Lancaster County offers many RV sites near Denver, Pennsylvania, where summer temperatures average 75-85°F with moderate humidity. The relatively flat terrain is surrounded by rolling farmland and mixed hardwood forests. Most campgrounds in this area sit at elevations between 500-700 feet above sea level, creating level campsites with good drainage during typical spring rainfall patterns.
What to do
Fishing at ponds: Lake-in-Wood Campground maintains a sizeable fishing pond where visitors can catch and release. "Huge pond for fishing, miniature gold, nice indoor and outdoor pool and a kiddie pool. Goats to pet and watch," notes one visitor about the various activities available.
Visit Amish country: The Pennsylvania Dutch countryside surrounding Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country offers authentic cultural experiences. "I don't know if the Amish camp, but regardless, if you'd like to experience what it's like to go camping in Amish country then Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country RV Resort has you covered," shares one camper who enjoyed exploring the region.
Family arcades: Multiple campgrounds feature game rooms where kids can play. At Pinch Pond Family Campground, "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! It was like camping and going to chuckie cheese at the same time."
What campers like
Clean facilities: Bathhouses and common areas receive consistent maintenance at most campgrounds. At Robin Hill Campground, recent improvements have made a difference: "This campground had been let go with poor management for many years, HOWEVER the new management and staff have really turned it around!! The grounds are beautiful and free of trash, the cabins are beautiful and clean, bathrooms are amazing for a campground."
Swimming options: Circle M RV Resort offers both indoor and outdoor swimming facilities. "Fun activities for kids and adults. We spent a weekend here and instead of leaving on Sunday, we booked another day. Great swimming pool, immaculately clean bathrooms and showers," explains a satisfied camper.
Weekend entertainment: Many campgrounds schedule regular activities, especially during summer months. According to one visitor at Appalachian Camping Resort, "The campground had numerous activities set up all throughout the day and there was something for everyone... There was bingo, crafts, a vendor craft show, hot dog eating contest for adults and kids, candy scramble in the dark for adults and kids, a dj Saturday night and a live band Sunday night."
What you should know
Road noise: Several campgrounds near Denver are situated close to major highways. At Sun Valley Campground, "Weekend stay here and instead of leaving on Sunday, we booked another day. Great swimming pool, immaculately clean bathrooms and showers. Well wooded campground with friendly staff and guests."
Seasonal limitations: Most camping facilities in the area operate from April through October/November. One visitor noted at Thousand Trails Hershey: "The campground itself has tons of amenities from a pool, kids and adult lounges, basketball court, mini golf, ice cream in the store, a store and hiking trails," but most of these amenities are closed during the off-season.
Site leveling challenges: Some campgrounds feature uneven terrain requiring extra equipment. A camper at Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country observed, "Campground loses a star because the sites are pretty uneven. Not just the one we're on but others as well. The campground is pretty hilly and they don't seem to want to level out the sites. We had to go out and get more blocks and we're still not very level front to back."
Tips for camping with families
Animal attractions: Thousand Trails Gettysburg Farm offers unique farm animal experiences: "We came amidst COVID-19, so the many activities and events this location usually holds are down, BUT there is still fun to be had here! We've enjoyed mini-golf, feeding the animals, 'hiking' through the cornfield, fishing, and campfires."
Mini-golf options: Several campgrounds maintain courses with varying conditions. One reviewer said of Lake-in-Wood Campground, "This is a great park in Lancaster County! The one thing that comes to mind is gnomes! After our week here, we bought one from the gift store for future camping adventures. Great pools and classes (water aerobics was fun for everyone). The did have a mini golf course too."
Pool hours: Check operating times as they vary by season and campground. At Appalachian Camping Resort, "The pool was open until 10pm everyday. This campground has free mini golf. You can borrow golf clubs but you do have to buy balls."
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Choose carefully based on privacy needs and topography. At Spring Gulch Resort Campground, "Campsites can be on top of each other and can be very rocky or muddy. We actually broke quite a few tent stakes just trying to get our footprint down."
Budget planning: Additional fees beyond the base rate may apply. A visitor to Robin Hill Campground noted, "We have always loved this campground. But although it is very clean and nicely located, but the corporation that owns this campground is very greedy. In addition to the daily rate, which is quite high for what you're getting, everything is extra. There is an extra fee every day as a resort fee."
Arrival timing: Consider early check-in options when available. Regarding Appalachian Camping Resort, one camper mentioned, "Check in is as 3pm, we showed up at 2:45 after a 7 hr drive and they made us pay $15 extra. Sites were average. Caught some cat fish in the pond."
