Best Campgrounds near Cornwall, PA

Central Pennsylvania's camping landscape around Cornwall features a mix of private resorts and state park facilities within a 30-mile radius. Thousand Trails Hershey in nearby Lebanon and Pinch Pond Family Campground in Manheim represent the region's family-oriented private campgrounds, while French Creek State Park offers a more natural setting with 200 campsites across four loops. The area's camping options range from primitive tent sites to full-hookup RV spots, cabins, yurts, and glamping accommodations. Most campgrounds in this region operate seasonally, typically from April through October, with a few exceptions like Jonestown/Hershey KOA which remains open year-round.

Seasonal considerations significantly impact camping experiences near Cornwall. Spring brings occasional heavy rainfall that can create muddy conditions at some campgrounds, particularly those with creekside sites. As one camper noted, "It rained fairly heavily during our first day and the sites became extremely muddy." Most campgrounds require reservations, especially during summer weekends and when special events occur at nearby Hershey Park. The Pennsylvania Dutch countryside surrounding Cornwall features rolling hills and farmland, with many campgrounds situated near highways for convenience but sometimes resulting in traffic noise. Temperatures typically range from pleasant 70s-80s°F in summer to cooler 50s-60s°F in spring and fall.

Proximity to attractions shapes many camping experiences in the Cornwall area. Several visitors highlight the convenience of campgrounds near Hershey Park, with one reviewer noting, "The only good thing this RV park has going is the Hershey park bus that runs all day back and forth." Site spacing varies considerably between campgrounds, with some state parks offering more privacy than private resorts. A common complaint about Hersheypark Camping Resort mentions that "RV sites are the tightest I have ever seen," while others praise the "beautiful picturesque campground with large spots and a lot of trees" at Pequea Creek Campground. Water features are particularly valued, with campers appreciating lakefront sites at Gifford Pinchot State Park where "you can get amazing sunset views" and creek access at several private campgrounds for fishing, kayaking, and swimming.

Best Camping Sites Near Cornwall, Pennsylvania (143)

    1. Thousand Trails Hershey

    21 Reviews
    Mount Gretna, PA
    6 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."

    2. Pinch Pond Family Campground & RV Park

    14 Reviews
    Mount Gretna, PA
    4 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."

    3. Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country

    13 Reviews
    Mount Gretna, PA
    3 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."

    4. Hersheypark Camping Resort

    28 Reviews
    Hummelstown, PA
    15 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."

    5. Jonestown/Hershey KOA

    16 Reviews
    Jonestown, PA
    15 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."

    6. Elizabethtown-Hershey KOA

    15 Reviews
    Elizabethtown, PA
    16 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. Starlite Camping Resort

    6 Reviews
    Hopeland, PA
    9 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."

    8. Thousand Trails Circle M

    19 Reviews
    Millersville, PA
    19 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."

    9. Hickory Run Family Camping Resort

    9 Reviews
    Reinholds, PA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 336-5564

    "All of the sites are full electric and more than a few have very little space for a family size tent to be safely away from the fire ring. Ours had adequate distance but we got lucky tbh."

    "Streams are close by, hiking trails are numerous and Hawk Falls was a high point of the park. Peaceful, crisp air and beautiful Surroundings."

    10. French Creek State Park Campground

    76 Reviews
    Geigertown, PA
    33 miles
    Website
    +1 (610) 582-9680

    $24 - $135 / night

    "We were looking for someplace close to the city but away from the hustle and bustle of our city life, this was the perfect little steal-away; relatively close by, great car camping spots, nice easy hikes"

    "Campground Review: French Creek State Park Campground is located in Elverson, Pennsylvania and sits adjacent to Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site."

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Showing results 1-10 of 143 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Cornwall, PA

943 Reviews of 143 Cornwall Campgrounds



Guide to Cornwall

Camping near Cornwall, Pennsylvania, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a family-friendly adventure, there are several campgrounds in the area that cater to different needs.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Biking: Explore the scenic trails at French Creek State Park Campground. One reviewer mentioned, "Hiking and biking this park is fun," highlighting the great outdoor activities available.
  • Fishing: Many campgrounds, like Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground, offer fishing opportunities. A visitor shared, "The lake is very nice and it's a very family park!"
  • Visiting Historical Sites: The area is rich in history. Campers at Gettysburg / Battlefield KOA can easily access the historic battlefields, with one guest noting, "Just 15-minutes to historic sites, restaurants, and breweries."

What campers like:

  • Spacious Sites: Campers appreciate the roomy sites at Elk Neck State Park Campground. One reviewer said, "Accessible and pet friendly. Great trails and great staff."
  • Clean Facilities: Clean bathrooms and well-maintained grounds are a big hit. A visitor at Codorus State Park Campground remarked, "Bathrooms are clean, sites are spacious."
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Campgrounds like Hersheypark Camping Resort are great for families. A guest mentioned, "The campground had two pools and a child’s pool."

What you should know:

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places like Elk Neck State Park Campground, where one reviewer said, "This was the quietest campground we have ever stayed at."
  • Plan Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities. A family at Gettysburg / Battlefield KOA enjoyed the "mini golf and a few other games."
  • Check for Amenities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and pools. A guest at Hersheypark Camping Resort mentioned, "The kids were able to walk to the playground."

Tips from RVers:

  • Level Sites: RVers should check for level sites. A camper at Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground noted, "Some weren’t level front to back."
  • Full Hookups: Look for campgrounds with full hookups. A visitor at Codorus State Park Campground appreciated the "full hook up sites which is nice."
  • Be Mindful of Traffic: Some campgrounds can be busy. A reviewer at Hersheypark Camping Resort mentioned, "The ONLY good thing this RV park has going is the Hershey park bus that runs all day back and forth."

Camping near Cornwall, Pennsylvania, has something for everyone, whether you're a family looking for fun or an RVer seeking a peaceful getaway.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Cornwall, PA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Cornwall, PA is Thousand Trails Hershey with a 3.9-star rating from 21 reviews.