The best mountainous campgrounds near Lancaster, Pennsylvania

Southeast Pennsylvania is more than Philadelphia, so why not share some brotherly love with Lancaster? Lancaster County offers something for everyone, whether you’re camping with a partner, kids, or friends, although with easy access to amusement parks, Lancaster especially suits family-friendly getaways. The city sits just beyond Hershey, while mere miles separate central Lancaster from the thrills of Dutch Wonderland. Check into an RV park with a swimming pool, find a secluded tent campsite, or book a camp resort—no matter which you choose, you won’t need to leave Pennsylvania Dutch Country for a memorable camping experience.

99% (1.2K)

Top-rated campgrounds near Lancaster

Southeast Pennsylvania is more than Philadelphia, so why not share some brotherly love with Lancaster? Lancaster County offers something for everyone, whether you’re camping with a partner, kids, or friends, although with easy access to amusement parks, Lancaster especially suits family-friendly getaways. The city sits just beyond Hershey, while mere miles separate central Lancaster from the thrills of Dutch Wonderland. Check into an RV park with a swimming pool, find a secluded tent campsite, or book a camp resort—no matter which you choose, you won’t need to leave Pennsylvania Dutch Country for a memorable camping experience.

99% (1.2K)

Top-rated campgrounds near Lancaster

1. Conewago Glamp and Paddle

100%

(28)

28mi from Lancaster · 1 site · Lodging

Enjoy 8 beautiful, secluded acres on the Conewago Creek at Bald Hill, Northern York Co. My homestead was once part of the Conewago Turf Farm. It borders the creek a length of 1100 feet, mostly maintained with easy access. Camp is at the base of a steep section of the Conewago Mountains, creating privacy and protection from wind and afternoon sun. This is not a whole house rental. I have a one bedroom, queen size bed, kitchenette, private restroom and outdoor shower with on demand hot water. There's plenty of room for tent or van camping. Please see pictures for detail. I live in the house above the glamping quarters. Plenty of good fishing and paddling here. I offer shuttle service for 1 or 2 day float trips, paddle in one day, paddle out the next day. Canoes, kayaks, paddles and PFD's are included in the price of your stay. The Conewago is very beginner paddling but remote, very clean and full of wildlife. Gifford Pinchot State Park is 7 miles away. I have two paddle boards if you want to paddle the 3 mile lake. This adventure would require a short hike out to a parking area. Relax in a wood fired Norwegian sauna and cook in a Peruvian wood fired earth oven or cook under the stars over an open fire. Firewood is also included. Foodies will rejoice here. I live and work here, part time blacksmith and wood worker. I'll assist you in any way or do my best to stay out of your way. Wildlife love it here, I think you will too.

2. Double AA Stables

97%

(46)

30mi from Lancaster · 1 site · RV

This is a farm at the north end of Lebanon county, Pennsylvania at the foot of the mountain. It has a gorgeous view of the mountains and a horse farm. There is a creek along the property. The campers can set up on a macadam driveway with water and electric available. Surrounded by grass yard and fields and trees. Horses and goats are on the farm. Beautiful sunsets all summer long! You are welcome to hike the property and enjoy a campfire. we usually have firewood available for an additional fee.

3. Esidarap Mountain

97%

(165)

35mi from Lancaster · 2 sites · Tents, RVs

Note: For the winter months we are closed, we reopen in march. The furthest we are open at any given moment is about six months. We close when hunting season comes in during the fall. Description of camp: This is not a glampsite! There are limited utilities here. No Drinking water, just water for the fire. There is a self serve firewood store, you may also forage dead wood. Here only one group may camp at a time. The campsite is a big level hilltop clearing surrounded by acres of woods. There is stone driveway that leads to the site that gets you back into the woods. The driveway is wide enough for trucks, trailers, vans, etc. Since the site is up high it gets a great breeze which helps on warm days and gets good cell service. The campsite gets great sun and has shaded areas along the sides that make for good tent pitching. We have had people set up hammocks, tents, tarps, or camp in their vehicle. We provide a privy (outhouse), an outdoor showerroom/changing room, picnic tables, and a metal fire pit with grill rack that you can put in the fire pit if you wish to cook/grill over it. The woods are hilly so biking is not recomended. On the property we have 2+ miles of hiking trails. PLEASE feel free to contact us for any questions. Also please look at our pictures for a better idea of what we offer. Nearby Activities: A short drive from here will take you to Gettysburg, York, or Hanover. Codorus park offers great hiking and is next to a lake. There are many excellent restaurants and brewpubs nearby, including the award winning Warehouse Gourmet Bistro and Brewpub. For more information read our activities section to find out what other things we provide or have nearby that you can do. Pricing: We have a weeknight discount for the site which is 29 dollars (Sunday-Thurdsay nights). Friday night and Saturday night we charge 35 dollars. Any additional guests after five we charge 9.50 dollars per person. We allow up to 10 guests total. Rules: Extinguish camp fires that are unattended and to only make them in the designated fire pit, no noise past 9 o'clock, discharging of firearms and fireworks are prohibited, do not bring firewood (to prevent invasive bug spread), keep your pets attended/on a leash, clean up after your pets, no cutting down trees

4. Fairview Farms Airfield

98%

(821)

35mi from Lancaster · 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

5. Gold Mine Speedway

100%

(12)

39mi from Lancaster · 6 sites · Tents, RVs

Awesome campsite. Enjoy rustic tent camping at the site of the former Gold Mine Speedway. This track has nearly been taken back by nature, featuring a lovely, aromatic primarily white and red pine forest, with some hardwood trees interspersed. Two mountain streams cross the land. Located on Greenland road near Tower City, it's a stone's throw from the Weiser State Forest.

6. Peace & Quiet by the River!

99%

(908)

45mi from Lancaster · 4 sites · Tents, RVs

My farm is just beautiful. I have owned it for 46 years and am proud as can be of its beauty and serenity. Welcome to our perfect outdoor haven, a beautiful 150 acre farm, providing an extraordinary escape from the hustle and bustle of our modern world. Two of our exclusive campsites are located on the banks of the Little Schuylkill River, with the world-renowned Hawk Mountain Sanctuary boarding on the other side of the river. The third site, has an open view of Hawk Mountain and the farm, to say nothing of the full sky view.. Our private, exclusive campsites, easily encompassing about 5 acres at each site and surrounded by the 150 acre farm, are designed to take advantage of the natural surroundings. Here you will find yourself off grid and alone with nature. Imagine yourself pitching your tent along the river or on the hill top, viewing countless birds of prey and all types of wildlife with no other folks around, except for your people. The location could not be better or more private. Our family for years have camped and played at these site, enjoying the river and night sounds. We are a working Christmas Tree farm as well. Truly private camping, not a commercial camp ground. Very few camping sites exist where you can just have your own space, but you may have it here. My family are stewards to this wonderful farm, and are thrilled to share it with you. We want you to chill and to find tranquility, to respect our sites and make memories that are treasured. Details: We will consider 1 night stays for weekdays, please contact for availability and pricing. We will also consider more than 8 campers. Please inquire! Because we are a tree farm, we cannot allow you to bring wood from other locations on to the farm. Wood is for sale here and we request a pre order so we can have it ready at your site. You may purchase through Hipcamp or directly from us. All sites have a picnic table, a Hawk Shadow Out House, water to wash things, a preparation table and a good bundle of kindling to start off your camping experience. There Is a shovel, cooking grates, log benches and a neat campfire ring. Potable water is available at the farm and you may refill when needed. Campsite #1 (Lean To Site) This site is along the river. It is private and lovely. You may park your car above the site and walk down to the river and camping area. Short, 50 yards, but a steepish walk. Pack in and out accordingly. Very private, lots of space. It is perfect. Campsite #2 (Dog Gone Site) This site is also along the river. It is private and has the same set up as site one. Park your car on top of hill and walk on down. It is a lovely spot. Walk is about 50 yards down a steep hill. Pack accordingly. Campsite #3 (High Site) Site 3 is above the river and looks over Hawk Mountain and the farm. It is private with beautiful views. Unreal full moon gazing............. Sunrise, Sunset, Moon rise, Bird watching, all very visible from this site. Car accessible, no walking to campsite required. At all sites, different seasons bring different activities. Spring: Kayaking, fishing and hiking. Summer: hiking, fishing in the pond, cooling off in the swim hole. Fall: raptor watching, hiking, biking plus fishing, (license required), in the Little Schuylkill. The nights are dark with star lit skies. We have a 1.5 acre bass pond on the farm for fishing, so bring your rod. Big bass in there!! Your camp site is surrounded by woods and forest, fields and trees. You are a two hour drive from center city Philadelphia and 2.5 hours from down town New York City. One hour from Harrisburg. What to do here? Plenty! Hiking! Hawk Mountain Sanctuary entrance is only 3 miles away. www.alltrails.com/parks/us/pennsylvania/hawk-mountain-sanctuary https://www.hikingproject.com/directory/8018169/hawk-mountain-sanctuary Both entrances to the Appalachian Trail, Eckville and Port Clinton, are a 10 minuet drive. A visit to Yuengling Brewery, in Pottsville, Americas older brewery, is a 20 minute drive. Jim Thorpe is a fourty five minute drive. Kutztown University is 35 minutes away. The heart of Amish Country is an hour drive. Biking, both country road and mountain. You need your own maps! Fishing in our beautiful river or on our pond! Cabela's in Hamburg is just 15 minutes down the road. But most of all to do here is to relax, fish, play in the river, walk and visit with your family and friends. Please see schuylkillriver.org for more information about our area. Hawk Shadow is located between New Ringgold and Port Clinton on the east side of the Appalachian Mountain. Very Rural. There is plenty of local produce, we can give you directions to our local farm stands. Fresh butchers are not far away. Swap meets and antique auction houses are scattered around the area. Yes, you can drive to the area of the campsite, but no, you cannot drive down actual site at campsite #1 and #2. Parking at site 3, no walk required.. Contact me and we will give you as much information as we can. Enjoy, have fun and be peaceful! Look at these sites for hiking and activities in the area!! www.alltrails.com/parks/us/pennsylvania/hawk-mountain-sanctuary https://www.hikingproject.com/directory/8018169/hawk-mountain-sanctuary schuylkillriver.org

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

Kayla

3 weeks ago

26 ft travel trailer

With pets

3 nights at Double AA Stables

Kathy and Mary were friendly and informative. The site is next to a home on a nice asphalt pad. Bring extra hose and electrical cords.

B

Brittany

3 weeks ago

2 nights at Fairview Farms Airfield

Fairview Farms was such a delight. From waking up amongst birdsong, to looking out all of the treehouse windows, to find different animals and expanses of land in each direction. Staying here was a beautiful retreat into serenity and we will most definitely be back! Thank you Erin + Bill for opening your property to us and allowing us to enjoy your little slice of Pennsylvania paradise!

Vic

November 2025

25 ft Class C

With pets

Weekend Trip to Fairview Farms Airfield

this campsite was absolutely beautiful. the views were vast and incredible, it was easy to find and the full hookups were straight-forward. just don’t forget to check for ticks! we found multiple on us and our dogs. all in all, it was the perfect stop for us on our way to connecticut. we will definitely stay again!

Mark

November 2025

26 ft Class C

With pets

1 night at Double AA Stables

A perfect stop. I stayed for one night during my travel south. It is a pull thru site coming into the property. I would recommend two water hoses and a back up electric extension as you may or may not need depending on your RV and where your hookups are located. Beautiful country. Good communication. Easy on and off the Interstate.

D

Daniel

November 2025

30 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Double AA Stables

The place was amazing had the best views and was so pieceful highly recommend

J

Jake

November 2025

45 ft campervan

Group trip

Weekend Trip to Fairview Farms Airfield

Bill & Erin helped make our wedding plans a reality. We planned a 40 person intimate wedding celebration / group event buyout. Everything was setup perfectly! Bill helped the team with detailed instructions on smoker. Wood was made available at all sites and Bill & Erin even helped by making fires for the different lodging areas. I would highly recommend a stay at Fairview Farms! Bill & Erin went above and beyond to sure we had everything we needed to make this wedding day a reality.

J

Jim

November 2025

10 ft travel trailer

Weekend Trip to Peace & Quiet by the River!

Fantastic stay! The farm is amazing and site #3 was beautiful. We had the perfect weekend. Host was very friendly and the communication was great! We felt very welcome. Hawk Mountain Sanctuary is just a few minutes away and the site itself is nicely set up, very quiet and private with a picturesque view of the mountain. Highly recommend! We are already looking forward to returning.

Treehouse is cozy even when it’s way below freezing! Come enjoy!!

D

Desere

November 2025

2 nights at Fairview Farms Airfield

Our time in the treehouse was magical. It was my 13 year old son and I. He is 6’1” and he was able to comfortably sleep in the loft. Bill and everyone at Fairview Farms was welcoming, friendly and helpful. The stargazing was phenomenal; I highly recommend a dip in the hot tub under the stars. I would recommend bringing a heated blanket in the colder months. I brought ours and it was the perfect mix of cold and snuggly warm. There is a heater that works like a charm, with the blanket we only used it during the day.

G

Greg

November 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Peace & Quiet by the River!

This is our second year staying at Susan's Christmas Tree Farm campsite! and we'll be back again! I think going late October almost insures you'll have the whole place to yourself which makes for a really peaceful and relaxing stay... probably a little too cold for some but I love the cold! Campsite is always prepared and clean, stocked with your (pre-purchased) firewood, water and a sink to clean dishes and a cool little port-a-potty! The view of Hawk Mountain is incredible especially with a lit night sky and the moon! last year we hiked Hawk Mountain and this year we hiked a bit of the Appalachian Trail only couple miles form the campsite. My favorite local place for beers and a burger is McKeansburg Hotel and Tavern great bartender, service and friendly local hangout! I highly recommend this place!

K

Kimia

November 2025

Weekend Trip to Fairview Farms Airfield

We had a great time and would love to come back again!

J

Joshua

November 2025

25 ft travel trailer

With pets

Weekend Trip to Fairview Farms Airfield

We stayed at Fairview Farms Airfield in Pine Grove, Pennsylvania, and it was one of the most peaceful weekends we’ve had in a long time. The property is beautiful, surrounded by rolling hills and open fields that make you instantly relax. It’s quiet, private, and feels like a place where time slows down. Bill was great to talk with—friendly, easygoing, and made sure we had what we needed. The site was level and easy to set up our camper. We really appreciated the thirty dollars a day for unlimited firewood. That was a nice touch, and we made sure not to take advantage of it. Sitting by the fire at night with the stars out and the moon glowing over the ridge was perfect. My dog loved it too, watching everything from the camper window and enjoying the calm. The place has a simple charm that makes you want to stay longer. We’ll definitely be back.

P

Pat

October 2025

52 ft Class A

With pets

Weekend Trip to Fairview Farms Airfield

We got in late so we ended up staying on to of the hill the view was amazing they had some unique places to stay little cabin tree house was my favorite the host was very nice

W

Wendell

October 2025

30 ft travel trailer

3 nights at Fairview Farms Airfield

Bill and Erin have a beautiful farm. They make you feel like family. The property is scenic and peaceful. This is one of the ultimate spot for pure rest and relaxation. The property owner has anything you need to make your trip perfect... They offer firewood, eggs, grill/smoker, and hot tub packages( all for reasonable fee). They even offer some farm experiences like feeding and snuggling with their goats. My wife have really come to enjoy our time at the Airfield property.

C

Caitlin

October 2025

With pets

Weekend Trip to Conewago Glamp and Paddle

I love spending time at Craig's property. This was my second visit and somehow it was better than the first trip which was amazing. We weren't able to paddle bc the creek was down, and it wasn't impactful to our fun at all. Just book it! And if you can check out the nearby dirt race track BAPS, fun for kids and adults alike.

J

James

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Peace & Quiet by the River!

Visited late October. Beautiful! We did site 3, which was perfect as we bring a lot of gear for comfort and could unload right from our truck. It's adjacent to a small grove of trees so you do have some cover, but you are more exposed than many/most sites. Despite that, you still feel like you have all the privacy in the world, which is incredible. Firewood, eggs and water were waiting for us when we arrived. Views of Hawk Mountain were unreal both in the slight haze of the morning and the golden glow of sunset. Stars were insane. Firepit was large and the wood was some of the best firewood I've ever burned. Generous with the kindling so getting the fire started was easy and it burned hot and slow. Finding our site was simple enough, and communication with Jenn was excellent. There is a freight train that comes by at random intervals, but I thought it was actually kind of cool. Overall an awesome and unique experience and my wife and I definitely want to come back and bring some friends with us to share it with.

R

RICHARD

October 2025

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Peace & Quiet by the River!

Dog Gone was a beautiful secluded site with very nice amenities . Including a clean and usable out house , wash station , prep table , and a very nice fire ring set up . There is a steep hill to navigate to get your gear in and out. It would be nice if the hill was graded and stoned so you could at least get a pick up in and out for transporting gear. My son and I managed but it was a lot of work to pack out . Other than that Susan really does a nice job making your stay very enjoyable. Thank You Susan and Jen

A

Ashly

October 2025

21 ft travel trailer

With pets

1 night at Double AA Stables

What a lovely site! Super easy to pull in and pull back out. Easy to level. Felt incredibly private, despite being next to the owner's home. When we did see the owners, they were so friendly and kind. We were able to take our dogs for a nice mini-hike around their fields, pond and some mowed trails. We liked it so much, we stayed again on our way back home! (had been traveling from NE down to TN and back). We will definitely save this site and stay again if we go back down south in the future.

Jason

October 2025

24 ft travel trailer

With pets

3 nights at Fairview Farms Airfield

We loved this property! Everything from the air field, airplane, tree house, feeding of the animals. We stayed in our own camper on the property. The hook ups are perfect. Electrical sewer and water! The views of the hills are amazing! The property owners are very friendly and helpful.

D

Dakota

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Peace & Quiet by the River!

The views were beautiful and it was such a private site on the river. They had everything you needed there plus more. Susan was very responsive and accommodating.

E

El

October 2025

Tent

Weekend Trip to Peace & Quiet by the River!

Sarah and Jenn were SO accommodating of my late arrival and excellent directions were given so I found my site just fine even in the dark. The site was beautiful, great view of Hawk Mountain, just as described. Loved how close the site was to the Hawk Mountain Sanctuary; only five minutes’ drive! My partner and I did lots of hiking, geocaching, and birdwatching there during our stay :) The river was easily accessible from the high site and so peaceful to explore, especially with all the fall foliage, I want to come back and stay riverfront next time! Check out process was smooth and simple, thanks again to Mr. Mike for coming out to jump my car!

Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field

The best mountainous camping near Lancaster guide

Where to go

Central Lancaster

PA Dutch Country may be known for its Amish farmlands, but before you explore Lancaster’s picturesque surroundings, spend some time in the city itself. Full of rich history and unique charm, Lancaster is the perfect place to spend a night. Whether you want a family resort with free wifi or an RV site near hiking trails, the Lancaster camping experience offers access to a range of restaurants, galleries, and architecture.

New Holland

Once you’ve had your fill of Lancaster, head east. You’ll quickly understand why Amish Country’s vast hills and frequent farms deserve so much attention. Campsites near New Holland embrace the best of rural Pennsylvania. As you drive to your RV campground with full hookups, keep your eyes peeled for a horse and buggy. Once you arrive, savor a slow evening from your camping resort’s picnic table.

Clarke Lake

The physical land of Lancaster is one of Dutch Country’s main claims to fame—but the region’s waterways equally warrant a visit. Explore the area west of Lancaster, where the Susquehanna River blends into Clarke Lake. Tent camping in the area is always a good idea, but for an even better camping trip? A campsite with easy access to the water, where you can swim, fish, and relax at your own pace.

When to go

East Coast camping thrives in the summertime, when Pennsylvania’s weather comes with maximum sunshine. Yet because Lancaster County is all about the landscape, plan your camping experience for the fall. Amish Country is always breathtaking, but it peaks around October. The colorful season also comes with an abundance of farmer’s markets, so campers can enjoy Pennsylvania’s local produce from a cabin or RV site with a grill.