Colonel Denning State Park

4.49

69 reviews

1599 Doubling Gap Rd, Newville, Pennsylvania, 17241, United States

Summer Destination

Quick Facts

915 ft

Price

$25 - $35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

49 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Pennsylvania State Parks site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

915 ft

Price

$25 - $35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

49 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

No Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Pennsylvania State Parks site

Official Website

Get Directions

Colonel Denning State Park

$25.00 - $35.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Fees range from $25 to $35 for campsites. No detailed breakdown for specific site types provided.

Standard Site Fee$0.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

4.49

Recommended

Based on 69 reviews

671 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanrestroomsfriendly

Some mention

noisecell service

"Reviews for Colonel Denning State Park are overwhelmingly positive, with visitors praising its natural beauty, cleanliness, and range of recreational activities. However, some concerns were raised about poor cell reception, muddy beach conditions, and campsite proximity."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

1599 Doubling Gap Rd, Newville, Pennsylvania, 17241, United States

Colonel Denning State Park

1599 Doubling Gap Rd, Newville, Pennsylvania, 17241, United States

Driving directionsThe park is eight miles north of Newville and nine miles south of Landisburg, along PA 233.

Accessible via paved roads along PA 233. No specific mention of seasonal closures or particularly challenging terrain.

Nearby places

Newville (8 miles), Landisburg (9 miles)

Nearby supplies

Within 10 miles, there is the nearest camp store and laundromat outside the campground.

Best Time to Camp at Colonel Denning State Park

Experience the full splendor of Pennsylvania's changing seasons at Colonel Denning State Park. Summer days bring warm sunshine perfect for lakeside lounging and woodland exploration, while autumn transforms the landscape into a breathtaking canvas of gold and crimson. Winter blankets the park in peaceful snow, creating a serene wonderland for those seeking quiet reflection. Spring and fall bring refreshing rains that awaken the forest and fill the air with the earthy scent of renewal, making every season an ideal time to discover the park's unique charm.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer is popular for lakeside lounging, swimming and hiking; reviews praise summer visits.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Review signal strong: 'very beautiful' fall foliage and pleasant drives; highly recommended for autumn.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.5 / 5

Spring brings woodland renewal and wildlife viewing; trails and lake become attractive again after thaw.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.0 / 5

Open year-round and winter skiing opportunities noted, but activities are more limited in winter.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Not specifically mentioned.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open year-round.
Current Alerts: No active alerts provided.

About Colonel Denning State Park

Nestled in the rolling hills of north-central Cumberland County, Colonel Denning State Park offers 273 acres of pristine woodland sanctuary where adventure meets tranquility. At the heart of this natural retreat lies a sparkling 3.5-acre lake, inviting visitors to dive into a world of outdoor recreation. Whether you're casting a line for the day's catch, taking a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear waters, or exploring winding forest trails, this meticulously maintained park provides the perfect backdrop for creating lasting memories with family and friends.

Colonel Denning State Park provides a range of camping options, including primitive, RV, and tent camping. Some sites are pet-friendly and located by a creek.

Historical SignificanceStep back in time at Colonel Denning State Park, where Revolutionary War heritage meets Depression-era conservation legacy. Named in honor of Colonel Denning, a patriot who helped forge our nation's independence, the park preserves not just natural beauty but American history. Explore the fascinating Civilian Conservation Corps exhibit, where you'll discover how young men transformed this landscape during the 1930s, leaving behind a legacy of trails, structures, and conservation practices that continue to benefit visitors today.

Weather and SeasonsExperience the full splendor of Pennsylvania's changing seasons at Colonel Denning State Park. Summer days bring warm sunshine perfect for lakeside lounging and woodland exploration, while autumn transforms the landscape into a breathtaking canvas of gold and crimson. Winter blankets the park in peaceful snow, creating a serene wonderland for those seeking quiet reflection. Spring and fall bring refreshing rains that awaken the forest and fill the air with the earthy scent of renewal, making every season an ideal time to discover the park's unique charm.

ElevationThe park's varied terrain creates diverse ecosystems and scenic vantage points throughout its 273 acres, offering visitors different perspectives of the surrounding Pennsylvania landscape.

Natural Features and SceneryDoubling Gap Lake serves as the crown jewel of the park, its mirror-like surface reflecting the dense canopy of surrounding trees and creating a haven for wildlife. Watch graceful herons stalk the shoreline at dawn, observe painted turtles basking on sun-warmed logs, and listen to the evening chorus of frogs echoing across the water. The sprawling woodlands invite exploration, where towering trees create cathedral-like spaces and dappled sunlight filters through leaves, illuminating a forest floor rich with native plants and hidden wildlife treasures.

Geological RegionColonel Denning State Park sits within the remarkable Doubling Gap, a geological wonder where Blue Mountain performs a dramatic 'S' curve, doubling back on itself in a rare display of nature's artistry. This unique formation, best appreciated from the breathtaking Doubling Gap Vista in the adjacent Tuscarora State Forest, tells a story millions of years in the making. The park's location within this distinctive landscape feature provides visitors with exceptional opportunities to explore Pennsylvania's ridge-and-valley geography while enjoying diverse habitats created by this ancient geological dance.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Check-in begins at 8 a.m.

Check-out

Check-out is by 10 p.m.

Stay Limit

Guests are limited to one family unit or five unrelated persons per campsite.

Guests Allowed Per Site

Maximum occupancy varies by facility type.

Groups

Details on group camping are limited, but there is a designated area for organized group camping.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutCampground layout includes upper and lower sections, with the lower section designated as pet-friendly.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made through PA state parks website or phone.

Walk-in AvailabilityNo details regarding walk-up availability provided.

Cancellation PolicyGuests who violate park rules or permit conditions may have their permit revoked, be required to vacate the site immediately, or cited for violations.

AccessibilityLimited information about accessibility is provided, but some reviews mention steep hills to reach restrooms from certain campsites.

Site SizeSites are described as ample enough to accommodate both tents and small RVs. However, some reviews note that sites are not particularly large.

PrivacyMixed reviews on privacy; some reviewers appreciated the distance between sites, while others felt certain areas were too close together. Creekside sites offer more seclusion.

Total Campsites49 campsites

Recommended SitesCreekside campsites are peaceful, although the bathhouse is uphill from these sites. Site 40 is described as shady but with hard ground for tent stakes.

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Activities you can enjoy

Colonel Denning State Park offers a variety of recreational opportunities, including hiking, fishing, swimming, and wildlife viewing. These activities cater to a range of skill levels and interests.

HikingThe park features multiple trails of varying difficulty, from easy nature trails around the lake to the challenging 2.5-mile Flat Rock Trail, which rewards hikers with stunning valley views.

FishingFishing is available in the park's 3.5-acre lake. While some reviewers enjoyed the experience, others found the lake 'over-pressured.'

SwimmingSwimming is offered at a sandy beach by the lake. However, reviewers noted that the beach can become muddy and waterlogged after rain, making it less appealing for sunbathing.

BoatingNon-motorized boating is permitted on the lake, adding another layer of recreation opportunities for visitors.

Wildlife viewingAmple opportunities for wildlife observation, including species such as deer, frogs, turtles, and various birds.

Beach activitiesThe sandy beach area by the lake offers opportunities for sunbathing and casual recreation, though its quality has been criticized after rainfall.

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsWildlife presence includes snakes, salamanders, and deer. Rain can make certain areas, like the swimming beach, muddy and difficult to use. Cell service is described as poor (AT&T).

Active AlertsNo active alerts provided.

No Cell ServiceCell phone service is not available at this campground. Plan accordingly for emergencies and download offline maps before arriving.

Fire PolicyCampfires are allowed within designated fire rings.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are enforced from 9 p.m. to 8 a.m.

Emergency ServicesRanger Station: 7177765272

Trash & RecyclingVisitors are advised to clean their sites and properly dispose of waste before leaving. Specific details about trash and recycling facilities are not provided.

Water FeaturesDoubling Gap Lake is within walking distance and provides opportunities for swimming, fishing, and boating.

Camp HostHosts are described as helpful and knowledgeable.

Weather at Colonel Denning State Park

Reviews

4.5

69 reviews

Recommended

Colonel Denning State Park is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

Reviews for Colonel Denning State Park are overwhelmingly positive, with visitors praising its natural beauty, cleanliness, and range of recreational activities. However, some concerns were raised about poor cell reception, muddy beach conditions, and campsite proximity.

Review Summaries

Based on 69 reviews

What Campers Love

Clean and modern restrooms, stunning views from trails like Flat Rock, well-maintained campsites, and a variety of family-friendly activities.

Based on 69 reviews

Common Concerns

Poor cell phone reception, muddy and waterlogged beach conditions, and the proximity of certain campsites leading to reduced privacy.

Based on 69 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring your own firewood and ice as they are available cheaply on-site, but options may be limited. Plan your hikes in advance since cell reception is poor; Flat Rock Trail is highly recommended for...

Based on 69 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer months appear to be the most popular for camping, with trails and the lake receiving high praise. However, the beach area can become unpleasant after rain. Winter brings opportunities for...

Based on 69 reviews

Camper Quotes

- "The trails around the park and surrounding area are gorgeous." - Maia Beard - "The campground and bathrooms are some of the cleanest I've seen." - Jonathan Dingus - "Flat Rock trail…a 2.5-mile...

Based on 69 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Sites 1, 2, and 11 received praise for being well-maintained and accommodating multiple tents and vehicles. Site 40 is noted for its shade but is not secluded and has a steep hill leading to the...

Based on 69 reviews

Accessibility Features

Mixed feedback on accessibility; some sites are uphill from the facilities, which could be challenging for individuals with mobility issues.

Based on 69 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

The lower section of the campground is pet-friendly, with creekside sites offering a good experience for pet owners. However, some reviewers noted excessive barking during their stay.

Based on 69 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026

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