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Best Campgrounds near Waynesboro, PA

967 Reviews

Michaux State Forest provides free primitive camping opportunities near Waynesboro, Pennsylvania, with sites that include picnic tables and fire rings. Located within an hour of Gettysburg, the region encompasses several established campgrounds including Caledonia State Park, Owens Creek Campground in Catoctin Mountain Park, and multiple KOAs that offer varied accommodation types from tent sites to cabins. The camping landscape spans from developed facilities with full hookups to rustic forest sites with minimal amenities, giving visitors access to the rich woodland environments of south-central Pennsylvania and nearby Maryland.

Permits are required for camping at South Michaux State Forest sites but can be obtained online at no cost for stays up to 7 consecutive nights. The area features a mix of drive-in and walk-in camping options, with some sites accessible via short trails from parking areas. "The Michaux State Forest has several FREE rustic campsites that can be reserved up to 7 consecutive nights. We chose site 15 - Raccoon Run and loved it. It was clean, well stocked with firewood and huge," noted one camper. Road conditions vary throughout the forest, though many sites are reachable with standard vehicles. Seasonal considerations affect water availability, as streams that run well in spring may diminish by mid-summer and early fall. Most forest campsites lack cell service, particularly in valleys and dense woodland areas.

Campgrounds in the region receive consistently positive reviews for their wooded settings and access to hiking trails. The Appalachian Trail passes through the area, offering connections to long-distance hiking opportunities. Several visitors highlighted the abundance of natural firewood at primitive sites and the relative privacy compared to more developed campgrounds. Reviews indicate that weekend occupancy rates tend to be high at established campgrounds, while weekday visits offer significantly more solitude. Temperatures in the mountains can be noticeably cooler than surrounding areas, making the region a popular summer destination. Trail networks throughout Michaux State Forest and Catoctin Mountain Park provide recreational opportunities directly from many campsites, allowing visitors to explore the mountain terrain without driving to separate trailheads.

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Best Camping Sites Near Waynesboro, Pennsylvania (151)

    1. Owens Creek Campground — Catoctin Mountain Park

    28 Reviews
    Sabillasville, MD
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (301) 663-9388

    $30 / night

    "We stayed at site 28 which is right next to the little bridge over the creek for easy access to the trails and near the bathrooms."

    "Our campsite was quiet with the creek right behind us and had lots of privacy. This place is a great campground to go during summer as it's tucked in the mountains with lots of tree coverage."

    2. Caledonia State Park Campground

    33 Reviews
    Fayetteville, PA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 352-2161

    $20 - $92 / night

    "Stayed here two nights while visiting Gettysburg (short 20mi drive between the two). Stayed on Chinquapin Hill, each site has picnic table and fire ring and good space for camp."

    "It’s a fantastic state park with great picnic areas next to the creek. You can also drive up the road to the dam where there’s a beautiful lake with fishing, kayaking, etc."

    3. Greenbrier State Park Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED

    41 Reviews
    Boonsboro, MD
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 432-2267

    $23 - $29 / night

    "Positives

    • Big, immaculately groomed tent pads

    * Mostly tent campers!"

    "Our site was private and kind of faced away from most other sites. There was a hiking trail behind us that led to the lake."

    4. Houck - Cunningham Falls State Park

    24 Reviews
    Thurmont, MD
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (301) 271-7574

    $21 - $65 / night

    "Camp next to the president."

    "There are a few vineyards and breweries nearby. Gettysburg, PA is close as is Frederick, MD. Our site was level and had a good view of the woods. Family was staying in site next to us, site 12."

    5. Gettysburg / Battlefield KOA

    26 Reviews
    Fairfield, PA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 642-5713

    "Spent 2 nights at Gettysburg KOA in July while touring Pennsylvania with granddaughter. Very convenient to historical stuff. Large sites, separated by rocks and trees. Quiet and private."

    "Our site was very spacious, beautifully landscaped and wooded, but right next to the road. There was a buffer of trees, but unfortunately that didn’t make much of a difference with regard to noise."

    6. Manor - Cunningham Falls State Park

    22 Reviews
    Thurmont, MD
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (301) 271-7574

    $23 - $29 / night

    "Deer Spring Loop is near the top of the mountain. This is not a pet friendly loop.

    Site 112 is level, mostly shaded, backs up to the woods and has electric.

    The site is between two cabins."

    "Only one trail leading out. Ground is all gravel so bring a mat. Also VERY close to highway 15 so we heard traffic and j-breaks and motorcycles all night."

    7. Gettysburg Campground

    26 Reviews
    Gettysburg, PA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 642-5713

    "I always appreciate the near solitude experience of this campground as 90% of the sites are RV sites, that are kept away from the tenting area."

    "If you’re looking for a backwoods, off-the-beaten-path type of campground, this isn’t it."

    8. Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park in Williamsport MD

    23 Reviews
    Williamsport, MD
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (301) 223-7117

    $99 - $471 / night

    "There is a food court in the swimming pool and a camp store right next to it. They play movies every night at the outdoor theater near the pool."

    "This campground has tons of nice cabins and tent sites, all in wooded surroundings. There is a small creek to play in and a nice little hiking trail within the campground."

    9. Granite Hill Camping Resort

    16 Reviews
    Fairfield, PA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 642-8749

    "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."

    "Nice place to camp me and the wife was there July 4th weekend close to the pool"

    10. Hagerstown / Antietam Battlefield KOA

    19 Reviews
    Williamsport, MD
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (301) 223-7571

    "Set right next to the river and you fish if you want to. DO NOT follow your GPS. Follow the directions on the KOA Website."

    "Beautiful campgrounds situated near a creek. The campgrounds have a homey feel and were decorated nicely for fall & Halloween. The staff & hosts were incredibly nice & helpful."

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Recent Camping Photos near Waynesboro, PA

432 Photos of 151 Waynesboro Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Waynesboro, PA

967 Reviews of 151 Waynesboro Campgrounds

  • E
    Sep. 30, 2025

    Camp Cacapon

    Great camping in a perfect spot

    We stayed at this campground Sep 26-28 and had a fantastic time. The campsite is in a perfect spot on the Cacapon river, and the facilities are excellent. Nice campsites, clean bathrooms and a charming little pavilion that you can rent and hang out with your group.

    Highly recommend

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 21, 2025

    Watermelon Park Campground

    Beautiful setting!

    This camping ground is for RVs only. It's right on the Shenandoah River so it's a quiet peaceful setting. However it's a long way from any town, has terrible wifi, (the mobile data was slightly better) & doesn't hav a laundry room. The road in is very narrow so our moterhome had a little difficulty getting in, but we made it! There is only a dumping station. This is just info, not a bad review :) they have showers & firewood & the staff is very friendly & helpful! Tubing on the river was closed for the season but that wud have been a great pass time!

  • Brian C.
    Sep. 17, 2025

    Cowans Gap State Park Campground

    Solid State Park Camping

    Stayed in a walk-in tent site. Much better spacing than typical sites, though sites 2 & 3 were basically connected. The non-walk in sites in Loop B are typical to smaller than average and mostly suited for campers/RVs.

    Pros : Site spacing/privacy was good Bathrooms and showers were clean. Firewood available at the park ($5 for 6 pieces self-serve). Location near the dam and lake trail is nice. Cell service was limited, but had reliable (but low) signal with T-Mobile at my site. Easy access (on foot) to all of the hiking trails.

    Cons: The tent pads could use some leveling and there was some trash around the site. The major negative was generator noise coming from the facility just beyond the dam. Droning generator noise was on/off at all hours of the day and went on until 10pm in the evening. Not sure how far up in Loop B this was heard, but it was pretty loud in the walk-in site area.

  • Marcandpatti B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 11, 2025

    Gettysburg Campground

    Good spot for Gettysburg, a bit spendy.

    We stayed here mid-week in September so it was very quiet. There was a bit of road noise as our site was close to the entrance. Host was super friendly. They have a bunch of things going on with groups that stay here; next group is quilters with vintage trailers, sorry to miss that. All of the utilities worked just fine. Sites re a bit close to each other, not a lot of foliage between sites.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 9, 2025

    Artillery Ridge Campground

    Great location and friendly staff

    We have a motorhome with no additional vehicle and two dogs, and this site couldn’t have been more perfect for us. A dog park, walking distance to most everything we wanted to see. The national park is mostly dog friendly. My husband caught a fish first day in the pond behind our site. The staff was super friendly and welcoming.

  • p
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Artillery Ridge Campground

    Rv stay

    Site and bathrooms clean. Activities provided free each day. Food trucks in park. Close to museum and battleground sites.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 7, 2025

    Round Top Campground

    Better than OK

    Stayed for 2 days while passing through from FL to NH. Off-season so not crowded. Pool was clean and quite good sized, had it to ourselves due to season. Did laundry while here, ample laundry room. On-site extras include food-truck restaurant and small country goods vendor during our stay. Office staff did ok. Sites have reasonable spacing with gravel pads, mostly level. Trees between sites with sloping hills , not just a big open field. It’s a corporate site so automated web-based reservation system was finicky so we had to verify reservation went through. Tried to book 2 nights but system only set us up for 1. Phone call to help line easily resolved the issue. Quiet and no spotlights on all night.

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Harpers Ferry Campground - River Riders

    Awesome views on the Potomac

    Very cool spot. Amazing sites right on the Potomac. There is a Ale House above the office that delivers for free to your site (2.5 miles away), just tip the driver

  • SkywaystoHighways.com Y.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground

    Peace and quiet !

    Great spot! We had site 114 . It has water access and is right next to a small man made beach and playground. Bathrooms were in good shape. Sites were of ample size and well spaced.

Guide to Waynesboro

Camping near Waynesboro, Pennsylvania, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a quiet retreat or a family-friendly adventure, there are several campgrounds to explore.

What to do:

  • Hiking: There are numerous trails nearby, including those at Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, "We love this park… it's one of our favorites! The lake is very nice and it's a very family park!"
  • Fishing: Many campgrounds, like Rocky Gap State Park Campground, have lakes where you can fish. A reviewer noted, "The campground has their own swim beach with a great playground, nature center, and camp store."
  • Exploring Historical Sites: The area is rich in history, with Gettysburg just a short drive away from Codorus State Park Campground. One camper shared, "This campground isn't too far from our home in Maryland… tons of hiking, exploring along the lake, and Gettysburg within a 30-minute drive."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Greenbrier State Park Campground said, "The bathhouses are always clean and well stocked."
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. A reviewer at Cherry Hill Park mentioned, "The campground is nicer than average, with very large sites that feel very secluded."
  • Natural Beauty: Campers love the scenic views. One visitor at Caledonia State Park Campground said, "Beautifully located in the deep woods. Nice sites offering privacy."

What you should know:

  • No Cell Service: Many campgrounds, like Cowans Gap State Park Campground, have limited or no cell service. A camper noted, "There is none. NONE. No AT&T, no Verizon, no T-Mobile."
  • Reservations Recommended: Popular spots can fill up quickly, especially on weekends. A visitor at Owens Creek Campground advised, "First come first serve. I got in late Friday night and only the overflow camps were available."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may not have electric hookups or showers. A reviewer at Green Ridge State Forest mentioned, "NO electric hookups, NO showers, NO toilets."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with playgrounds and swimming areas, like Rocky Gap State Park Campground. One parent said, "There is a nice playground near shade for parents to watch."
  • Plan Activities: Bring games and outdoor toys to keep kids entertained. A visitor at Cherry Hill Park noted, "There is also plenty to do for the kids, like a tractor ride through the campground."
  • Pack Snacks: Having snacks on hand can make a big difference. A camper at Codorus State Park Campground mentioned, "The sites are fairly large and they do have some full hookup sites which is nice."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Harpers Ferry / Civil War Battlefields KOA said, "The sites were so unlevel, close together, and the whole infrastructure in need of repair."
  • Use Leveling Blocks: Many sites may not be perfectly level. A camper at Greenbrier State Park Campground advised, "Some sites have 30amp electric. It was winter when we visited, but the campground has its own swimming beach."
  • Plan for Quiet Hours: Respecting quiet hours is essential. A visitor at Harpers Ferry KOA mentioned, "No enforcement of quiet hours… did not quiet down till 1am."

Camping near Waynesboro, PA, offers a variety of experiences, from serene nature to family fun. Whether you're in a tent or an RV, there's something for everyone in this beautiful area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are there any private camping options near Waynesboro?

Several private camping options exist near Waynesboro. Button Farm offers a peaceful private farm campground experience with clean facilities and just two sites that can each accommodate up to 12 campers. You can drive directly to your campsite for convenient setup. For a unique experience, Campground Island provides a tranquil setting completely surrounded by water, with the peaceful sounds of waterfalls and wildlife. The creek offers both deep areas for fishing and shallow sections, making it an excellent private getaway option.

What campgrounds are available near Waynesboro, PA?

Near Waynesboro, PA, you'll find excellent camping at Cowans Gap State Park Campground, nestled in the Pennsylvania mountains with spacious, shaded sites and clean facilities. The park features a beautiful lake with swimming, boating, fishing, and hiking trails. Another fantastic option is Pine Grove Furnace State Park Campground, which offers numerous electric sites and updated bathrooms. Located at the midpoint of the Appalachian Trail, it provides excellent hiking opportunities and convenient access to two lakes connected by a pleasant path.

Where can I find overnight camping facilities near Waynesboro?

For overnight stays near Waynesboro, Gambrill State Park Campground offers level, shaded sites with convenient access to bath houses and water spigots. The Rock Run camping area provides a particularly pleasant overnight experience. If you're looking for dispersed camping, Green Ridge State Forest features roadside sites with excellent privacy for $10 per night. Many sites are tucked away from the main road, creating a secluded wilderness feel while still being accessible by vehicle.

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