The best camping in Big Spring State Park, PA

Name: Big Spring State Park
Address: Big Spring State Park

Discover the scenic trails and historic charm of 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.

Top-rated campsites near Big Spring State Park

Wilbur's Shed

1. Wilbur's Shed

99%

(143)

4.8mi from Big Spring State Park · 1 site · Tent, RV

Let your children and dogs roam free without a leash. This property is remote and private. There are no neighbors nearby. This location is; twenty minutes north of I-76 Turnpike Willow Hill Exit forty-five minutes from Raystown Lake one hour and thirty minutes north of Gettysburg one hour and thirty minutes south of PSU three hours east of Pittsburgh three hours west of Philadelphia five hours west of NYC 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. We recommend you print of bring a paper map. Your GPS will not bring you to the exact driveway location. You need to be personally observant. This is the top of a mountain ridge. The access lane is steep, rocky, and has water erosion ditches you must drive over. Do not attempt this if you have a low profile car or a new/fragile camper. 4WD/AWD is highly recommended. Low profile and fancy cars are not recommended. This camping site is for those who want to live ruggedly like Lewis Clark. To see the water ditches you must drive over, go to YouTube and search "Wilbur's Shed - Blairs Mills", and it is the account of a cat with a white face. This location is in a mix of farmland and mountain Appalachia. You will see common species such as chipmunks, squirrels turkey and deer. Many bird species. There are also porcupines, skunks, and black snakes around. You may also see black bear - it is rare, but possible. You are visiting wildlife species in their natural habitat. Please be self-aware of your own level comfort with wildlife. Once again, this is not an RVs park where you will socialize with a hundred other campers. This is primitive and isolated. This is an ideal camping spot if you want to escape from people. 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. Rental through Hipcamp does not include hunting or the use of firearms, nor the use of dirt bikes and ATVs.

Pets

Electrical hookup

Toilets

River Golf Lodge RV & Tent Camping

2. River Golf Lodge RV & Tent Camping

100%

(13)

11mi from Big Spring State Park · 6 sites · Tents, RVs

We are a nature-inspired boutique campground with only 6 lots tucked under huge trees and spaced where you can have some privacy. Sites 1-4 are riverfront. Sites 5&6 are river view. Each site has 30A and 110A electric. There is fresh, potable water available for fill on way to your site for free. You may dump for fee upon exit. If slow mornings, birdsong, fish jumping, river moon reflections, a spa-like twirl under our unique private open air rain shower, slow kayak or tube float, a crackling fire are your kind of thaaangs…we are your place. Stay. Camp. Fish. Float. Golf. Swim. Have friends who wanna come but don’t camp, no worries, we have 12 keenly appointed rooms with plush beds and private baths. Come create magical memories with the people you love along the beautiful Juniata River in central PA. Our Resort is great for bird watching, floating, swimming, fishing, chilling out after a golf round, or doing nothing. It has been said over and over that the river heals one’s soul – we believe this to be true. Come relax and renew with us!

Pets

Toilets

Full hookups

Morningstar Farmstead

3. Morningstar Farmstead

100%

(23)

14mi from Big Spring State Park · 1 site

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

Campfires

Toilets

Sassafras Hollow

4. Sassafras Hollow

100%

(10)

18mi from Big Spring State Park · 1 site

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.

Toilets

Showers

Potable water

Juniata River RV/Camper Lot

5. Juniata River RV/Camper Lot

90%

(39)

20mi from Big Spring State Park · 1 site

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

Full hookups

Star Lee Farm

6. Star Lee Farm

100%

(10)

21mi from Big Spring State Park · 3 sites

Star Lee Farm operates to provide a small farm experience for guests and share a private rustic outdoor experience. We are using agritourism to promote awareness of pollinators through our honeybee experience and educational programs. The Star Lee is an old “family” farm that we are working to grow into a self sufficient working farm. We encourage our guests to explore nature that encompasses the farm's 104 acres and enjoy the solitude it can provide. We also invite our guests to “look up” into the night sky and behold the majesty and vastness of the universe we share.

Pets

Toilets

Showers

Montside Orchard Camp, Cabin&Sauna

7. Montside Orchard Camp, Cabin&Sauna

100%

(21)

22mi from Big Spring State Park · 2 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging

The Cabin, Wood-Fired Sauna, and Meadow campsites at Montside Orchard boast one of the most magical sunset views in the Cumberland Valley. You can also expect to see a daily show of wildlife—herds of white tail deer, wild turkeys and hundreds of wild birds make Montside Orchard their home! Bring your binoculars--it's a wooded wonderland! The Cabin is hugged by woodlands at the back and bucolic green hills dotted with orchards and small farms out the front. Yet within 15 minutes you will have arrived in quaint, well appointed downtown Chambersburg-- a small town bursting with good art and good food! We are also conveniently located 10 minutes from I-81, a major North/South interstate and 10 minutes from Rt 30. While we don't allow hiking on the property Rt 30 takes you into Micheaux Forest, the Appalachian Trail and Caledonia State Park within 15 min and the historic Gettysburg National Park within 35. White Tail Ski Resort is 40 minutes South and Ski Liberty is 40 miles East.

Pets

Toilets

Campfires

Forest House at Warren Estates

8. Forest House at Warren Estates

100%

(39)

23mi from Big Spring State Park · 1 site

No parties! No Events! We are not a venue. House and grounds are for use by our registered/booked guests only - no visitors. No Hunting or Shooting! Sorry – pets are not allowed. Should we discover that a pet was brought to the home, you will be charged a $300 cleaning fee. 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 - 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); 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. Note: be sure to re-enter the lock box code in order to close the box.

Toilets

Showers

Campfires

Davis Farm

9. Davis Farm

100%

(11)

26mi from Big Spring State Park · 1 site · Tent, RV

The Walnut Campsite is available to book on our Dairy Farm along Stone Mountain. Over a mile of East Branch Stone Creek runs through the property and is a Class A trout stream. Great area for wildlife and bird watching. Located in a beautiful valley with lots of public land for any outdoor enthusiast. Local attractions: Greenwood Furnace State Park - 4 mi Stone Mountain Hawk Watch - 4 mi Whipple Dam State Park - 7.5 mi Alan Seeger Natural Area - 8.5 mi Donation Rocks - 8.5 mi Hunter's Rocks - 6.5 mi Penn Roosevelt State Park - 13 mi Lake Perez - 12 mi State College - 18 mi Raystown Lake - 23 mi

Pets

Campfires

Full hookups

The Granary at Peach Glen

10. The Granary at Peach Glen

90%

(15)

28mi from Big Spring State Park · 1 site · Tent, RV

The Granary at Peach Glen is a historic property nestled in the rural landscape of Gardners, PA. Bought by Elmer Thomas in 1902, this beautiful property became home to the family that still resides there today. Here, you can enjoy the blooming orchard, rustic feel, and breathtaking views of the Appalachian Ridge, all coming together to create the perfect location for your camping enjoyment. The Granary and the stone barn foundations both offer a rustic setting for your enjoyment. Bring your outdoor games and camping chairs to sit under the stars while enjoying the campfire and roasting marshmallows. There is plenty of open space to enjoy any outdoor activity. The Granary is a great central location for activities in historic Gettysburg and Carlisle. We are also centrally located for any area in the central PA region.

Pets

Campfires

Picnic table

4722 Retreat

99%

(134)

41mi from Big Spring State Park · 1 site

BEST OF HIPCAMP AWARD WINNER 3 TIMES Spectacular Setting-360 Views-Farmland Mts- Orchards- 1890 Historic Buildings -5G Wifi - Games, Arts and Crafts, Swings, animals Lots of peaceful places to sit, very nice wash up and restroom area, Kitchen set up in Barn w lg table, pantry etc. Beautiful Farmland Everywhere Beautiful Big Barn w Kitchen area, Arts and Crafts and workshop , Huge Shade Trees, Upscale Chic washroom/bathroom area -Feed the Chickens, Gather their colored eggs- Activities and Games-Tree Swings-Horseshoes-Basketball-Checkers-Cards- Living Farmstead Museum, Hands on- Old Tools and Ways -Gardening-Birdwatching- PYO Flowers,Herbs, Veggies -Great Fire Pit, Cast Iron Skillets, Tools and Grates provided -Learn about Agriculture and times on a 1890 American Farm - Local Orchards, Creameries,Mennonite Feed and dry goods stores MICROWAVE - HOTPLATE TOASTER ,FIREPITS, Big Webber Charcoal grill ***FIREWOOD BUNDLES AT FARM/ONLINE IN EXTRAS AREA*** Victorian Summer Kitchen Curiosity, circa 1890, is located on small, organic Cloud Nine Farm among the beautiful Orchard, Dairy and Mennonite country of Western Maryland. Glorious sunrises over the Catoctin Mts and a great 360 vista of the surrounding Farmlands and Orchards. Close to the AT and several State Parks, great biking . Awesome area. We DO have good Wifi in all buildings THIS IS REAL FARM COUNTRY Fresh local produce available at innumerable Orchard stands throughout the year. This includes milk and ice cream :) , Apples, Peaches, Plums, Cherries, Strawberries, and all types of veggies and meats. The summer kitchen and its loft are outfitted as they would have been in the Victorian times, with implements for cooking, canning, candle making, herb and plant processing, braided rug making. etc. Also, part of the stable is set up as a eating area, and the barn and hayloft as a hands on Farm museum to explore. Old fashioned games and rope swings and Arts and Crafts for additional fun.

Pets

Toilets

Showers

Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community

Looking east at the electrical panel boxes.

Waldemar

3 days ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to Wilbur's Shed

My stay at Wilbur's Shed was excellent. The property is nicely secluded with beautiful open fields, making it a perfect place to relax and enjoy some peace and quiet. The site has all the amenities needed for a comfortable camping experience, including water, tools, chairs, electricity, and even portable restrooms on site. One of the highlights was being able to sit outside at night and enjoy the incredible view of the stars with very little light pollution. It's an ideal spot for anyone looking to camp, unwind, and spend time alone in nature. Wilbur was a great host, and I would definitely recommend this location to anyone looking for a unique and comfortable camping getaway.

Charlotte

1 week ago

Group trip

4 nights at CLOUD NINE VICTORIAN FARM

Tamara‘s land was a unique experience full of beauty! It was like staying at a museum., Tamara was a wonderful host, full of knowledge of the area. The location was perfect for resupplying hikers on the Appalachian Trail which it was our main reason for visiting. But we also loved relaxing under the shade of the trees, listening to the birds and surrounded by beautiful fields! It was a wonderful relaxing vacation!

Richelle

2 weeks ago

16 ft travel trailer

With pets

6 nights at River Golf Lodge RV & Tent Camping

Truly a magical experience! Every nook and cranny of this property was delightfully thought out for maximum pleasure and esthetics. Sherie & Rob were the most accommodating and friendly hosts. The uber-clean single bathhouse, affectionately called the "hippie shower" by Sherie, made me feel like I was in a day spa. All shower products were provided, as well as dishwashing liquid. I joked with Hubby about extending our stay, but he immediately caught on that I just wanted to take more showers there rather than use our cramped teardrop shower. 🤭 We were in the area for my Juniata College reunion; a friend stayed in one of the rooms, while Hubby & I camped in Site 3, which was the most private of the campsites, while still close to the shared deck for campers overlooking the river. We saw countless species of birds on our 6 days here, but the most fascinating were the birds feeding on the wing. A starling was nesting in the bathhouse, which only added to its charm. We rented their kayaks with the intention of paddling upstream and float back, but the current was pretty strong -- next time, we'll opt for their shuttle so we only have to float back! And yes, there will be a next time -- We will definitely camp here the next time we're back in the area!

Adam

2 weeks ago

Tent

1 night at Morningstar Farmstead

Fantastic place for a campsite. Host communicated with us ahead of time.

Ben

2 weeks ago

42 ft fifth wheel

With pets

Weekend Trip to The Ponderosa

Absolutely beautiful peaceful meadow/farm. We had no problem getting our 42' fifthwheel in and out. Property was very clean, mowed and well maintained. Firewood was waiting for us when we arrived plentiful and stored in a large storage box to keep it dry. Host was very friendly, helpful and welcoming without being intrusive. Bill is a wealth of knowledge on many topics. We enjoyed talking racing and tractors with him. Each site has a picnic table, fire ring, and large mature trees to provide shade. The donuts that are offered are delicious 😋 We chose instead of having delivered to go pick them up at nearby Emingee's where we met Bill's sister Melanie who was a delight. They also have many varieties of ice-cream made in house which we intended to go back for but we ran out of time. We'll be sure to get some next time though. We already have our next visit booked and I'm sure we'll be back for plenty more weekend adventures. Thank you so very much Bill and Melanie we look forward to seeing yall again soon!

Shree

2 weeks ago

Weekend Trip to Beespoke Farms

First, Micheal is so responsive and helpful. The place is very calming and beautiful. It's ideal for solitude and love the privacy. Definitely thinking of coming back ❤️

Wendell

2 weeks ago

30 ft travel trailer

With pets

3 nights at Juniata River RV/Camper Lot

My wife and I stayed for a three-day weekend getaway. The space was exactly as described. There are two neighbors on either side but honestly we never seen either neighbor the entire stay. The area is beautiful, peaceful, and very relaxing. There is a very busy frieght train track a few hundred yards from the site. It was slightly annoying at first. But honestly, it really didn't bother us. There is a very nice fire ring and picnic table on location. The owner provided plenty firewood. The site was level and easy to access. I did a full day Kayak trip (5-6hrs). Put the Kayak in at the free McVeytown boat ramp and floated right to the sight. The Juniata river was beautiful and fishing we pretty good( 4-5 fall fish and about a dozen decent sized smallies.). Just be warned removing the Kayak was a little tricky, you have to pull/carry it up a pretty steep bank with a small set of metal steps. But totally worth it! Ben was a great host and rapidly answered any questions we had. We will be back many more times and would recommend it for anyone looking to relax with a beautiful view the the river.

Lindsay

2 weeks ago

Tent

With pets

Weekend Trip to Paradise By The Pond

This spot sums Pennsylvania up perfectly! The rolling farmlands, beautiful sunsets, the sound of cows off in the distance! Me and my pup enjoyed our stay so much! The kayaks were an added bonus and so much fun to take around the pond! Thank you so much for sharing this spot with others!

Oleksandr

2 weeks ago

32 ft pop-up camper

With kids

2 nights at Wilbur's Shed

Second time at this spot and for the second time we enjoyed it a lot. Definitely an awesome getaway if you’re looking to be away from civilization. Please read hist notes because you’ll need good clearance to get to the spot.

Sandy

2 weeks ago

28 ft travel trailer

3 nights at Paradise By The Pond

A camp lot all to yourself. Beautiful pond to fish or just to sit and relax by. Scenery is fields, silos, barns and cows. Our favorite and only place to camp! Yvonne is the perfect host. Great hostess. Quick co.munications. highly recommend for those who want to get away from the stresses of life. Large, level and well kept property all to yourself.

Patty

3 weeks ago

Tent

2 nights at Wilson’s Boondock Hollow

Michael met me at the campsite and made sure I knew where to go and offered a folder of info about the area. The stay was so beautiful and peaceful, just what I was looking for and I loved the outdoor shower. Many thanks. I would stay here again.

Sarah

3 weeks ago

24 ft pop-up camper

With pets

4 nights at Wilbur's Shed

We loved it! The way in definitely had some deep ridges we had to drive over and the camper/our car definitely bottomed out. We have an old pop up so that didn’t stress us out too much but it was a little rough. We absolutely loved the rest and we will be back!!!

Marcie

3 weeks ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to Morningstar Farmstead

Candice and Aaron were amazing hosts and their property was beautiful and well kept. Set on a serene pasture of land in the middle of several shade trees, a pond and a bubbling brook, we awoke in the morning to birdsong and the cockadoodle doo of their rooster. Their playful dairy cows were a peaceful presence too. Both Candice and Aaron could not have been more accomodating! Highly recommend!

Amber

3 weeks ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to Montside Orchard Camp, Cabin&Sauna

This is a nice quiet property with a sunset view. Mine was a quick stay and I slept in my vehicle. Little tough to find a level spot but it worked. At dusk, a small herd of deer floated like dark ghosts as they silently grazed across the field. Lovely!

Alex

3 weeks ago

With kids

Weekend Trip to CLOUD NINE VICTORIAN FARM

We spent the weekend at Tam's farm as a get away from Baltimore city hustle and bustle. Our family is 2 adults and 2 kiddos (2yo and 5yo). We had a wonderful, relaxing, and quiet weekend. Tam's homestead has everything we needed: activities for the kiddos like a tire swing, crafts, and a "horse," chickens to feed, and a sweet old dog and cats. The adults had a great time relaxing in the soft grass, enjoying the sunset and making fajitas over the fire pit. We spent Saturday morning relaxing and Saturday afternoon at a creamery nearby, visiting amazing vistas, and swimming in Cunningham Falls state park, all within a short drive. Tam's property is beautiful and historic and gives a little insight in how farm life felt back in the 1800s. Tam is such a great host - we could tell she's a seasoned hip camp host- and helped us with anything we needed including hot water for our coffee and cream and sugar. Tam goes the extra mile for her guests and it shows that she cares about her guests' stay. If you're looking for a relaxing trip away from the city, close to beautiful nature and state parks, comfy beds and sweet old dog, Tam is your girl.

Lucyanna

3 weeks ago

Tent

Weekend Trip to The Empty Nest

Definitely recommend staying at the Empty Nest. The property was perfect for easy car camping—you feel like you’re alone in an orchard/field but there is also an indoor bathroom. They also provided wood for a fire. FYI there are two chairs, so if you have more people you’ll want to bring blankets or camp chairs to sit on. Roger and Jacob were great and super responsive — thank you both! The area is also beautiful, plus it’s close to hiking and Gettysburg and within 2 hours of DC. We hope to stay again soon!

Tim

3 weeks ago

Tent

Group trip

2 nights at Paradise By The Pond

We absolutely loved our stay here. The site was beautiful, secluded, and offered amazing views. Plenty of space for a large group. The pond was a great spot for fishing, and we caught plenty throughout our stay. The evenings were filled with only the sounds of toads and cows in the distance. If you’re looking for a quiet, relaxing getaway surrounded by nature, this is the perfect place

Leila

May 2026

Tent

With pets

1 night at The Granary at Peach Glen

Great little spot to crash for the night with our dogs!

Melanie

May 2026

30 ft travel trailer

With kids

Weekend Trip to 4722 Retreat

We loved our stay!!! Definitely will stay again! Prefect for what we needed it for!

Jessica

May 2026

23 ft travel trailer

Group trip

Weekend Trip to River Golf Lodge RV & Tent Camping

My family loved camping at River Golf. The host was kind and accommodating. The views of the river were beautiful. The campground was quiet and peaceful. We would stay here again!

Big Spring State Park camping 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.