Charcoal Hearth Campground Introduce
For those of us living in the Keystone State, there is nothing quite like the transition of the seasons in the heart of Pennsylvania’s Cumberland Valley. Nestled in the quiet community of Gardners, Charcoal Hearth Campground serves as a premier destination for local families, hikers, and road-trippers looking to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the region. This campground is designed to provide a peaceful retreat from the hustle and bustle of daily life, offering a blend of traditional rustic charm and the essential modern conveniences that make a weekend getaway comfortable and stress-free.
Charcoal Hearth Campground is highly regarded by the local community for its tranquil atmosphere and its commitment to maintaining a clean, welcoming environment for all types of campers. Whether you are a seasoned outdoorsman looking to pitch a tent under the stars or a family traveling in a modern RV, this location offers a versatile space that caters to various camping styles. The site is particularly well-known for its quiet nights and scenic surroundings, making it an ideal choice for those who want to wake up to the sounds of nature rather than the noise of highway traffic.
Location and Accessibility
Situated at 101 Bendersville Rd, Gardners, PA 17324, Charcoal Hearth Campground is conveniently located for residents of nearby Carlisle, Mechanicsburg, and Gettysburg. Its position in Adams County makes it a strategic hub for those who want to explore the historical landmarks of South Central Pennsylvania while maintaining a home base in a wooded sanctuary. The campground is easily reachable via well-maintained local roads, ensuring that even larger motorhomes can navigate the approach with confidence.
Inclusivity and accessibility are core priorities at this facility. The management has ensured that the campground is welcoming to individuals with mobility challenges, providing a wheelchair-accessible entrance and dedicated parking spaces. Furthermore, the public facilities, including the restrooms, are designed with accessibility in mind, ensuring that every member of the family can enjoy the great outdoors without unnecessary barriers. For locals planning a trip, the on-site parking is spacious and organized, reducing the stress of arrival and setup.
Services Offered
- Professional onsite services to assist with check-in, site location, and local information.
- Dedicated RV camping areas designed for easy pull-in and maneuverability.
- Reliable RV electric hookups to power your appliances and climate control systems.
- Dedicated RV water hookups ensuring a steady supply of fresh water throughout your stay.
- Traditional tent sites for those who prefer a more authentic, close-to-nature experience.
- Comprehensive waste management and clean public restrooms for guest convenience.
- Modern shower facilities with running water, maintained regularly for cleanliness.
- Flexible payment processing, accepting credit cards, debit cards, and standard camping fees.
Features and Highlights
- Expansive picnic areas perfect for large family gatherings and outdoor afternoon meals.
- Individual picnic tables at campsites to provide a designated space for dining and games.
- On-site barbecue grills available for guests to enjoy traditional campfire cooking and grilling.
- Direct access to scenic hiking trails that showcase the unique flora and fauna of Pennsylvania.
- A dedicated playground area featuring swings to keep children entertained and active.
- Specifically designated kid-friendly hikes that are safe and manageable for younger explorers.
- Pet-friendly policies that allow dogs to join their owners on their camping adventure.
- A quiet, peaceful environment that is often cited by visitors for its serene evening atmosphere.
Contact Information
For those ready to book their next Pennsylvania outdoor adventure or those who have specific questions regarding seasonal availability, the staff at Charcoal Hearth Campground can be reached through multiple channels. It is often recommended to call ahead, especially during the peak summer months or the beautiful autumn foliage season, to secure your preferred spot.
Address: 101 Bendersville Rd, Gardners, PA 17324, USA
Phone: (717) 486-7174
Mobile Phone: +1 717-486-7174
What is Worth Choosing
Choosing Charcoal Hearth Campground is an easy decision for Pennsylvania locals who value cleanliness and a family-oriented atmosphere. One of the most significant reasons to choose this location is the high standard of maintenance. Reviewers frequently highlight the cleanliness of the bathrooms and showers, which is a critical factor for many families when selecting a campground. The friendly nature of the hosts adds a personal touch that makes you feel like a guest rather than just a customer, fostering a sense of community among those who return year after year.
The campground is also worth choosing for its exceptional balance of activity and relaxation. While there are plenty of things to do, such as hiking the local trails or playing on the playground, the overall vibe remains "very quiet." This makes it an excellent choice for a mid-week retreat or a relaxing four-night stay. For dog owners, the pet-friendly environment ensures that your four-legged family members don't have to be left behind at a kennel. The "dog people" who frequent the park are part of a friendly culture of outdoor enthusiasts who respect the shared space.
Furthermore, the location is a hiker's paradise. Given its proximity to some of the best trails in the state, it serves as a perfect jumping-off point for exploring the woods. Even during the shoulder seasons, such as late autumn, the campground retains a quiet beauty that is hard to match. Whether you are enjoying a picnic at one of the well-placed tables or watching your children enjoy the swings, Charcoal Hearth Campground provides a high-quality, authentic Pennsylvania camping experience that is both affordable and memorable. It is a local gem that continues to uphold the best traditions of American camping.
In conclusion, if you are looking for a spot that offers clean facilities, friendly service, and a great location in Gardners, Charcoal Hearth should be at the top of your list. It captures the essence of rural Pennsylvania living, providing a space where the air is fresh, the trees are tall, and the memories are waiting to be made. Plan your visit today and discover why so many local campers consider this their favorite home away from home.
Location
Customer Reviews
Camped here for four nights. We had an electric only site. The campground is very quiet, except for Friday night when the dog people showed up. Otherwise, beautiful sites and super quiet. Bathrooms were very clean and the host was very friendly (:
Very nice clean campground. We camped in November so most of the facilities were closed for the winter. Had a lovely stay, will come back when it is warmer.
We had a great time camping here May 30th to June 1st. Since we arrived on Thursday there were very few people there, we had the whole end of our Loop to ourselves. Totally private , peaceful , and dark at night . It did fill up on Friday . We were in site 19, which was a great site for a tent. Lots of room, and for me the greatest part was the tent pad since I have never had a tent pad before, it was great to have a flat level surface for the tent! If you have a reservation you don't need to check in anywhere before setting up, the camp host Joyce came around to meet us and she was very friendly. Three people right off the bat told us that there had been a bear in our campsite and at the playground earlier that day, and he had been going through the trash dumpsters while we were there. He or she also and torn apart somebody's campsite because they left food out, so we were extremely careful about never leaving food items out in the open when we left the campsite, everything got locked in the car. We never saw a bear. We did see the park rangers drive-thru pretty often . The bathrooms are the nicest that we've seen in state parks so far, very clean, the only problem I would say is that the shower water had to be pushed on in the women's room about every six seconds, but I heard in the men's room it stayed on for about 30 seconds. I could live with that while we were there. The closest bathroom to us was only a restroom, then there was more of a walk to get to the shower area . There's a really nice rail trail which we biked, then hiked up to awesome views. There is nice easy hiking trails, and some really difficult Rocky uphill trails . And over the two days we put 12 miles on our bikes . We also did some hiking on the Appalachian Trail. There's a small area with Beach like swimming, not right in the campground, and a little further up the road is the area where you can rent Kayaks or canoes. No complaints at all, this is a very nice Campground, very well worth the 1 hour 45 minute drive for us, and I'm sure we'll be back.
Narrow roads in and out of the campground. The sites are gravel, reasonably level, and private. I had virtually no Verizon cell service. Nonetheless, I think it's a terrific campground. It's about 35 minutes from Gettysburg, and that made it worth the trip alone. The general store has GREAT burgers and it's fun to see the AT hikers on their way through. I ate a gallon of ice cream in their honor, albeit over a five day period and not in one sitting. I never visited the two lakes, but my neighbors raved about both. The campground host is very nice and very helpful. Firewood is $5.One last note: The Thirsty Farmer Brew Works is worth the 25 minute drive from the campground (if you are a beer nerd).
Beautiful wooded sites that are spaced apart. Great trail right next to campsites. Only had electric hookups, but could fill water tank & use their dump station at end of visit...no big deal. Very relaxing!
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