Cabin camping near Waynesboro, Pennsylvania sits at the foothills of South Mountain, where elevations range from 500 to 2,000 feet and create varied microclimates for campers. The area experiences four distinct seasons with summer temperatures typically reaching the mid-80s, while spring and fall offer milder conditions in the 60s and 70s. Winter cabin rentals remain available at select locations when temperatures frequently drop below freezing.
What to do
Hike the Appalachian Trail access points: Near Caledonia State Park Campground, visitors can access portions of the famous hiking path. "We enjoyed our stay here very much. The trails were very enjoyable and we hiked about 15 miles with sections of the Appalachian trail," notes Andres C., highlighting the significant hiking opportunities directly from the campground.
Experience synchronous fireflies: Visit Caledonia State Park Campground in July for a rare natural light show. One camper reported, "we chose this park for the nice pool (short walk from campsites) but loved the synchronous firefly show we saw in July! sites didn't have much privacy and bathrooms were small and outdated, although adequate."
Fish at Hunting Creek Lake: The 43-acre lake at Cunningham Falls State Park offers peaceful fishing opportunities. According to Dave V., "The 43 acre Hunting Creek Lake offers great (and busy weekend) fishing. Trolling motors are permitted, but ideal for paddling."
Tour Gettysburg Battlefield: Located minutes from Gettysburg / Battlefield KOA, this historical site makes for an essential day trip. "The campground was just minutes from downtown Gettysburg," reports Dave B., making it an ideal base for history exploration.
What campers like
Creek-side camping sites: Gettysburg Campground offers sites along a peaceful waterway. "Really nice place. Recommend a site by the creek," writes Brandon W., who appreciates the natural water feature that adds ambiance to the camping experience.
Water recreation options: Cunningham Falls State Park features a swimming area and beach for summer visitors. Buck P. shares, "We brought the grandkids out for a few days of relaxing and unwinding in the woods. The 3-yo had no issues on the trails."
Playground proximity for families: Sites near play areas allow parents to relax while watching children. Larry N. from Granite Hill Camping Resort reports, "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."
Horse facilities: For equestrians, some campgrounds accommodate horses near Waynesboro. Artillery Ridge Campground provides dedicated facilities as one camper noted: "This campground has horse stalls and rings if you would like to bring your own horses. There were a few families that brought their horses and they were right across from our site. Kids loved being able to see them and get close and even pet them!"
What you should know
Reservation timelines: Peak season requires early planning for cabin rentals. At Cunningham Falls State Park, Dave V. mentions, "This is a very busy campground and I was advised it normally sells out on weekends, so securing a site in advance is wise."
Site privacy variations: Many campgrounds in the region have closely spaced sites. At Houck - Cunningham Falls State Park, a camper observed: "The campsites have trees and some privacy," though others noted tighter spacing at various locations.
Seasonal facilities: Pools and water features typically operate between Memorial Day and Labor Day. A camper at Jellystone Park reported an important caution: "We stayed at Jellystone in Hagerstown in June. My daughter was excited about the little water park. Because it was early June, I emailed prior to booking to make sure that the water park would be open during the week and was assured that it would be. When we got there, it was not open."
Cell service inconsistency: Coverage varies significantly between campgrounds. Jim G. reports about Gettysburg Campground: "AT&T cell service was pretty good. Verizon cell service was a little spotty depending on my location in the campground."
Tips for camping with families
Halloween events: Fall camping near Waynesboro offers special themed weekends. According to Misty C. at Hagerstown / Antietam Battlefield KOA, "At Halloween they have a great haunted house," making it an excellent autumn destination for families with children.
Educational opportunities: Combine camping with historical learning at Gettysburg. "This campground is right next to the battlefields. Though sites are not very private, everyone is very respectful, and you are not on top of each other," explains MJ B. from Artillery Ridge Campground, highlighting the educational value of staying near historical sites.
Swimming options: Lakes and pools provide cooling relief during summer months. Regina C. describes Cunningham Falls State Park as having "a lake, boating, playgrounds, hike to the falls. So much scenery and nature. The electric 'A loop' is paved so it's great for bike riding."
Kid-focused amenities: Select campgrounds specifically designed with children in mind. One visitor to Gettysburg noted its "super well maintained and this place really makes an effort to provide fun activities for the kids! Great facilities and great staff!"
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Bring leveling blocks to handle uneven terrain. At Granite Hill Camping Resort, a camper warned, "The lots are filled with tree roots that someone was always tripping over, it took 2 hours to get our camper set up because of the very uneven stone lot."
Hookup positioning: Check hookup locations before booking. "The hookups were terrible," notes Beth M. about one campground, while Bobby S. adds, "The hookups are oddly spaced and you need to ensure you have extensions handy."
Navigation considerations: Some campgrounds have narrow roads challenging for larger rigs. "The roads are very windy and narrow, and I can't imagine trying to maneuver a large RV in there," cautions Jen V. about tight spaces at Hagerstown / Antietam Battlefield KOA.
Pull-through availability: For easier setup with larger units, seek out pull-through sites. Bill B. from Gettysburg / Battlefield KOA advises, "We stayed in site 55. Big site but hard to get into. There are a couple of pull-through sites that are much easier."
