About the campsites:

Chinquapin Hill is the non-electric camp, and best for those who want a little more natural atmosphere, or for hikers, since it's closer to the AT. Hosack Run camp has electricity in the sites, and this generally draws a lot of noise, and I don't care for that.

Site 40 is my favorite because it's a bit further away from the other sites, and it's near a rest room . . . not too near, though.  The site is big enough for one tent.

After site 40, here's my rundown of the best sites:

• Four stars: 9,10,11,12 (walk-in),14,15,18,82,84,93 (walk-in), 95
• Three stars: 34,36,38,39,42,59,65,73,87,117,125
• Two stars: 7,8,31,47,55,60,66,70,79,80,89
• Stay clear of sites 41 and 116.

Sites 21 and 23 are pretty good if you get them both, as well as 38 and 39. Separately, they're 2 stars each, except 21, which I would steer clear of if I couldn't also get 23.

36 is up a small hill from your car, but again, a little more private than most. It's a small site, like 40.

Site 21 is right at the end of a road, and it's on the edge, with neighbors on one side, only. The other sites are rather small by PA park standards, and you'll be cozy if there are neighbors.

Caledonia has hot showers, electricity in the rest rooms and flush toilets. It's a good camp for those who don't want to rough it too much. Personally, I like to use it as a base camp for my trips to Gettysburg, but the hiking there is nice, too.

Visit the DCNR for a camp map.

Review:

As I say above, the best reason to visit Caledonia is because it is only about 20 minutes from Gettysburg National Battlefield Park. Of course, it's not a bad park in its own right, but it sometimes gets crowded on nice spring and summer weekends. During weekdays, it's rather secluded.

As far as hiking goes, it's right on the Appalachian Trail, and I'm told that it's a good hike from here to Pine Grove Furnace State Park, although I haven't gone that far. The AT is nice here, though, and there are some cool ruins from an old pump house at the top of the hill nearby. There's beautiful AT shelter and it makes a good day hike, using a aide trail to make it a loop.

A nice little nature trail runs near the opening of the park, and it's worth the walk. Nearby, a small waterfall and historic site are also worth a look.

Photo by William Ames