Tent campsites near Upper Strasburg, Pennsylvania are situated within the Appalachian Mountain range at elevations ranging from 650 to 1,700 feet. The region typically experiences mild springs and falls with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during peak camping season from May through September. Winter camping isn't recommended as most facilities close and temperatures regularly drop below freezing.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Honey Creek at Reeds Gap State Park Campground offers both native and stocked trout fishing. As one camper notes, "The beautiful stream (Honey Creek) running through it might be the pearl for a fisherman. It has native and stocked trout."
Photography sessions: The open fields at Star Lee Farm provide excellent conditions for night photography. A visitor mentioned, "Place was very pretty and secluded. And customer service was excellent. There's a huge field to star gaze as well as taking pictures."
Beekeeping exploration: Learn about honey production at Star Lee Farm where, according to reviews, "if you're a bee enthusiast they grow their own honey in the property and you're more than welcome to walk around and look at all the boxes."
Rock climbing: The cliffs at Annapolis Rock Campground provide various single pitch climbing opportunities. A reviewer explains, "The best part is the Annapolis Rock cliffs. They offer beautiful views and all kinds of single pitch rock climbing!"
Tubing: The Potomac River near Antietam Creek Campground offers gentle water recreation. According to visitors, "Antietam creek is very close by and is perfect for tubing or just enjoy the river & nature from your campsite!"
What campers like
Digital detox: Several tent camping sites like Star Lee Farm have limited connectivity. One camper appreciated that "Service is a little sketch but it's perfect for those who want to completely escape the business of modern world."
Waterfront access: Tent campers at Nancy's Boat To Shore Campground enjoy direct lake access. "These campsites are accessible by boat ONLY! They are in an area of the lake that has a lot of boat traffic, the waterfront spots usually book a few weeks in advance."
Elevated viewpoints: Annapolis Rock provides perspectives from higher elevations. "The overlook at Annapolis Rock is glorious. The elevation is 1700 feet so its quite a trek up to the site," notes one camper.
Clean facilities: Reeds Gap State Park receives consistent praise for maintenance. One camper specifically highlights, "A super clean, eco-shower. Yep that's right, the shower! Timed water, lights (solar?)etc. are spot on for me!"
Privacy between sites: At Long Acres on Clover Creek, tent campers appreciate the separation. "This campsite was absolutely perfect! The secluded area combined with the creek nearby made for a great escape from reality."
What you should know
Fire restrictions: Annapolis Rock Campground prohibits campfires. A visitor warns, "The view is great but you can't have a campfire due to restorations."
Wildlife awareness: Be prepared for native wildlife encounters. One camper at Annapolis Rock advises, "Also, be careful for the copperheads that come warm up on the rocky overlook."
Bathroom conditions: Facilities vary widely between campgrounds. At Antietam Creek, a camper reported, "Pit toilet was not very clean and there are no trash cans so folks had taken to leaving their trash in the bathroom."
Gear transport logistics: Many tent sites require carrying equipment from parking areas. At Antietam Creek, "you have to park on the opposite side of the canal and walk to your campsite. If you got one close to the bridge over the canal then you're 100ft from the car."
Phone service limitations: Most tent sites have minimal connectivity. Mulehalla and other wilderness-oriented sites offer a true disconnect from technology, with Reeds Gap campers reporting, "Put your phone away cuz there's no cell service here!"
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Reeds Gap State Park offers family-friendly amenities. A visitor shares, "There's a nice creek that runs through it, picnic pavilions and a playground for the kids!"
Managing noise levels: At Nancy's Boat To Shore Campground, families should note that "Some weekend get slightly loud because of college kids, but most are mindful of younger children if you ask them to keep it down."
Weather preparation: Summer temperatures can reach into the mid-80s during peak months. Pack accordingly with sun protection and adequate water supplies, especially for tent sites without electricity.
Evening activities: Long Acres on Clover Creek provides excellent night sky viewing. "The stars are so bright out here and the tent was absolutely fabulous!" one family reported.
Trail-to-campsite proximity: Dahlgren Backpacker Campground offers convenience for tired hikers. "The sites are nice, but seemed pretty close together. As far as campgrounds on the AT go, this is one of the nicer ones."
Tips from RVers
Parking limitations: Most tent campsites near Upper Strasburg have restricted vehicle access. At Antietam Creek, RVers need to "park on the road and carry all your stuff across a bridge and down the path to your site. Could be a very far walk."
Alternative camping options: For those seeking both RV and tent options, Reeds Gap State Park accommodates both vehicle types with varying hookup availability.
Power options: While many primitive tent sites lack power, some locations have limited electricity. At Star Lee Farm, "There's no electricity there but the owner is working on that but there is power in the shower house."
Reservation timing: For popular sites, book well in advance. Waterfront spots at Nancy's Boat To Shore "usually book a few weeks in advance and are in a wake zone."
