Glamping options near Dauphin, Pennsylvania are situated in the Susquehanna River valley, where elevations range from 400 to 1,000 feet above sea level. The area experiences all four seasons distinctly, with summer temperatures averaging 80-85°F, making it ideal for outdoor recreation from April through October. Winter campers should prepare for temperatures that can drop below freezing, particularly at higher elevations in the surrounding ridge and valley terrain.
What to Do
Water activities on Yellow Breeches Creek: At Lower Allen Community Park, kayak camping is a popular option. "Cute site in a local township park that not many people know about. There actually three total. You just need to call the township to reserve. The sites sit right along the Yellow Breeches creak so you can put in a few miles up and float down to your site."
Tubing adventures: Buttonwood Campground offers riverside camping with organized tubing trips. "Tubing down the river is so fun and the highlight of a stay here. Campground does have a wristband system for most activities and amenities, with the exception of pool and playgrounds."
Disc golf courses: Gifford Pinchot State Park has two 18-hole disc golf courses in different parts of the park. However, one camper warns to "BEWARE of poison ivy!! We played the first 10 holes around the Conewago day use area and I was shocked at how much poison ivy we had to dodge all over the prime walking areas through the course."
State park hiking: Explore the trails at Little Buffalo State Park, where "there are trails with some neat little obstacles to work out on and the historical mill was well worth the trip. By the far the highlight of ours as well. Especially since they engaged the wheel and actually ground corn!"
What Campers Like
Waterfront camping spots: Glamping close to Dauphin, Pennsylvania includes sites with direct river access. At River Rock Recreation, campers appreciate the private waterfront location: "Staying right on the river was both fun and relaxing for us. We even booked a second trip for this July."
Kid-friendly amenities: Family glamping near Dauphin offers entertainment options for children. "The arcade, a ferris wheel, merry go round, and other small kiddie rides. Usually have a band on Saturday evenings. Nice ice cream shop and on-site restaurant. 2 very clean pools and water slides," notes one visitor about Twin Grove RV Resort.
Clean facilities: Campers frequently mention facility cleanliness as a standout feature. "The bathhouses were in good shape. Sites were of ample size and well spaced," reports one camper about Gifford Pinchot State Park. Another adds that the campground has "nice for a smaller campground. Only downfall is we have smaller children and we could not bike from the campground to the pool."
What You Should Know
Noise factors: Several campgrounds experience noise issues. At Hersheypark Camping Resort, campers mention train noise: "Nice but loud bc of the trains. Bath houses are nice and clean. I would suggest making sure you aren't close to the tracks bc the trains run all night long!" Another review notes: "The Lazy River section is far away from the noise of the super close train tracks."
Site spacing varies significantly: At Deer Run Campground, campers report tight quarters: "This is not camping, people are packed together like sardines. Grounds are poorly laid out and maintained." For more space, choose carefully: "We had our three dogs outside who did not like people running through our site."
Shooting range nearby: Pinch Pond Campground has unexpected noise: "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."
Tips for Camping with Families
Pool access requires planning: At Little Buffalo State Park, "you have to pay to get in the pool, yes even if you are camping!!! I am pretty sure it's the most expensive state park in PA!" The pool features "a large area that is only 1 foot deep, great for little ones! There is also a splash pad!"
Playground proximity: When choosing a glamping site near Dauphin, consider the location of play areas. At Elizabethtown-Hershey KOA, "the facilities are all lovely, staff in the camp store are kind and helpful. The snack bar is very convenient, breakfasts on the weekends in the summer."
Activity costs: Budget for additional fees at some locations. "Plan on spending $20 per person for an activity wristband that includes all the extras including mini golf and tubing shuttle," advises a Buttonwood Campground visitor. Many campgrounds have activity fees beyond the basic camping rate.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategies: At Hersheypark Camping Resort, specific sections offer better experiences: "Our site was spacious. The Lazy River section is far away from the noise of the super close train tracks. The pioneer section you are literally feet away from the tracks but the playground area is there."
Leveling challenges: Some campgrounds require extra preparation. "Stone surface. Not to bad for leveling. Our site was spacious," notes one RVer at Hersheypark. At Elizabethtown-Hershey KOA, "Large and easy to enter/exit sites. Wifi was pretty good. (It helped that the antenna was right beside our site!)"
Campground layout: Pinch Pond Family Campground "is divided into little neighborhoods, for the most part, the entire campground is completely wide open so there is very little privacy apart from a few select locations." For RVers seeking the best spots: "I would recommend sites #102–120, again, in the far rear or sites #308– 317 along Angler's Way."
