Harshbarger's Campground

For residents of Pennsylvania searching for that perfect tranquil escape, a place where the sounds of the river replace city noise and shady trees offer a natural canopy, Harshbarger's Campground in McVeytown, PA, might just be your ideal destination. Described by enthusiastic visitors as the "best kept secret in Mifflin County," this beautiful and peaceful campground offers a serene setting along the Juniata River, providing a refreshing break from the everyday hustle. Whether you're an RV enthusiast seeking essential hookups or a tent camper looking for a roomy, shaded spot, Harshbarger's Campground provides a simple yet deeply satisfying outdoor experience.

This campground prides itself on its quiet atmosphere and commitment to safety, making it a welcoming environment for families with children and pets. Imagine setting up camp in a spacious, shaded site, with the gentle flow of the Juniata River just steps away, offering opportunities for relaxation and connection with nature. While some neighboring private areas might occasionally disrupt the quiet, the overall consensus points to Harshbarger's as a truly peaceful retreat. If you're looking to unwind, enjoy the beauty of Central Pennsylvania, and discover a camping spot that feels like a hidden gem, this riverside haven in McVeytown is certainly worth exploring.

Harshbarger's Campground is located in McVeytown, PA 17051, USA, specifically situated "along the Juniata River way out in the country past McVeytown." This description immediately paints a picture of a secluded and natural setting, far removed from urban congestion. Its position along the Juniata River is a significant geographical highlight, providing direct access to the river for recreational activities and enhancing the peaceful ambiance of the campground.

Accessibility to Harshbarger's Campground is generally good, although visitors should be prepared for rural roads as they approach. While it is "way out in the country," McVeytown itself is accessible via major Pennsylvania routes, including US-22/US-322. This makes the journey by car manageable for residents coming from various parts of Pennsylvania. A key aspect of accessibility, as noted by a reviewer, is the internal speed limit: a strict 5 mph is enforced throughout the campground and even on the road leading from the main turn-off past cornfields to the main camping area. While this can make the final stretch feel slow, it's explicitly stated to "protect all the kids and pets," indicating a strong emphasis on safety within the campground environment.

The campground's location also places it within Mifflin County, an area rich in outdoor recreation opportunities. The Juniata River is a prime spot for fishing, kayaking, and canoeing. Beyond the immediate vicinity, campers can explore nearby state forests and natural areas, offering hiking, wildlife observation, and other outdoor pursuits. This combination of a tranquil riverside campsite and convenient access to the broader Central Pennsylvania wilderness makes Harshbarger's Campground an appealing destination for locals seeking both relaxation and adventure.

Harshbarger's Campground offers essential services designed to provide a comfortable and convenient camping experience for its guests, particularly catering to RV and tent campers seeking a more traditional outdoor stay.

• RV Sites with Water and Electric: The campground provides dedicated RV sites that come equipped with both water and electric hookups, ensuring that recreational vehicle owners have access to necessary utilities during their stay.
• Septic Dump: A valuable service for RV campers, the campground offers a septic dump facility, allowing guests to properly dispose of their wastewater.
• Garbage Removal: Convenient garbage removal services are provided, helping to keep the campground clean and tidy and making waste management easy for campers.
• Showers: Harshbarger's Campground provides shower facilities, offering a comfortable and refreshing option for personal hygiene during your outdoor adventure.
• Shady and Roomy Sites: Sites are described as "shady" and "roomy," providing comfortable spaces for setting up tents or parking RVs, with natural shade from trees.
• Quiet Atmosphere: The overall environment is highlighted as "peaceful" and "quiet," fostering a relaxing camping experience for all visitors.
• Safety Measures: A notable service is the strict 5 mph speed limit enforced throughout the campground, which is designed to protect children and pets and ensure a safe environment for all.

Harshbarger's Campground distinguishes itself with several key features and highlights that contribute to its reputation as a cherished spot in Mifflin County, especially for those seeking peace and natural beauty.

• "Best Kept Secret in Mifflin County": This high praise from a customer immediately positions Harshbarger's as a unique and highly valued destination, suggesting an intimate, less commercialized feel.
• Beautiful, Peaceful Campground: The overarching highlight is the serene and quiet atmosphere. This makes it an ideal retreat for those looking to disconnect from the noise and stresses of daily life and simply enjoy the tranquility of nature.
• Riverside Location on the Juniata River: Being situated directly along the Juniata River provides a picturesque backdrop and easy access to water-based activities like fishing, kayaking, or simply enjoying the calming sounds of the flowing water.
• Shady, Roomy Sites: Campers appreciate the "nice, shady, roomy sites," which offer comfort, natural cooling, and ample space for individual setups, whether it's a tent or an RV. This ensures a comfortable and private experience for guests.
• Emphasis on Safety (5 mph speed limit): The strict 5 mph speed limit throughout the campground, including the entrance road, is a strong highlight for families. It underscores the campground's commitment to creating a safe environment for children and pets to roam and play.
• Essential Amenities for a Comfortable Stay: The provision of water and electric hookups for RVs, along with a septic dump, garbage removal, and showers, ensures that campers have access to necessary conveniences, blending rustic charm with practical comfort.
• "Way Out in the Country": This description emphasizes its truly rural and secluded nature, appealing to those who desire a deep immersion in the countryside, away from crowds and light pollution, providing excellent stargazing opportunities.
• Direct Access to Nature: The natural surroundings, including cornfields leading to the main area, contribute to the feeling of being truly embedded in the Pennsylvania landscape, offering opportunities for quiet walks and observing local flora and fauna.

For inquiries or to make a reservation at Harshbarger's Campground, you can use the following contact details:

Address: Mcveytown, PA 17051, USA

Phone: (717) 899-7625

Mobile Phone: +1 717-899-7625

It is recommended to call ahead, especially during peak season, to confirm availability and specific site details. The personal touch of direct phone contact often aligns well with the private and friendly nature of such a campground.

Harshbarger's Campground is an exceptional choice for Pennsylvania locals seeking a truly peaceful and authentic outdoor experience. Its location along the Juniata River, "way out in the country past McVeytown," makes it easily accessible for many residents across Central Pennsylvania, offering a convenient escape that feels wonderfully remote. For those who own RVs, the availability of water and electric hookups, combined with septic dump and garbage removal, provides essential conveniences that elevate the comfort of their stay. Meanwhile, tent campers will appreciate the roomy, shaded sites that offer a classic camping feel.

What truly sets Harshbarger's apart for locals is its highly praised tranquil atmosphere – consistently described as "beautiful" and "peaceful." This environment provides a rare opportunity to disconnect from daily stressors and reconnect with nature, making it ideal for quiet family vacations, meditative retreats, or simply enjoying a good book by the campfire. The strong emphasis on safety, evident in the strict 5 mph speed limit, demonstrates a commitment to creating a secure environment for children and pets, a feature highly valued by families. While one review mentioned occasional noise from private spots across the river, the overwhelming sentiment points to Harshbarger's as a hidden gem that delivers on its promise of a quiet, natural escape. For Pennsylvanians who value peace, cleanliness, and a genuine outdoor experience without excessive commercialization, Harshbarger's Campground offers a perfect, unassuming haven that you'll want to keep coming back to.