Dog-Friendly Camping near Dauphin, PA

Campgrounds near Dauphin, Pennsylvania offer diverse terrain with elevations ranging from 400 to 1,300 feet along the Susquehanna River valley. Summer temperatures typically reach 80-90°F with moderate humidity, while spring and fall camping experiences mild 50-70°F days. Winter camping options remain available at several locations with temperatures often dropping below freezing.

What to do

Disc golf courses for all skill levels: Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground features two 18-hole disc golf courses with distinct difficulty levels. "Conewago day use area on the south side of the lake and the Quaker Race day use area on the north side of the lake. Both areas have their own 18 hole disc golf course, but I will say: BEWARE of poison ivy!" notes camper Danielle V.

Rail trail hiking and biking: Jonestown/Hershey KOA connects directly to the Swatara Rail Trail. "The Swatara creek runs right next to it so it is great for kayaking, tubing, etc. Campground is connected to the Swatara Rail trial which is great for biking," explains Bobby S., providing easy access to miles of converted railway path.

Private lake fishing: At Lake Heron Retreat, campers gain access to a 10-acre private lake with excellent fishing opportunities. "This lake was beautiful! A short walk from the campsite. We had the lake to ourself both evening and morning," reports Camille W., highlighting the peaceful setting away from crowds.

What campers like

Clean restroom facilities: Many campgrounds maintain high standards for bathhouses. At Elizabethtown-Hershey KOA, "Bathrooms are very clean and modern, but a decent walk from tent sites. The facilities are all lovely, staff in the camp store are kind and helpful," according to Melissa C.

Train-free locations: Some campers specifically seek out quieter locations without railway disruptions. Little Buffalo State Park Campground receives praise for its peaceful setting: "This is a small campground but worth going to. Very nice park and clean bath house," reports Dawn T., making it a good option for light sleepers.

Waterfront access: Riverfront options provide direct water recreation. At Ferryboat Campsites, "We enjoyed our stay here — but mostly because we liked being right on the water. If it weren't for that this would not be the campground for us. The weather was hot so lots of tubing and fishing and kayaking in the river," shares Melissa.

What you should know

Seasonal price variations: Campground rates fluctuate significantly throughout the year with peak pricing during summer months. Hersheypark Camping Resort charges premium rates during the main season. "Basic RV's park 95 night is way to much you pay for location," notes Bill O., indicating location-based premium pricing.

Site levelness challenges: Many campgrounds in the region feature hilly terrain resulting in uneven sites. At Thousand Trails Hershey, campers report: "Some of the sites are not very level, ours included (which they warned us about when they told us which one it was)." Bringing additional leveling blocks is recommended.

Tick and insect precautions: The wooded areas around Dauphin harbor ticks and other insects, particularly during warmer months. At Gifford Pinchot, one camper warns: "Then I left and woke up with a serious case of chigger bites. Not the best experience to say the least." Proper insect repellent and regular tick checks are essential.

Tips for camping with families

Off-season swimming alternatives: While most natural swimming areas close during cooler months, some facilities offer extended options. Little Buffalo State Park Campground features "a large area that is only 1 foot deep, great for little ones! There is also a splash pad! There are 2 slides for fun!" according to Amanda H.

First-time camping spots: For introducing children to camping, choose sites with beginner-friendly amenities. At Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground, one parent shares: "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."

Book early for holiday weekends: Family-friendly campgrounds fill quickly during school breaks and holidays. Elizabethtown-Hershey KOA requires advance planning: "Site was level, shaded and quite large. Almost every site in this section was similarly large and wooded, with an impressive amount of space between sites for a KOA."

Tips from RVers

Site selection strategies: Experienced RVers recommend requesting specific areas within campgrounds. At Hersheypark Camping Resort, "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," advises Marc P.

Leveling requirements: Many campgrounds feature sloped terrain requiring additional leveling equipment. Jonestown/Hershey KOA offers "nice level sites with great atmosphere," according to Bobby S., making it preferred for larger rigs with limited leveling capability.

Pull-through availability: For easier maneuvering, certain campgrounds offer specialized sites. "They had pull through sites which I was looking for. Sites were a bit close where we were but they had other sites that were more spread out," notes Ray L. about Hersheypark Camping Resort, ideal for those uncomfortable with backing into spaces.