Summer in Cumberland Valley

A Weekend Camping Getaway 

Looking for things to do during the summer in Cumberland Valley? Full of natural beauty and removed from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, Cumberland Valley is the ideal place for your next camping getaway. Here’s a three-day camping itinerary to help you plan your adventure!

Pine Grove Furnace State Park

Day 1

Arrival, Camp Setup, and a Day on the Water

Morning

  • Arrive at your campsite in Cumberland Valley. Choose from 70 tent or trailer sites at  Pine Grove Furnace State Park, 49 tent or trailer sites at Colonel Denning State Park, or relax at a private campground, several offering cabin and trailer rentals for those seeking more comfortable accommodations. Be sure to reserve as early as possible. 
  • Enjoy a leisurely breakfast at your campsite, or head to the nearest town and indulge in delicious coffee and savory pastries from cozy and comfortable local coffee shops and cafes.

Afternoon

  • Spending time on the water is one of our favorite things to do during the summer. Whether you prefer to cool off in a lake or visit a local public pool, check out our list of water activities in Cumberland Valley. Relax at Colonel Denning State Park's lakeside beach or Pine Grove Furnace State Park’s Fuller Lake and Laurel Lake — all ideal for families. Want more options? Scope out all the Cumberland Valley Swimming Spots to map out your fun afternoon in the sun! 
  • If you aren't into swimming, you can kayak, canoe, or fish. Laurel Lake offers seasonal boat rentals or bring your own.  
  • Pack a picnic lunch to enjoy at one of the lake’s beaches, or pop into town for a fast and casual bite.    
  • If you wind up with some extra time on your hands before dinner, check out some of our local faves:

Evening

  • Return to your campsite and enjoy the cooler evening temperatures with a campfire — one of the best summer activities around! Gather your provisions at one of our local grocery stores and settle down for a cozy evening. Nothing tastes better than a meal cooked over an open fire.

White Rocks-56

Day 2

Outdoor Adventures and Dinner In Town

Morning

  • Fuel up with breakfast, pack a sack lunch, and get ready to hit the trails! Browse our Top 10 Trails to find a variety of hiking options, or check out these off-the-beaten-path locations, where you can unplug and unwind in a secluded setting.
  • If you prefer to enjoy nature and don’t mind a strenuous hike, these 10 overlooks will reward you with spectacular year-round views of the Valley.

Afternoon

  • Find the perfect spot for a picnic lunch before heading out on another outdoor adventure, such as fishing, rock climbing, or kayaking.
  • Or, if you’d prefer to stay around town, immerse yourself in local Cumberland Valley vibes at one of our many summer festivals!

Evening

  • Cumberland Valley's warm summer weather is the perfect time to enjoy outdoor dining at many of our restaurants. And what better way to beat the heat than our Ice Cream Trail! Or try some of our other favorite spots for decadent chocolate treats. Complete your evening with some live music hosted at many of our breweries and wineries. Check out our events calendar for details on dates and times.   

A couple kayaking at Yellow Breeches

Day 3

Sunday - Yellow Breeches Creek Water Trail and Departure

  • Whether you enjoy fly-fishing, birding, boating, or tubing, check out Yellow Breeches Creek Water Trail for one last hurrah before heading out!
  • Pack up and reflect on a refreshing trip!

Cumberland Valley is the perfect spot to enjoy a camping getaway, while also being near many fun activities. We look forward to seeing you for another weekend getaway soon!

Find Ideas For Your Summer Getaway

Adrenaline Pumping Adventures

Finding an exhilarating outdoor adventure in Cumberland Valley will be the easy part of your excursion. The hard part is taking that leap of faith to be a little more adventurous. The Valley offers rock climbing, kayaking, skydiving, backpacking, skiing, ziplining and more! Read More 

Perfect Pairings Along the Beer Trail

Pick your favorite Beer Trail locations below, find out what is nearby, and sign up for your free digital passport. Read More 

Farms, Markets & Wineries

There is no better season to shop for fresh foods and farm products in Cumberland Valley. Spend the summer months browsing through our roadside stands, markets, greenhouses and more. Read More 

Swimming in the Valley

Cool off and splash around at some of our mountain lakes or community swimming pools. Read More 

Summer

Summer is travel season in the Cumberland Valley. Every other weekend you can discover one of the famous Carlisle Auto Shows, relax or get adventurous at our seasonal attractions or uncover our downtowns with a special event. Read More 

 

Must-See in Cumberland Valley

Discover and explore all the possibilities