Near Duncannon, Pennsylvania, campers can find several RV campgrounds nestled in the rolling hills of central Pennsylvania where elevations range from 400 to 1,100 feet. Fall temperatures typically drop to 40-50°F at night, requiring proper insulation for comfortable camping. The area's campgrounds offer varying levels of amenities while serving as convenient bases for exploring nearby Harrisburg, Gettysburg, and Hershey attractions.
What to do
Explore Amish country: From Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country, you can experience authentic Pennsylvania Dutch culture. "Not much for amenities, but I loved the surrounding dutch/Amish towns! It was pretty cool to seemingly step back in time," notes Jill R. The campground puts you within 30 minutes of traditional Amish markets and craft shops.
Visit historic Gettysburg: Located about 45 minutes from Duncannon, Drummer Boy Camping Resort provides easy access to battlefield tours. "It's literally like a mile from downtown Gettysburg, which also has a lot of different things to do," reports David G. The campground offers a convenient base for exploring Civil War sites.
Fishing opportunities: Many campgrounds feature on-site fishing ponds or river access. "Great place to go fishing!" says Anna H. about Thousand Trails Gettysburg Farm. At River's Edge RV Park, campers appreciate direct river access where "the campground offers direct access to the river for afternoon floats on tubes or kayaks and they're building a large dock for fishing."
What campers like
Family-friendly activities: Thousand Trails Hershey provides scheduled events for various age groups. "They have scheduled activities for kids and adults. The majority of seasonal sites were clean and well maintained," shares Becca U. Many campgrounds also feature mini-golf, playgrounds, and game rooms.
Swimming pools: Most RV parks near Duncannon feature swimming facilities. "The pool with the slide was very clean," notes Sabrina H. about Drummer Boy Camping Resort. Thousand Trails Circle M offers both indoor and outdoor swimming options, with one camper mentioning, "Nice indoor and outdoor pools!"
Farm animal interactions: Thousand Trails Gettysburg Farm provides a unique agricultural experience. "Got a kick out of the children playing with the kids (baby goats) pigs, goats, chickens, horses and even lamas. Plenty to see and learn," says Robert M. Families can typically interact with animals during scheduled feeding times.
What you should know
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds have uneven terrain requiring leveling equipment. "The site on either side was the same rusty. Unlevel is an understatement we were in E row and every camper there had front end 4 foot off the ground," reports Justin B. about PA Dutch Country RV Resort. Bringing extra leveling blocks is essential.
Noise considerations: Some parks are located near highways or other noise sources. At Pinch Pond Family Campground, "there's a shooting range near the property, so at all hours you will hear target practice going on, especially in the wee early hours," warns Stuart K. Highway noise affects several campgrounds.
Seasonal operations: Most RV campgrounds near Duncannon operate from April through October. Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country typically opens "April 14 to October 29," while some like Western Village RV Park remain "All year" according to their listings. Check opening dates when planning trips outside summer months.
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: Schedule around campground events for maximum enjoyment. "They had Halloween every weekend of October and we spent Halloween weekend here. The kids loved it!!" shares Kasey M. about Thousand Trails Circle M. Many campgrounds offer themed weekends during peak season.
Playground options: Check for play areas before booking. "In a campground that size I would expect at least 2 playgrounds," notes Chelsea about Drummer Boy Camping Resort, highlighting that playground availability varies widely between locations. Some have multiple play areas while others have limited options.
Mini-golf access: Several campgrounds offer this family favorite activity. "Putt putt is still open and fun, so is playground. Arcade was open," reports Kasey M. about Circle M. While some parks include mini-golf in your stay, others charge small additional fees.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: For privacy, choose sites away from common areas. At PA Dutch Country, "the best sites IMHO are those that back up to the periphery and are northernmost up the slight embankment as you'll have greater privacy and less noise," advises Stuart K. Requesting specific site areas when booking can significantly improve your stay.
Utility placement awareness: Check hookup locations before setting up. "The sewer hookup was inconveniently placed about six inches above the ground which meant that it would not drain properly," warns Nancy W. about Drummer Boy Camping Resort. Some sites require extension hoses or creative positioning to make connections work.
Water pressure concerns: Bring a pressure regulator for variable water systems. "Water pressure is pretty low and the sewer pipe is a little high but all around a really solid experience," notes Nick E. about PA Dutch Country. Several rv campgrounds in Duncannon, Pennsylvania have reported water pressure fluctuations that can affect comfort.
