If you haven’t heard, camping no longer has to mean “roughing it.” For those of us who do not have the skills needed to survive solely off the Susquehanna Valley’s beautiful terrain, there are plenty of less vigorous options to unplug from electronics and tune into nature. Welcome to the world of “glamping,” a glamorous take on traditional camping.
Whether you would like to add a chic update to your annual camping festivities or host a glamping picnic in your backyard, here’s our take on camping in style with outdoor-friendly furniture and goods from local shops. Plus 16 places to get your glamp on and must-have ingredients for gourmet hot dog and s’mores bars to please the whole family.
To see how we made this DIY tent, see our Style Girls blog post, How to Make Your Own Custom Designed Tent, and check out our Pinterest page at pinterest.com/SusquehannaStyl for more glamping ideas.
1. Soundcast portable speaker, $450; Penn Stone
2. Blue striped roll up picnic blanket tote, $24; Bamboo orange dishes, $11 each; Bamboo fiber large plate, $12; Penn Stone
3. Fermob bistro chairs, orange and aqua $108, white $119; 30-inch Fermob folding bistro table, $352; Bistro cushions, $25 each; Mad Max outdoor rug, $49; Penn Stone
4. Lantern, $36; Stauffers of Kissel Hill
5. Roll-out mat, $34; Penn Stone Yellow patio glasses, $7 each; Stauffers of Kissel Hill
6. Salad servers, $10; Geometric serving platter, $22; Wine tumbler, $6; Salad servers, $10; Bread box with cutting board/serving top, $44; Textile-feel paper napkins, $16; Penn Stone Green votive, $2.49; Stauffers of Kissel Hill
7. BPA-free plastic champagne flutes, $5 each; Wine backpack, $20; Penn Stone
8. Blue pillow, $36; Orange geometric pillow, $20; Green geometric pillow, $20; Throw blanket, $60; Stauffers of Kissel Hill
9. Beverage tub, $88; Penn Stone
10. Solar string lights, $38; Penn Stone
Resources:
Penn Stone, Lancaster, patiopennstone.com Stauffers of Kissel Hill, Harrisburg/ Lancaster/York, skh.com
Dogs Gone Gourmet
Nothing says summer like grilling dogs over a campfire. To step up to glamping status, simply pick a few from the combos below and pack a toppings bar to dress up your dogs.
Tree Hugger
Tofu dog + whole wheat bun + avocado slices + sprouts + Sriracha
South America Style
Chorizo + Portuguese bun + chimichurri + pickled red onions
Loaded Classic
Beef frank + Martin’s potato roll + baked beans + ketchup + mustard + onions + coleslaw + crushed Utz gourmet medley chips
Breakfast
Bacon-wrapped turkey dog + Martin’s potato roll + scrambled eggs + cheddar cheese + chives
Mangia Italiano
Turkey Italian sausage + Italian hoagie bun + foil pack grilled peppers, onions and broccoli rabe + marinara + provolone
Southern Style
Beef dog + Martin’s potato roll + BBQ sauce + coleslaw + shoestring potatoes
Caliente
Turkey dog + corn tortilla + guacamole + pico de gallo + fresh or pickled jalapeños
The Dutchie
Bratwurst + Martin’s potato roll + potato salad + pickled red onions
16 Places to Get Your Glamp (or Camp) On:
Adams County
Gettysburg Campground
Make your trip meaningful and memorable with a tour of the Gettysburg Battlefield, visit Civil War museums and go on a ghost walk. gettysburgcampground.com
Granite Hill Camping Resort
This resort is home to the internationally acclaimed Gettysburg Bluegrass Festival. Plan your trip in August to see approximately 25 bands on two stages over four days; there is something for every fan of this pure Americana genre. granitehillcampingresort.com
Round Top Campground
Bring the whole family to glamp in a luxurious, nine-person, fully furnished and equipped cabin. The kids will appreciate the flat screens, but they’ll love the memories of the outdoor movie theatre more. roundtopcamp.com
Cumberland County
Colonel Denning State Park
This park is located in the Doubling Gap, named because of the “S” turn where Blue Mountain doubles back on itself. Hike the strenuous Flat Rock Trail for a panoramic view of the Valley. dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/findapark/coloneldenning/index.htm
Dogwood Acres Campground
This “Small Park of the Year” award winner is a top pick for many families' summer vacations. Not only is there a family-like community within the camp, but the camp is involved in the local community and has raised over $80,000 for Ronald McDonald House Charities. dogwoodcamping.com
Pine Grove Furnace State Park
If you’ve dreamed of hiking the Application Trail but you haven’t had the opportunity, hike the notable midpoint of the trail and visit the museum in this state park. dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/findapark/pinegrovefurnace/index.htm
Dauphin County
Camp Hebron Connect with God, nature and your family at a religious-centered retreat and family camp. camphebron.org Hersheypark Camping Resorts Bribe the teenagers to tag along for roller coaster fun because all guests at this resort receive special benefits and deals for Hersheypark. hersheyparkcampingresort.com
Lancaster County
Lake-In-Wood Camping Resort
Who doesn’t love a theme? Here you can rent a train themed cabin called “Caboose,” a Native American tipi themed cabin, a double decker bus transformed into a cabin and more. lakeinwoodcampground.com
Old Mill Stream Campground at Dutch Wonderland
Glamping takes on new meaning when you’re near the castle doors of Dutch Wonderland. Enjoy a glamorous day of exploration in Lancaster during the day and camp at night. oldmillstreamcampground.com
Starlite Camping Resort
Keep the kids busy with lots of daily organized activities. In July, campers can expect to learn about local wildlife, enjoy a pool party, participate in a chili cook off and explore wood-carving. starlitecampingresort.com
The Loose Caboose Campground Camp in the heart of Pennsylvania Amish Country near the Strasburg Railroad. theloosecaboosecampground.com
Lebanon County
Jonestown/Hershey NE KOA
Relax, rent a tube and float away on the Swatara Creek at this KOA campground. “KOA” stands for Kampgrounds of America, a branch of campgrounds with staff that is specifically trained in outdoor hospitality. koa.com
York County
Codorus State Park
Combing many different habitats, like forests, fields, wetlands, and a large lake, is a great way to see wildlife, including an active bald eagle nest. dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/findapark/codorus/index.htm
Gifford Pinchot State Park
Picnic at the beach in the summer or come back in the winter for iceboating, ice skating, ice fishing and skiing. dcnr.state.pa.us/stateparks/findapark/giffordpinchot/index.htm
Otter Creek Campground
Don’t be surprised if you see an otter en route at this tranquil campground. Hike, boat and explore the borders of both the Susquehanna River and Otter Creek. campottercreek.com
By Bri Burkhart & Keely Childers Heany with Katie D. Walmer | Photography by Donovan Roberts Witmer