The camping region around Gardners, Pennsylvania sits within the South Mountain range at elevations between 900-1,100 feet. Temperatures typically range 10-15 degrees cooler than nearby cities, creating favorable summer camping conditions when urban areas experience heat waves. The area receives moderate rainfall with heaviest precipitation in spring and early summer, sometimes leading to seasonal flooding in low-lying campgrounds and trail closures.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Pinchot Lake at Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground offers shore fishing access. Anglers commonly catch bass and bluegill. One camper reported "we caught a handful of bass and an absurd amount of bluegill from shore" while another mentioned the park has "a nice catch and release pond."
Battlefield tours: Campgrounds near Gettysburg provide convenient access to historical sites. At Artillery Ridge Campground, one visitor shared their experience: "Behind the campsite we stayed at, we learned connected to Stangler Farm, which served as a hospital for the wounded. Literally right outside the entrance of the campgrounds is where the battlefield starts."
Appalachian Trail access: Multiple campgrounds serve as bases for day hikes on the AT. A camper at Caledonia State Park Campground noted "there is access to the AT! And there are plenty of hiking trails!" While hikers often encounter through-hikers willing to share their experiences.
What campers like
Scenic water features: Lakes and streams create focal points for many campsites. At Gifford Pinchot, a visitor described "a great place to get away to nature" with "easy walk to the lake with a small beach." The park features "good sized lake for canoeing or kayaking" according to another review.
Wooded camping areas: Mature forests provide natural shade and privacy in certain loops. One camper at Pine Grove Furnace described sites where "if you are on a site around the perimeter you can turn your chair and your back to the campground and look out into the forest!" The campground offers "plenty of room to set up! Tons of shade."
Wildlife viewing: Seasonal firefly displays create memorable experiences. A visitor to Caledonia State Park mentioned "we chose this park for the nice pool but loved the synchronous firefly show we saw in July!" Another camper appreciated that "the fireflies were amazing and there were few mosquitoes even in mid-July."
What you should know
Campground elevation impacts: Some sites require leveling equipment due to terrain.** At Granite Hill Camping Resort, campers reported it "took 2 hours to get our camper set up because of the very uneven stone lot, thankfully we had enough wood to get the jack up without having to over extend it."
Variable cellular coverage: Service depends on specific location and carrier. Multiple reviews mention spotty service throughout the region. One camper at Pine Grove Furnace noted "the cell service is 'spotty' as they state on their website, but hey you are camping."
Seasonal weather considerations: Spring brings frequent rain while summer weekends can be crowded. The region experiences moderate rainfall, particularly in spring and early summer. Campers should be prepared for potential flooding at some campgrounds following heavy rain events, as one visitor to Mountain Creek Camp Ground mentioned that "some areas flood when it rains hard."
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Check which parks have beaches versus pools. At Mountain Creek Camp Ground, one family reported "the kids had a blast, tubing in the creek, swimming pool and an excellent camp store." Another visitor added that "kids can play in creek with tubes or hunt critters."
Playground access: Consider site proximity to play areas for convenience. A visitor to Granite Hill noted advantages of their location: "We stayed in the 'C' row site. Great shade and access to the playground. You can let the kids play all day while sitting at your campsite cooking and just hanging. It's only 15 yards for the play set."
Educational opportunities: Incorporate historical sites into your camping trip. The Gettysburg area offers unique learning experiences. At Artillery Ridge, one family shared: "We took a horse carriage ride through the battlefields, Picketts Charge and the peach orchard with a private guide to learn every ounce of the battlefield and the major players."
Tips from RVers
Hookup planning: Water access varies between parks and specific loops. At Gettysburg / Battlefield KOA, campers highlighted that "sites are also nice with a trex picnic table and a trex gliding love seat!" But at Pine Grove Furnace, visitors should note that "if traveling in an RV you will need to fill your fresh water tank as each site does not have water hook up."
Site sizing considerations: Check length and width specifications before booking. One KOA visitor observed "the camper sites seemed kind of close together but the cabins were amazing." At Gettysburg Campground, the "sites are large enough with nice fire-pits" according to a recent guest.
Tree clearance: Mature forests can impact parking and awning deployment. Some campgrounds have older trees with extensive root systems and low-hanging branches. A visitor to Granite Hill mentioned "the lots are filled with tree roots that someone was always tripping over" while others noted challenges maneuvering larger RVs in densely wooded areas.
