The best camping near Harrisburg with horseback riding

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Harrisburg, PA camping puts the Susquehanna River in full-focus. Whether you stay close to the river or camp deeper in town, you can explore Harrisburg’s numerous viewpoints, attractions, and museums. Spend a morning in the National Civil War Museum and savor lunch along the waterfront. Then, check into your RV campsite with full hookups, volleyball courts, and on-site restrooms. Oh, and if you’re planning a family-friendly getaway, don’t forget the region’s other claim to fame: theme parks. Grab a chocolate bar (or two) after a day in Hershey. S’mores around the fire pit have never been so easy.

97% (1.3K)

Top-rated campgrounds near Harrisburg

2. Fairview Farms Airfield

98%
(824)
29mi from Harrisburg · 16 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
The 66-acre property has been licensed as an airport (PS20) since the 1980s. It is currently an active, private airport. We don't sell fuel or offer services beyond camping so we primarily have only air traffic with few to no landings each year. In other words, it is very quiet here except during the occasional low pass. We are very eager for pilots to fly in and camp out! The beautiful sunsets and stargazing night skies are a real treat for anyone that comes to visit. Lots of deer, birds, and other wildlife can be seen out and about. Bring your telescope and binoculars to view all the property has to offer! Note that we are always working to improve our slice of heaven, thus we do have tools, vehicles, and equipment stored around the farm that if not used now will be one day. We appreciate your understanding that some areas are used for our personal / farm storage. If you're not into looking at our farmware, there are a few nearby campgrounds. The hot tub is located next to the owner's home. Guests are welcome to use this at any time but must reserve and pay for a time slot. * Book this through the Extras * We are within walking distance of Swatara State Park and close to the Appalachian Trail. Short drive to the local winery, bowling alley, pub/diner, and movie theater. Grocery stores and gas are also nearby. Miles of hiking, rail trail, single-track mountain biking, and kayaking are all right here! See our kayak and bike rentals under extras! Hershey Park is approximately a 30-minute drive from our location. Rausch Creek, Anthracite, and Reading off-road areas are also nearby. Note: Monthly rental discounts are available. Work-stay exchange programs are available. We are always looking for good reliable part-time help on the farm! Please ask! Fall leaves colors are looking awesome! Come enjoy the leaves by day and stars by night beside your campfire! Follow us on Instagram: @fairview_farms_airfield
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from 
$50
 / night

3. Old Soul Farm

99%
(260)
42mi from Harrisburg · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
OFF SEASON UPDATE: We are open, BUT there is no portable toilet available and site availability will be subject to weather conditions. This will be Dec through Feb. We are a small, working farm and apiary. Located back a gravel farm lane, Old Soul Farm is the perfect place to getaway from it all and still be within 10 minutes of the Gettysburg Battlefield. Learn more about this land: Site Option 1: The Point - A beautiful view of the farm and surrounding farm properties. It is the furthest away from the barn and owner housing for privacy but an easy field walk in and out. Site Option 2: The Barn Site - Closer to the barn. It is a level area with a great tree for shade and climbing. As of April 2025, we now offer a 50/30/20 amp for the convenience of our tent and RV campers! This location also has a stone fire circle.  Site Option 3: The Riding Ring - Formerly used as a riding ring for horses, it can now be used to accommodate larger groups.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
$36
 / night

7. Views of woods, pond, and sunrise

98%
(127)
46mi from Harrisburg · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
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.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from 
$15
 / night

Harrisburg, PA camping puts the Susquehanna River in full-focus. Whether you stay close to the river or camp deeper in town, you can explore Harrisburg’s numerous viewpoints, attractions, and museums. Spend a morning in the National Civil War Museum and savor lunch along the waterfront. Then, check into your RV campsite with full hookups, volleyball courts, and on-site restrooms. Oh, and if you’re planning a family-friendly getaway, don’t forget the region’s other claim to fame: theme parks. Grab a chocolate bar (or two) after a day in Hershey. S’mores around the fire pit have never been so easy.

97% (1.3K)

Top-rated campgrounds near Harrisburg

2. Fairview Farms Airfield

98%
(824)
29mi from Harrisburg · 16 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
The 66-acre property has been licensed as an airport (PS20) since the 1980s. It is currently an active, private airport. We don't sell fuel or offer services beyond camping so we primarily have only air traffic with few to no landings each year. In other words, it is very quiet here except during the occasional low pass. We are very eager for pilots to fly in and camp out! The beautiful sunsets and stargazing night skies are a real treat for anyone that comes to visit. Lots of deer, birds, and other wildlife can be seen out and about. Bring your telescope and binoculars to view all the property has to offer! Note that we are always working to improve our slice of heaven, thus we do have tools, vehicles, and equipment stored around the farm that if not used now will be one day. We appreciate your understanding that some areas are used for our personal / farm storage. If you're not into looking at our farmware, there are a few nearby campgrounds. The hot tub is located next to the owner's home. Guests are welcome to use this at any time but must reserve and pay for a time slot. * Book this through the Extras * We are within walking distance of Swatara State Park and close to the Appalachian Trail. Short drive to the local winery, bowling alley, pub/diner, and movie theater. Grocery stores and gas are also nearby. Miles of hiking, rail trail, single-track mountain biking, and kayaking are all right here! See our kayak and bike rentals under extras! Hershey Park is approximately a 30-minute drive from our location. Rausch Creek, Anthracite, and Reading off-road areas are also nearby. Note: Monthly rental discounts are available. Work-stay exchange programs are available. We are always looking for good reliable part-time help on the farm! Please ask! Fall leaves colors are looking awesome! Come enjoy the leaves by day and stars by night beside your campfire! Follow us on Instagram: @fairview_farms_airfield
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
from 
$50
 / night

3. Old Soul Farm

99%
(260)
42mi from Harrisburg · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
OFF SEASON UPDATE: We are open, BUT there is no portable toilet available and site availability will be subject to weather conditions. This will be Dec through Feb. We are a small, working farm and apiary. Located back a gravel farm lane, Old Soul Farm is the perfect place to getaway from it all and still be within 10 minutes of the Gettysburg Battlefield. Learn more about this land: Site Option 1: The Point - A beautiful view of the farm and surrounding farm properties. It is the furthest away from the barn and owner housing for privacy but an easy field walk in and out. Site Option 2: The Barn Site - Closer to the barn. It is a level area with a great tree for shade and climbing. As of April 2025, we now offer a 50/30/20 amp for the convenience of our tent and RV campers! This location also has a stone fire circle.  Site Option 3: The Riding Ring - Formerly used as a riding ring for horses, it can now be used to accommodate larger groups.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
$36
 / night

7. Views of woods, pond, and sunrise

98%
(127)
46mi from Harrisburg · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
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.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from 
$15
 / night

Public campgrounds near Harrisburg

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Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best camping near Harrisburg with horseback riding guide

Where to go

Boyd Big Tree Preserve Conservation Area

Birds of a feather flock together, and at Boyd Big Tree Preserve Conservation Area, that sentiment holds true for birdwatchers. Just 15 minutes outside Harrisburg, the conservation area is a hub for warblers. Campers should bring binoculars to traverse the hiking trails. From your forest campsite, you’ll wake up to the melody of birdsong and let the day guide you.

Along the River

The Susquehanna River is geographically known as one of the world’s oldests rivers—and it runs right along Harrisburg. Choose a direction, and follow the course of the water. Campsites likewise come with access to golf courses, parks, and even a section of the Appalachian Trail. So, Harrisburg campers can ultimately choose their own adventures, all while listening to the trickle of the tributary.

Across the River

Park yourself across the river and explore the region’s parks. All the camping options and activities converge at Gifford Pinchot State Park. Just outside Harrisburg, campers can hike, canoe, and play round after round of disc golf before returning to a spacious yurt or decked-out cabin. Meanwhile, Michaux State Forest may be an hour from Harrisburg, but—with options for both ATV riding and mountain biking—here is a thrill-seeker’s paradise.

When to go

Summer is the best time for Harrisburg camping, as the wildflowers bloom and both birds and butterflies multiply. If you’re bringing your kids, summer is likewise prime time for all the activities; theme parks and similar family-friendly attractions tend to close during the off-months. Fall, however, doesn’t leave campers hanging. When the days and nights begin to cool, you can cozy up in your sleeping bag, whether in your tent or directly under the stars.