The best camping near Colonel Denning State Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Colonel Denning State Park adventure.

Discover the natural allure of Colonel Denning State Park.  

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Top-rated campgrounds near Colonel Denning State Park

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Wilbur's Shed

1 site · RV, Tent60 acres · Blairs Mills, PA
Let your children and dogs roam free without a leash. This property is remote and private. There are no neighbors nearby. This location is; twenty minutes north of I-76 Turnpike Willow Hill Exit forty-five minutes from Raystown Lake one hour and thirty minutes north of Gettysburg one hour and thirty minutes south of PSU three hours east of Pittsburgh three hours west of Philadelphia five hours west of NYC There is some cell service, but it is limited. Can you hear me now? Be sure to save site information on your phone before you leave, in case you lose cell-service. This is not Alaska, but it is not a KOA campground, either. We recommend you print of bring a paper map. Your GPS will not bring you to the exact driveway location. You need to be personally observant. This is the top of a mountain ridge. The access lane is steep, rocky, and has water erosion ditches you must drive over. Do not attempt this if you have a low profile car or a new/fragile camper. 4WD/AWD is highly recommended. Low profile and fancy cars are not recommended. This is not Alaska, but it is not a paved KOA campground, either. This camping site is for those who want to live ruggedly like Lewis & Clark, or Teddy Roosevelt. It is NOT for those who like their campground to be like The Villages of Florida where everything is flat, paved over, and you drive golf carts. This location is in a mix of farmland and mountain Appalachia. You will see common species such as chipmunks, squirrels turkey and deer. Many bird species. There are also porcupines, skunks, and black snakes around. You may also see black bear - it is rare, but possible. You are visiting wildlife species in their natural habitat. Please be self-aware of your own level comfort with wildlife. Once again, this is not an RVs park where you will socialize with a hundred other campers. This is primitive and isolated. This is an ideal camping spot if you want to escape from people. Nearby is the Tuscarora Creek which is excellent for trout fishing. The Tuscarora has a small but lovely window for kayaking from mid-March through the end of May. Please contact the host if you would like help to plan some paddle logistics. Twenty minutes south is Big Spring State Park which has an abandoned RR tunnel form the late 1800s. Forty-five minutes away is the 1,000 steps near Mt. Union which is part of the Standing Stone Trail that runs from Cowan’s Gap State Park to PSU. The Steps provides and amazing view of the Juniata River, and is a strenuous heart work-out. If you are interested in historic trains, East Broad Top Railroad is in Mt. Union. If members of your party would like a more pampered camping experience that includes real beds and hot showers, there is an adjoining property for rent on air b and b. Google search for The Crowe's Lounge.
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$36
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(319)

Christmas Tree Farm with Views

7 sites · RVs, Tents16 acres · Elizabethtown, PA
In 1990, Scott and Sue Miller purchased a 16-acre farm in Elizabethtown, Pa with the intentions of starting a select cut Christmas tree farm. 15,000 trees were purchased and planted on the farm. Six years later, the first tree was sold and since then, the farm has expanded its operations to Bernville, Pa. Camp on our 16 acre Christmas tree farm in an Amish neighbors with horses. Within 30 minute drive to Hershey park, Mt Gretna , Lebanon, Lancaster, Harrisburg, York. Enjoy hiking and biking trails nearby and the many attractions. We have excellent cell reception on our farm. Great view for star gazing and sunsets. Firewood available for purchase. We have a stone parking lot for RV campers. Two sites can also accommodate RV’s. We will reserve these sites. Tent campers can set up in the trees and lanes. An outdoor portable toilet is available and water is available at an outside spigot. We are open April through October. We have 6 sites available with fire pits. You are able to drive and park next to the site. Sites are available first come first served. Four persons per site additional $5 per night fee for extra guests. We sell Miller’s Christmas tree farms stickers. Our sites have excellent cell coverage.
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$35
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Views of woods, pond, and sunrise

2 sites · RVs, Tents139 acres · Westminster, MD
Welcome to our fifth generation, mini-valley, woodland, and rolling hills. Empty Cupboard Farm has been family owned since 1918. It is presently planted in soy and corn. Wildlife abounds, including deer, small mammals, and geese. Bald eagles and Heron even take a pond dip periodically. Woodland trails are accessible and new tree plantings can be observed. We welcome RVs under 30'. It will be too hilly for anything longer. (Be aware: inclement weather is not your friend here if your vehicle can't handle potentially slippery conditions.) Enjoy the following activities: Mountain biking, pedal onlyPond fishing. (Sorry, no swimming in the pond; but an "An open to the public", private pool is 13 miles/20min. As is the Y. Lawn games and a fire pit are available. So are the stars at night; cloud permitting. Consider the free star gazing app, SkyView Lite, even in the day and under clouds. Don't miss our stunning sunsets at the "Red Door," our entrance. Historical towns within 10 miles any direction are reached over rolling countryside. Gettysburg is less than 20 miles. Baltimore is less than an hours ride by open highway. Blue Ridge mountains 18 miles. Taneytown, 1836, has an extraordinary antique store that is a delight to browse; as well as fine dining, drive through, an open air beer garden and close by grocery stores. Homemade ice cream is found at Baugher's and Hoffmans in Westminster. Baugher's Orchard has "pick your own" available. There is a mini farm animal petting zoo at the orchard. Additional things to see: Boating in Carroll County Maryland. Local wineries Ski Liberty Carroll is a full service county whatever your needs. Check out carrollcountytourism.org to learn more No lions, tigers, and Oh my! However, be aware that small critters may try to steal your food. No recent bear sightings. Geese visit occasionally. Coyotes are seen periodically. All hunting rights are reserved for long term clientele; therefore, hiking on the farm may be curtailed if they are present during hunting season. (November- January) Consider using Sky View Lite on line to watch the sky.
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$15
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Gorgeous Water Overlook

2 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents75 acres · Halifax, PA
The White Squirrel Properties include a cabin, rental pavilion and camp site. The camp site sits at the top of a hill and provides a secluded flat site to pitch your tent or park your van/truck camper/truck top tent. You will have this space to yourself. The view is breathtaking - you have a gorgeous view of the Susquehanna River, numerous sets of mountain ranges, and you are surrounded by beautiful fields. There is a rustic picnic table and a more modern high top table set with an umbrella, for your use. We have also added 4 hammock chairs that you can relax in while enjoying a glass of wine. There is a wooden platform with a small structure on it. You can stand underneath the platform and it can provide some shelter, if needed. (The structure is being renovated for a new experience next summer.) The pavilion is a short walk and has 2 bathrooms, a shower, and a kitchen. **The kitchen is only available if the pavilion is not being rented**. There is an additional fee to rent the kitchen. If you are interested, please message me after booking. This can be added at checkout. Deer come out nightly on this peaceful property. You won’t be disappointed.
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$50
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Montside Orchard Camp,Cabin & Sauna

2 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents1 acre · Chambersburg, PA
The Cabin and campsites at Montside Orchard boast one of the most magical sunset views in the Cumberland Valley. And—Expect a daily show of wildlife—herds of white tail deer, wild turkeys and hundreds of wild birds make Montside Orchard their home! Bring your binoculars--its a wooded wonderland! The Cabin is hugged by woodlands at the back and bucolic green hills dotted with orchards and small farms out the front. Yet within 15 minutes you will have arrived in quaint, well appointed downtown Chambersburg-- a small town bursting with good art and good food! We are also conveniently located 10 minutes from I-81, a major North/South interstate and 10 minutes from Rt 30 which takes you into Micheaux Forest, the Appalachian Trail and Caledonia State Park within 15 min and the historic Gettysburg National Park within 35. White Tail Ski Resort is 40 minutes South and Ski Liberty is 40 miles East.
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$36
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Booked 2 times

Gettysburg Battlefield Resort

23 sites · RVs10 acres · Gettysburg, PA
Welcome to Gettysburg Battlefield Resort & Campgrounds! Our member-based RV campground and resort is perfect for those who love a mix of history and modern comforts. With over 250 campsites, including options for tents, cozy cabins, and RVs, you'll find the ideal spot to make your stay memorable. Our resort offers a range of amenities, from our Battlefield reenactment grounds and Olympic-sized swimming pool to playgrounds, ball fields, and a general store with an ice cream parlor. Explore nature trails, a stocked pond, and enjoy themed activities throughout the week. Plus, we're just a short drive from plenty of nearby attractions like downtown Gettysburg, the Appalachian Trail, Amish country, Washington DC, and Hershey Park. Join us at Gettysburg Battlefield Resort & Campgrounds, where neighbors become friends and friends become family. We can't wait to welcome you and show you everything we have to offer. Become part of the Travel Resorts Family today!
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$56.95
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The Bellefonte Campground

11 sites · Lodging40 acres · Bellefonte, PA
Bellefonte Campground is situated on close to 40 acres in the heart of central Pennslyvania, just minutes from State College and near some of the best fishing spots in Pennsylvania, including Fisherman's Paradise on Spring Creek. At Bellefonte Campground, you'll have plenty of space to enjoy! Our expansive campground offers lots of wide-open Pennsylvania acreage for you to explore. Each site features a picnic table and fire ring, providing the perfect setting for family gatherings. And don't forget: We are a pet-friendly campground. Bellefonte Campground is your gateway to a host of exciting local attractions. Experience the thrill of a Penn State football game: Beaver Stadium is about 15 minutes away. Looking for something a little more relaxing? Nearby Spring Creek offers excellent fly fishing opportunities. Or head out to Bald Eagle State Park, where you'll find an abundance of scenic trails and fascinating wildlife. With such an array of activities, your stay at Bellefonte Campground promises to be a truly unforgettable one.
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$180
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The best camping near Colonel Denning State Park guide

Overview

About

Dotted with picnic tables, perfumed by the familiar clouds of burning charcoal, Colonel Denning State Park is a niche-like paradise for the backpacker―who fancys midnight reruns on the Food Network. While not geared toward the motor boating enthusiast, the park’s expansive lake is a favorite among canoers and kayakers, offering a safe, scenic experience for the paddling-minded ilk. Even the seasoned angler will be well catered to with Doubling Gap Lake’s healthy populated trout schools. And, if you’re not one to partake in water-going activities, Colonel Denning State Park is snaked with eighteen-miles of hiking trails that carve the Cumberland Valley. However, make sure your smartphone’s fully-charge; Colonel Denning State Park’s campsites offer little amenities (aside from the one electrically-fed campsite), allowing all it’s campers to experience Mother Nature in all her well-groomed beauty.

When to go

The ideal time to visit Colonel Denning State Park is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild and the natural scenery is at its peak. Summer brings warmth perfect for water activities, though it can be crowded. Winters are quiet but can be quite cold, so ensure you're prepared if you venture during this season.

Know before you go

  • Check the weather forecast and dress appropriately for the season to ensure a comfortable visit.
  • Be aware of park hours, typically from 8:30am to 5pm, and plan your trip accordingly.
  • Stay informed about any trail closures or area restrictions before you arrive.
  • Remember to pack essentials like water, snacks, and a first-aid kit for a safe and enjoyable day.
  • Take advantage of the available facilities, but always leave the park as you found it, respecting the Leave No Trace principles.
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