Chinquapin Hill Campground

For those of us living in Pennsylvania who cherish the great outdoors, finding the perfect campground is key to a truly relaxing and rejuvenating escape. Look no further than Chinquapin Hill Campground, a notable part of Caledonia State Park, nestled conveniently in Fayetteville, PA. This well-regarded campground offers a harmonious blend of natural beauty and modern comforts, making it an excellent choice for both seasoned campers and families looking to create new memories under the stars.

Pennsylvania is renowned for its diverse landscapes, from the rolling hills of Amish Country to the dense forests of the Appalachian Mountains. Camping here means access to an incredible variety of activities, from challenging hikes to serene fishing spots, and historical explorations. Chinquapin Hill Campground capitalizes on this, providing a superb base for exploring some of the most beautiful and historically significant areas our state has to offer. It’s a place where the sounds of nature can help you unwind, and the comforts of well-maintained facilities ensure a pleasant stay.

The team at Chinquapin Hill Campground (as part of Caledonia State Park) maintains a friendly and professional approach, ensuring that visitors feel welcome and have all the necessary resources for an enjoyable camping experience. Recent refurbishments, including new paving and totally redone bathrooms and shower houses, highlight their commitment to guest satisfaction. This dedication to quality makes Chinquapin Hill a reliable and appealing choice for any Pennsylvanian seeking a refreshing outdoor adventure without straying too far from home.

Chinquapin Hill Campground is situated within Caledonia State Park, with its address being Fayetteville, PA 17222, USA. More specifically, it's located near the intersection of US 30 (Lincoln Highway) and PA 233, making it incredibly accessible for residents across Pennsylvania. For instance, it’s approximately 11 miles east of Chambersburg and about 15 miles west of Gettysburg, placing it perfectly for those looking to combine a natural retreat with historical exploration.

The park's location within Adams and Franklin counties, nestled within the South Mountain, provides a picturesque setting that is both tranquil and engaging. The proximity to major routes means that a peaceful weekend getaway is a simple drive away for many, whether you’re coming from Harrisburg, York, or even further afield. While some visitors have noted background traffic noise from the nearby US 30, the overall peacefulness of the campground, as highlighted by other campers, often outweighs this minor detail. The ease of reaching this destination, combined with the abundance of natural and historical attractions in the vicinity, makes Chinquapin Hill Campground a highly convenient and attractive option for local Pennsylvanians.

The surrounding region is rich with opportunities for outdoor activities and cultural experiences. Michaux State Forest, an expansive wilderness area perfect for hiking and biking, borders Caledonia State Park, offering extended exploration possibilities. Furthermore, the historic town of Gettysburg, with its significant Civil War battlefields and museums, is just a short drive away, allowing campers to easily immerse themselves in a pivotal part of American history.

Chinquapin Hill Campground provides a range of services designed to make your camping experience comfortable and convenient:

• RV and Tent Camping Sites: The campground offers a variety of sites, including non-electric, electric (with 30/50 amp service), and full hookup sites to accommodate both RVs and traditional tent campers.
• New and Clean Bathrooms/Shower Houses: As noted by recent visitors, the bathrooms and shower facilities have been recently refurbished and are consistently praised for being "shiny and clean," offering a high level of comfort and hygiene.
• Sanitary Dump Station: A convenient dump station is available for RV campers, ensuring easy waste disposal before you head home.
• Picnic Tables and Fire Rings: Each campsite is typically equipped with a picnic table for outdoor meals and a fire ring for enjoying campfires and cooking.
• Drinking Water: Potable water spigots are available throughout the campground for easy access to fresh drinking water.
• ADA Accessible Campsites and Facilities: Chinquapin Hill includes ADA accessible campsites, restrooms, and showers, ensuring accessibility for visitors with disabilities.
• Laundry Facilities (Nearby): While not directly on-site, public information indicates that laundromats are available within 10 miles of the park, offering convenience for longer stays.

What truly makes Chinquapin Hill Campground a standout choice for Pennsylvanians are its unique features and highlights:

• Proximity to Caledonia State Park Pool: The campground is notably "close to the swimming pool" within Caledonia State Park, which features a large, ADA-accessible pool with a waterslide and a snack bar. This is a significant draw, especially during the warm summer months, providing a refreshing activity for all ages. (Note: The pool typically operates from Memorial Day to Labor Day, with an additional fee for use).
• Access to Appalachian Trail: For hiking enthusiasts, Chinquapin Hill offers direct access to the legendary Appalachian Trail, which runs through Caledonia State Park. This allows campers to embark on world-class hiking adventures right from their campsite.
• Varied Hiking Trails: Beyond the Appalachian Trail, the park boasts over ten miles of other trails, ranging from easy to challenging, including the Chambersburg Water Line Trail and the Ramble Trail, suitable for various skill levels.
• Family-Friendly Environment: The campground is situated within Caledonia State Park, which offers numerous family-friendly activities, including a small playground near Hosack Run (another campground in Caledonia State Park, which is pet-friendly), and educational programs at the Forest Heritage Discovery Center.
• Historic Attractions Nearby: Being part of Caledonia State Park, campers have easy access to historical sites such as the Thaddeus Stevens Blacksmith Shop and the Caledonia Furnace Monument, offering a glimpse into the region's industrial past. The proximity to Gettysburg also provides extensive historical exploration opportunities.
• Golf Course: Uniquely, Caledonia State Park features an 18-hole, par 68 public golf course, located just south of US 30. This adds another recreational option for campers who enjoy a round of golf.
• Pet Policy: It's important to note that Chinquapin Hill Campground generally does not allow pets on its sites. However, the nearby Hosack Run Campground within Caledonia State Park is pet-friendly, offering an alternative for those traveling with their furry companions.

As a state park campground, Chinquapin Hill Campground's pricing and any potential promotions are typically managed by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) through their reservation system. While specific, short-term promotional offers are not widely advertised, it is always advisable for interested Pennsylvanians to check the official Pennsylvania State Parks website or call their reservation center for the most current information.

Key information regarding reservations and potential savings opportunities include:

• Advance Reservations: Most campsites can be reserved up to 11 months in advance, which is beneficial for securing preferred dates, especially during peak seasons.
• Reservation Center: The Pennsylvania State Parks Reservation Center handles all bookings, ensuring a streamlined process.
• Discount Policies: It is worth inquiring about any discount policies that might be available, such as for seniors, veterans, or for longer stays, though these are not consistently published as "promotions."
• Off-Peak Season Availability: Camping outside of the busiest summer months might offer more flexibility in site availability and potentially more competitive rates, though specific "promotions" are not common for state parks.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information on rates and availability, direct consultation with the state park system is recommended.

To book your stay or inquire further about Chinquapin Hill Campground (as part of Caledonia State Park), please use the following contact details:

Address: Fayetteville, PA 17222, USA (This campground is located within Caledonia State Park, the park office address is 101 Pine Grove Road, Fayetteville, PA 17222, USA)

Phone: (717) 352-2161 (This is the park office number for Caledonia State Park, which manages Chinquapin Hill Campground)

Mobile Phone: +1 717-352-2161

For reservations, you can also typically call the Pennsylvania State Parks Reservation Center at 888-PA-PARKS (888-727-2757) or visit their online reservation portal, which is part of the DCNR website for Pennsylvania State Parks.

Chinquapin Hill Campground, nestled within the picturesque Caledonia State Park in Fayetteville, PA, is an ideal destination for Pennsylvanians seeking an accessible and enriching outdoor experience. Its prime location ensures that a tranquil escape into nature is never an arduous journey, making it perfect for weekend getaways or longer vacations for families across the state.

The campground’s recently refurbished facilities, especially the remarkably clean bathrooms and showers, provide a level of comfort that makes camping enjoyable for everyone, even those new to the experience. The variety of sites, from electric to full hookup, caters to different camping styles, ensuring that both RV and tent campers find their perfect spot. While some road noise from US 30 has been noted, it is often overshadowed by the overall peaceful and well-maintained environment.

For the active Pennsylvanian, the direct access to the Appalachian Trail and numerous other hiking paths within Caledonia State Park offers endless opportunities for exploration and exercise. The added bonus of a large, accessible swimming pool with a waterslide provides a fantastic way to cool off during warm summer days, making it a hit with families. Furthermore, the close proximity to historic Gettysburg means that a trip to Chinquapin Hill can seamlessly blend outdoor adventure with a deep dive into American history.

Chinquapin Hill Campground offers a quintessential Pennsylvania camping experience, combining convenience, comfort, and a wealth of recreational and historical attractions. It truly is a local treasure, providing a perfect backdrop for creating cherished memories with family and friends, right here in our beautiful home state.