Denver, Pennsylvania features several established campgrounds catering to different camping styles within a concentrated area of Lancaster County. The region includes both mixed-use campgrounds like Hickory Run Family Camping Resort and Dutch Cousin Campground, where travelers can find tent sites alongside RV hookups and cabin rentals. Most developed campgrounds in this area maintain facilities like restrooms, showers, and electrical hookups, with many offering recreational amenities including fishing ponds, pools, and playgrounds. The campground landscape primarily consists of private facilities rather than public lands, with locations positioned conveniently near Amish Country attractions.
Seasonal considerations affect the camping experience in this region, as many campgrounds operate from early spring through late fall. The camping season typically runs from April through October, with some locations like Starlite Camping Resort maintaining a May to November schedule. Winter closures are common, though several campgrounds like Old Mill Stream remain open year-round. Many developed campgrounds require advance reservations, especially during peak summer weekends and fall foliage season. The terrain around Denver is primarily rolling hills with relatively mild elevation changes, making most campgrounds accessible without high-clearance vehicles. As one camper noted, "The area is full of RVs but it's not congested. The bathrooms are clean and the showers are comfy."
Families appreciate the recreational amenities at campgrounds in this region, with fishing opportunities receiving particular mention in visitor reviews. Red Run Campground features creek access that appeals to campers seeking water recreation, with one visitor mentioning, "The Muddy Creek borders the campground on one side, which is a really nice backdrop." Many campgrounds in the area feature level, stone-based sites rather than natural surfaces, which some visitors find convenient while others prefer more natural settings. The proximity to Lancaster County attractions represents a significant draw, with most campgrounds positioned within easy driving distance of Amish communities, antique shops, and cultural sites. Several campgrounds host regular activities for children, including movie nights, hayrides, and seasonal events that enhance the family camping experience.
$24 - $122 / night
"We were looking for someplace close to the city but away from the hustle and bustle of our city life, this was the perfect little steal-away; relatively close by, great car camping spots, nice easy hikes"
"Campground Review: French Creek State Park Campground is located in Elverson, Pennsylvania and sits adjacent to Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site."
$40 - $60 / night
"It rained the entire time I was there so we didn’t go in the pool but the campground is walkable, I was able to go running, there are things for kids to do, some animals to go visit on our walks, obviously"
"You must try the family style restaurants in the area, delicious and close by as well. Overall a great experience and I would go again for sure :-)"
"All of the sites are full electric and more than a few have very little space for a family size tent to be safely away from the fire ring. Ours had adequate distance but we got lucky tbh."
"Streams are close by, hiking trails are numerous and Hawk Falls was a high point of the park. Peaceful, crisp air and beautiful Surroundings."
"Site next to us had a pipe break, they had a maintenance crew come out immediately and fix it. Amish stores/attractions close by for some entertainment also."
"Fishing pond is a joke and near by Gun Range can be annoying and tough on pets. But, over all, this place is pretty nice."
"Tent sites are lined up along the water which is great for fishing (especially when you need to stay close to the littles sleeping in the tent). Lots of benches lined up along the water."
"Not to noisy being next to a theme park. The bath house was just remodeled so it's excellent! Good price!"
"Easy access and a great central location to TONS of antique shops. Very clean and very friendly. Highly recommend!"
"Starlight is a nice campground to relax or explore central Pennsylvania."
"The campground is in a great location with easy access to Lancaster, Hershey and many other places to explore."
"This is a great spot for visiting Pennsylvania Amish of Lancaster County and about a one-hour drive to Hersheypark. "
"Not too close to each other. Has a great view of the valley and Amish farms. Everyone has been very friendly. No pool but the kids seem to enjoy the playground."
$57 - $70 / night
"Located w/in walking distance of small town of Intercourse, PA, with plenty of shopping and Amish crafts. Very friendly people. Inexpensive stay."
"Within walking distance are Amish shops, and guided tours into the Amish countryside. Restaurants are nearby. Clean and quiet area."
"Very nice creek behind half of the sites. Lots of ducks to watch. Playground is nice and in the middle of the campground so no matter where you are it is not that far. Very large pond for fishing."
"Campground is located along a beautiful Creek, that is accessible for play and fishing. There is also a small pond available for fishing."
ScoutOkay so I haven't actually been here yet I am looking for somewhere to put my rv long term. I guess I was just wondering why the other person made this place sound so horrible. Is it because of the people who can only afford to survive long term at this campsite or was this another time that stigma took over instead of knowledge or is the place a real dangerous dump. I guess I need to check this place out for myself.
ScoutSmall family owed for 50 plus years. They care about their guests and treat everyone like they are part of the family. The only thing about this campground is that it doesn't allow tents. Only RVs and pull behind.
GuideWe had to stop short of our intended site as we were caught in a flash rain and thunderstorm. More tents than should have fit parked here for the night.
GuideWe had a beautiful spot at a stones throw from the beach area. The water was great and clean and a good temperature at this time of year. Our camping site was huge. We had some people come over and hang out with us and they did not feel cramped. The kids had a fantastic time and definitely wanna come back.
GuideLots of seasonal parked campers and only a few campers here. Nice peaceful quiet stay. Our site was very spacious. Level side to side. Gravel site with plenty of room for our truck n trailer.
TravelerBeautiful clean campground. Super friendly staff. Was here on Halloween weekend. The main part of the grounds the sites are tight and packed in like sardines. The Lazy River section in far away from the noise of the super close train tracks. The pioneer section you are literally feet away from the tracks but the playground area is there. The shuttle to Hershey park is very convenient but we didn’t use it. Plan return during the summer season next year
ScoutThis place was great! We stayed here for 5 weeks while working in the area. It’s a clean, well kept space, completely surrounded by state forest, very close to shore access along the rivers/bay, hiking/biking trails right out of the campground. Half of it is long term residents, half for short term.
GuideCamped here the night before doing Lehigh Gap, it was less than a mile from the parking at Blue Mountain Rd. (Official A.T. parking). The only downside was my sleeping pad sprung a leak, so it wasn't the best night's sleep. But the site itself was great and I would camp there again.
ScoutFirst timer visitors , had a blast , people were very helpful, nice and made us feel very welcomed!
Camping near Denver, Pennsylvania centers on a small cluster of private campgrounds within Lancaster County, with elevations generally ranging from 400-600 feet above sea level. The region experiences four distinct seasons, with summer temperatures typically reaching the mid-80s during peak camping months. The landscape features rolling farmlands intersected by small streams and creeks that flow through several campgrounds.
Fishing opportunities: Creek access at Red Run Campground provides campers with water recreation options. "The Muddy Creek borders the campground on one side, which is a really nice backdrop," mentions one visitor who continued, "My daughter came up big with her first trout out of the Muddy Creek."
Historical exploration: Nearby Hopewell Furnace offers a glimpse into Pennsylvania's industrial past. "Not too far from the campground is Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site and Daniel Boone Homestead," notes a camper who visited French Creek State Park Campground. The park sits adjacent to these historical attractions.
Stargazing: Clear night skies provide excellent viewing conditions during summer months. While many campgrounds have tree cover, sites on hills or in open areas offer better astronomical viewing. "There is also a great view of the surrounding countryside because it's up on a big hill," mentions a visitor about Starlite Camping Resort.
Private, spacious sites: Campgrounds in the region vary in site privacy. "As long as you don't stay right across from the bath houses you will find ample shade at your site. There are so many trees and brush in between most sites you can't even really see your neighbors," says a reviewer of Starlite Camping Resort.
Amish countryside views: Several campgrounds offer scenic vistas of working farms. "Great KOA in all aspects: location, views, friendly, cleanliness," notes a camper at Lancaster-New Holland KOA, while another specifically mentioned "unobstructed views of the Amish farmland."
Unique accommodation options: Beyond standard campsites, visitors appreciate the specialty rentals. One camper at Lake-In-Wood Campground noted, "There are a lot of really neat and different rentals here like a tree house, double decker bus, among others."
Seasonal operating hours: Winter camping options are limited. "We stayed over for one night in early December. Showers and bathrooms were great!" mentions a camper at French Creek State Park, one of the few year-round facilities.
Variable bathroom quality: Facilities range widely between campgrounds. "The bath house had individual bathrooms and showers. Each was pretty clean and spacious," notes a camper about Spring Gulch, while another mentioned, "Bathrooms were just okay. Muddy floors - don't know how often floors are cleaned."
Local agriculture impacts: Nearby farms can affect camping conditions. A visitor at Old Mill Stream Campground noted, "The overwhelming impression of this campground was the smell of cow manure from the nearby dairy farm feedlot. The smell was not present the first day or so we were there."
Look for dedicated play areas: Several campgrounds feature playgrounds and organized activities. "Families and outdoor enthusiasts alike will find Lake-In-Wood Campground to be an exceptional getaway... family-friendly features like the indoor-outdoor pool," mentions a visitor.
Consider creek access for kids: Water features provide natural entertainment. "Very nice creek behind half of the sites. Lots of ducks to watch. Playground is nice and in the middle of the campground so no matter where you are it is not that far," noted a visitor at Red Run Campground.
Book early for holiday weekends: Holiday periods fill quickly throughout the region. "We camped here over Memorial Day weekend and it was full," reports a camper who visited Spring Gulch, highlighting the popularity of summer holiday periods.
Site selection matters: Terrain can impact parking ease. "Loop A to have very spacious, less rocky sites, however, there was little shrubbery between each site, making them less private than the sites in Loop C," notes a camper at French Creek State Park.
Level sites available: Many campgrounds offer paved or level sites. "All sites have a paved level area which made set up a breeze. Sites were not on top of each other," mentions a reviewer at Hickory Run Family Camping Resort.
Navigate entry challenges: Some campgrounds have tricky access points. "The entrance in off the main road turns you into the theme park. Fear not. Turn in and follow the road to the right and into the campground," advises a camper at Old Mill Stream Campground who stayed with a 40-foot RV.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Denver, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Denver, PA offers a wide range of camping options, with 157 campgrounds and RV parks near Denver, PA and 2 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Denver, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Denver, PA is French Creek State Park Campground with a 4.1-star rating from 81 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Denver, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 2 free dispersed camping spots near Denver, PA.
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