Best Camping in and near Colonel Denning State Park

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Stay at a public campground in Colonel Denning State Park

Colonel Denning Park Campground

50 sites · RVs, Tents In Colonel Denning State Park

Top-rated campgrounds near Colonel Denning State Park

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Free Spirit Campground

5 sites · Lodging, Tents66 acres · Landisburg, PA

We're a family campground in south-central Pennsylvania, just 25 minutes from Carlisle. Our relaxed environment and varied recreation offer something for everyone, & we'd be glad to have you as our guest! We offer fun for those of all ages: * Fishing in our stocked lake * Paddle boats and kayaks * Mini golfing * Axe throwing * Live events * A playground for children * Swimming in the pool * Hiking trails * A fully stocked campground store * Weekend live entertainment * Themed weekends/activities * Concerts in the field * Crafts and fun activities * A bath-house with heated showers * Ice sales & propane exchange * Brand-new horse-shoe pits & more!

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Wilbur's Shed

1 site · RV, Tent60 acres · Blairs Mills, PA

This location is two hours south of PSU, five hours west of NYC, and twenty minutes north of the I-76 Turnpike Willow Hill Exit. 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. There is a gutter when you turn off the road onto the lane. Please turn at a 45 degree angle and enter the lane gently or your vehicle with scrape the road. I have 30"x20' culvert to install, but I haven't yet made the commitment begin such a significant project. 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 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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Fiddlers Green Farm

3 sites · RVs, Tents107 acres · Taneytown, MD

This historic piece of preserved farmland has been in our family for 5 generations. The property is just over 100 acres with about half in forest conservation. We have two streams that join one another and create an amazing habitat for all kinds of wildlife. Our farm has always been a fun and healing place for our friends and family to gather. We love sharing the peaceful seclusion here with folks who enjoy and respect nature. We are a certified organic farm and we're in the early stages of transforming it to a fully regenerative, permaculture operation. We grow hemp, medicinal herbs, small grains as well as keep bees and a small tribe of goats. When you come here you are experiencing the rebirth of farming in this country while getting to connect with the natural world. We'd love to have you!

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Willet Family Farm

5 sites · RVs, Tents12 acres · Westminster, MD

Named “Favorite Hipcamp Site in the State of Maryland" by OUTSIDE MAGAZINE in 2020! The tallest structure on our farm is the windmill, constructed in 1874, and it quickly became the logo for our farm because a windmill is something that harnesses power for a specific purpose. For many generations, the windmill harnessed the power of the wind to grind grain or pump water, but now in the 21st century, Willet Family Farm hopes to harness the power of the outdoors to benefit every guest that comes to visit. The Willet Farm survived many hardships including The Great Depression, the 1999 tornado that destroyed the barn, and cancer that claimed the life of family members too early. In 2006, The farm had to be sold outside of the family, but in an effort to honor past generations and preserve the heritage of what the farm stood for (faith, family and hard work), Jeremy and Kathleen Willet purchased the farm back in 2017. The 13 acre farm is perfectly located in the middle of over 200 acres of farmland owned by parents and cousins. Since that time, we have welcomed over 200 guests from 10 different states and 2 different countries! We raise free-range chickens, board horses and are a Renewable Energy Farm completely powered by the sun through a comprehensive solar design on our barn.

Keystone Cozy Camper!

1 site · Lodging1 acre · Mechanicsburg, PA

Brand new Keystone 8 x 18 ft Hideout Camper is waiting for you. Close to shopping, dining, and work. Enjoy your own private shower and bathroom inside the camper along with a kitchen and fold down Murphy bed. I also have a shed for storage with a 5 x 5 x 5 space for your items. On site parking for no cost is within a few feet of your camper. The camper is plugged into shore power and has a microwave, A/C, and charging outlets for phone and other items. It also has Solar and a large battery if power is lost. Nestled in a quiet neighborhood you will not hear traffic noise but you will hear train noise coming from three blocks away 3 or 4 times a day. The lot is spacious but is about a 1/4 acre not 1 acre. The website won't let me put less than a acre.

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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. Great view for star gazing and sunsets. Firewood available for purchase. We have a stone parking lot for RV campers 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 January through Mid November. 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.

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Rustic Escape in the Woods

5 sites · Lodging12 acres · Richfield, PA

The Green Tree Grove is a cabin retreat located in the beautiful hills of Juniata County. This tranquil oasis is the perfect place to unwind and reconnect with nature, offering a variety of activities such as hiking, yoga, and mountain boarding. Experience the beauty and serenity of The Green Tree Grove and leave feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

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Muddy Toes Farmstay

1 site · RV, Tent15 acres · Gardners, PA

Take a deep breath and relax your way to a simpler time on a tiny dairy farm! Sleep next to the cow pasture and join us for chore time! Muddy Toes Farm LLC is a 15 acre, Micro Raw milk dairy and livestock farm. Purchased by the Myers family in 2011, the farm boasts all the animals you'd expect on a typical farm, but on a smaller scale. Here you can enjoy pastural sights, such as our grazing cattle and star filled, quiet nights filled with seasonal country lullabies. You're more than welcome to join us at chore time and visit our "store" where we sell our raw dairy products and eggs. And you can enjoy nearby Michaux State Forest, Piney Mountain ATV trail, Chestnut Ridge Trail, Pole Steeple, Laural and Fuller Lakes, Appalachian Trail and Museum, Big Hill Cider Works seasonal live concerts, trout fishing in local streams and Historical Gettysburg. We are close enough to route 15, 81 and 94 to be convenient, but off the beaten path enough to be a getaway.

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Private country r on trout stream.

1 site · RV, Tent1 acre · Liverpool, PA

Come enjoy the quiet country setting of my family's private getaway. Originally a 1900 built Mennonite church nestled on 1 acre with trout stocked stream frontage. Only 1 camper and tent site per stay to ensure the peaceful setting. The church is minutes from the activities of the Susquehanna river.

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Forest House at Warren Estates

1 site · Lodging2 acres · Newville, PA

https://tinyurl.com/The-Forest-House It has been our dream for quite some time to have a place where we could "get away from it all" and relax. The Forest House has the best of both worlds—all the amenities of nature along with all the best from home. From its stone fireplace to its granite counter tops, this log home has many of the luxuries one would expect to find in a fine hotel. We supply the linens, soaps, shampoos and so forth. This is a "just bring your toothbrush" kind of place. Free Internet/WiFi and free continental US long distance. Log home. Super clean and fun. Fully prepped with linens and towels. A "just bring your toothbrush" kind of place. 3 miles from the midway point of the Appalachian Trail. Plenty of parking. NOTE: must be 25 or older to rent. NOTE: Base rate is based on an occupancy of 2. Each additional guest (above 2) is $25/night additional. Accommodations Overview: Scan QR code (third photo) with mobile phone for an immersive 3D Tour. 1250 square feet (main living area & loft); Fully finished basement (450 square feet); Bedroom 1: queen bed (closed door, main living area); Bedroom 2: queen bed (closed door, main living area); Bedroom 3 (open loft area): twin beds (qty 3); Fully finished basement. Pricing Overview: Price shown is based on double (2 guests) occupancy. $25 per person/per night for additional persons (above 2). $80 cleaning fee per stay. We have 2 large Roku-enabled TVs, so guests will have access to our very own Netflix account, YouTube, and many other entertainment options. Want to enjoy a nice fire in the fireplace or the fire pit out back? We even supply the firewood! Adjacent to the Michaux State Forest (you are practically in it!). Pine Grove Furnace State Park (3.1 miles away). Full beach, concessions and swimming area. Kings Gap Environmental Education Center (about 8.5 miles away). Full access to the home. Once you book, I will send you a key code which opens up the lock box adjacent to the front door. It is an "honor system" check-in/check-out. Note: be sure to re-enter the lock box code in order to close the box.

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Juniata River RV/Camper Lot

1 site · RV1 acre · Granville, PA

Our camper lot sits along the Juniata River, farmland, and the Appalachian Mountains. It is a small half acre lot in the country with power, water, and septic dump. It is a flat lot with grass and a large gravel area for an RV that overlooks the river. There is firewood on site for camp fires. Burnt Timbers Winery is one mile down the road along the river. This is a beautiful place to kick back and enjoy the beautiful scenery of central PA.

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Beespoke Farms

1 site · Lodging25 acres · Sabillasville, MD

We are a 25 acre, regenerative farm creating natural products through organic processes. We care for chickens, geese, ducks, cows, alpacas, goats, sheep, dogs, and cats! We have a small pond for great fishing, and lots of nature to explore! Sat in the middle of the Catoctin Mountains, our farm has beautiful mountain top views. The accommodations include 1-2 A frames, beds and bedding for rent as needed, access to electricity and Wi-Fi, an outhouse, and access to fresh water. No heating.

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.