Camping near Lancaster, Pennsylvania, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and family-friendly activities. Whether you're looking for a quiet getaway or a fun-filled adventure, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.
What to do:
- Hiking and Biking: Many campgrounds, like French Creek State Park Campground, have trails for hiking and biking. One visitor mentioned, "Hiking and biking this park is fun. It's a great place to camp and enjoy downtime!"
- Fishing: If you enjoy fishing, Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground is a great spot. A reviewer noted, "The lake is very nice and it's a very family park!"
- Exploring History: The area is rich in history, especially around Gettysburg. The Gettysburg / Battlefield KOA is close to historic sites, making it easy to explore. One camper said, "This is a great campground in a great location and we can’t wait to go back!"
What campers like:
- Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate clean bathrooms and well-maintained sites. A visitor at Elk Neck State Park Campground remarked, "The bathrooms are immaculate."
- Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer spacious sites. A reviewer at Codorus State Park Campground mentioned, "Spacious, beautiful, clean, quiet, easy, and lots to do and see."
- Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Campgrounds like Blue Rocks Family Campground are known for being family-oriented. One camper said, "Beautiful campground! Very family-oriented and a great place for a weekend getaway in the woods!"
What you should know:
- Alcohol Policies: Some campgrounds, like Elk Neck State Park Campground, do not allow alcohol. A camper noted, "Accessible and pet friendly. Great trails and great staff."
- Site Levels: Be prepared for uneven sites at some campgrounds. A visitor at Locust Lake State Park Campground mentioned, "Electric only, no water hookups. Small but very pretty lake with clean water."
- Crowded Areas: Some campgrounds can get crowded, especially during peak seasons. A reviewer at Hersheypark Camping Resort said, "These RV sites are the tightest I have ever seen."
Tips for camping with families:
- Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and activities. Blue Rocks Family Campground has a great playground and lots of activities. A visitor said, "The playground was great. Lots of activities."
- Plan for Activities: Make sure to plan activities that everyone can enjoy. A camper at Lums Pond State Park Campground mentioned, "We went on a hike to check out the lighthouse."
- Pack Snacks: Having snacks on hand can keep the kids happy. A reviewer at Gettysburg / Battlefield KOA noted, "The camp store was well-stocked."
Tips from RVers:
- Check Site Sizes: Make sure to check the size of the sites before booking. A visitor at Hersheypark Camping Resort said, "The spots are a little small, at least in the section where we stayed."
- Use Leveling Blocks: Bring leveling blocks for uneven sites. A camper at Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground mentioned, "Some weren’t level front to back so adjustments needed to be made to level camper."
- Explore Nearby Attractions: Take advantage of nearby attractions. A reviewer at French Creek State Park Campground noted, "Lots of neat things nearby such as an apple orchard."
Camping around Lancaster, PA, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun-filled family trip, the campgrounds in the area have you covered.
