will fit a small RV or pop up camper. They aren't level, but nothing a little creative positioning can't fix."
Limited hookups: RV campers should expect few or no utility connections at most area campgrounds. Jennifer S. at Hibernia County Park advises, "There are NO HOOKUPS, and water is not easy to come by if you are in an RV." Most tent-focused campgrounds lack electric, water, or sewer connections.
Dump station access: Few campgrounds offer on-site waste disposal. As one Hibernia County Park reviewer notes, "There is NO DUMP STATION. There are a few nearby campgrounds that will let you dump for a fee, otherwise, you'll have to look for a truck stop on the way home."
