Best Campgrounds near Bethel, PA

Join the fun near Bethel. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. Bethel is an adventure-filled destination for those who love the outdoorsy camper lifestyle. But it's also great for those who prefer to spend time near the city, exploring and sightseeing. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Bethel and user-submitted reviews.

Best Camping Sites Near Bethel, Pennsylvania (118)

    1. Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park at Quarryville

    19 Reviews
    Quarryville, PA
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 610-4505

    "We stayed here in November with beautiful weather which meant the large farm behind the campground was spraying manure over their fields. We could smell it."

    "The site was covered and it was cool around 4:30pm when the sun went behind the trees. It didn’t look like all sites had that much cover so be careful."

    2. Muddy Run Rec Park - PPL

    11 Reviews
    Holtwood, PA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 284-4325

    "The large lake is great for a day of kayaking and fishing with supplies readily available for rent at the boat dock store."

    "The observatory is open to public once a month, we recommend you plan your trip around this."

    3. Tucquan Park Family Campground

    12 Reviews
    Holtwood, PA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 284-2156

    "Highly recommend staying here with lots of close hiking trails within driving distance."

    "There was a lot of space so walking our dogs was great. The smaller bathroom stalls are pretty small but got the job done. Playground and pool were both nice and clean. Wonderful place for a family."

    4. Pequea Creek Campground

    14 Reviews
    Pequea, PA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 284-4587

    "Covered bridges and road side shopping are close by. Enjoyed river tubing which is close by to this campground. Music bingo on Saturday night was so much fun. Owners are very nice and helpful."

    "The wife & I stayed in site 22 for three nights and bicycled 14 miles, some along the Susquehanna, on nearby Enola Low Grade Trail . "

    5. Elk Neck State Park Campground

    60 Reviews
    Perryville, MD
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (410) 287-5333

    $21 - $55 / night

    "I didn't notice it when I was in my tent, but I did as I was walking around.

    The campground is well-wooded, offering reasonable privacy given the space constraints. "

    "Surrounding area

    There are lots of tails for hiking in walking distance and also a playground for kids."

    6. Thousand Trails Circle M

    19 Reviews
    Millersville, PA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "Close to Lancaster for necessities and great proximity to Baltimore and Philadelphia for day trips."

    "I used to stay here all the time with my grandparents when they were around. It was always some of the best times for me."

    7. Old Mill Stream Campground

    16 Reviews
    Lampeter, PA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 299-2314

    "Tent sites are lined up along the water which is great for fishing (especially when you need to stay close to the littles sleeping in the tent). Lots of benches lined up along the water."

    "Not to noisy being next to a theme park. The bath house was just remodeled so it's excellent! Good price!"

    8. Mill Bridge Village & Camp Resort

    14 Reviews
    Concord, PA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 687-8181

    "Great, convenient location. Cost friendly considering the location. Clean grounds & maintained sites. Mix of open & shaded sites, all appear to be pretty level, our site was next to stream."

    "The site was right next to the creek. Shade is perfect for our dogs.

    Office personnel were so very helpful. Office does close at 4 but that is due to staff shortages."

    9. Country Acres Campground

    11 Reviews
    Concord, PA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 983-3064

    "This is a great spot for visiting Pennsylvania Amish of Lancaster County and about a one-hour drive to Hersheypark. 

    Our site(# 837) was a good size for our motor home+ toad."

    "We stayed at one of the primitive tent sites with no hookups adjacent to the farm field. Watching a horse drawn equipment cutting grass while we cooked dinner was a joy."

    10. Otter Creek Campground

    10 Reviews
    Pequea, PA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 862-3628

    "Just down the road about a mile or so was the Indian Steps Museum which is owned by York Conservation Society."

    "Its close proximity to the Susquehanna River, Otter Creek, and the Mason Dixon Trail is absolutely ideal! Sites are spacious and nice! Restrooms clean!"

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Recent Reviews near Bethel, PA

923 Reviews of 118 Bethel Campgrounds


  • 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.

  • TThe 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.

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

    Elk Neck State Park Campground

    More than correct stay for a pass through or short period

    Check in at the store (without reservation), went very smooth. Only the north east loop was open because it was calm. All spots are full hook up, all fine. There was a small play area for the kids and the restrooms/ shower where clean. No complaints.

  • Scott J.
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Sun Valley Campground

    My Happy Place

    My wife and I have been seasonal camper for 4 years and love it. We had visited numerous campgrounds and found Sun Valley to be the atmosphere there beyond our expectations. The minute you walk into the office you get that" aha" moment. The office greets you with a smile and " Welcome to Sun Valley, how can I help you ". That alone told us these folks are here to make your stay enjoyable. They go above and beyond any campground we have ever been to. The activities go above and beyond. The Saturday night bands are concert worthy. We have enjoyed our stay more than you ever imagined. For the past 4 years it has been our "Happy Place"

  • Stephen W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 30, 2025

    French Creek State Park Campground

    Fantastic PA state park for activities and camping.

    Third year staying over the Labor Day weekend. Campground full but still a very peaceful relaxing stay. Our site was very spacious and open. Tree lined and site was almost level. Paved sites on this loop.

  • Connie R.
    Aug. 25, 2025

    French Creek State Park Campground

    Pretty park but needs upkeep and maintenance

    Only stayed one night (8/23/25).  Had an electric site on B 45.  After pulling in and starting to unload, we were getting swarmed with yellow jackets.  There were several entry holes in the ground they were using to enter and exit.  I have never experienced anything like this anywhere.   I would have left but since it was close to dusk, I knew they would all retrieve and go underground.  The smoke with the fire helped but it impacted our stay.  They were everywhere.  I will not be going back anytime during the summer


Guide to Bethel

Camping near Bethel, Pennsylvania, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an action-packed adventure, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Biking: Explore the trails at French Creek State Park Campground. One reviewer mentioned, "Hiking and biking this park is fun," highlighting the great outdoor opportunities available.
  • Fishing: The Susquehanna River near Susquehanna State Park Campground is perfect for fishing. A visitor noted, "Has access to Susquehanna River, nice hiking trails," making it a great spot for anglers.
  • Family Activities: At Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park at Quarryville, families can enjoy a mini water park and laser tag. One camper shared, "Kids enjoy the water park and nighttime laser tag parties," emphasizing the fun for younger visitors.

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness at Elk Neck State Park Campground. A reviewer said, "The bathrooms are immaculate," which is always a plus when camping.
  • Spacious Sites: Many enjoy the roomy sites at Lums Pond State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, "Nice smaller campground with large spacious sites," making it a comfortable choice for families.
  • Friendly Staff: Campers often rave about the helpful staff at Lake-In-Wood Campground. A guest noted, "The staff is very nice," which can make a big difference in your camping experience.

What you should know:

  • Site Selection: At Thousand Trails Hershey, sites are first-come, first-served. One camper said, "I made a reservation months in advance, but it only guaranteed me a site," so be prepared to arrive early.
  • Limited Amenities in Off-Season: Some campgrounds, like Merry Meadows Recreation Farm, may have limited activities during the off-season. A visitor mentioned, "Activities schedules are a little hit or miss for us," so check ahead.
  • Noise Levels: Campers at Susquehanna State Park Campground noted that weekends can get busy. One reviewer said, "The sites are well kept and the tent pads are in great shape," but it can be crowded.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Kid-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places like Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park at Quarryville, where there are plenty of activities for kids. A parent shared, "There is now an arcade and a mini water park! This place is awesome for kids and families!"
  • Pack for All Weather: Be prepared for changing weather conditions. A camper at French Creek State Park Campground mentioned, "Weather was great, the lack of people was perfect," indicating that conditions can vary.
  • Plan Group Activities: Engage in group activities like fishing or hiking. One visitor at Lums Pond State Park Campground noted, "If it rains, some sites are flooded," so have a backup plan for indoor fun.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Levels: Many RVers recommend checking the level of your site. A camper at Circle M RV and Camping Resort said, "Must have leveling blocks," which is crucial for a comfortable stay.
  • Be Mindful of Space: Some sites can be cramped. One visitor noted, "The place was packed, the lots were cramped up," so choose your site wisely.
  • Wi-Fi Availability: If you need internet, check the campground's Wi-Fi situation. A reviewer at Philadelphia-West Chester KOA mentioned, "The Wi-Fi at our site worked well," which can be helpful for planning your days.

Camping near Bethel, Pennsylvania, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. With a little planning and the right campground, you're sure to have a great time!

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Bethel, PA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Bethel, PA is Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park at Quarryville with a 4.4-star rating from 19 reviews.