Colonel Denning State Park RV & Campground Guide
Pennsylvania
Colonel Denning State Park
is a public recreation area used for a variety of outdoor activities in Lower Mifflin Township, Pennsylvania. The state park is nestled in the Doubling Gap of the Blue Mountains, a ridge of the Appalachians that runs through the state of Pennsylvania. It is also surrounded by the dense Tuscarora State Forest, a fantastic setting for some of the best sites the region has to offer. The park encompasses a total land area of 273 acres and contains the 3.5-acre Doubling Gap Lake, a popular waterfront attraction. It was established in 1936 in honor of William Denning, a builder of wrought iron cannons and renowned veteran of the American Revolution. A few Pennsylvania cities you can access nearby to regroup include Landisburg, Newville, and Loysville.
Spring 30-71 F
Summer 58-84 F
Fall 42-82 F
Winter 20-41 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Colonel Denning State Park
An RV is a great way to travel, as it can offer features like window seating, increased storage, and overall convenience to your trip to Colonel Denning State Park. If you don't own an RV, consider renting one through RVshare.
Dogwood Acres Campground, Inc.
Dogwood Acres Campground, Inc., is a locally owned campground in Newville, Pennsylvania, that has been in the region for decades. It has a serene atmosphere that serves as an ideal resting place after your adventures in the state park. The RV park includes a total of 100 sites, and each of them comes equipped with full hookups. Amenities to enjoy here include a fountain, swimming pool, and fire rings. The address of Dogwood Acres Campground, Inc., is 500 Enola Rd, Newville, PA 17241.
Paradise Stream Family Campground
Paradise Stream Family Campground is a family-friendly RV park located in Loysville, Pennsylvania. It includes an on-site general store that offers supplies such as propane and seasoned firewood. Other amenities you can look forward to at Paradise Stream include heated bathhouses, free Wi-Fi, and a laundry room. The nightly rate for standard full-hookup sites is $64, and the nightly rate for full hookup sites with a view of the lake is $69. The address of Paradise Stream Family Campground is 693 Paradise Stream Rd, Loysville, PA 17047.
What to Do at
Colonel Denning State Park
Inside Colonel Denning State Park
Tuscarora State Forest is an ideal hunting destination, offering game species such as turkeys, white-tailed deer, and squirrels. You can also head to the forest if you are looking for a rewarding hike through the dense greenery. Spanning an impressive 105 miles, Tuscarora Trail is the longest hiking path at Colonel Denning State Park and certainly one of the most popular. There are also 200 picnic tables located throughout the premises if you want to enjoy a relaxing afternoon under the trees. Moreover, trout fishing, water skiing, and swimming are common attractions you can look forward to at Doubling Gap Lake.
Outside Colonel Denning State Park
After you have explored Colonel Denning State Park, you should take some time to appreciate the regions that surround it. You will find delicious places to eat, such as Jaymee Lee's Diner LLC and Mancino's Italian Delight. The recreation scene will take you to first-rate destinations like Kings Gap Environmental Education Center and Pine Grove Furnace State Park. Lastly, the area is full of quality gift shops, shopping centers, and sporting goods stores. TCO Fly Shop - Boiling Springs and Silver Springs Commons are a couple of the most popular spots.
Restaurants
Jaymee Lee's Diner LLC
Jaymee Lee's Diner LLC is an American restaurant with a cozy atmosphere near Colonel Denning State Park. Some popular options here include chicken pasta, Caesar salad, and chocolate cake.
Type: American
Location: 8 S High St, Newville, PA 17241
Pizza City & Subs
Pizza City & Subs is one of the best pizzerias you will find in Landisburg, Pennsylvania. The spot is known for its clean facility and variety of toppings.
Type: Pizzeria
Location: 101 S Carlisle St, Landisburg, PA 17040
Laurel Run Lodge
Laurel Run Lodge is a wonderful bar and grill you can reach conveniently from Colonel Denning State Park. The establishment offers cheeseburgers, chicken sandwiches, and an ideal atmosphere for sporting events.
Type: American
Location: 101 Laurel Run Rd, Landisburg, PA 17040
Blain Restaurant
Blain Restaurant is an upscale family restaurant near the state park that serves American cuisine. It is located in the lobby of the elegant Blain Hotel and open to the general public.
Type: American
Location: 101 E Main St, Blain, PA 17006
Mancino's Italian Delight
If you are a fan of Italian food, you will want to enjoy a meal at Mancino's Italian Delight. Located in Newville, Pennsylvania, the restaurant serves classics such as lasagna and spaghetti and meatballs.
Type: Italian
Location: 399 Carlisle Rd, Newville, PA 17241
Shopping
Silver Spring Commons
Located in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, Silver Spring Commons is one of the closest shopping malls to Colonel Denning State Park. It includes dining establishments, retail outlets, and a huge parking lot to meet your needs.
Location: 6520 Carlisle Pike, Mechanicsburg, PA 17050
Hampden Centre
Hampden Centre is an outlet mall located in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania. It includes places such as Dollar Tree, Goodwill, a UPs store, as well as a grocery store. This an ideal place to visit for your necessities.
Location: 4870 Carlisle Pike, Mechanicsburg, PA 17050
Bear's Variety Den
Bear's Variety Den is a locally owned and operated gift shop near the state park. This is a great place to check out if you are in need of trinkets or souvenirs to give to your loved ones.
Location: 617 Bloserville Rd, Newville, PA 17241
TCO Fly Shop - Boiling Springs
TCO Fly Shop - Boiling Springs is a sporting goods store you can reach conveniently from your campground. The staff is well-versed and ready to address any hunting or fishing related needs.
Location: 2 E 1st St, Boiling Springs, PA 17007
Stoney Ridge Foods
Stoney Ridge Foods is a discount supermarket you can find in Loysville, Pennsylvania. Fresh vegetables, meats, and baked goods are among the variety of available options here.
Location: 532 Emory Green Rd, Loysville, PA 17047
Sightseeing
Kings Gap Environmental Education Center
Kings Gap Environmental Education Center is a public park in Cumberland County, Pennsylvania, that spans 1,454 acres. The land was acquired by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in 1973 and has since been developed into a beautiful recreation area.
Location: 500 Kings Gap Rd, Carlisle, PA 17015
Waggoner's Gap Hawk Watch
Waggoner's Gap Hawk Watch is a tourist destination that offers an unforgettable view from above Perry County, Pennsylvania. The attraction does not have an official address since it is a hill's peak, but you can access it by following the trail up from Waggoners Gap Rd.
Location: Waggoners Gap Rd, Landisburg, PA 17040
Pine Grove Furnace State Park
Pine Grove Furnace State Park is a protected area of Pennsylvania that contains Laurel and Fuller Lakes. The public park is located in Cooke Township of Cumberland County.
Location: 1100 Pine Grove Rd, Gardners, PA 17324
Letort Falls Park
Letort Falls Park is a popular recreation area for family fun located in Carlisle, Pennsylvania. The falls are a great place for fishing, hiking, picnicking, and more.
Location: 105 N Middlesex Rd, Carlisle, PA 17013
Fort Hunter Mansion and Park
Fort Hunter Mansion and Park is a notable historic location you will find in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. Also known as the Archibald McAllister House, the home is on the Susquehanna River near Harrisburg's downtown district.
Location: 5300 N Front St, Harrisburg, PA 17110
How to Get to
Colonel Denning State Park
Pittsburgh and Baltimore are two major U.S. cities that are convenient to travel from to Colonel Denning State Park. On the way from Pittsburgh, start by getting onto I-579 S. Merge onto I-376 E from Boulevard of the Allies. Follow I-76 E to PA-997 N in Lurgan Township, then take Exit 201 from I-76 E. After continuing on PA-997 N, drive to PA-233 N in Lower Mifflin Township to arrive at the destination.
On the way from Baltimore, start by getting onto I-83 N from E Lexington St. After continuing on I-83 N to Silver Spring Township, take Exit 57 from I-81 S. You will arrive at the destination after taking Spring Rd and PA-850 W to PA-233 S in Lower Mifflin Township. The address of Colonel Denning State Park is 1599 Doubling Gap Rd, Newville, PA 17241.
Entering Colonel Denning State Park
Colonel Denning State Park opens up at 8 a.m. and closes at 10 p.m seven days a week.
Per vehicle (1-4 adults) : $0
You'll make memories that last a lifetime when you take an RV adventure to Colonel Denning State Park. If you don't have an RV of your own, rent one with RVshare! If you share your trip photos on social media, be sure to tag us, or send them to memories@RVshare.com for a chance to be featured on our blog.