Best Campgrounds near Elizabethtown, PA

Campgrounds near Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania include a variety of established facilities with amenities for different camping preferences. The Elizabethtown-Hershey KOA offers tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin accommodations within easy driving distance to Hershey attractions. Nearby Hershey Road Campground and Thousand Trails Hershey provide additional options for recreational vehicles and cabin rentals. River Rock Recreation offers a more primitive riverside camping experience along the Susquehanna River. Most developed campgrounds in the area feature electric hookups, water access, shower facilities, and organized recreation areas, while maintaining wooded settings that provide natural scenery.

Seasonal operation varies significantly among the region's camping areas, with most facilities open from April through October or early November. Campgrounds like Thousand Trails Hershey operate from mid-April to late October, while the Jonestown/Hershey KOA remains open year-round. Reservation requirements are standard across most established campgrounds, with many sites filling quickly during summer months and holiday weekends, particularly those near Hersheypark attractions. Sites with full hookups or premium amenities may require booking several weeks in advance during peak season. Most campgrounds maintain clean facilities with regular maintenance. A visitor noted, "Elizabethtown-Hershey KOA has large and easy to enter/exit sites with good WiFi and cable TV."

Campers frequently mention the convenience of area campgrounds for accessing regional attractions like Hersheypark, Amish Country, and outdoor recreation trails. The Conewago Recreation Trail receives positive mentions from visitors as a nearby multi-use path for walking and biking. River Rock Recreation stands out for offering a more secluded experience directly on the Susquehanna River, where one camper described it as "a single campsite that you rent, no other campers on site unless you are bringing them with you." Several reviews highlight the cleanliness of facilities, with bathhouses and amenities generally well-maintained across multiple properties. Families appreciate the organized activities at larger campgrounds, while those seeking quieter experiences can find more secluded options slightly farther from main attractions. Most campgrounds in the region accept pets, though specific breed restrictions may apply at certain facilities.

Best Camping Sites Near Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania (140)

    1. Hersheypark Camping Resort

    29 Reviews
    Hummelstown, PA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (833) 936-0949

    "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."

    2. Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground

    56 Reviews
    Wellsville, PA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 292-4112

    $20 - $89 / night

    "We have a small camper and there are some great sites on the lake side to park it where you can get AMAZING sunset views.  "

    "We had site 108 which is an electric site along the shore and close to the beach, and it was perfect for our needs. "

    3. Thousand Trails Hershey

    21 Reviews
    Mount Gretna, PA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    $50 - $60 / night

    "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."

    4. Elizabethtown-Hershey KOA

    15 Reviews
    Elizabethtown, PA
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 367-7718

    $45 - $279 / night

    "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."

    5. Pinch Pond Family Campground & RV Park

    14 Reviews
    Mount Gretna, PA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 665-7640

    "campground so inconveniently located (more on this later) right next to highway I76."

    "Please note there is a driving range so starting around 10am you will here guns go off. Also the highway is close by so you can hear it."

    6. Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country

    13 Reviews
    Mount Gretna, PA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "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."

    "Not much for amenities, but I loved the surrounding dutch/Amish towns! It was pretty cool to seemingly step back in time."

    7. River Rock Recreation

    5 Reviews
    Bainbridge, PA
    6 miles
    Website

    $75 - $90 / night

    "There is no on site running water or electric but they did leave us with a 5 gallon water jug and a 5 gallon shower bag to use in the outside shower."

    "https://www.riverrockadv.com/#/ I was fortunate enough to find this local gem while browsing“camping near me”. Not only that, my unlucky butt won a 2 night stay there!"

    8. Thousand Trails Circle M

    19 Reviews
    Millersville, PA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "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."

    9. Hershey Road Campground

    1 Review
    Elizabethtown, PA
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (844) 476-6737

    "Very close to Hersheypark. 

    Nicest miniature golf course I’ve ever seen at a RV park. Same can be said for the swimming pool, absolutely beautiful. Great little dog park as well. "

    10. Old Mill Stream Campground

    17 Reviews
    Lampeter, PA
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 299-2314

    "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!"

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Recent Reviews near Elizabethtown, PA

998 Reviews of 140 Elizabethtown Campgrounds


  • M
    Oct. 6, 2025

    French Creek State Park Campground

    Hard with a large group

    Harder to do with a large group due to the early quiet hours, but park is very nice and well kept

  • tThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 5, 2025

    Stoevers Dam Park

    Park is closed. We were kicked out.

    LThe park is a beautiful city park. There are 7 small, level, back-in sites with electric, a picnic table and fire pit. We arrived in a Sunday and you have to call for a permit, but the office is only open on M-F during working hours. At 8 pm, a police officer told us the park was closed because of a bear, but that they had not gotten around to putting up signs. Wound up in a Walmart instead.

  • Aly E.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 2, 2025

    French Creek State Park Campground

    Dog owners read!

    There’s four loops. All connected A through D. We just needed a place to park and sleep so I got D011. Got there at 11pm and the D loop says no pets allowed. Not sure why when they are at every other loop but we had no where else to go and the area is pretty far off from anywhere else so the ol lab stayed in the camper. The bathrooms are tile and really nice with showers. And it was really quiet and chilly so a nice fall camp site. Just know ahead of time if you’re a dog owner!

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 26, 2025

    Old Mill Stream Campground

    Great place to stay!

    This Campground is in the town of Lancaster, close to everything. A little complicated getting in, you need to turn in at the Cartoon Network Hotel driveway. Nice showers & friendly staff. Our site was asphalt, that was a treat, tho not all of them were...

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 13, 2025

    Brandywine Creek Campground

    Brandywine

    We are on the third week of a four week trip. Campground is well maintained, quiet. This was our home while exploring Philadelphia. Uber to Downgrown, Septa or Amtrak to town. Reverse to camp. Very enjoyable. Hickory nut tree beside camper shared at times.

  • Marcandpatti B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 11, 2025

    Gettysburg Campground

    Good spot for Gettysburg, a bit spendy.

    We stayed here mid-week in September so it was very quiet. There was a bit of road noise as our site was close to the entrance. Host was super friendly. They have a bunch of things going on with groups that stay here; next group is quilters with vintage trailers, sorry to miss that. All of the utilities worked just fine. Sites re a bit close to each other, not a lot of foliage between sites.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 9, 2025

    Artillery Ridge Campground

    Great location and friendly staff

    We have a motorhome with no additional vehicle and two dogs, and this site couldn’t have been more perfect for us. A dog park, walking distance to most everything we wanted to see. The national park is mostly dog friendly. My husband caught a fish first day in the pond behind our site. The staff was super friendly and welcoming.

  • p
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Artillery Ridge Campground

    Rv stay

    Site and bathrooms clean. Activities provided free each day. Food trucks in park. Close to museum and battleground sites.


Guide to Elizabethtown

Camping near Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor lovers. From scenic parks to family-friendly campgrounds, there’s something for everyone looking to escape into nature.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Biking: Many campgrounds, like French Creek State Park Campground, provide excellent trails. One visitor mentioned, "Hiking and biking this park is fun," highlighting the outdoor activities available.
  • Fishing: Campgrounds near lakes, such as Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground, are great for fishing. A reviewer noted, "The lake is very nice and it's a very family park!"
  • Exploring Historic Sites: The area is rich in history. Campers at Gettysburg / Battlefield KOA can easily visit the Gettysburg battlefields, with one guest saying, "Just 15-minutes to historic sites, restaurants, and breweries."

What campers like:

  • Spacious Sites: Campers appreciate the roomy sites at places like Codorus State Park Campground. One visitor said, "Spacious, beautiful, clean, quiet, easy, and lots to do and see."
  • Clean Facilities: Many campgrounds, including Elk Neck State Park Campground, are praised for their cleanliness. A reviewer remarked, "The bathrooms are immaculate."
  • Pet-Friendly Options: Campgrounds like French Creek State Park Campground allow pets, making it easier for families to bring their furry friends along. One camper noted, "Very spacious sites. The paved parking spot was tight but a short walk down to the spacious fire pit picnic table area."

What you should know:

  • Alcohol Policies: Some campgrounds, like Owens Creek Campground, do not allow alcohol. A visitor mentioned, "A great place to boondock. Quiet and clean."
  • Site Conditions: Campers at Locust Lake State Park Campground noted that some sites can be unlevel. One review stated, "206 Campsite unleveled, but plenty of room."
  • Limited Amenities: Campgrounds like Pine Grove Furnace State Park Campground have fewer amenities. A camper shared, "The store is really just a small carry out with a few things, so bring everything you are planning to have in with you."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Kid-Friendly Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and pools, like Hersheypark Camping Resort. One parent said, "Our kids were able to walk to the playground and play every day before our outings."
  • Plan for Noise: Some campgrounds can be busy, so be prepared for noise. A visitor at Hersheypark Camping Resort mentioned, "The ONLY good thing this RV park has going is the Hershey park bus that runs all day back and forth."
  • Bring Outdoor Games: Campgrounds often have open spaces for games. A reviewer at Gettysburg / Battlefield KOA noted, "They have big chest board like in Harry Potter and a fun hiking trail."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground mentioned, "Our site was long and narrow but backed up to a field."
  • Leveling Equipment: Bring blocks or ramps for leveling your RV. A visitor at Codorus State Park Campground said, "Some weren’t level front to back so adjustments needed to be made to level camper."
  • Plan for Limited Connectivity: Many campgrounds have poor cell service. A camper at Pine Grove Furnace State Park Campground noted, "If you are planning to use your cellphone at this one, probably not going to happen."

Camping near Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania, offers a mix of fun, relaxation, and adventure. Whether you're with family or exploring solo, there's a perfect spot waiting for you!

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping amenities are available at Elizabethtown KOA?

Elizabethtown-Hershey KOA offers full hookup sites with water, electric, and sewer connections. The campground features clean restroom facilities, hot showers, and is big-rig friendly with pull-through sites. Recreational amenities typically include a swimming pool (seasonal), playground, and planned activities for families. The campground provides WiFi, a camp store for essentials, and is pet-friendly. Similar to other regional KOAs like Philadelphia-West Chester KOA, they likely offer cabin rentals in addition to traditional camping sites.

Can I rent an RV in Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania for camping?

Yes, RV rentals are available near Elizabethtown. While there aren't dedicated rental facilities in Elizabethtown proper, nearby options exist in the Harrisburg-Lancaster region. Once you've secured a rental, consider camping at Hersheypark Camping Resort, which offers full hookup sites perfect for RVs with quiet areas along the river. Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country is another excellent option with RV-friendly amenities in the heart of Amish country. For rentals, check regional RV dealerships or online peer-to-peer rental platforms.

Where are the best campgrounds in Elizabethtown, PA?

Elizabethtown offers excellent camping options with Pinch Pond Family Campground & RV Park being a convenient roadside option for travelers visiting nearby Harrisburg or Hershey. For a more picturesque experience, Pequea Creek Campground offers large, tree-filled sites in a quiet setting close enough to Lancaster for shopping excursions. The area provides easy access to covered bridges, riverside recreation, and Amish country attractions, making it an ideal base for exploring the region.