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Best Tent Camping near York Springs, PA

867 Reviews

Tent camping options in central Pennsylvania include several established sites near York Springs, with primitive facilities and natural settings. Lower Allen Community Park offers tent-only sites along Yellow Breeches Creek, ideal for kayakers looking to paddle and camp. Annapolis Rock Campground along the Appalachian Trail provides backcountry tent camping with more secluded surroundings, located about 1.7 miles from the nearest trailhead.

Most tent sites require some walking from parking areas, with distances ranging from a short 50-yard trek at Lower Allen to longer 2-mile hikes for Appalachian Trail sites. Fire rings are common at established campgrounds, though Annapolis Rock prohibits fires due to restoration efforts. Potable water availability varies significantly between locations, with some sites like Dahlgren Backpacker Campground providing year-round water sources while others require campers to bring their own. Vault toilets or composting outhouses serve most areas, but shower facilities remain limited to locations like Dahlgren.

Tent campers frequently mention the cooling effect of creek-side locations during summer months. A visitor commented that "the stream is refreshing and the site stays fairly cool. When it hits high temperatures, a quick dip in the water is amazing." Primitive tent sites often attract hikers and backpackers, creating occasional conflicts with day users. Tree coverage provides substantial shade at most locations, particularly at Mill Creek Camping Area and Susquehannock State Park. Annapolis Rock offers stunning views from its 1,700-foot elevation vantage point as compensation for the moderate uphill hike required to reach tent sites. Weekend crowds can impact site availability at the more accessible campgrounds, while backcountry tent options typically offer greater solitude and natural surroundings.

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Best Tent Sites Near York Springs, Pennsylvania (18)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near York Springs, PA

9 Photos of 18 York Springs Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near York Springs, PA

867 Reviews of 18 York Springs Campgrounds

  • Lee D.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 31, 2019

    Greenbrier State Park Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED

    Nice hiking opportunities!

    Ranger Review: Firebiner and Fiber Light Fire Starter at Greenbrier State Park

    **Campground Review: **

    We were here one week before this campground closed for the season (open April through October) and it was so quiet that it was hard to imagine what it is like in the summer when the beach is open and the campground is likely full. There are four loops; two with no hookups and no pets allowed, one with no hookups that allow pets and one with electric sites that allow pets. Each site is clearly defined, and the sites all appeared level with gravel pads. The bathrooms were reasonable. There are several trails in the campground plus it is close to several AT day hikes.

    There is a large day-use area and beach with lots of picnic tables. While the beach was closed for swimming, we saw a kayaker and two people fishing from a boat. Many hiking trails and this is an excellent place to camp if you’d like to do AT day hikes.

    ------------------------- 

    Product Review: 

    As a Ranger for The Dyrt, I have the opportunity to test products. At this campground, we tested the Firebiner and Fiber Light Fire Starter by Outdoor Elements. I’m reviewing both products since they can be used together, and we had much more luck with one than the other. 

    Upon unpacking my box from Outdoor Elements, my first experience was that it took a sharp knife to free the Firebiner from its cardboard backing, which was not an auspicious start. Once at our campground, we were able to use the safety blade to easily open the plastic packaging on our firewood. Unfortunately, it took several tries by two men trying the Firebiner to get a spark; they had to really crank on it, and it was not enough to light a fire. I’m guessing that with more patience and practice, it would have worked. Admittedly, we are car campers and not backpackers (and have the luxury of being able to carry/use a butane lighter), but I was looking forward to trying a new method. 

    We did use the Fiber Light Fire Starter and using our tried and true fire-starting methods, we got a roaring fire started very quickly. So, we had a 50% success! Packed in a small tin, you only need a pinch to easily get a fire started so we will use this in the future. 

    We also used the cutting tool on the Firebiner a few days later to remove the wristband from an activity we participated in and also used it to hang our lantern on a hook; this little tool is very strong (did not test but appreciate the 100-pound weight limit). I appreciate that it can also be used as a screwdriver, so the Firebiner is truly a multi-use tool!

  • Rick W.
    Aug. 15, 2022

    Colonel Denning State Park Campground

    Tent camping sites

    Walk in sites have picnic table and fire ring. Tent pads are level and smooth. Showers and restrooms are close to sites. Strongly recommend...

  • Craig F.
    Jul. 1, 2019

    Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground

    Fun Camping and Lake Activities

    We had a wonderful stay at Gifford Pinchot State Park! 

    The camping area at GP is separated into A loop and B loops with approximately 300 sites. All sites had a paved pad, varying in size depending on the location, with tent site being smaller. Most sites have electric and there are 22 full hookup sites in the camping area. Both loops are peninsulas into the lake, which is convenient to launching boats directly from many sites. Loop A is closer to the designated swimming area with a sandy beach and playground. B loop is closer to many of the hiking trails and also several boat launch areas. It is nice that the camping area and amenities are separated from the public day use area. At the entrance to the camping area there are three dump stations. 

    During our stay we were at a full hookup site which was very spacious and often hard to find in PA State Parks. Our site was#299 and for some reason the entire site was paved/blacktop, which was different than all the other sites where the pad was paved and the picnic table area was gravel/grass. While this site made it easy to level our camper, it became quite hot in the afternoon/evening after the sun had baked it all day.

    Overall, we thoroughly enjoyed GP and couldn’t believe we hadn’t visited before because it is a great state park. Wood is available for purchase at the campground hosts’ sites and ice at the park office. As with most PA state parks, quiet hours are at 9:00PM, which is a bit early, and there is no alcohol allowed in the park. We look forward to returning to GP in the future.

  • Nick C.
    Jun. 19, 2022

    Owens Creek Campground — Catoctin Mountain Park

    Cozy and Clean - Lots of Firewood

    The sites are very clean but close to each Other. You can hear the kids and families and all that. The sites have a nice mulched tent pad, fire ring / grill grate, lantern pole and picnic table. There is a firewood hut at the entrance and you can take what you need - just leAve a donation. The bathrooms are very clean and there’s some trails around the creek (dry creek/ nothing impressive)

  • Roger W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 2, 2023

    Owens Creek Campground — Catoctin Mountain Park

    Peaceful w filtered sun

    Owens Creek Campground : (Scale 1- bad, 5-Very good (70 yr olds in 17’ trailer) Overall Rating: 4.5 Price: $15/night w senior pass Usage during visit: very low including Fri night Site Privacy: understory trees, filter l e of site in many sites. Site Spacing: most very nicely spaced Site surface: blacktop Reservations: Yes Campground Noise: Very quiet Road Noise: Only a bit in first few campsites Through Traffic: no problem Electricity: No Water: Spigots at bathhouses Sewer: No Dump: No Generators: 6 AM to 10 PM Bathroom: Old but very clean.
    Showers: Yes. Double curtains Pull Throughs: Some Cell Service (Verizon): Very good Setting: A thick deciduous forest Weather: nice. Cooler because of shade Bugs: A few. Will probably increase as month moves on Solar: Too much shade for fixed solar panels Host: Yes Rig size: Not all sites will accommodate a 22’ trailing. Sites: Pictures are of some of the best sites. My favs: 14 nice woods view , (28 & 29 hear creek,)37. 45, 46

  • Simon S.
    Dec. 30, 2021

    Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park in Williamsport MD

    Great place for kids

    Camp site (Tent camping)

    Camp site was pretty spacious. We set up our tent on gravel. No hookups to electricity or water. Rangers deliver firewood for your convenience.

    Facilities / Amenities

    Huge pool divided into two sections, one for mainly kids and the other for swimming and water slides. 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.

    There is a basketball court, playgrounds, and jumping pads.

    During the day, we did tie dying t-shirts at the pavilion.

    There is a 18-hole mini golf course as well.

  • K
    Sep. 1, 2021

    Codorus State Park Campground

    Nice campground for primitive tenting

    Large campground but only 15 sites dedicated to“roughin’ it” tent camping. However, those sites are isolated from the others. The tent sites were in very good condition, spaced well, and fairly private. Most sites have plenty of shade and grassy, though a few are dirt only. Many sites within walking distance from the lake(no swimming) and set up for you to store and launch your kayak or other boat. Water, bathrooms, and showers a little distant but everything clean and in excellent condition. Ice and firewood available on the grounds. There is also a small store but I didn’t see it because it was open for very limited weekend hours only. Otherwise, major grocery stores are only a few minutes’ drive. Definitely going back…!

  • SThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 2, 2023

    Pine Grove Furnace State Park Campground

    Camping at the AT Halfway Point

    Great small campground in South-central PA.  Sites are nicely spaced except for a few that are tucked into a few odd-shaped places.  I stayed in site 21, which was on an outside loop with a lot of space.  Campground seems very well maintained and the hosts were very friendly and active.  I wasn't there on a busy night, but nice to know it is a place where the hosts are trying to keep a relaxing atmosphere.  Nearly everything is in the woods so there's lots of shade during the warm seasons.  There's a fire ring, picnic table, lantern hanger and generous tent pad.  There's also room in many outside loop sites to set up in the woods.  Very quiet and relaxing evening.

    Bathrooms feel very modern and there is a combination of a traditional shower/bathroom center and a separate bathroom only area with 4 private bathrooms (though now showers).  Showers were clean and had hot water, though when you press the button for water, it only runs for about 10 seconds.  So you really have to just hold the water on while you shower one-handed.  I think there was a 1-car per site rule while I was there.

    Firewood is on-site for $5 for a six-piece bundle, with kindling available.  Wood lit right up for me.  The park has a general store, swimming lake, Appalachian Trail Museum, Park office and a few other historic buildings so there's a lot to do.  Just take note that everything closes at 4 PM.  The park is just north of the halfway point of the AT and is a popular place for hikers to stop and take a slow or zero day.  The museum is interesting if you have any interest in the AT and very knowledgeable host.

  • E
    Aug. 28, 2020

    Greenbrier State Park Campground - TEMPORARILY CLOSED

    Great campground

    We were very pleased with the facilities at this campground. Arrived a little early and found the site ready and spotless. Decent sized sites included picnic table, fire ring, and 2 poles for hanging lanterns, garbage, whatever. Decent space between sites, with trees, though could easily see the neighbors. Very friendly camp host who came through every evening to make sure everything was ok. Bathroom facilities were close enough and had hot and cold water, showers, flush toilets, and showers. All were spotless. Close to good hiking and could walk right out of the tent and meet up with the AT. Was excited about the lake until we got there ... was very crowded and noisy with happy screaming children. But for that, nice lawn and sand areas for sitting and enjoying the lake view.

Guide to York Springs

Tent camping near York Springs, Pennsylvania, offers a blend of serene nature and convenient amenities, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts looking to escape the hustle and bustle.

Tent campers should check out Lower Allen Community Park

  • This charming site features picnic tables and fire pits, making it ideal for a cozy camping experience along the Yellow Breeches Creek.
  • With walk-in access, it provides a peaceful retreat while still being close to suburban conveniences.
  • The park allows pets, so you can bring your furry friends along for the adventure.

Enjoy local activities at The Hefenfinger's Fish Camp

  • Nestled along the water, this spot is perfect for those seeking tranquility and solitude while enjoying fishing or kayaking.
  • Accessible by boat-in, drive-in, or hike-in, it offers a unique camping experience that caters to various preferences.
  • Pitch your tent or park your camper and soak in the peaceful surroundings.

Tips for tent camping near York Springs

  • Consider visiting the well-reviewed Lancaster County Mill Creek Camping Area for refreshing streamside camping and plenty of hiking opportunities.
  • Be prepared for a primitive experience at Annapolis Rock Campground, where you can enjoy breathtaking views and rock climbing.
  • If you're looking for a more secluded spot, check out Warm Springs Camp, which allows for a peaceful retreat with essential amenities like drinking water and showers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near York Springs, PA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near York Springs, PA is Lower Allen Community Park with a 5-star rating from 1 review.

What is the best site to find tent camping near York Springs, PA?

TheDyrt.com has all 18 tent camping locations near York Springs, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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