The best camping near Big Spring State Park

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

Discover the scenic trails and historic charm of Big Spring State Park.  

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Big Spring State Park

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

  • Juniata River RV/Camper Lot
  • Juniata River RV/Camper Lot
  • Juniata River RV/Camper Lot
94%
(8)

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.
Pets
Potable water
Campfires
from 
$35
 / night
  • The Bellefonte Campground
  • The Bellefonte Campground
  • The Bellefonte Campground
Booked 5 times

The Bellefonte Campground

77 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents40 acres · Bellefonte, PA
Welcome to Bellefonte Campground in Bellefonte, Pennsylvania. Our campground features nearly 70 RV sites, including both pull-through and back-in options. We're conveniently located close to our area's most popular attractions, including Penn State University to the southwest and Bald Eagle State Park to the northeast. All in all, were your perfect basecamp for exploring our part of central Pennsylvania. Our back-in RV sites can accommodate vehicles ranging from 35 to 50 feet, with options for 30 amp or 30/50 amp electric service. Each site has it's own picnic table and fire ring, are pet-friendly, and can host between two to eight occupants. Choose from sites with water and electric and those with full hookups (water/sewer/electric). Our pull-through RV sites are designed for easy setup and accessibility. These sites can accommodate vehicles ranging from 35 to 60 feet and offer 30 amp or 30/50 amp electrical service. All pull-through sites provide full hookups, ensuring a seamless camping experience. Each site comes complete with a picnic table, a fire ring, and a pet-friendly atmosphere. Our pull-through sites can comfortably accommodate groups of up to eight occupants. Discover our "Camper Rentals" collection, showcasing two distinct campers. First, the vintage 1975 Airstream, a blend of retro allure and modern comforts, sleeps 4 and offers a well-appointed kitchen. Second, our spacious 36' camper, accommodating 4, features a queen bed, pull-out sofa, and a cozy living area with TV and fireplace. Both come with Heat/AC, a full kitchen, picnic table, and fire ring, ensuring a non-smoking, pet-free stay.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$39
 / night
  • Morningstar Farmstead
  • Morningstar Farmstead
  • Morningstar Farmstead
100%
(5)

Morningstar Farmstead

2 sites · Tents20 acres · Upper Strasburg, PA
Hello! Welcome to our family’s farm. The previous owner was here 50 years before selling to us in 2020. We have just under 20 acres here with beautiful views of the mountains where we raise our livestock and gardens. Your camping area is down in a quiet hollow beside our stream and shallow pond under the walnut trees, but if the weather gets rough you can always camp in our bank barn. There is a kitchen beside our barn available for you to use if you would like, also.
Pets
Potable water
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from 
$45
 / night
  • Inside you can see there are hangers for clothing and a shelf for your items. The rope can be hoisted for shower bag and tied off easily. We do not provide a shower bag
  • This is the driveway. At the bottom you can see the road
  • Inside you can see there are hangers for clothing and a shelf for your items. The rope can be hoisted for shower bag and tied off easily. We do not provide a shower bag
98%
(121)

Esidarap Mountain

2 sites · RVs, Tents50 acres · Abbottstown, PA
Campsite: We were inspired to make a campsite from having friends camp here with us on a whim. They suggested we have more people come up here to camp. They told us about Hipcamp and we looked into. Since then we have mowed, removed dead standing trees, built a privy, cleared brush, graded the site, cut firewood, and many more projects to enhance the site. We named the camp Esidarap. Can you tell what Esidarap backwoods is. Note: for the winter months we are closed, will reopen in march. The furthest we are open at any given moment is about six months Description of camp: At this camp we only allow one group at a time for privacy. The campsite is a big level hilltop clearing surrounded by acres woods. We have a 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, a charcoal cooking pit, 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 that are marked with fluorescent ribbon. 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. 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/Offers: *If people do not book the site within a few days of availability we may lower the price. So if you are unsure please click on the days you wish to camp and check the price. Also holidays are priced a little more like 4th of July, Memorial Day, and labor day 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. We have some available offers listed on our site that you may purchase when you book the site. These include ice water. For more information on these items please go to our Extras section. Things we ask: Extinguish camp fires that are unattended and to only make them in the designated fire pit/ BBQ pit, no noise past 9 o'clock, discharging of firearms and fireworks are prohibited, do not bring firewood (in order to prevent invasive bug spread), please keep your pets attended/on a leash, clean up after your pets, be respectful of wildlife (take memories leave only footprints), and have fun.
Pets
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from 
$29
 / night
  • Amberson Athletic Association
  • Amberson Athletic Association
  • Amberson Athletic Association
100%
(1)

Amberson Athletic Association

10 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Amberson, PA
The land is owned by the Amberson Athletic Association and has our community center. There is a small stream, pavilion, and stage. The building is available for a fee with two bathrooms and seating for a large group. There are a few spots for 20 amp electrical hooks up. You can set your camp up in the wooded part or right beside the pavilion.
Pets
Toilets
from 
$50
 / night
  • Sassafras Hollow
  • Front of the cabin.
  • Sassafras Hollow
100%
(1)

Sassafras Hollow

1 site · Lodging11 acres · Three Springs, PA
Enjoy a relaxing stay in the cabin tucked away in a quiet corner of our farm. More than just a glamping experience, the cabin is provided with hot and cold running water, a Bathroom with shower and composting toilet, electricity, heat and air-conditioning, a kitchenette for meal preparation and, of course, a great porch where you can enjoy the solitude of Sassafras Hollow. Our farm is conveniently located near state parks, hiking trails, and streams for outdoor activities. Standing Stone Trail is a mile from the farm and it’s a short drive to The East Broad Top Railroad, Lake Raystown and the Thousand Steps. Since we operate an organic vegetable farm, seasonal produce is always available. We are also home to Barn Door Artisans, a collaborative family enterprise offering finished wood products, ceramics and fine art. Visit the Art Studio, just a short walk down the path, to browse the artwork created from materials from the surrounding landscape.
Potable water
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from 
$86
 / night
  • Fire it up
  • Relaxation time
  • Fire it up
100%
(4)

Cosey Cabin

2 sites · Lodging2 acres · Greencastle, PA
This is a 160 square foot tiny house/cabin in a small wooded area at the rear of my 2 acre property. A separate 90 square foot bath house is also provided. Both are primitive, ie, no electric or running water. The are some solar lights and candles for nighttime. Enjoy laying in the hammocks with a nice camp fire in the evening. The house is heated with a small wood stove but there is no air conditioning. Cook either on the wood stove or over the fire outside. In the summertime it is nice and private with the surrounding vegetation
Pets
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from 
$100
 / night
  • Forest House at Warren Estates
  • Forest House at Warren Estates
  • Forest House at Warren Estates
100%
(38)

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.
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$250
 / night

Top-rated campgrounds near Big Spring State Park

  • Free Spirit Campground
  • Free Spirit Campground
  • Free Spirit Campground
100%
(7)

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!
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$25
 / night
  • Wilbur's Shed
  • Wilbur's Shed
  • Wilbur's Shed
99%
(55)

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.
Pets
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from 
$40
 / night
  • Bald Eagle Campsite
  • Bald Eagle Campsite
  • Bald Eagle Campsite
97%
(1267)

Bald Eagle Campsite

33 sites · RVs, Tents11 acres · Tyrone, PA
Originally opened as a family campground owned and operated by Denis and Kay Snyder in 1964. Bald Eagle Campsite has been owned and operated by the Snyder family to this day! Come join us in the beautiful forested landscape of Central Pennsylvania. Located a mere 20 miles south of Penn State University, we are surrounded by the many amenities Central PA has to offer. We are welcoming to LGBTQ+ campers as well as all ethnicities. Pitch a tent on a quiet site and drop a line into one of our two trout streams crossing the campground. Hang a hammock between two towering poplar trees surrounded by flowering rhododendron. Or pull up in your camper and relax before and after a Penn State Football game under the blue and white sky. We have small, secluded sites to get away from it all, as well as conjoined sites to accommodate larger groups. On property we have bathrooms, hot showers, and a recreation hall with free ping pong, board games, and billiards. For a fee, we also have firewood, electricity, and a large event tent for rent. Campers must be less than 25 feet. Generators are not allowed. Music should not reach outside your own site after 9pm. There are no water hookups. Vehicle noise is audible from route 350, especially on Friday afternoons. Noise is diminished at sites further back from route 350. Our sites are wheelchair accessible, but the bathrooms and showers do have one step up into them. Walk to Snappy's 24-hour convenience store to use their free Wi-Fi, buy bags of ice, or to pickup snacks and a sub in the attached Snappy's Grille. An ice cream stand and restaurant are within walking distance. We require a minimum two nights stay for the recognized holiday weekends for Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day.
Pets
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from 
$30
 / night
  • Tuckaway Tree Farm
  • Tuckaway Tree Farm
  • Tuckaway Tree Farm
100%
(11)

Tuckaway Tree Farm

4 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents36 acres · Belleville, PA
Come camp on a beautiful 36 acre Christmas tree farm. Located 15 miles from Huntingdon and State College, Tuckaway Tree Farm has easy access to hiking and exploring in Rothrock State Forest, Greenwood Furnace. Property is located along Backroads Discovery Route. Two ponds on the property and a trout stream down the road are perfect for fishing.
Pets
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from 
$38
 / night
  • Private country r on trout stream.
  • Private country r on trout stream.
  • Private country r on trout stream.
100%
(5)

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.
Pets
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Campfires
from 
$35
 / night
  • Grouseland Hospitality
  • Trailer fit!
  • Grouseland Hospitality
98%
(178)

Grouseland Hospitality

5 sites · RVs, Tents100 acres · Clearville, PA
We have 4 sites ready for you here at Grouseland! Please read their descriptions and book the one best for you! We encourage guests to bring dogs, however we do ask that you clean up after them, waste can be thrown into the trash can at the sites. Also all dogs must be kept on leads when on site or on leashes when on walks. No exceptions to this rule to ensure the safety of all of our guests. Tall Oaks Campsite: Tall Oaks Campsite is a private site, great for families and friends and is our only rustic style site, so no water or electricity, designed for 1-6 people with parking for 3 cars on site and space for 4 average size tents. This site has a single 8-foot picnic table, portable toilet, scenic overlook, hammock, fireplace, and charcoal grill. Only a short walk from our tree house where guests can relax and enjoy forest bathing. Guests are given an allotted amount of free firewood, miles of hiking trails, and use of communal facilities including a hot shower and flush toilet. Twisted Oak: Twisted Oak Campsite is a private site great for families and friends. This medium sized luxury site includes water and electricity on site, designed for 1-10 guests with parking for 4 cars on site and has space for 16 average sized tents. This site has a 10-foot picnic table, portable toilet, scenic overlook, hammock, fireplace, charcoal grill, and on-site lights. Guests are given an allotted amount of free firewood, miles of hiking trails, and use of communal facilities including a hot shower and flush toilet. Red Maple Campsite: Red Maple Campsite is a private site great for large groups. This large luxury site includes water and electricity on site, designed for 1-12 guests with on-site parking space that is 90ft long and 20ft wide, for an RV or 6-8 cars and overflow parking for several more cars. It is designed to be pulled or backed into and then backed our pulled out of. This site can handle several tents and has two 6-foot picnic tables, two portable toilets, a scenic overlook, hammock, fireplace, a charcoal grill, and on-site lights. Guests are given an allotted amount of free firewood, miles of hiking trails, and use of communal facilities including a hot shower and flush toilet. Aspen RV Campsite: Aspen RV Campsite is a private site great for a family in their RV. This medium sized luxury site includes water and electricity on site, designed for a single RV number of guests is dependent on RV size, maximum 6 people. This site is a drive through site, so guests don’t have to back in or out. The site can also handle a couple of tents and extra cars. This site also has a 10-foot picnic table, portable toilet, scenic overlook, hammock, fireplace, charcoal grill, and bench. Guests are given an allotted amount of free firewood, miles of hiking trails, and use of communal facilities including a hot shower and flush toilet.
Pets
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from 
$69
 / night
  • The Grove dusted in snow
  • Rustic Escape in the Woods
  • The Grove dusted in snow
98%
(32)

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.
Pets
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from 
$55
 / night
  • Beespoke Farms
  • Beespoke Farms
  • Beespoke Farms
100%
(5)

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.
Pets
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from 
$50
 / night
  • Paradise By The Pond
  • Paradise By The Pond
  • Paradise By The Pond
99%
(82)

Paradise By The Pond

1 site · RV, Tent200 acres · Martinsburg, PA
Learn more about this land: A large 2 acre pond you are free to fish in.  A small row boat with life vests is provided. We recently added two kayaks! Large mouth bass and sunfish/bluegills mostly. Down a lane about 1/3 mile, large field, by the woods. No hookups, No electricity, No neighbors very private! Large field for pets to romp.  We are very flexible on check-in and check-out times. There is an extra site for friends to stay together. Just ask about this special feature. 30 Minutes to Raystown.
Pets
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from 
$39
 / night
  • Kamp Kress
  • Kamp Kress
  • Kamp Kress
100%
(1)

Kamp Kress

4 sites · Tents1 acre · Mount Union, PA
Kamp Kress is a river front property that is just shy of 1 acre. You have direct access to the Juniata River for swimming, fishing, and kayaking. Raystown Lake is a 20 minute drive from the property for a day on the beach. Do you love to hike? The famous 1000 steps hiking trail is less than 5 minutes from this property. This property is tucked on a corner with privacy yet is conveniently located to grocery stores and local restaurants. Kayak shuttle available for a fee
Pets
from 
$25
 / night
  • Old Soul Farm
  • Old Soul Farm
  • Old Soul Farm
99%
(160)

Old Soul Farm

3 sites · RVs, Tents11 acres · Gettysburg, PA
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: 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: Closer to the barn. It is a level area with a great tree for shade and climbing. This location also has a stone fire circle. Site Option 3: Formerly used as a riding ring for horses, it can now be used to accommodate larger groups.
Pets
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from 
$40
 / night
  • Perfect Little Rustic Cabin for A Get a way Queen Sized, Heated Space Sleeps 4-6
  • Perfect Little Rustic Cabin for A Get a way Queen Sized, Heated Space Sleeps 4-6
  • Perfect Little Rustic Cabin for A Get a way Queen Sized, Heated Space Sleeps 4-6
Saved 26 times

Rustic Mountain Camp 1

1 site · Lodging65 acres · Granville, PA
Learn more about this land:A Beautiful area to relax and enjoy nature!! Located on the North Face of the Tuscorra Mt.  Hiking Trails, Fire pit and and Gas Grill, 4X4 Recommended to access property!!  
Potable water
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Campfires
from 
$85
 / night

The best camping near Big Spring State Park guide

Overview

About

Nestled against Conococheague Mountain, Big Spring State Park offers a serene escape with its picturesque picnic spots and inviting trails. Visitors can enjoy a leisurely hike to a historic railroad tunnel, delve into the area's past with informative trailhead plaques, and traverse the Iron Horse Trail for an immersive day or overnight hiking experience. The park's namesake, Big Spring, feeds the beautiful Shermans Creek, adding to the park's tranquil ambiance.

When to go

The best time to visit Big Spring State Park is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild and the natural scenery is at its peak. Summer offers lush greenery, but can be hot; winter brings a quiet, frosty beauty, though some areas may be inaccessible.

Know before you go

  • Check the weather forecast before your visit to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
  • Wear appropriate footwear for hiking, as trails may have uneven terrain.
  • Bring water and snacks, as there are limited facilities within the park.
  • Review the park's rules and regulations, especially regarding wildlife and Leave No Trace principles.
  • For emergencies, dial 911 and note the nearest hospital is UPMC Pinnacle Carlisle.

Top parks near Big Spring State Park

Shenandoah National Park
Cherry Springs State Park
Harpers Ferry National Historical Park
Blackwater Falls State Park
Cuyahoga Valley National Park
Hocking Hills State Park
New River Gorge National Park
Watkins Glen State Park

Top cities near Big Spring State Park

Baltimore
Pittsburgh
Philadelphia
Harrisonburg
Columbus
Rochester
Buffalo
Jersey City

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