Campgrounds surrounding Bendersville, Pennsylvania typically sit at elevations between 600-900 feet in the foothills of South Mountain, creating varying terrain conditions for RV camping. Fall temperatures in the area average 45-65°F, with morning fog common in low-lying areas near creeks and ponds. Many campgrounds operate seasonally from April through October, with limited year-round facilities available for winter camping.
What to do
Fishing at local ponds: Thousand Trails Gettysburg Farm offers fishing opportunities just 30 minutes from Bendersville. "Great place to go fishing!" notes Anna H. The property features a small fishing pond at the back of the grounds where campers can spend quiet mornings.
Farm animal interactions: Kids particularly enjoy the working farm environment at Thousand Trails Gettysburg Farm, where animals are a central attraction. "What's better then hanging out camping on a working farm? Got a kick out of the children playing with the kids (baby goats) pigs, goats, chickens, horses and even lamas. Plenty to see and learn," shares Robert M.
Historic battlefield tours: The Gettysburg Battlefield is accessible within 10-15 minutes from Gettysburg Campground, making it convenient for history enthusiasts. "Close to Gettysburg Battleground," confirms Matthew K. The campground's location provides easy access to both the battlefield and downtown Gettysburg.
Renaissance Faire visits: Pinch Pond Family Campground serves as a popular base for Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire attendees each fall. "Nice location for PA Renaissance Fair goers," shares Pamela W. The faire runs weekends from August through October, requiring advance reservations during this peak period.
What campers like
Quiet creekside settings: Gettysburg Campground offers tent sites along a creek that provides natural white noise. "We were in tent sites which felt bigger than most and were right by river. not far to go anywhere walking," notes Kelly J. These water-adjacent sites tend to book quickly during summer months.
Clean facilities: Pinch Pond Family Campground & RV Park maintains exceptionally clean bathhouses and laundry facilities. "The ENTIRE campground was extremely clean and tidy. The office and grounds keeping staff were super friendly and helpful," reports Melissa Y. Their game room with ticket redemption is unique among area campgrounds.
Seasonal activities: Drummer Boy Camping Resort organizes themed events throughout their operating season. "We camped here in May for Memorial Day weekend. A yard sale, vendor sale, golf cart parade, as well as other activities going on," explains Laure D. The campground offers free mini golf, a pool, and a splash pad area.
Amish countryside proximity: Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country provides access to authentic Amish communities. "I loved the surrounding dutch/Amish towns! It was pretty cool to seemingly step back in time," says Jill R. The campground serves as a convenient base for exploring rural Pennsylvania Dutch farm country.
What you should know
Site leveling challenges: Many rv parks near Bendersville, Pennsylvania feature sloped terrain requiring significant leveling equipment. At PA Dutch Country, "Unlevel is an understatement we were in E row and every camper there had front end 4 foot off the ground. Many other sites were the same," reports Justin B.
Seasonal population differences: Drummer Boy Camping Resort has a large seasonal camper section that changes the campground's character. "There seem to be a lot of seasonal campers but everyone was extremely nice and welcoming," notes Sabrina H. Golf carts are common among long-term residents.
Highway and environmental noise: Proximity to highways affects some campgrounds in the region. Pinch Pond Family Campground experiences noise from both I-76 and a nearby shooting range. "If your out and about, it won't be an issue. However if you enjoy sitting outside of your camper and relaxing this might be nerve wracking," cautions Tara N.
Water quality variations: Water systems at some facilities may have quality issues. "Water was rusty in our row came out brown at first then was tan after running through our filter for the entire stay," reports a camper about PA Dutch Country. Several campgrounds recommend using water filters during summer months.
Tips for camping with families
Animal-focused experiences: Thousand Trails Circle M offers family activities beyond standard amenities. "We first had a 2 point site near the river... Putt putt is still open and fun, so is playground. Arcade was open. There is an indoor pool and spa. They had Halloween ever at every weekend of October and we spent Halloween weekend here. The kids loved it!!" shares Kasey M.
Extended pool hours: Some campgrounds maintain longer swimming hours than others. "Unlike most campgrounds, the pool stayed open pretty late so that was a huge bonus for me," notes a visitor to Pinch Pond Family Campground. This allows families flexibility for evening swimming after daytime activities.
Playground access: Gettysburg Farm RV Campground provides multiple play areas for different age groups. "We've enjoyed mini-golf, feeding the animals, 'hiking' through the cornfield, fishing, and campfires. There is also a pool, hopscotch, a swing set, and a playground open as well," explains Kasey M.
Educational opportunities: Historical sites around Bendersville provide learning experiences for children. "Visiting the outlets or Gettysburg battlefield is close by," notes a Drummer Boy visitor. Many campgrounds offer junior ranger programs in partnership with nearby historic sites.
Tips from RVers
Electric system capacity: Western Village RV Park provides 50-amp service year-round. "Good for over night... For almost $60 tonight you'd think it would be a little bit," notes Ernest G. about his experience. Some campers report electrical issues during peak demand periods.
Seasonal rate variations: RV parks in Bendersville experience significant price fluctuations. Thousand Trails Hershey has different pricing tiers based on season and hookup requirements. "We felt the nightly price of $80 for a full hook-up site was pretty steep," notes one visitor about another nearby campground.
Site selection strategy: Arriving early improves your chances of getting preferred sites at Thousand Trails properties. "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. For everyone complaining about driving around and not finding spots, if you get there early enough around 1 pm, you won't have a problem," advises Yamileth K.
Dump station positioning: Sewer connections at rv parks near Bendersville sometimes have problematic configurations. "The sewer hookup was inconveniently placed" is a common concern across multiple campgrounds. Some RVers recommend bringing extra hose length and support blocks for proper drainage.
