15 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Tent campsites near Summerdale, Pennsylvania range from established state parks to primitive walk-in areas along creeks and waterways. Lower Allen Community Park offers tent-only sites along Yellow Breeches Creek, providing a suburban camping experience with fire rings and picnic tables. Penn Roosevelt State Park Campground, located in Rothrock State Forest, features secluded tent sites in a wooded setting approximately 60 miles northwest of Summerdale.
Most tent campgrounds in the region provide basic amenities with varying levels of accessibility. Sites at Lower Allen Community Park require reservations through the township office and feature fire pits and picnic tables, though the park gates lock at dusk. Penn Roosevelt State Park offers primitive tent camping with vault toilets and drinking water available at central locations. A review mentioned, "Beautiful primitive campground (tent only). Get a site on the outside towards the water. They are spaced out and peaceful." Several campgrounds maintain seasonal operations, with Mill Creek Camping Area open from March 15 to November 15, while Penn Roosevelt remains accessible year-round.
The tent camping experience in central Pennsylvania offers natural settings with varying degrees of seclusion. Sites at Reeds Gap State Park Campground provide access to Honey Creek with native and stocked trout for anglers. Based on reviews from The Dyrt, many tent sites feature good tree coverage for shade and privacy, with some positioned directly along streams for natural cooling and ambient sounds. Lancaster County's Mill Creek Camping Area provides stream-side tent sites, though campers note the area receives day hikers who sometimes walk through campsites. Tent campers seeking more remote experiences should consider Penn Roosevelt State Park, where reviews indicate midweek camping often results in having the entire campground to yourself, especially during shoulder seasons.
"The park is in the suburbs so it’s close to lots of things. They do lock the park at dusk though. They have portapotties, fire pits, and picnic tables."
from $10 - $25 / night
Check Availability"Then I go find a deserted section and a picnic table and just sit down. Immediately I can feel every bit is stress or anxiety dissipate."
"Nice and peaceful with a dozen or so tent only sites. We got a nice one tucked back in the trees, but a few of them are pretty close to the road - not like it's terribly busy."
from $22 / night
Check Availability"Potable water is available in several places on each loop. The bathhouses are rebuilt recently and are very nice. Some walk in tent sites."
"This is Organized Group Tenting Only."
from $28 - $72 / night
Check Availability"Had a great time walking the trails and enjoying a picnic at the cliff-side pavilion."
"Beautiful primitive campground (tent only). Get a site on the outside towards the water. They are spaced out and peaceful. Has restrooms (no shower), picnic table, and fire pit at each site."
"The sites are tent only and pretty close together but some still feel secluded. Very accessible and the park has some good trails."
from $25 / night
Check Availability"Campgrounds are spaced out large spaces for multiple tents, camping cost $25 a night flat rate, for up to 6 days. Campground will refund you if rain prevents your stay or allow you to rebook."
from $23 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $25 - $50 / night
GuideBeautiful primitive campground (tent only). Get a site on the outside towards the water. They are spaced out and peaceful. Has restrooms (no shower), picnic table, and fire pit at each site. Short walk to creek and beautiful pond.
TravelerWalk in sites have picnic table and fire ring. Tent pads are level and smooth. Showers and restrooms are close to sites. Strongly recommend...
GuideWe 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.
LegendSet just off I-76 in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch country, Pinch Pond Family Campground& RV Park is a large, all-in-one, family-focused campground with a layout that feels more like a small neighborhood than a traditional woods-only campsite. While its proximity to the highway makes access easy, the property itself is gated, organized into distinct camping zones and packed with amenities that clearly cater to longer stays and families looking for built-in entertainment.
HIGHLIGHTS:(1) Full-service resort-style amenities including pool, playground, arcade, laundry, propane refills, dump stations, sports field, picnic tables and in-ground fire rings throughout the property;(2) Wide variety of lodging options including RV sites with 30/50 amp hookups, water, sewer and cable, primitive tent sites, and multiple on-site cottages for non-campers;(3) Gated entrance and very welcoming, helpful staff at check-in with a well-stocked camp store offering snacks, ice cream, sundries and souvenirs;(4) Strong family appeal with fishing pond, barn, open play areas and space for kids to roam safely; and(5) Excellent location for regional attractions including Hershey Park, Chocolate World, Amish countryside tours and the nearby wolf sanctuary with guided educational tours.
LOWLIGHTS:(1) Immediate proximity to I-76 means persistent highway noise day and night with no real sound buffer;(2) Access is oddly indirect despite being next to the turnpike, requiring a several-mile loop through countryside roads to reach the entrance;(3) Overall layout is wide open with limited natural privacy between many RV sites;(4) Nearby shooting range produces frequent target practice noise, especially noticeable during early morning hours; and(5) Pricing for primitive tent sites feels disproportionately high compared to full-hookup RV rates.
Happy Camping!
ScoutKnoebels 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!.
ScoutLarge 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…!
TravelerI’ve stayed here twice for camping trips. It’s a great small campground that has basic amenities. The experience is likely highly site dependent, as there are a few distinct areas to stay depending on your needs and luck. There is NO cell service and park rangers do “rounds” but aren’t stationed at the site. There are a couple of water pumps, several well-maintained pit toilets, and an emergency phone. It’s about 20-30 min to gas. There’s no camp store here but about 3.5 miles away at Poe Valley there’s a store, real bathrooms and showers, kayaking rentals, etc. There’s a guy that sells firewood just past Poe Valley. The Poe Paddy sites I prefer are well-shaded, fairly large, surrounded by trees, and private (but you’ll be able to hear a couple neighbors). Dogs are only allowed in the RV loop, which is intense gravel, so be sure you have a good sleeping pad if you’re tent camping. The campground is in the middle of the dense Bald Eagle State Forest with lots of hiking opportunities. The creek that runs through Poe Paddy is awesome for wading and people also tube it when conditions are right. Get a Purple Lizard map for best enjoyment of the area.
GuideHusband 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.
GuideGreat 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.
Tent campsites near Summerdale, Pennsylvania offer primitive to semi-developed options in forested terrain at elevations ranging from 400 to 1,200 feet. Central Pennsylvania's camping season typically runs April through October, with some sites available year-round. Winter camping options exist but require preparation for temperatures that can drop below freezing, especially at higher elevation locations in nearby state forests.
Fishing opportunities: Reeds Gap State Park Campground provides access to Honey Creek with its population of both native and stocked trout. A camper noted, "There's a creek along the outside and a nice easy hiking trail that follows it."
Kayaking trips: Lower Allen Community Park offers a unique kayaking opportunity along Yellow Breeches Creek. According to one visitor, "You can put in a few miles up and float down to your site. There is parking right there."
Hiking trails: Susquehannock State Park Campground features extensive hiking trails leading to scenic views. A camper explained, "There are lots of long scenic hiking trails down to Deer creek and to the Susquehanna River. There's a great bike trail to the Conowingo dam which is a nice place to visit, and a great place to see lots of eagles."
Secluded sites: Penn Roosevelt State Park Campground attracts those seeking quiet, undeveloped camping experiences. A reviewer mentioned, "Driving in I got a little worried I was getting lost, but I drove on. I arrived on a Wednesday evening. I had my pick of campsites, because I was the only person there!"
Stream proximity: Mill Creek Camping Area offers sites near flowing water, creating a natural cooling effect. A camper shared, "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."
Spacious layouts: The tent sites in central Pennsylvania often feature good spacing between campers. At Mill Creek Camping Area, campers appreciate that "spaces for multiple tents, camping cost $25 a night flat rate, for up to 6 days."
Reservation requirements: Different campgrounds have varying reservation systems. Lower Allen Community Park requires calling the township office, as one camper explained: "Cute site in a local township park that not many people know about. There actually three total. You just need to call the township to reserve."
Bathroom facilities: Most primitive tent sites offer basic facilities. At Reeds Gap State Park, "The bathhouses are rebuilt recently and are very nice. Some walk in tent sites."
Trail traffic: Some campgrounds experience day hikers passing through. At Mill Creek Camping Area, campers report: "Hikers take any trail instead of marked trails regardless of families camping in a private areas. When I made the reservation it was noted that hikers were not allowed on campsites."
Playground access: Several tent camping areas include playgrounds for children. Reeds Gap State Park Campground offers "picnic pavilions and a playground for the kids!"
Connectivity limitations: Penn Roosevelt State Park and similar remote sites have limited cell reception, making them ideal for digital detox family trips. A camper advised, "Put your phone away cuz there's no cell service here!"
Restroom proximity: When selecting sites with children, consider bathroom location. At Reeds Gap, a visitor observed "Bathhouses were a little far away," so families might want to select sites closer to facilities.
Limited RV access: Most primitive tent camping areas near Summerdale restrict RV access. Reeds Gap State Park Campground is primarily "tent only" with limited vehicle access to certain sites.
Tight turns on access roads: Larger vehicles face challenges on forest roads. A Penn Roosevelt visitor cautioned, "If you have a trailer, I do not recommend this spot. there is a very tight hairpin turn on the way in. My six foot long trailer barely made the turn!"
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Summerdale, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Summerdale, PA is Lower Allen Community Park with a 5-star rating from 1 review.
What is the best site to find tent camping near Summerdale, PA?
TheDyrt.com has all 15 tent camping locations near Summerdale, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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