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 (144)

    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. Hersheypark Camping Resort

    29 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."

    4. 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."

    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. Old Mill Stream Campground

    16 Reviews
    Lampeter, PA
    19 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!"

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Recent Reviews near Cornwall, PA

958 Reviews of 144 Cornwall 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.

  • 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

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 19, 2025

    Old Mill Stream Campground

    Good stay

    The entrance in off the main road turns you into the theme park. Fear not. Turn in and follow the road to the right and into the campground. We stayed on site 123 with a 40 ft Allegro Bus. Plenty of room to maneuver a big rig. All gravel sites and we had full hookup with 50 Amp.


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

What camping is available near Cornwall, PA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Cornwall, PA offers a wide range of camping options, with 144 campgrounds and RV parks near Cornwall, PA and 1 free dispersed camping spot.

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.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Cornwall, PA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Cornwall, PA.