Camping sites near Elizabethville, Pennsylvania occupy the Lykens Valley region of Dauphin County with elevations ranging from 400-800 feet. The area's humid continental climate creates distinct camping seasons with hot, humid summers and mild spring and fall periods. Local campgrounds sit within the ridge and valley section of the Appalachian Mountains, creating varied terrain for both tent and RV camping experiences.
What to do
Hiking near campgrounds: Camp Hebron in Halifax offers multiple hiking trails directly from the camping area. "It is hands down the best place we've camped... lots of hiking trails. The sites have lots of tree cover and they are private," notes Joel A. The trails connect through wooded areas offering moderate difficulty levels.
Disc golf courses: Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground features two complete 18-hole disc golf courses. "Both areas have their own 18 hole disc golf course, but I will say: BEWARE of poison ivy!! We played the first 10 holes around the Conewago day use area and I was shocked at how much poison ivy we had to dodge," warns one camper. The courses offer different difficulty levels with the Quaker Race course being hillier and more wooded.
Rail trail access: Jonestown/Hershey KOA provides direct access to the Swatara Rail Trail. "Campground is connected to the Swatara Rail trial which is great for biking. The Swatara creek runs right next to it so it is great for kayaking, tubing, etc," explains Bobby S. The trail offers flat, easy cycling suitable for all ages and skill levels.
What campers like
Spacious, private sites: Twin Grove RV Resort receives consistent praise for site layout. "The campsites are spacious. There are standard tent sites available and there are water/electric site available," notes Shirley M. Sites accommodate various camping setups without feeling cramped.
Family entertainment options: Many campgrounds offer recreational amenities beyond standard camping. "Nice campground with well taken care of sites. There is a pond to fish from, a dog park for your furry friend to play at and a few playgrounds for the kids," explains Tiffany S. about Twin Grove RV Resort. Some campgrounds feature unique attractions like Twin Grove's weekend carnival rides.
Waterfront options: Lake Heron Retreat centers around a 10-acre lake with swimming and fishing access. "This lake was beautiful! A short walk from the campsite. We had the lake to ourself both evening and morning," shares Camille W. The lake provides quiet recreation without motorized boats, creating a peaceful atmosphere.
What you should know
Train noise concerns: Multiple Hersheypark area campgrounds sit near active train tracks. "Nice campground 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!" advises a camper at Hersheypark Camping Resort.
Flooding risk: Riverfront Campground and other waterfront sites face periodic high water. "Great river front location! Could be a bit muddy depending on the river," notes Jim N. Sites along the Susquehanna River particularly face seasonal flooding risk after heavy rains.
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds require advance booking, especially for weekend stays from May through September. "We camped here over Columbus Day weekend. We wanted a quiet escape. We had one of the few full hook up sites," reports Shirley M. about Little Buffalo State Park Campground. Holiday weekends typically book 3-6 months in advance.
Tips for camping with families
Pool facilities: Little Buffalo State Park Campground offers an extensive swimming complex. "They offer 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!" reports Amanda H., though noting campers still pay for pool access despite staying at the park.
Playground access: Multiple area campgrounds feature playground equipment. "We took our 3 yo camping for the first time here. He had so much fun... Easy walk to the lake with a small beach," shares Julie Y. about Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground. Some sites position tenting areas specifically near play areas.
Distance considerations: Campsite location within parks affects activity access. "Only downfall is we have smaller children and we could not bike from the campground to the pool, it was too far and the hill to get back was too big for them to ride up," notes Paula R. about Little Buffalo State Park Campground. Consider internal transportation needs when booking sites.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds in the region have uneven terrain. "Stone surface. Not to bad for leveling. Our site was spacious," reports Stephen W. about Hersheypark Camping Resort. Bringing additional leveling blocks helps at most area campgrounds.
Size limitations: Riverfront Campground specifically notes limitations for larger rigs. Sites vary significantly between campgrounds, with some better suited for smaller units. "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," shares Mike J. about his experience at Hersheypark Camping Resort.
Full hookup availability: Campgrounds offer varying levels of services, even within the same facility. "We stopped here just for the night. Love the close proximity to the highway and gas. We didn't eat there but they had a restaurant!" shares Bob W. about Jonestown/Hershey KOA, highlighting its convenience for overnight travelers.
