Best Campgrounds near Steelton, PA
The Harrisburg-Steelton area in central Pennsylvania contains several established campgrounds accommodating various camping styles. Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground, located about 25 miles southwest of Steelton, provides tent sites, RV hookups, cabins, and yurts with boat-in and hike-in access options. Closer to Steelton, Hersheypark Camping Resort offers full-service camping with tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin rentals within easy access to Hershey attractions. The region features a mix of state park facilities, privately owned campgrounds, and some township parks with primitive camping areas along waterways.
Most campgrounds in the Steelton area operate seasonally, typically from April through October, with some facilities closing after Halloween. Reservations are strongly recommended, particularly for weekends and during summer months when proximity to Hershey attractions increases demand. "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," noted one camper about Hersheypark Camping Resort. Weather considerations include occasional flooding along creek and river sites during spring rains, and summer temperatures often reaching the 90s. Road access is generally good throughout the region, with most campgrounds accessible via paved roads that accommodate larger vehicles and RVs.
Campers consistently mention the mixed environment of the area, which balances suburban accessibility with natural features. River and creek frontage represents a valued amenity at several campgrounds, with Lower Allen Community Park offering tent sites along Yellow Breeches Creek that appeal to kayakers. According to one visitor, "You can put in a few miles up and float down to your site." While train noise affects some campgrounds near Hershey, with multiple reviews noting overnight train disturbances, others provide quieter settings. Campgrounds in the region typically include standard amenities like fire rings, picnic tables, and restroom facilities, with many offering additional recreational amenities such as swimming pools, playgrounds, and camp stores. The proximity to shopping, dining, and attractions makes this area particularly suitable for campers seeking convenience alongside outdoor experiences.
