Campgrounds near Palmyra, Pennsylvania primarily consist of developed facilities with various accommodation options. The area features several established campgrounds including Hersheypark Camping Resort and Thousand Trails Hershey, located within 10 miles of Palmyra. These campgrounds provide tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin rentals, with many properties offering amenities like swimming pools, shower facilities, and camp stores. The region's camping options are concentrated around the Hershey area, with sites designed to accommodate families visiting nearby attractions.
Many campgrounds in the Palmyra region require reservations, particularly during summer months when Hershey attractions draw large crowds. The camping season generally runs from April through October, though some facilities like Jonestown/Hershey KOA remain open year-round. "This campground does not reserve your site. After you make your reservation, arrive at the check-in gate, they give you a map and the hunt is on!" noted one camper about Thousand Trails Hershey, highlighting the first-come, first-served nature of some properties. Road access is generally good throughout the area with paved and gravel roads leading to most campgrounds. Sites vary in size and levelness, with some accommodating large RVs while others are better suited for smaller units or tents.
Campers report that proximity to Hershey attractions represents the primary advantage of staying at area campgrounds. Several visitors mentioned convenient shuttle services to Hersheypark as a major benefit. The developed nature of these campgrounds means amenities are plentiful but natural settings are limited. A recent review noted: "If you are looking for traditional camping in the woods, then keep looking, however if you are looking for a resort getaway type of camping, then this place is for you!" Sites are typically close together, especially in full-hookup sections. While most campgrounds feature swimming pools and recreational facilities, visitors seeking more natural surroundings might prefer Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground approximately 20 miles southwest of Palmyra, which offers camping in a more traditional outdoor setting with lake access and hiking trails. Palmyra's campgrounds provide convenient access to both local attractions and comfortable camping experiences for families and travelers exploring central Pennsylvania.
"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."
$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."
"Set just off I-76 in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch country, Pinch Pond Family Campground& RV Park is a large, all-in-one, family-focused campground with a layout that feels more like a small neighborhood"
"campground so inconveniently located (more on this later) right next to highway I76."
"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."
"Tucked into the rolling, wooded hills of Pennsylvania Dutch Country, Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country RV Resort offers a unique blend of peaceful countryside and activity-packed camping, all just a stone"
"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."
$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."
$20 - $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. "
"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."
"Very close to Hersheypark. Nicest miniature golf course I’ve ever seen at a RV park. Same can be said for the swimming pool, absolutely beautiful. Great little dog park as well. "
"Great location a updated grounds, sites and restrooms n bath houses. Local to hershey but out of the traffic. Great vaction site for RVs n longer stays. Quiet n comfortable RV living!"
$75 - $90 / night
"There is no on site running water or electric but they did leave us with a 5 gallon water jug and a 5 gallon shower bag to use in the outside shower."
"https://www.riverrockadv.com/#/ I was fortunate enough to find this local gem while browsing“camping near me”. Not only that, my unlucky butt won a 2 night stay there!"
GuideThe sites offer plenty of space and privacy, making it easy to relax and enjoy nature. The campground is conveniently located near the lake, with beautiful views and easy access to the water. There is also a nice swimming pool, which is a great bonus. We enjoyed kayaking on the lake and spending time outdoors. Overall, it's a wonderful place to unwind, relax, and enjoy a peaceful getaway. We would definitely come back!
GuideMore of a rustic trailer park than a campground with some long term residents. Owners were nice. "Bathhouse" has flush toilets but wasn't very clean. We don't fish but if you do this might be a place for you.
TravelerThe camp site was amazing. Everything is neat and clean and really beautiful place so quiet.
ScoutA lot of people recommended this campground. We were late to book for Memorial Day weekend and Indian Head had plenty of spots open so we gave it a chance. Upon arriving, they gave us a map to our spot, we drove to the area and it was essentially a big open field with no spots marked, no numbers, no direction to really pull in. We had to ask the owner where our spot was because there was nothing to show where it was in the fielded grass area. I understand they are putting work into the campground to improve it, it seems, but seemed Alittle messy just from the store, entrance and overall upkeep of the campground. Overall, if we had the chance to camp here again, we probably wouldn’t. I would reccomend J&D or Lake Glory that’s in the same area if able to be booked.
GuideGreat park, alittle close together than I like. I wish I had picked 1-12 sites by the creek, but I don’t think I had much choice when I booked anyway. Bathrooms were clean. My site was more of an rv and I felt like I was at the neighbors for supper.
GuideBeautiful park, pool and lake. Great for boating and fishing, running or hiking and swimming. In may, it wasn’t busy, but I can imagine it gets packed. I will be back for summer.
GuideProbably my favorite due to the Store, the store employee and the App Trails. Will be back. My site was next to the amp trail which I didn’t particularly like, but my site was beautiful. WiFi available at Camp Store
TravelerGreat location a updated grounds, sites and restrooms n bath houses. Local to hershey but out of the traffic.
Great vaction site for RVs n longer stays. Quiet n comfortable RV living!
GuideWe camp here several times thru out the year. Always an enjoyable stay. Staff is very friendly and accommodating.
Cabins and RV sites dominate the camping landscape near Palmyra, Pennsylvania, with established campgrounds concentrated within a 20-mile radius. The region sits at approximately 400 feet above sea level in the gently rolling hills of the Lebanon Valley, creating favorable camping conditions from April through October when temperatures typically range from 50-85°F. Seasonal variation affects water levels at campgrounds near waterways like the Susquehanna River and Pinchot Lake.
Water activities at Gifford Pinchot: The 340-acre lake at Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground offers swimming, fishing, and boating opportunities. "There is a large beach area in the QR day use area 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 camper who appreciated the well-maintained facilities.
Riverside recreation: At River Rock Recreation, campers can enjoy direct river access for fishing and kayaking. "We spent our time fishing the river banks right outside our tents and kayaking on the Susquehanna to fish the warm waters. We caught a ton of catfish and carp using live bait," shares one visitor who enjoyed the productive fishing spots along the Susquehanna.
Local trails exploration: Several campgrounds connect to trail systems. The Swatara Rail Trail connects directly to Jonestown/Hershey KOA, providing miles of biking and hiking opportunities. A camper mentioned, "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."
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds receive positive reviews for cleanliness. One reviewer at Elizabethtown-Hershey KOA praised the "spotless bathrooms" and mentioned, "Our site was very nice! We were in a back in site #4. The patio was concrete stone, very pretty. Nice chairs, fire pit, and picnic table. The bath house was extremely clean and very nice."
Structured activities: Family-oriented campgrounds offer organized events. A visitor to Twin Grove RV Resort enjoyed the entertainment options: "At night they have a merry go round, train, giant slide and ferries wheel you can ride. The bathrooms are always clean and staff is friendly. They also have a restaurant if you want a break from cooking."
Hershey access benefits: Several campgrounds provide shuttle services to Hershey attractions. One camper noted, "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!"
Site selection matters: Campgrounds with varying terrain require strategic site selection. At Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country, one camper noted, "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. The walk to pool and all other amenities was not pleasant due to hills."
Reservation systems vary: Some campgrounds use first-come, first-served systems for site selection. At Thousand Trails Hershey, you'll need to arrive early for prime spots. "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."
Environmental factors: Campgrounds near industrial areas or transportation routes may experience noise. Near Pinch Pond Family Campground, a camper warned: "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 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."
Pool quality varies: When camping with kids in summer, pool facilities become important. At Hershey Road Campground, a visitor raved, "Very spacious and quiet. Great little store stocked with everything you need. Nicest miniature golf course I've ever seen at a RV park. Same can be said for the swimming pool, absolutely beautiful."
Age-appropriate activities: Consider campgrounds with facilities catering to different age groups. One family shared about their experience: "We took our 3 yo camping for the first time here. He had so much fun. It was clean campground located in a State Park. Easy walk to the lake with a small beach. There was also a beach location on the state park side vs campground side of the lake."
Weekend scheduling: For families visiting on weekends, timing matters for both campground selection and activity planning. "We come here once a year to take our grandkids on an annual camping trip with us. Lots to do! Playgrounds, special events, crafts. Very nice sites and shower houses are very clean," one grandparent shared about their family tradition at Twin Grove.
Leveling challenges: Many sites require substantial leveling equipment. A visitor to PA Dutch Country RV Resort cautioned, "Sites are very close together. Fire rings are very close to campers. Water was rusty in our row came out brown at first then was tan after running through our filter for the entire stay."
Site size considerations: Large RVs may struggle at some locations. An RVer at Hersheypark Camping Resort noted, "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. They have other spots up on the hill but would have been more of a challenge with our rig."
Pull-through availability: For easier setup, request pull-through sites when available. "The pull through sites are nice and long, but we were put in a buddy spot and didn't know. We were happy we made friends with our neighbors, but I'd check that first," advised one RVer staying at Jonestown/Hershey KOA.
Frequently Asked Questions
What campgrounds are available in and around Palmyra, PA?
The Palmyra area offers several excellent camping options. Pinch Pond Family Campground & RV Park is conveniently located near Hershey and Harrisburg, offering both short stays and weekly options with full hookups. Hersheypark Camping Resort provides a variety of sites from full hookup areas to quieter spots by the river. Other nearby options include Jonestown/Hershey KOA, Elizabethtown-Hershey KOA, and Shady Oak Campground with its mix of full hookup gravel sites and more park-like grassy areas without sewer connections. For those seeking a more natural experience, state parks like Gifford Pinchot are within driving distance.
How far is Palmyra, PA from major cities and attractions?
Palmyra is strategically located near several major destinations in Pennsylvania. It's approximately 15-20 minutes from Hershey and its attractions, as evidenced by many campers at Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country using it as a base to explore Amish country and Hershey. Harrisburg, the state capital, is about 25 minutes away, with The Home Depot — Lower Paxton offering overnight parking on the city's outskirts. Lancaster and its shopping opportunities are roughly 35-40 minutes away. Philadelphia is about 1.5-2 hours east, while Pittsburgh is approximately 3.5 hours west, making Palmyra a convenient central location for exploring much of Pennsylvania.
Which is the most popular campground near Palmyra, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Palmyra, PA is Hersheypark Camping Resort with a 4-star rating from 30 reviews.
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