Elizabethtown sits in central Pennsylvania's rolling hills at approximately 430 feet above sea level, surrounded by the fertile Susquehanna River basin. The region experiences distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging 80-85°F, making May through October the primary camping season. The area features a mix of deciduous forest and farmland, creating diverse camping environments from riverside spots to wooded retreats.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: 15 miles of shoreline at Codorus State Park offers multiple species including bass and bluegill. "We caught a handful of bass and an absurd amount of bluegill from shore," notes a visitor to Gifford Pinchot State Park.
River activities: Explore the Susquehanna by boat from access points near several campgrounds. A camper at River Rock Recreation shares, "We spent our time fishing the river banks right outside our tents and kayaking on the Susquehanna to fish the warm waters. We caught a ton of catfish and carp using live bait."
Hiking trails: Access the Northwest Lancaster Trail directly from some camping areas. "They leave you with a scavenger hunt and a map of the nearby trail system which was very helpful," reports a River Rock Recreation guest.
Shooting sports: Local ranges within driving distance of some campgrounds. One reviewer of Pinch Pond Family Campground warns, "There is a shooting range right next door. It is pretty consistent from lunch to dinner."
What campers like
Privacy levels: Sites vary from secluded to social across the region's campgrounds. A visitor to Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country notes, "Too often private campgrounds attempt to squeeze as many sites as possible and end up with campers on top of their neighbors, but at Starlight, the sites felt very secluded."
Clean facilities: Multiple campgrounds maintain spotless bathhouses. "Super clean camp bathrooms and showers," reports a camper at Old Mill Stream Campground. Another adds, "The bath house was just remodeled so it's excellent!"
Kid-friendly amenities: Playgrounds and pools are standard at many locations. A visitor to Pinch Pond Family Campground & RV Park shares, "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."
Waterfront sites: Premium locations along rivers and lakes provide direct water access. "We were down by the river and had a lot of room on our site," comments a Thousand Trails Circle M camper.
What you should know
Train noise: Railroad tracks near some campgrounds can disturb light sleepers. A visitor to Hersheypark Camping Resort warns, "Trains are all night" and another adds, "Nice camp ground but super 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!"
Site leveling challenges: Some campgrounds have uneven terrain. "Unlevel is an understatement we were in E row and every camper there had front end 4 foot off the ground," reports a PA Dutch Country RV Resort camper.
Agricultural odors: Farm proximity can impact air quality seasonally. A reviewer of Old Mill Stream Campground shares, "The overwhelming impression of this campground was the smell of cow manure from the nearby dairy farm feedlot. The smell was not present the first day or so we were there and we enjoyed sitting outside in the afternoon, but when the wind shifted the horrid smell drove us inside."
Seasonal variations: Different experiences depending on when you visit. "We camped at Codorus State Park for the first time a few years ago while out east. We really love this Campground! There is a wide variety of sites so finding one that you like should not be difficult."
Tips for camping with families
Accessibility for first-timers: Choose campgrounds with rentals for those without equipment. A camper at Thousand Trails Circle M explains, "We decided to camp in the fall and did a cabin since it was colder and we had the baby. We loved it! There is a par 3 golf course, indoor pool, mini golf, basketball, and that is in the fall."
Beach access: Some parks offer water play areas better suited for children. "A great place to get away to nature but also be close enough to stores and things," says a Gifford Pinchot State Park visitor, adding, "There was a beach location on the state park side vs campground side of the lake."
Theme park proximity: Coordinate camping with attractions for extended vacations. An Old Mill Stream Campground reviewer notes, "Right next to Dutch Wonderland, but still super quiet."
Activity scheduling: Plan for organized events at family-oriented campgrounds. "They had Halloween ever at every weekend of October and we spent Halloween weekend here. The kids loved it!!" shares a Thousand Trails Circle M visitor.
Tips from RVers
Hook-up variations: Electric options vary by campground. "Water pressure and electric were both great throughout the stay," notes a Starlite Camping Resort guest.
Big rig accessibility: Some sites accommodate larger vehicles better than others. A Hersheypark Camping Resort visitor comments, "It is a nice camp ground but the lower drive threw spots are packed together. Our 32' with slides just fit the sight and we had zero room for the truck. They have other spots up on the hill but would have been more of a challenge with our rig."
Site selection strategy: Research campground layouts before booking. "Depending on your rig size you're only available certain sites. They won't give you a 50 amp site unless your 50 amp or 40', they save them for larger campers," explains a PA Dutch Country RV Resort camper.
Dump station access: Confirm availability when booking glamping close to Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania. "We had site 114. It has water access and is right next to a small man made beach and playground. Bathrooms were in good shape. Sites were of ample size and well spaced," shares a Gifford Pinchot State Park visitor.
