The best camping in Colonel Denning State Park, PA

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Discover the natural allure of Colonel Denning State Park.  

The best camping in Colonel Denning State Park, PA

Public campgrounds here are often sold out.
Forest House at Warren Estates

2. Forest House at Warren Estates

100%
(39)
16mi from Colonel Denning State Park · 1 site · Lodging · Newville, PA
No parties! No Events! We are not a venue. The Forest House and grounds are for use by our registered guests only. 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
Wilbur's Shed

3. Wilbur's Shed

99%
(132)
17mi from Colonel Denning State Park · 1 site · Tent, RV · Blairs Mills, PA
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
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$41
 / night
Montside Orchard Camp, Cabin&Sauna

6. Montside Orchard Camp, Cabin&Sauna

100%
(18)
23mi from Colonel Denning State Park · 2 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Chambersburg, PA
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
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$45
 / night
Solitude!

7. Gorgeous Water Overlook

100%
(23)
30mi from Colonel Denning State Park · 2 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Halifax, PA
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
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$74
 / night
Conewago Glamp and Paddle

9. Conewago Glamp and Paddle

100%
(28)
34mi from Colonel Denning State Park · 1 site · Lodging · Dover, PA
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
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$170
 / night
We love drone photos and videos! Drones are always welcome at our property.

12. Wilson’s Boondock Hollow

100%
(39)
36mi from Colonel Denning State Park · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · Ramblewood, PA
***We are closed for the winter, we will open back up sometime in April or beginning of May*** 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
from 
$28
 / night
Overview of the campsite

13. Esidarap Mountain

97%
(165)
37mi from Colonel Denning State Park · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · Abbottstown, PA
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
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$29
 / night
Old Soul Farm

16. Old Soul Farm

99%
(260)
39mi from Colonel Denning State Park · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · 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: 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
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$36
 / night
River Rock Recreation

18. River Rock Recreation

96%
(50)
40mi from Colonel Denning State Park · 1 site · Tent, RV · Conoy Township, PA
DO NOT REQUEST TO BOOK IF YOU HAVE NOT READ ALL OF THE INFORMATION AND DETAILS ON THIS LISTING. Trains, bugs, and industry exist along this river! IF YOU REQUEST TO BOOK WITH US ALL COMMUNICATION WILL BE THROUGH HIPCAMP MESSAGES. We are located along the banks of the mighty Susquehanna River in Conoy Township, Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. An area rich with historic significance and breath taking natural scenery. From the rolling hills of Lancaster County, Chiques' Rock, the sculptured rock visible at the bottom of the Conewago Falls, the White Cliffs of Conoy, and the Northwest Lancaster County River Trail there is no shortage of adventure. Our campsite offers the combination of camping fun and an endless variety of river recreation and leisure. Retreat to a spacious primitive river front camping sanctuary in the woodland setting, nestled under the trees, where privacy and seclusion create a relaxing family-friendly experience. Our campsite is first time camper or camping enthusiast friendly! Whether you are feeding the need for your family's adventure or looking to get back to nature and relax, River Rock Recreation campsite can accommodate your needs. You will find yourself living a unique outdoor lifestyle during your stay at River Rock Adventures campsite. A private launch allows kayak, SUP, and other paddleboat access. Public boat launches near by that allow for trailer and boat access. Fish the river banks all day and night for the biggest catch or teach a new generation of fisherman the love of the sport. Hike or bike the Northwest Lancaster County River Trail, explore all it has to offer on its 14 mile stretch from Falmouth to Columbia. You can even get the kids excited and involved by Geocaching on the way! Want to relax and create memories? Let the children discover the swing and Teepee play structure to promote imaginative playtime in nature, make fairy or gnome home out of sticks and stones, teach knot tying, animal track and constellation recognition or organize a scavenger hunt! Horseshoe pit, birdwatching and wildlife viewing for the older kids. Did you know you can spot bald eagles flying along the river and even spot owls and bats that are present at night!? Meanwhile kick up your feet and relax in the trees with a hammock, you might love it! The camp kitchen area allows for efficient food storage and meal preparation space during your stay. Whether you want to use the on site grill or cook over the fire, the covered kitchen area will help make your meal duties at camp a breeze. When it comes to getting cleaned up, the solar shower bag compatible camp shower gives you a space to rinse off and clean up in privacy. The lights on site can be run by generator to help light the way at night. Want to rent a generator? Need to buy more firewood? You would like to add purchasable amenities? You're not familiar with local features? Do you have a question or concern? On site personnel can help answer your questions and serve your needs during the day. We want campers to have the best possible experience and strive to create personal connections with nature in hopes of starting future camping traditions here at River Rock Recreation campsite. The wildlife refuge area is a no human contact zone to promote local wildlife habitat and diversity. River Rock Recreation appreciates that you respect campsite boundaries and only view wildlife present on the property. Learn more about this land: River Rock Recreation is a seasonal campsite that offers a retreat to a Primitive Susquehanna River Front Tent Camping Experience in Lancaster County Pennsylvania. Our campsite is about 2 acres and includes 6 tent sites/area. You will have full reign of the campsite. Since we are only a single campsite the only crowd there, will be your own! We want campers to have an enjoyable stay and connect with nature! Check out our website for more detailed information and photos of our campsite!
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$77
 / night

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Top-rated campgrounds

Forest House at Warren Estates

100%
(39)
16mi from Colonel Denning State Park · 1 site · Lodging · Newville, PA
No parties! No Events! We are not a venue. The Forest House and grounds are for use by our registered guests only. 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

Wilbur's Shed

99%
(132)
17mi from Colonel Denning State Park · 1 site · Tent, RV · Blairs Mills, PA
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
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$41
 / night

Montside Orchard Camp, Cabin&Sauna

100%
(18)
23mi from Colonel Denning State Park · 2 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Chambersburg, PA
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
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$45
 / night

Gorgeous Water Overlook

100%
(23)
30mi from Colonel Denning State Park · 2 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Halifax, PA
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
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$74
 / night

Conewago Glamp and Paddle

100%
(28)
34mi from Colonel Denning State Park · 1 site · Lodging · Dover, PA
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
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$170
 / night

Wilson’s Boondock Hollow

100%
(39)
36mi from Colonel Denning State Park · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · Ramblewood, PA
***We are closed for the winter, we will open back up sometime in April or beginning of May*** 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
from 
$28
 / night

Esidarap Mountain

97%
(165)
37mi from Colonel Denning State Park · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · Abbottstown, PA
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
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$29
 / night

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The best camping in Colonel Denning State Park, PA 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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