4 campgrounds with availability this weekend
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.
"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."
from $50 - $60 / night
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
from $45 - $279 / night
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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!"
TravelerCountry Acres is a lovely, well maintained campground. Sites are level and bath house facilities clean and modern. Friendly staff in the office. Dog friendly. Local to all the Lancaster attractions. A complimentary farmland tour is offered by bus and it was great. They take you out into an area of Amish farms and shops and make a stop at 2 of these. The fresh Amish pretzels are amazing!
GuideWe booked two nights mid October not realizing that it's duck hunting season and that hunting is allowed RIGHT by the campground - with kids everywhere. We were jolted out of sleep at 5 am by gun fire right near our site. It kept up for the next hour. In addition, the bathrooms, although clean are in poor condition. Peeling paint everywhere with bare concrete in the showers. For such a pretty site, we had a miserable stay. We left after one night.
Travelersolid parking place for vans and RVs. road is dirt gravel but not terrible. nice hike nearby
Traveleri mean meh with the most enthusiasm as you can live your entire life & be oki not going here. the trails are small & the overlook is fenced high for falls. it’s about as much scenery as going for a walk deer hunting. it’s beginner friendly if anyone wants to start getting into parks but i feel there’s more focus on pavilions & playgrounds than calling it a state park. for anything boating or canoeing on the river it’s a good place to be but your in town so it take it for what it is
GuideYou just can't beat a pennsylvania park. This one is not an exception. Nice clean restroom, plenty of room. Now, what cost a star. Yes, it rained like hell. When we broke camp and go dump. The dump station was overflowing with sewer. Go to the guard shack to tell them, and find another site. None there. Can I go to an unused full hookup to dump? No! I would have to pay for the site. Two hours later, we found a place to dump for $10.
ScoutThe advertisements for Olde Mill Campground were disingenuous. The campsite was 20 yards from a roller coaster. The NOISE of the roller coaster and children on it screaming was as relentless and unnerving as any train we have ever slept near. There was no quiet until almost midnight. The “pull-through” site left my truck almost in the road and our 25’ Airstream slightly over the road on the backside. The site was not level. The sites were close enough to hear a neighbor’s snoring.
GuideWe stayed here to go to the Hershey RV show—about 55 min drive. Right in the center of Amish country. Campground is adults only. It was very clean. The bathrooms were very clean with great water pressure. The roads are tight for getting into sites. Site 5 was not level side to side. We met great people there.
GuideWe only spent the night and didn't look at the amenities. The manager was very friendly and accommodating.
ScoutThe campground is in excellent condition. The facilities are top notch. The excellence and care of the campground is evident. The 4 stars is only due to the road noise and many of the sites are on top of each other. You feel like your neighbor is at your camp fire.
Camping near Cornwall, Pennsylvania offers varied terrains with elevations ranging from 500 to 1,200 feet across the region. The area experiences moderate humidity throughout camping season, with average summer night temperatures dropping to 60-65°F. Most campgrounds in this region have paved or gravel access roads, with natural terrain sites requiring leveling equipment for comfortable setup.
Fishing opportunities: Thousand Trails Circle M sits along a horseshoe curve of the Conestoga River, creating excellent fishing conditions. "The campground sits in the center of a horseshoe curve of the river, bring tubes and kayaks! We didn't know but went and bought a tube and spent the day on the river!" reports camper Karla R.
Rail trail access: From Jonestown/Hershey KOA, campers can directly access the Swatara Rail Trail. "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," says Bobby S. The trail provides 10 miles of flat, accessible terrain suitable for all skill levels.
Appalachian Trail connection: Multiple campgrounds offer access to sections of the Appalachian Trail. Lisa B. notes, "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."
Swimming options: The Elizabethtown-Hershey KOA maintains a clean pool area. Melissa C. notes, "The facilities are all lovely, staff in the camp store are kind and helpful." Many campers appreciate having both swimming facilities and creek access at various locations.
Wooded campsites: Campers consistently mention appreciating shaded sites. At Pinch Pond Family Campground, one reviewer observed, "Easy to get to and beautiful setting, gorgeous trees and feels very woodsy." The campground maintains wooded areas that provide natural cooling during hot summer days.
Distance from highways: While most campgrounds are conveniently located near major routes, some offer better noise protection. Stuart K. notes about PA Dutch Country RV Resort, "As the PA Dutch Country RV Resort rests at a slightly higher elevation than the turnpike, I have to admit, we really didn't notice much of any noise coming from the highway."
Shooting range noise: Multiple campgrounds near Cornwall have reported noise from nearby shooting ranges. At Pinch Pond, Tara N. warns, "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."
Limited cellular service: Cell coverage varies significantly between campgrounds. At some locations, service is spotty or non-existent. Review your carrier's coverage maps before arrival if connectivity is important.
Site leveling challenges: Terrain in this region often requires significant leveling equipment. At Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country, Justin B. notes, "Unlevel is an understatement we were in E row and every camper there had front end 4 foot off the ground."
Dedicated family activities: Starlite Camping Resort offers scheduled activities for children. Elizabeth L. shares, "There are regular activities for all ages including bingo, crafts and live music." Many campgrounds post weekly activity schedules during peak season.
Indoor recreation options: Several campgrounds maintain indoor facilities for rainy days. At Elizabethtown-Hershey KOA, covered pavilions provide shelter for planned activities regardless of weather conditions.
Playground access: Most campgrounds feature playground equipment, though quality and maintenance vary. Melissa Y. from Pinch Pond notes, "Their game room has tickets. This is the one and only campground we have ever visited that gave tickets for playing games and my kids LOVED IT!"
Site selection strategy: At Hersheypark Camping Resort, RVers recommend specific site areas. Mike J. advises, "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."
Water pressure considerations: Several campgrounds report varying water pressure issues. At Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country, Nick E. observes, "Water pressure is pretty low and the sewer pipe is a little high but all around a really solid experience."
Satellite reception challenges: Due to tree coverage at many campgrounds, satellite reception can be difficult. Nick E. reports, "Definitely got lucky with site F03 for Starlink. The rest of the campground has a lot of tree cover."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Cornwall, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Cornwall, PA offers a wide range of camping options, with 152 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 23 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.
Keep Exploring
