The best camping in Colonel Denning State Park, PA
Discover the natural allure of Colonel Denning State Park.
Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Colonel Denning State Park adventure.
Top-rated campgrounds in Colonel Denning State Park
Colonel Denning Park Campground
1. Colonel Denning Park Campground
When you come to camp at Colonel Denning State Park, you’ll probably drive through an interesting “S” turn where Blue Mountain doubles back on itself
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Top-rated campsites near Colonel Denning State Park
Forest House at Warren Estates
1. Forest House at Warren Estates
100%
(39)
16mi from Colonel Denning 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
Wilbur's Shed
2. Wilbur's Shed
99%
(139)
17mi from Colonel Denning 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
Morningstar Farmstead
3. Morningstar Farmstead
100%
(20)
22mi from Colonel Denning 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
Juniata River RV/Camper Lot
4. Juniata River RV/Camper Lot
93%
(36)
22mi from Colonel Denning 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
River Golf Lodge RV/Tent Camping
5. River Golf Lodge RV/Tent Camping
100%
(12)
22mi from Colonel Denning State Park · 6 sites · Tents, RVs
River Golf Lodge On the Juniata
Stay. Camp. Fish. Kayak. Golf. Swim.
Create magical memories with the people you love along the beautiful Juniata River in central PA. Grab a keenly appointed room or bring your camper. With 12 rooms and 6 camp lots – everyone is happy. 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
Montside Orchard Camp, Cabin&Sauna
6. Montside Orchard Camp, Cabin&Sauna
100%
(20)
23mi from Colonel Denning 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
White Squirrel Campsite Poperties
7. White Squirrel Campsite Poperties
100%
(30)
29mi from Colonel Denning State Park · 1 site · Tent, RV
The White Squirrel Properties include a cabin, rental pavilion and camp site. The camp site sits at the top of a hill and provides a secluded flat site to pitch your tent or park your van/truck camper/truck top tent.
You will have this space to yourself.
The view is breathtaking - you have a gorgeous view of the Susquehanna River, numerous sets of mountain ranges, and you are surrounded by beautiful fields. There is a rustic picnic table and a more modern high top table set with an umbrella, for your use. We have also added 4 hammock chairs that you can relax in while enjoying a glass of wine. There is a wooden platform with a small structure on it. You can stand underneath the platform and it can provide some shelter, if needed. (The structure is being renovated for a new experience next summer.)
The pavilion is a short walk and has 2 bathrooms, a shower, and a kitchen. **The kitchen is only available if the pavilion is not being rented**. There is an additional fee to rent the kitchen. If you are interested, please message me after booking. This can be added at checkout. Deer come out nightly on this peaceful property. You won’t be disappointed.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
The Ponderosa
8. The Ponderosa
98%
(28)
30mi from Colonel Denning State Park · 5 sites · Tents, RVs
A quaint working farm located in the heart of Adams County, PA. Located just minutes from Gettysburg Battlefield, Biglerville Apple Country, Codorus State Park, Pinchot State Park, and Pine Grove Furnace State Park. Also, not far from the Appalachian Trail, and points in Maryland. The small town of Hampton, PA is only a few miles away. There you will find a pizza/sandwich restaurant and a Donut/Ice Cream shop. The adjoining properties are also working farms, and you will be entranced by the surrounding peace and beauty. Almost every direction has a beautiful skyline. You can walked the mowed paths on the farm, fish in the pond, sit around the camp fire and listen to the quiet and the birds signing. If you like to bike or go for long walks the county roads don’t have a much traffic to contend with and are inviting for walks and biking. We offered carriage rides around the farm paths using our dartmoor ponies.
We can provide you with large fire 🔥 wood bundles, farm fresh eggs, fresh homemade donuts and bagels to your campsite if you order!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Sassafras Hollow
9. Sassafras Hollow
100%
(10)
31mi from Colonel Denning 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
Davis Farm
10. Davis Farm
100%
(11)
31mi from Colonel Denning 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 Farm at Millwood Drive
11. The Farm at Millwood Drive
90%
(15)
33mi from Colonel Denning State Park · 1 site
Well its not much of a farm, Rather a secluded grass farm field with goldenrod at the foot of the Elizabethville mountian. It is only 1.8 miles off the Route 25 approximately 1/2 hour drive north of Harrisburg. It is down a dirt road through the woods. At the edge of the field is the woods of the mountian. It has a small stream flowing throgh the woods. Not alot of light pollution so you will be sure to enjoy the starry night sky. Close to alot of neat placed and things to do.
Lake Tobias Wildlife Park 2.4 miles, Susquehanna River (Great for fishing and kayaking) 4.6 miles, Fort Halifax Park 5.8 miles, Weiser Forrest Haldeman Tract (Great trails for hiking, moutianbiking or horseback riding) 7.4miles, Ned Smith Center 6.5 miles, Henningers Covered Bridge 9.8 miles, Apalation Trail 10.6 miles, Crossroads Market and Auction (Great place for Food including Pa Dutch, Antiques,Auctions,and Flea market items) 12miles. The area has a thriving Amish community (We can help you connect to a Amish family) with alot of little roadside stands . Plenty of unique shopping experiences, Flea Flickers, Hornings Country Market, Colemans Miltary Surpluss, Hoovers Market, Shops on Main and More. Walmart and fast foods only 8 miles.
There is wildlife , You may see deer wander through or grazing near by.
This site is a work in progress and may have more improvements till you arrive.
Come enjoy the wonders of Upper Dauphin County, We would love to host you!
Pets
Campfires
Toilets
Star Lee Farm
12. Star Lee Farm
100%
(10)
33mi from Colonel Denning 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
Conewago Glamp and Paddle
13. Conewago Glamp and Paddle
100%
(29)
33mi from Colonel Denning State Park · 1 site
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.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
4722 Retreat
14. 4722 Retreat
100%
(26)
34mi from Colonel Denning State Park · 1 site
This is a single hookup campsite for any size RV or pull-type campers up to 35 feet long. It has full hookups: water, 15 or 50 amp electric and sewer. Every stay comes with one complimentary wheel barrow full of firewood. There is one nature trail (more to come!) Enjoy the privacy of a campsite where you’re the only camper! The owners of the property live nearby and are available if there are any problems.
Pets
Full hookups
Seven Mountains Campground
15. Seven Mountains Campground
96%
(28)
35mi from Colonel Denning State Park · 25 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
Located in the breathtaking Spring Mills Pennsylvania, Seven Mountains provides an unforgettable experience for anyone who visits. Our family-friendly facility will help you to feel at home while providing unforgettable memories.
AMENITIES
Seven Mountains Campgrounds is the perfect place to get away and enjoy the great outdoors with amenities like:
Free Wifi
Year Round Availability
Picnic tables and fire rings at every Cabin, Tent, and RV Site
The tent site is available with electricit upon request. (Bring your own extension cord)
The tent area is pet-friendly.
All RV sites will have Water and Electric.
We have a dump station and trash disposal included in the stay.
We also have a dump service that is available for a fee of $25.
Pet Friendly (All pets are allowed on any RV site)
Pets
Toilets
Full hookups
Wilson’s Boondock Hollow
16. Wilson’s Boondock Hollow
100%
(40)
36mi from Colonel Denning State Park · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
Latest updates on weather, local events, photos and videos can be found on our Instagram @wilsons_boondock
If you're in search of a primitive camping location that's perfect for unwinding, offering privacy and seclusion, then we are the destination for you. We have many extras that you can add to your stay like fishing our private spring fed pond. PSU Football fans we can accommodate your group, just send us a message about your group size first. We do welcome drones.
Tucked away in the heart of the Stone Valley Forest a secluded 150+ year old family farm bordering Penn State University Forest and near Rothrock State Forest. Abundant wildlife and scenic hiking, biking trails on site and nearby with Greenwood Furnace and Whipples Damn State parks only a few minutes away. The area has some of the finest trout fishing with the streams and lakes nearby such as Standing Stone Creek, Juniata River, Little Juniata and the famous Spruce Creek. We are centrally situated between State College PA, and historic Huntingdon PA home of Juniata College, and Belleville PA (Home to the second oldest Amish community in the country) where you can attend the famous sale every Wednesday.
Local Restaurants:
Doan's Bones BBQ (eat in & carry out, 5 min drive)
Couch's Subs and Groceries (eat in & carry out, 10 min drive)
McMurtrie's Tavern (eat in & carry out, 15 min drive)
Local churches:
Manor Hill Methodist, service every Sunday at 11am to noon (3 min drive)
St. Stephens Lutheran Church (5 min drive)
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Esidarap Mountain
17. Esidarap Mountain
97%
(165)
37mi from Colonel Denning State Park · 1 site · Tent, RV
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
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
The Evergreen Lodge
18. The Evergreen Lodge
100%
(23)
38mi from Colonel Denning State Park · 1 site
Family owned land for over 100 years and at that time it was planted in corn. On the property is a foundation that was said to be where one of the Youngers that rode with Jessie James lived in a shanty. Known as the “Younger Shanty”. Nearby attractions: wineries, state parks, Penns Cave, Penn State University, and great restaurants.
Toilets
Showers
Campfires
The Empty Nest
19. The Empty Nest
96%
(24)
39mi from Colonel Denning State Park · 1 site · Tent, RV
We sit on 17 acres set back from the road away surrounded by the mountains. We are in the hollow and have a small creek running through the woods on our property. We see lots of wildlife and beautiful sunsets. It is very peaceful yet we are very close to Gettysburg for sight seeing and Liberty Mountain Resort for golfing in the warm weather and snow sports in the winter.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
Old Soul Farm
20. Old Soul Farm
99%
(272)
39mi from Colonel Denning State Park · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
We are a small, working farm and apiary. Located back a gravel farm lane, Old Soul Farm is the perfect place to getaway from it all and still be within 10 minutes of the Gettysburg Battlefield.
Learn more about this land:
Site Option 1:
The Point - A beautiful view of the farm and surrounding farm properties. It is the furthest away from the barn and owner housing for privacy but an easy field walk in and out.
Site Option 2: The Barn Site - Closer to the barn. It is a level area with a great tree for shade and climbing. As of April 2025, we now offer a 50/30/20 amp for the convenience of our tent and RV campers! This location also has a stone fire circle.
Site Option 3: The Riding Ring - Formerly used as a riding ring for horses, it can now be used to accommodate larger groups.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
M
Melanie
1 week ago
30 ft travel trailer
With kids
We loved our stay!!! Definitely will stay again! Prefect for what we needed it for!
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A
Andy
1 week ago
20 ft travel trailer
With pets
This place has is all! Beautiful outdoors with birds chirping and the river moving swiftly. The owners were very kind. It was our first time using our camper and Rob took the time to explain how to fill up our water and empty our tank. We were able to utilize the fantastic back porch area, which was outfitted with tons of furniture, cooking equipment/tools, spices, coffee/tea, a fridge, fireplaces and games. We will definitely be back next year for some tubing, weather permitting.
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J
Joann
1 week ago
Tent
With pets
Beautiful area with wildlife! My dog and I had to cut our camping short due to horrible weather, but we will definitely go back and try again! Wesley is very kind and responsive. You can also tell it brings him so much joy to share his land with others.
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M
Meghan
2 weeks ago
27 ft travel trailer
The River Golf Resort was a great stay for us over the weekend. The hosts were absolutely wonderful, the property was lovely, and the fishing access was fantastic! We will be booking there again in the future!!
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W
Wendy
2 weeks ago
Tent
With pets
Great , clean space. Nice place under the trees for our tent. Area very well maintained. Wonderful polite hosts our dogs loved walking the property.
Option to have donuts and/or bagels delivered fresh in the morning. They were delicious.
Would definitely recommend
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A
Anna
2 weeks ago
20 ft rooftop tent
Clean, quiet, peaceful. Overall, great stay. I thought the sites were a little farther apart but there were only 2 sites used the night we were there so it was definitely private enough for us.
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T
Trisha
2 weeks ago
Tent
With pets
It was the perfect spot, again! This is the second time my partner, our dog, and I stayed here. We loved every minute of it. It's so peaceful and the perfect way to spend a weekend. We'll be back!
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Erika
2 weeks ago
Tent
With pets
Great spot and view! Lots of space and very private. We would definitely go again.
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C
Carole
2 weeks ago
25 ft travel trailer
With pets
what a beautiful secluded area with continual sounds of the birds chirping private spacious with a couple amenities such as a porta potty to support you when your Boondocking great host close proximity to Gettysburg. We had an outstanding time. Thank you.
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Brad
2 weeks ago
Tent
With pets
This was our second time camping at White Squirrel and it was by far one of the best camping trips to date. White Squirrel has undergone a massive renovation since our first visit back in 2024. The camp site has been upgraded to having a full bathroom and hot/cold shower on site vs having to walk down to the pavilion. In addition, the platform structure has been fully finished into a composite deck lookout complete with lighting, Adirondack chairs, tables and electricity access. The views remain some of the best in all of Halifax, PA and truly a picture perfect camp site for both car and tent camping. Our group of 8 had no problem fitting on the site. Overall, I highly recommend White Squirrel and can't wait until our return!
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L
Lacey
2 weeks ago
3 nights at Star Lee Farm
We loved staying at the Star Lee Farm. The cabin was the perfect size for my husband and I. There was enough firewood for us to have a fire all day the one day and a few shorter ones as we needed other days. The walk to the outhouse was short and the views for that area to the surrounding mountains and trees was beautiful. The cabin was remote, we could see the other one through the trees if we tried but no one was staying there. They checked in via message a few times to make sure we didn’t need anything and restocked the bathhouse halfway through our stay. We were just a short drive from hiking at a state park which was great.
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R
Richard
2 weeks ago
20 ft campervan
Great place to camp with wildlife, beautiful pond and hiking trails
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R
Richard
2 weeks ago
20 ft campervan
Friendly hosts plenty of star gazing and wildlife. Porta potty was spotless, would highly recommend
See moreC
Chris
3 weeks ago
32 ft travel trailer
With pets
The whole experience could not have gone better. The site is near the road, which is convenient, but still secluded.
It is well kept and has everything you need. The water, septic and electric are all newer and easy access.
The owner, Kevin, made a point to stop by and introduce himself.
We would definitely stay at the site again.
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D
Dan
3 weeks ago
26 ft Class C
Group trip
Friendly staff. Ice was easily purchased. Great experience.
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B
Breann
3 weeks ago
15 ft truck camper
With pets
Great views and private camp spot! We also appreciate having the bathrooms available. We look forward to camping there again and would definitely recommend it!
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O
Oleksandr
3 weeks ago
19 ft pop-up camper
With kids
Great place to camp. Water and electric hook up is definitely a great benefit. Our kids enjoyed an open area to run around all day. Several parks in a close proximity.
The host stopped by the first evening to introduce herself and check if we got situated alright.
Definitely recommend if you looking for quiet place to yourself.
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Jim & Pamela
3 weeks ago
31 ft fifth wheel
With pets
This our 3rd trip to this campsite. It is so peaceful and beautiful. Ben is a responsive host and the views from the site don’t disappoint
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Sarah
3 weeks ago
1 night at Sassafras Hollow
We had a lovely time and would love to return. We stopped one night on the way and one night on the way home to break up our longer journey to western PA on our motorcycles. Directions and information were accurate and helpful. The family is very helpful at check in and with answering any other questions. It's an absolute oasis in the woods with a beautiful view of the valley. It's a great way to feel unplugged and relaxed while having all creatures comforts (hot shower, kitchen/grill, very comfy bed). After our first night's stay, we even made a point to get back early for our second night's stay to enjoy grilling, reading on the porch and relaxing listening to old records. My husband was inspired by all of the thoughtful, skillful wood working in the cabin. It's wonderful that this family are stewards of both the land and also the history of the property as they took the time to rehab the old cabin on the property. Highly recommend.
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S
Samantha
May 2026
With pets
Craig was a fabulous host! His little slice of paradise is so relaxing and there’s plenty to explore in the area. We had a great time exploring trails and canoeing with Craig’s help and expertise. He even had a fire going for us upon our return. It was really a treat!
See moreColonel Denning State Park camping guide
Overview
About
Dotted with picnic tables, perfumed by the familiar clouds of burning charcoal, Colonel Denning State Park is a niche-like paradise for the backpacker―who fancys midnight reruns on the Food Network. While not geared toward the motor boating enthusiast, the park’s expansive lake is a favorite among canoers and kayakers, offering a safe, scenic experience for the paddling-minded ilk. Even the seasoned angler will be well catered to with Doubling Gap Lake’s healthy populated trout schools. And, if you’re not one to partake in water-going activities, Colonel Denning State Park is snaked with eighteen-miles of hiking trails that carve the Cumberland Valley. However, make sure your smartphone’s fully-charge; Colonel Denning State Park’s campsites offer little amenities (aside from the one electrically-fed campsite), allowing all it’s campers to experience Mother Nature in all her well-groomed beauty.
When to go
The ideal time to visit Colonel Denning State Park is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild and the natural scenery is at its peak. Summer brings warmth perfect for water activities, though it can be crowded. Winters are quiet but can be quite cold, so ensure you're prepared if you venture during this season.
Know before you go
- Check the weather forecast and dress appropriately for the season to ensure a comfortable visit.
- Be aware of park hours, typically from 8:30am to 5pm, and plan your trip accordingly.
- Stay informed about any trail closures or area restrictions before you arrive.
- Remember to pack essentials like water, snacks, and a first-aid kit for a safe and enjoyable day.
- Take advantage of the available facilities, but always leave the park as you found it, respecting the Leave No Trace principles.
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