RV Rental Colonel Denning State Park, PA

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Covering over 370 acres of scenic woodland forests, Colonel Denning State Park is an enjoyable escape for a motorhome camping trip. Located in Pennsylvania in the Lower Mifflin Township in Newville, the state park is in the Doubling Gap of Blue Mountain. Camping at Colonel Denning State Park is a great way to spend time in scenic natural surroundings. Named after William Denning, who was a veteran of the American Revolutionary War but strangely never a colonel, the state park has been around since 1936 when it was constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps. 

The rolling mountains surrounding Colonel Denning State Park make it one of the most scenic areas to spend time in, and visitors from all over the state travel here to indulge in an array of recreational activities. The small 3.5-acre Doubling Gap Lake is one of the primary attractions at the state park. Renting an RV is a convenient way of getting around the state park and neighboring areas, and you’ll find a range of affordable RV rentals in Cumberland County. An RV rental makes it pretty easy to access the neighboring cities of Carlisle and Lemoyne

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Getting Outdoors

Colonel Denning State Park offers adventure enthusiasts plenty of outdoor recreation. The lake is a favorite with anglers for trout fishing and is well-stocked by the Pennsylvania Game Commission. 

RV camping at Colonel Denning State Park is ideal for hikers and bikers. With over 18 miles of hiking trails to enjoy, hiking is a great way to explore the flora and fauna of the state park. The park also serves as a trailhead for the Tuscarora Trail. The most popular trail in the park is the Flat Rock Trail that covers 2.5 miles and offers a stunning view of the valley. For a moderate hike, try the Doubling Gap Trail, which is a one-mile hike. 

Colonel Denning State Park has numerous paved roads for cyclists, and there are long stretches of bike routes in the Cumberland Valley. Should you be in the mood for a swim on a hot summer day, the lakeside beach is open to swimmers through the summer months. 

Avid bird watchers will enjoy the bird watching opportunities at Colonel Denning State Park. With over 100 species of birds in the area to look out for, don’t forget to carry your binoculars with you. Frequent bird sightings at the park include different hawk species, owls, woodpeckers, warblers, flycatchers, and vireo. Specific birds found here include Eastern Wood-Pewee, Scarlet Tanager, Veery, Wood Thrush, and Blackburnian warbler. 

Camping at Colonel Denning State Park  

Colonel Denning State Park camping areas come equipped with a variety of amenities. With over 50 campsites available for us, campers have big rig access, pull-thru sites, tent camping, 20 and 30 amp electric service, a central water spigot, a dump station, picnic tables, and fire rings. Non-flush restrooms are also available. There’s a playground for the kids to run around in, recreational trails to explore, fishing, swimming, and outdoor courts. Bring your furry friends along to this pet-friendly campground. 

When you’re looking for a place to camp in an RV near Colonel Denning State Park drive to Carlisle to the Western Village RV Park. There are 254 campsites for both tent and trailer camping. Amenities at the campground include big rig access, pull-thru sites, tent camping, full hookups, 30 and 50 amp electric service, sewer, water, a dump station, central water spigot, WiFi, and cell phone coverage. Campers have access to restrooms, shower stalls, laundry facilities, a camp store, and a café. There’s a pet area for your four-legged friends. Kids will have a blast in the swimming pool and at the playground. Make use of the recreation room or set out to explore the recreational trails. 

Exploring the Area

About 38 miles from Colonel Denning State Park will bring you to the state capital of Pennsylvania – the city of Harrisburg. Steeped in history, you wouldn’t want to miss exploring. Harrisburg is also the culture and arts capital of the state and offers plenty to experience. 

Art and science lovers will enjoy a visit to the Whitaker Center for Science and the Arts. The center is made up of three different venues – the Harsco Science Center, the Select Medical Digital Cinema, and the Sunoco Performance Theater. 

The Pennsylvania State Capitol Building is a grand building that you can't miss when in the city. Located in downtown Harrisburg, the building is often referred to as a ‘palace of art’ with its numerous murals, sculptures, and stained glass windows. 

Spend a day out amid natural scenic surroundings at the Wildwood Park during your RV rental vacation. Located in the beautiful hills of Central Pennsylvania, Wildwood Park is a sanctuary for flora and fauna. Walk along the trails that meander by the lake or on the boardwalks in the park. 

The State Museum of Pennsylvania showcases the state’s culture and history through its multiple exhibits. It houses over three million artifacts spread over four floors. 

Harrisburg offers visitors unique dining experiences across the length and breadth of the city. From perfectly charred steaks to seafood entrees, from delectable bakeries to palate-pleasing grills, there is so much food to savor in Harrisburg.  

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Popular nearby hiking trails and campgrounds


  • Hiking TrailLocation
  • Flat Rock Loop Trail, PAColonel Denning State Park, PA
  • Tuscarora Trail Loop, PATuscarora State Forest, PA
  • Tuscarora Trail, PATuscarora State Forest, PA
  • Cider Path to Warner Trail, PAColonel Denning State Park, PA
  • Doubling Gap Creek Trail, PAColonel Denning State Park, PA
  • Sheriff Trail, PATuscarora State Forest, PA
  • Boiler Trail, PAFowlers Hollow State Park, PA
  • Waggoner's Gap Hawk Watch , PACarlisle, PA
  • Cumberland Valley Rail Trail, PANewville, PA
  • Fowlers Hollow and Couch Trail , PAFowlers Hollow State Park, PA

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