Best Campgrounds near Annville, PA

Campgrounds near Annville, Pennsylvania concentrate along a corridor between Hershey and Lebanon, with developed facilities catering primarily to visitors exploring the Hershey attractions. Thousand Trails Hershey and Hersheypark Camping Resort provide full-service RV sites, cabin rentals, and tent camping areas within 15 miles of Annville. Most campgrounds in this region feature developed amenities including electric hookups, water access, shower facilities, and swimming pools rather than primitive camping experiences. For those seeking a more natural setting, Stoevers Dam Park in Lebanon offers a limited number of primitive tent and RV sites with minimal facilities.

Camping availability throughout the region peaks from April through October, with many campgrounds closed during winter months. Sites at popular Hershey-area campgrounds often require advance reservations, particularly during summer weekends and holiday periods. "The campground is part of Hershey and offers good discounts to Hersheypark, while providing nice amenities and a shuttle," notes one visitor, though they caution that some campgrounds have "very tight, cramped sites that are hard to navigate with a big rig." Cell coverage is generally reliable throughout the area, and most campgrounds feature level, maintained sites with nearby access to groceries and supplies in Hershey, Lebanon, or Manheim.

Families seeking amenities and convenience comprise the largest segment of campers in the Annville region. Public swimming pools, playgrounds, recreation halls, and proximity to Hersheypark attractions serve as primary draws rather than natural features or isolation. Several campground visitors mention the advantage of staying at Hershey-affiliated campgrounds, which typically include shuttle service to the park and discounted admission tickets. Campers note varying experiences with site spacing—those seeking more privacy should research specific campgrounds carefully. One camper observed that "the sites are so small that many tow vehicles have to park partially on the narrow access roads," while others praised the "very friendly staff and super clean facilities" at various campgrounds in the region. For those prioritizing natural surroundings, Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground offers a more outdoors-focused experience approximately 30 miles southwest of Annville.

Best Camping Sites Near Annville, Pennsylvania (151)

    1. Hersheypark Camping Resort

    29 Reviews
    Hummelstown, PA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (833) 936-0949

    "This campground has a little something for everyone, from full hook up sites neatly stacked next to each other, to quiet patches of grass next to the river."

    "They don’t sell alcohol but there is a shopping center within walking distance with restaurants and liquor stores! Even a supermarket. There is shuttle service to the park."

    2. Thousand Trails Hershey

    21 Reviews
    Mount Gretna, PA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    $50 - $60 / night

    "The first thing to know is that Thousand Trails sites are a first come, first serve. Meaning you have to arrive early in order to get the best spots. They don't reserve sites for you."

    "This is a clean, nice looking campground in a location very close to Hershey park and the outlets. It’s a very nice area."

    3. Pinch Pond Family Campground & RV Park

    14 Reviews
    Mount Gretna, PA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 665-7640

    "campground so inconveniently located (more on this later) right next to highway I76."

    "Please note there is a driving range so starting around 10am you will here guns go off. Also the highway is close by so you can hear it."

    4. Jonestown/Hershey KOA

    16 Reviews
    Jonestown, PA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 865-6411

    "Love the close proximity to the highway and gas. We didn’t eat there but they had a restaurant! Lots of activities for the kids. Wooded sites and very clean bathrooms."

    "Pet friendly and you can access the Appalachian trail from campground. Lots of great food and places to go in the area. They have a river that is great for kayaking or tubing."

    5. Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country

    13 Reviews
    Mount Gretna, PA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "this campground is completely surrounded by a fairly dense forest, which likely is what blocks any irritable sound and most certainly blocks any highway or traffic visibility."

    "Not much for amenities, but I loved the surrounding dutch/Amish towns! It was pretty cool to seemingly step back in time."

    6. Elizabethtown-Hershey KOA

    15 Reviews
    Elizabethtown, PA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 367-7718

    $45 - $279 / night

    "There was a bathhouse and dish sink nearby, as well as the entrance to a nice little nature trail a few sites down. "

    "Large and easy to enter/exit sites. Wifi was pretty good. (It helped that the antenna was right beside our site!) Cable TV, too! Everyone we talked to was nice and friendly."

    7. Twin Grove RV Resort

    9 Reviews
    Tower City, PA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 865-4602

    "There are 2 dog parks right next to each other, which is great for your furry friend to be able to run around and play off leash."

    "Needs a pond and more shade but still is one of the nicer parks around. Twin Grove is also one of the cheaper ones, and that is hard to believe because of all the offer."

    8. Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground

    56 Reviews
    Wellsville, PA
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 292-4112

    $24 - $89 / night

    "We have a small camper and there are some great sites on the lake side to park it where you can get AMAZING sunset views.  "

    "We had site 108 which is an electric site along the shore and close to the beach, and it was perfect for our needs. "

    9. Stoevers Dam Park

    2 Reviews
    Lebanon, PA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 228-4470

    "Small lake."

    "It really would be nice if there were campsites further from the lake."

    10. Starlite Camping Resort

    6 Reviews
    Hopeland, PA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 733-9655

    "Starlight is a nice campground to relax or explore central Pennsylvania."

    "The campground is in a great location with easy access to Lancaster, Hershey and many other places to explore."

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Recent Reviews near Annville, PA

992 Reviews of 151 Annville Campgrounds


  • Aly E.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 2, 2025

    French Creek State Park Campground

    Dog owners read!

    There’s four loops. All connected A through D. We just needed a place to park and sleep so I got D011. Got there at 11pm and the D loop says no pets allowed. Not sure why when they are at every other loop but we had no where else to go and the area is pretty far off from anywhere else so the ol lab stayed in the camper. The bathrooms are tile and really nice with showers. And it was really quiet and chilly so a nice fall camp site. Just know ahead of time if you’re a dog owner!

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 26, 2025

    Old Mill Stream Campground

    Great place to stay!

    This Campground is in the town of Lancaster, close to everything. A little complicated getting in, you need to turn in at the Cartoon Network Hotel driveway. Nice showers & friendly staff. Our site was asphalt, that was a treat, tho not all of them were...

  • Matt S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 21, 2025

    Stonybrook RV Resort

    This is a great place!

    We spent four nights at Stonybrook RV Resort in Lehighton, PA, for a quiet wedding anniversary getaway— and so glad we did. We paid$150 per night total for a FHU 50 Amp Premium Back-in site (#F20). This campground makes a great home-base while hanging out in the Pocono Mountains. 

    THINGS I LIKED: 

    • This place is in super condition— everything works as it’s supposed to and is clean and maintained 
    • The concrete pad/patio with Breeo smokeless fire pit, Adirondack chairs, and metal patio table and chairs made a great setup 
    • Our site(F20) is level and beautiful— spacious and beautifully landscaped 
    • We interacted with 5 members of their staff and all were welcoming and friendly to talk with 
    • There’s a heated pool behind the office/store so it’s not noisy for campers at their sites 

    THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE SO MUCH: 

    • Just one thing— the entrance made for a challenging entry up a steep grade, narrow roadway, and sharp turn in. I made it without problems, but it wasn’t easy in a 45’ motorhome towing a Jeep. This may be nitpicky— and I’m not complaining about it— just letting you know to expect it on arrival. 

    WOULD WE COME BACK? 

    • Absolutely, this is a great campground(I’ve already recommended it to my Newmar Kountry Klub chapter president as a possible site for a future rally).
  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 13, 2025

    Brandywine Creek Campground

    Brandywine

    We are on the third week of a four week trip. Campground is well maintained, quiet. This was our home while exploring Philadelphia. Uber to Downgrown, Septa or Amtrak to town. Reverse to camp. Very enjoyable. Hickory nut tree beside camper shared at times.

  • Peyton S.
    Sep. 8, 2025

    French Creek State Park Campground

    Wonderful, Easy, Quick trip from Philly

    It’s about an hour away from Philadelphia. We tent camped in loop B. The site was wonderful. Just know it is a gravel site, not grass. The fire pit has a grill attachment and wood was easy to find. Water and bathrooms were close. We hiked around the lake and there were plenty of trails and even rentable kayaks and paddle boards! Would definitely recommend if looking for a quick overnight stay outside of the city.

  • Stephen W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 7, 2025

    Hersheypark Camping Resort

    Very clean campground friendly staff

    We stay here once a year in September. Stone surface. Not to bad for leveling. Our site was spacious.

  • SkywaystoHighways.com Y.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground

    Peace and quiet !

    Great spot! We had site 114 . It has water access and is right next to a small man made beach and playground. Bathrooms were in good shape. Sites were of ample size and well spaced.

  • Werner S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Old Mill Stream Campground

    In Amish area, next to an amusement park

    Our kids where happy with the small playground and with a few dollars they could have some fun in the small arcade/gameroom. In the area you have Lancaster, Amish area and an amusement park (that is a bit outdated). The camping has a bit over 100 spots. They are just oké.


Guide to Annville

Camping opportunities near Annville, Pennsylvania extend beyond the popular Hershey attractions, with options spanning a 30-mile radius that includes Lebanon County's wooded areas and nearby state parks. The region sits at approximately 430 feet above sea level in the Lebanon Valley, with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F during peak camping season. Most campgrounds in the area remain operational from mid-April through October, with several offering extended season options.

What to do

Water recreation at Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground: Located about 30 miles southwest of Annville, this park features a sizeable lake for fishing, boating and swimming. "The lake is one of the nicest I've ever seen at a PA state park, with tons of picnic tables with grills, a playground, a volleyball court, and a special fence solution to keep the stupid geese out of the water in the swimming area," notes one visitor to Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground.

Rail trail access from Jonestown KOA: Cyclists can access the Swatara Rail Trail directly from the campground. "The campground is connected to the Swatara Rail trial which is great for biking. The Swatara creek runs right next to it so it is great for kayaking, tubing, etc.," shares a camper at Jonestown/Hershey KOA. The trail provides miles of flat, scenic terrain suitable for all experience levels.

Mini golf and family activities: Many campgrounds offer on-site recreation beyond swimming pools. "They have a tennis court, mini golf, basketball court, and you saw many kids out with their bicycles. There is even an arcade center for the kids and a rec center with a pool table," explains a reviewer about Thousand Trails Hershey.

What campers like

Creekside camping spots: Water access sites are highly valued by campers in the region. "Some creekside sites along with access to creek from your campsite!" mentions a visitor to Jonestown/Hershey KOA. These sites offer both scenic views and direct water access for recreation.

Campground entertainment options: Beyond the standard amenities, some facilities provide unique attractions. "At night they have a merry go round, train, giant slide and ferris wheel you can ride," describes a camper at Twin Grove RV Resort, which sets it apart from more basic camping options in the area.

Nature trails and outdoor spaces: Campgrounds with natural features receive positive reviews. "The tent sites are located in the rear of the property and therefore quieter and more removed from the rest of the somewhat crowded campground," notes a visitor to Pinch Pond Family Campground, highlighting the balance of amenities with natural settings.

What you should know

Train noise at certain locations: Railway lines run near several campgrounds in the area. "Nice camp ground but super loud bc of the trains. Bath houses are nice and clean. I would suggest making sure you aren't close to the tracks bc the trains run all night long!" warns a camper at Hersheypark Camping Resort.

Primitive camping options: For those seeking a less developed experience, Stoevers Dam Park in Lebanon offers basic sites. "Nice area. Primitive camping with portapot. Must get permits on line or from city hall. $3/night. Small lake," reports a visitor, noting the significant price difference from more developed facilities.

Nearby shooting range impacts: Some campers have noted noise from shooting facilities. "The only thing that is negative is that there is a shooting range right next door. It is pretty consistent from lunch to dinner. If you're out and about, it won't be an issue," explains a visitor to Starlite Camping Resort.

Tips for camping with families

Choose campgrounds with dedicated kid activities: Look for facilities that provide structured recreation. "They have a pool and fun activities though the day. At night they have a merry go round, train, giant slide and ferris wheel you can ride," shares a Twin Grove RV Resort visitor, noting the importance of evening entertainment options.

Consider Hershey discount packages: Some campgrounds offer special pricing arrangements with attractions. "We were able to purchase Hershey Park tickets which were cheaper than buying from Hershey (at a discount) and it includes shuttle service to and from the park!" explains a camper at Jonestown/Hershey KOA.

Look for playgrounds and water features: Campgrounds with multiple recreation options keep children engaged. "It has water access and is right next to a small man made beach and playground. Bathrooms were in good shape," notes a visitor to Hersheypark Camping Resort, highlighting the convenience of having amenities clustered together.

Tips from RVers

Check site dimensions carefully: Many campgrounds have variable-sized spots that may challenge larger rigs. "It is a nice camp ground but the lower drive threw spots are packed together. Our 32' with slides just fit the sight and we had zero room for the truck," reports an RVer at Hersheypark Camping Resort.

Consider terrain and leveling: The topography around Annville creates challenges at some campgrounds. "The campground is very hilly but you're not stacked on top of your neighbor like the others. Campground loses a star because the sites are pretty uneven. Not just the one we're on but others as well," explains a visitor to Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country.

Look for pull-through availability: Some sites offer easier access than others. "We chose a pull through site for its ease and the extra space it had being on the end," notes a camper, emphasizing the importance of site selection for RVs with tow vehicles.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Annville, PA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Annville, PA offers a wide range of camping options, with 151 campgrounds and RV parks near Annville, PA and 1 free dispersed camping spot.

Which is the most popular campground near Annville, PA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Annville, PA is Hersheypark Camping Resort with a 4-star rating from 29 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Annville, PA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Annville, PA.