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South Mountain Seclusion

99%

· Dillsburg, Pennsylvania

20 acres

1 site

1 RV/Tent

This mountain land was once part of the 8,400 acre Carlisle Iron Works Estate, which operated the iron furnace built around 1760, located near the Children’s Lake in Boiling Springs. During the American Revolution, the furnace was used to make cannonballs and other ammunition for the patriots. The furnace was in operation for about 100 years. If you walk the property, you can find four charcoal hearths, which are circular areas about 40-foot in diameter that have been leveled to allow for burning of wood to create charcoal to fire the furnaces. An above ground mound of wood was created and then covered with dirt and leaves and burned in low-oxygen conditions for 1 to 2 weeks to form the charcoal. Preserved charcoal can still be found when digging in these areas. You are free to bring a shovel to hunt for some 150 year old charcoal and bring home a piece of history. Also a section of the property contains the original location of the Appalachian Trail before it was relocated about 1.3 miles to the north. Learn more about this land: Secluded campsite on 30 acres of forested mountain land located near the peak of South Mountain between Carlisle and Dillsburg, Pennsylvania. FOR RETURNING CAMPERS, PLEASE READ THROUGH THE LATEST GUIDELINES BELOW. Enjoy the wildlife, private walking trails, cooking over the fire pit, and a vista on the property overlooking the Cumberland Valley and Blue Mountain over 19 miles away. In early to mid-summer, you can see the sunset from the vista. You will definitely avoid the crowds. There is only one campsite on the property and we have no intention of developing any other campsites. The main driveway is over a half-mile long and winds up the mountain to a very remote setting. The driveway is a bit rough, read details further below. The campsite is situated on a flat knob near the peak of the mountain. Water is available along the driveway. RVs and pull-behind campers up to a 25-foot length (measured from hitch to bumper) have made it back, but I was told that it was a challenge. There is a site to dump wastewater only 3.5 miles away. Enjoy stewardship of the forest property during your stay. Consider this a land lease. Feel free to drive any of the yellow paint dotted trails that are wide enough to fit your vehicle (drive at your own risk since some of them are rougher and narrower). You can collect your own camp firewood on-site for free by cutting up any dead and fallen timber. PLEASE DO NOT DAMAGE ANY LIVE TREES WITH A SAW, AXE, SCREWS, ETC. Feel free to set up your own hammock using ropes or ratchet straps so long as you don't notch the tree with an axe or install screws. Also, we have plenty of rocks of various sizes on the property, mostly along the driveway and trails. Feel free to collect and take a load of rocks if you can find a use for them. A few years ago there was a selective timber cut of just the large trees greater than 14 inches in diameter. The lumber sized logs were extracted plus most of the tops were taken for pulpwood. There are some remaining tree tops/branches scattered on the floor of the woods that are being cut for firewood as time permits and when we don't have campers on the property. IN ORDER TO KEEP OUR RATES LOW, CAMPERS ARE RESPONSIBLE TO DRIVE ALL TRASH/WASTE BAGS AND DROP OFF AT A DESIGNATED AREA ALONG THE DRIVEWAY UPON COMPLETION OF THE STAY. See Trash/Waste section below for details. Contact me in advance if you want to check-in early. That may be fine so long as there are no conflicts. Come and go as often as you would like during your stay. Vehicle Access: Follow the light blue painted blazes on the trees which will direct you to drive right to the campsite. There is a large parking area and turnaround area near the campsite. The driveway to the campsite is one-half mile long and is very private. The driveway is bumpy and you will need to drive slowly. The first half of the driveway has milder slopes of up to about 6% and the second half of the driveway is steeper at about a 12% grade up to the campsite. It will take you about 5 minutes to drive back. Two-wheel drive trucks and SUVs will have no problem driving to the campsite. Cars with low ground clearance have made it back, but it is a little more challenging. The property is near the ridge of South Mountain, which is generally dry. You will normally have no problem using the driveway when dry or after a light to medium rain. However, after a heavy rain, the parking area and turnaround area could get a little soft. Fire Pit: The stone fire pit has an Adjust-A-Grill camping grill which is 16-inches by 16-inches and can be adjusted in height and swung over the fire or off to the side. It has a food-grade high-temperature coating on it. Sterilize first by heating it. Ensure that the fire is fully extinguished prior to going to sleep or leaving the premises. Fires are only permitted in the fire pit. Please only burn wood and paper products in the fire pit (no plastic). Firewood You have a few choices: Option 1 (Free) - You can collect your own camp firewood on-site for free by cutting up any dead and fallen timber. There is plenty to pick from in the surrounding area, but it could be somewhat wet depending on recent rainfall. PLEASE DO NOT DAMAGE ANY LIVE TREES. Option 2 - You can purchase already split/stacked/seasoned/tarped firewood by the campsite at $0.50 a piece. Please leave cash under the door of the workshop that you drive by along the driveway. Please use the firewood closest to the trash can first, since that wood is better seasoned. Option 3 - Bring your own Water: Well water is available from a blue outside spigot in front of the workshop that you drive by along the driveway. Septic: A WolfWise Pop Up Privacy Tent with Portable Camp Toilet Seat is provided. We include 5-gallon bags that fit over the seat that can be tied and placed in the trash can by the tent. If possible, please try to minimize liquid waste placed in the trash can. Option 2 - Provide your own toilet in an RV or camper. No dumping on site. You can dump your septic at a local campground for only $10. It is 3.5 miles away and is located at Deer Run Camping Resort, 111 Sheet Iron Roof Rd, Gardners, PA 17324. Call for hours ahead of time. Option 3 - BYO portable toilet. No dumping on site. Option 4 - There are public restrooms at the South Middleton Township Park located at 525 Park Dr, Boiling Springs, PA 17007 (8 minutes / 4 miles away). Trash/Waste: In addition to the trash can by the privacy tent, there is a large trash can and recycling container near the campsite. Please place your trash and recyclables in these locations. You can leave the recyclables in the bin at the campsite and we take care of them. IN ORDER TO KEEP OUR RATES LOW, CAMPERS ARE RESPONSIBLE TO TAKE ALL TRASH/WASTE BAGS FROM BOTH TRASH CANS AND DRIVE THEM TO DROP OFF IN THE LARGE BLUE TRASH TOTE NEXT TO THE WORKSHOP NEAR THE DRIVEWAY UPON COMPLETION OF THE STAY. If you don't have a truck bed, you could transport the bag on your vehicle hood or roof if you prefer. Pets: Pets are welcome. Please clean up after them in any of the cleared areas of the campsite. Dangers: Keep an eye out for bears, snakes, bees, and ticks, all of which are rare to see. It is suggested to check yourself for ticks just to be safe. Story of the Land: This mountain land was once part of the 8,400 acre Carlisle Iron Works Estate, which operated the iron furnace built around 1760, located near the Children’s Lake in Boiling Springs. During the American Revolution, the furnace was used to make cannonballs and other ammunition for the patriots. The furnace was in operation for about 100 years. If you walk the property, you can find four charcoal hearths, which are circular areas about 40-foot in diameter that have been leveled to allow for burning of wood to create charcoal to fire the furnaces. An above-ground mound of wood was created and then covered with dirt and leaves and burned in low-oxygen conditions for 1 to 2 weeks to form the charcoal. Preserved charcoal can still be found when digging in these areas. You are free to bring a shovel to hunt for some 150-year-old charcoal and bring home a piece of history. Also a section of the property contains the original location of the Appalachian Trail before it was relocated about 1.3 miles to the north. Local Attractions: Appalachian Trail Rocky Ridge, 3 minutes (1.3 miles). Beautiful limestone outcropping, which is well known for rock climbing. Take left out of the driveway on Whiskey Springs Road headed north. Drive 1.3 miles and you will see parking on the right and left. Walk west (left) on the trail following the white blazes. The hike to the top of Rocky Ridge is about 1/4 mile long. South Mountain Raceway, 6 minutes (3 miles). Hosts a 1/8th-mile drag strip with races typically every Sunday from April through the October. 1107 Petersburg Road, Boiling Springs, PA 17007. Children's Lake, 7 minutes (4 miles). Enjoy the walking trail and fishing in the spring-fed and trout-stocked lake. 4 East First Street, Boiling Springs, PA 17007. South Middleton Township Park, 8 minutes (4 miles). Enjoy hiking, biking, youth playground area, horseshoe pits, sand volleyball courts, tennis courts, and a basketball court. You can hike or bicycle all the way into Boiling Springs by using the Fielding Belt Trail which connects to Spring Meadow Park. 525 Park Dr, Boiling Springs, PA 17007 PA State Game Lands #305, 8 minutes (4 miles). Enjoy the 730 acres of mountain land for hunting, bird watching and hiking. Boiling Springs PA. Benny's Italian Eatery, 8 minutes (4 miles). Great pizza and subs with reasonable prices. 121 Forge Rd, Boiling Springs, PA 17007. Boiling Springs Pool & Waterpark, 10 minutes (5 miles). Includes 4 pools and 3 water slides. 2 Mountain Road, Boiling Springs, PA 17007. Yellow Breeches Creek, 10 minutes (5 miles), Enjoy year-round trout fly fishing catch and release section near Boiling Springs, PA 17007. Williams Grove Flea and Farmers Market and Historical Steam Engine, 16 minutes (9 miles). Over 500 vendors. Operates Sundays year-round. 1 Steam Engine Hill, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055. Carlisle Sports Emporium, 17 minutes (10 miles). Enjoy arcades, go-karts, laser tag, mini-golf, batting cages, and virtual reality. 29 S Middlesex Rd, Carlisle, PA 17015. Williams Grove Speedway, 18 minutes (10 miles). One of the top weekly sprint car tracks in the country. 1 Speedway Dr, Mechanicsburg, PA 17055. U.S. Army Heritage and Education Center, 20 minutes (11 miles). Is the premier facility for historical research on U.S. Army history and is dedicated to "Telling the Army story...one Soldier at a time." Walk the mile-long Army Heritage Trail with a lot of exhibits. 950 Soldiers Dr, Carlisle, PA 17013. Pine Grove Furnace State Park, 21 minutes (13 miles), 1100 Pine Grove Road, Gardners, PA 17324. Laurel Lake/Fuller Lake: Enjoy swimming, fishing, boat rentals, bicycle/hiking trails. Camp Michaux: Enjoy a walking tour of this World War II POW Interrogation camp. Pine Grove Furnace Iron Works Historic Walking Trail. Pole Steeple Trail 0.75 mile climb to a gorgeous vista nearly 500 feet above Laurel Lake. Carlisle Events Car Shows, 23 minutes (11 miles). See the Spring Carlisle & Auction, Import & Performance Nationals, Carlisle Ford Nationals, Chevrolet Nationals, Carlisle GM Nationals, Carlisle Chrysler Nationals, Carlisle Truck Nationals, Corvettes at Carlisle, and Carlisle Fall Carlisle & Auction. 1000 Bryn Mawr Rd, Carlisle, PA 17013. Gettysburg National Military Park, 26 minutes (22 miles). Tour the historic Civil War battlefields of Gettysburg, PA. Roundtop Mountain Resort, 27 minutes (15 miles). Enjoy skiing and snowboarding in the winter, and paintball in the off-season. 925 Roundtop Rd, Lewisberry, PA 17339. Hershey Park, 42 minutes (34 miles). Amusement Park, Zoo, Chocolate Factory Tour. 100 Hersheypark Dr, Hershey, PA 17033.

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Dillsburg, Pennsylvania, United StatesTo respect the Host's privacy, the precise address of this land will be provided after booking

Hosted by Holly F.Joined in April 2021

99%

46 ratings · 36 reviews

Zachary U.recommends

October 9, 2022

South Mountain Seclusion

Camping with a Rottweiler.

Large secluded campsite, plenty of trails to walk down and explore with your 4 legged friends. Beautiful scenery with a deep fire pit, perfect for roasting marshmallows and sausages. Highly recommend 10/10

Randall T.recommends

September 25, 2022

South Mountain Seclusion

The site was clean, beautiful, and secluded (as described). Recommended!

Nate K.recommends

September 22, 2022

South Mountain Seclusion

We had a fantastic stay at this camp site. Beautiful, secluded property with several trails. This was the first time our dog was off leash and she loved every minute of it! Highly recommend this site!

Dawn B.recommends

September 5, 2022

South Mountain Seclusion

This is a great camping spot. We set up and just stayed put on location. Very private, we didn’t hear or see anyone else. There was firewood right at campsite for purchase at fair price. We made the drive up in our Outback with no issues (dry conditions). The host was very quick to respond and very accommodating. This is close to our home so I’m sure we will be back again.

Steve D.recommends

August 31, 2022

South Mountain Seclusion

Secluded, private and a very nice site to set up camp. Can’t beat the scenic views. Holly is very responsive to all questions and requests. This camper will return.

Jon A.recommends

August 8, 2022

South Mountain Seclusion

Camping with man’s best friend!

I spent two days with my dog at Holly’s campsite. This is a wonderfully secluded spot. You get all of the benefits of a hike-in campsite that you can drive right up to. My dog could roam free without bothering anyone. I enjoyed hiking all of the trails and the lookout is awesome especially at sunset! Holly was very responsive in getting back to me with questions. I wish I could keep this place a secret, however it’s just too good not to share!

Tricia H.recommends

July 17, 2022

South Mountain Seclusion

Private camping and hiking trails

A lovely secluded site with a very responsive, helpful host! We enjoyed walking around the beautiful property with our dogs without having to worry about running into anyone. We saw lots of birds and a fox! Definitely recommend if you’re looking for some privacy and some hiking trails!

Mike B.recommends

July 5, 2022

South Mountain Seclusion

Very Remote

We were looking for privacy and seclusion and certainly found it. Everything was as it was portrayed in the description. The only time we saw any people was when we left to go hike the AT which was close by and convenient. This was exactly we needed and thoroughly enjoyed our time there. We had no issues pulling our small camper up the mountain.

Alexandra S.recommends

June 19, 2022

South Mountain Seclusion

Beautiful secluded spot

My partner and I had a wonderful time! The camp is secluded and full of wonderful foliage. There are lots of great trails nearby and plenty places to explore. We will definitely be coming back to enjoy again and again!

Marc E.recommends

June 12, 2022

South Mountain Seclusion

A real gem

It was unbelievable. Everything in the description was 100% accurate. It was secluded and quiet. The view was beautiful. We made it up to the site in a honda civic but I'd reccomend something lifted. We would love to come back soon!

Sidney H.recommends

May 26, 2022

South Mountain Seclusion

Absolutely loved our time here! Holly has such a great site with everything you need and a lot of privacy! The sunset views were gorgeous! Will definitely be back!

Teddy T.recommends

May 23, 2022

South Mountain Seclusion

Such a wonderful and secluded spot. Awsome hiking and off road paths for your 4WD! The hosts provided everything you need for your stay. Lots of firewood for a minimal fee. Will be back for sure

Angie S.recommends

May 8, 2022

South Mountain Seclusion

South Mountain Dream

This is a fantastic location. It rained most of weekend and we didn’t even care. It was a beautiful space, totally private, so quiet, great space to park. A perfect spot that we’re always on the search for!! We have a 19ft Airstream and it was bumpy but easy to get there and back. The hill up to the spot is a ‘no joke’ hill though! But so worth it. We had a few moments of dry and we took a lovely hike and were able to have a campfire with the firewood that they have on location and so easily accessible. I would recommend this spot to anyone and everyone. We will definitely be back!!

Misti K.recommends

April 18, 2022

South Mountain Seclusion

Private site with a view

We loved tent camping at Holly’s site! It was a very private flat site on the side of a mountain. Clean campsite, good hiking trails & wonderful views. We brought a bow saw & there was an abundance of wood to cut up for firewood. We were glad we had a higher clearance vehicle to get back the 1/2+ mile gravel road up to the site. Close to Dillsburg when we needed a store. We will definitely be back!!

Holly J.recommends

March 1, 2022

South Mountain Seclusion

The campsite is beautiful and comfortable, with plenty of (actually dry!) firewood and lovely views. Holly is a great host, making sure I had what I needed. The only downside was beyond her control--the first day and night someone in the valley below was doing target practice (I assume) nonstop from noon until 10 pm. I don't know if there's a firing range down there, because I can't imagine one person shooting that consistently for that long. It didn't happen the second day, but that might have been because of the gusty winds. I would check with Holly to see how frequently that happens if it's the kind of thing that would bother you. Aside from that, I highly recommend the campsite.

Steve D.recommends

January 5, 2022

South Mountain Seclusion

The campsite was fantastic. The fact that there is only one site makes it that much more appealing. It is very secluded, private and the views are fantastic. There is plenty of space to pitch a tent. There is firewood if you need it and adequate trash cans and recycle bins. This was my first time there and I will definitely return.

David D.recommends

January 1, 2022

South Mountain Seclusion

Beautiful Campsite!

A good sized campsite and enjoyable hiking trails make this a great location. There is plenty of wood available and a nice deep fire pit, along with a sturdy picnic table and log benches. You are truly secluded at this campsite, especially after driving over half a mile up the mountainside of her property. Our dog loved the campsite as well!

D S.recommends

November 12, 2021

South Mountain Seclusion

A Great Campsite with a Great Host

South Mountain Seclusion is one of those finds that you really want to keep as a special secret for yourself and only your closest of friends ... but that wouldn't be fair to this great Host! South Mountain Seclusion is a wonderful, clean, well maintained and well-appointed campsite and we can't wait to go back. When we got there we were greeted with a friendly smile (presumably from the Host's husband) and then we didn't see another person the entire time we were there. The campsite, including the firepit and all of the amenities, was clean and inviting. There was plenty of firewood available for purchase right at the campsite (though not all of it burned so easily), which was a very nice accommodation and we were happy to over-pay for the convenience. We didn't use the toilet facility provided by the Host, but I was told it was clean. We also brought our own water, so I cannot comment on the water available on the property. We found the location of the campsite to be perfect and liked the fact that there was some space to wander around. We also loved the fact that there was only the one campsite on the property, as the Host could make more campsites if she wanted, but it would ruin some of what is so wonderful about this place. Overall, this was an ideal campsite and, if I'm not home in the future, there's a good chance I'll be at South Mountain Seclusion. Oh, I also would note that this is a very responsive and really nice Host. The Host noted that I had booked two weekends back-to-back and emailed me in advance to make sure this wasn't a mistake. And, when we had a question about one of our reservations, the Host was very quick to respond and, truly, could not have been nicer or easier to deal with. It is people like Holly, the Host, that make me want to use HipCamp more ... and just to camp more!!

Nate O.recommends

October 17, 2021

South Mountain Seclusion

Amazing site!

We stayed here with (2) travel trailers. Both are about 22-24 feet. Traveling to the top of the mountain (and back down) was certainly challenging but made for the adventure! (If you’re not proficient and hauling, this may not be for you.) When I think of Boondocking, this is exactly what I think of. Camping area was extremely private and secluded! There’s a beautiful view just beyond the camp area and there are hiking trails all around. The host has everything you need for a comfortable stay. I highly recommend this location. Thank you to the host!

Ellysa D.recommends

October 7, 2021

South Mountain Seclusion

Perfect rustic car camp!

I’m glad we had our SUV to get up to the site, but once we were there, everything was smooth sailing! The lot is nice and level, there’s a picnic table, and the adapt a grill & pop up pooper are both game changers! We didn’t see or hear another human for our entire stay, and there was plenty of room to explore & gather wood. The dogs loved having range to explore, & it was a relief to not have to worry quite so much about them! We will definitely be back.

Raven B.recommends

October 4, 2021

South Mountain Seclusion

Perfect Private Campsite

Absolutely loved staying at South Mountain! It was the perfect experience. Hiking trails were great, bathroom was exceptional and the site was in the middle of the woods. Lots of extra wood around to burn but chopped wood is available which came in handy. We didn’t spot any wildlife but heard an owl close by in the morning. Definitely would return again! Holly was super accommodating.

Alex G.recommends

September 27, 2021

South Mountain Seclusion

Great stay

This campsite is great. Very secluded and peaceful. Having the trash can, recycling bin and privacy tent for the bathroom are great amenities. Access to the well water was nice as well. The fire pit has a great cooking grate on it which was super helpful. I would recommend a bigger vehicle for getting back to the site. We brought our jeep and it was fine but my Corolla definitely wouldn’t have made it up. I would stay here again!

Geoff G.recommends

September 7, 2021

South Mountain Seclusion

Great set up. Very private.

Overall the campsite is very clean and has a great set up, and is indeed very secluded. There is also some small trails located on the property with a beautiful vista. Highly recommend.

Dmitry N.recommends

September 4, 2021

South Mountain Seclusion

Very nice campsite it was beautiful nicely maintained and easy to get to the trails are great especially one to the scenic overlook if I would rate my stay and the place out of 10 it would be a 10. Also the campsite lives up to the Name South Mountain Seclusion.

Ed H.recommends

August 29, 2021

South Mountain Seclusion

Great secluded spot!

Holly’s land is truly secluded and a wonderful spot. We enjoyed hiking the property, watching the sunset, and seeing our nightly visit from the toad. We loved waking to the sounds of all the birds and even heard a fox one morning. Holly has wood to use, a primitive bathroom and a great picnic table and some benches on site. The road to the site is exactly as described, rocky and steep at the end but our Nucamp Tag xl handled it well. We also were appreciative of the water at the start of the dirt road to fill out fresh water tank. We will definitely be back again.

Leland E.recommends

August 27, 2021

South Mountain Seclusion

Secluded mountain idyll

This mid-week trip provided a first foray into the mountains of PA, and the longest 4X4 approach along a steep gravel road to date. The site is very well laid out in a clearing among the trees, with well groomed walking paths to camp amenities, and hiking trails readily at hand. Despite the 90+ summer heat, there is sufficient shade and breeze for an enjoyable stay, with even a cool breeze over night. There are splendid views of the neighboring peaks, brilliant sunsets, and a near full moon illuminated the night sky.

Matthew S.recommends

August 25, 2021

South Mountain Seclusion

We loved this spot! Utterly private and very clean and comfortable. Road was easy in 2wd truck even when wet. Will return if I’m ever passing through the area again!

Doug G.recommends

August 21, 2021

South Mountain Seclusion

Was a very nice place to stay. Seclusion is what we were looking for and this place had it. Host was easy to communicate with. Drove in with a 18ft long camper and hadno issue. Glad i had my truck as the drive to campsite was bumpy and got steep toeards tnd just as described. Well worth the trip. The view just behind the site was excellent!!!!!

Joel K.recommends

July 25, 2021

South Mountain Seclusion

Great spot!

Very well maintained single campsite. First time out with our Opus pop-up camper. It was a great spot to test out our new purchase. Our kids loved it! We took them down to Gettysburg battlefield for the day and cooked over the campfire at night. You are definitely secluded. We didn’t see another human up there for our two day stay. Had a great time. Will definitely be back!

Glenn S.

July 7, 2021

South Mountain Seclusion

The campsite itself was VERY nice but much of the surrounding area is covered in slash piles. I managed the road in my Honda Civic well enough but I think many people would find the road into this campsite quite challenging, especially if towing some big RV. I suspect this campsite is the first of many, this is a project in its early stages. If so, I encourage the owners to get on with the rest of the development, this would be a very desirable place to stay if it all got completed to the same standard as the one existing site. Full speed ahead!

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