Stephen W.
Guide
GuideMill Bridge Village & Camp Resort
Great olacevto camp in Lancaster County
We camp here several times thru out the year. Always an enjoyable stay. Staff is very friendly and accommodating.
Best Campgrounds near Elm, Pennsylvania
Campgrounds near Elm, Pennsylvania range from highly developed facilities to more rustic settings that accommodate various camping styles. The area features destinations like Thousand Trails Hershey and Pinch Pond Family Campground, which offer full hookup RV sites, tent camping areas, and cabin rentals. French Creek State Park Campground, located in Elverson, provides a more natural setting with 200 individual sites across four camping loops, including options for primitive tent camping, electric hookups, and full-service RV sites, as well as cottages, cabins and yurts for those seeking more comfort.
Road conditions and campsite accessibility vary significantly throughout the region, with most developed campgrounds maintaining paved roads for easy RV access while state park roads may require more careful navigation. "Beautiful picturesque campground with large spots and a lot of trees. Very quiet and close enough to Lancaster for shopping," noted one visitor about a campground in the area. Weather considerations play an important role in planning, as most campgrounds operate seasonally from April through October or November, with only a few locations like Old Mill Stream Campground remaining open year-round. Advance reservations are strongly recommended, particularly for weekend stays during summer months when Hershey Park visitors fill nearby campgrounds to capacity.
Camping near Elm benefits from proximity to both natural attractions and cultural destinations. Several campgrounds provide shuttle service to Hershey Park, making them popular family destinations. State parks in the region offer extensive recreational opportunities including fishing in stocked lakes, hiking on well-maintained trails, and beach access. Campers frequently mention the Pennsylvania Dutch countryside as a highlight, with its rolling hills, covered wooden bridges, and proximity to Amish communities. Sites situated along waterways like the Susquehanna River or Pequea Creek tend to receive higher ratings, with one camper noting, "We enjoyed river tubing which is close by to this campground." Privacy between sites varies considerably, with some campgrounds near Elm offering spacious wooded sites while others place units in close proximity, particularly in the more commercial establishments near tourist attractions.
Best Camping Sites Near Elm, Pennsylvania (143)
1. Pinch Pond Family Campground & RV Park
15 ReviewsMount Gretna, PA6 milesWebsite+1 (717) 665-7640"Set just off I-76 in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch country, Pinch Pond Family Campground& RV Park is a large, all-in-one, family-focused campground with a layout that feels more like a small neighborhood"
"campground so inconveniently located (more on this later) right next to highway I76."
2. Thousand Trails Hershey
21 ReviewsMount Gretna, PA10 milesWebsite+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."
3. Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country
14 ReviewsMount Gretna, PA6 milesWebsite+1 (888) 707-1477"Tucked into the rolling, wooded hills of Pennsylvania Dutch Country, Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country RV Resort offers a unique blend of peaceful countryside and activity-packed camping, all just a stone"
"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."
4. Thousand Trails Circle M
19 ReviewsMillersville, PA14 milesWebsite+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."
5. Old Mill Stream Campground
17 ReviewsLampeter, PA14 milesWebsite+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!"
6. Hersheypark Camping Resort
30 ReviewsHummelstown, PA19 milesWebsite+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."
7. Starlite Camping Resort
6 ReviewsHopeland, PA7 milesWebsite+1 (717) 733-9655"Starlight is a nice campground to relax or explore central Pennsylvania."
"The campground is in a great location with easy access to Lancaster, Hershey and many other places to explore."
8. Hickory Run Family Camping Resort
9 ReviewsReinholds, PA11 milesWebsite+1 (717) 336-5564"All of the sites are full electric and more than a few have very little space for a family size tent to be safely away from the fire ring. Ours had adequate distance but we got lucky tbh."
"Streams are close by, hiking trails are numerous and Hawk Falls was a high point of the park. Peaceful, crisp air and beautiful Surroundings."
9. French Creek State Park Campground
82 ReviewsGeigertown, PA30 milesWebsite+1 (610) 582-9680$24 - $122 / night
"We were looking for someplace close to the city but away from the hustle and bustle of our city life, this was the perfect little steal-away; relatively close by, great car camping spots, nice easy hikes"
"Campground Review: French Creek State Park Campground is located in Elverson, Pennsylvania and sits adjacent to Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site."
10. Elizabethtown-Hershey KOA
15 ReviewsElizabethtown, PA17 milesWebsite+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."
Recent Camping Photos near Elm, PA
357 Photos of 143 Elm Campgrounds
Grace H.
Pinch Pond Family Campground & RV Park
Chris G.
Starlite Camping Resort
Jen R.
Cocalico Creek Campground
Scott T.
Thousand Trails Hershey
Ashley J.
Hickory Run Family Camping Resort
Mike V.
Stoevers Dam Park
Sharon M.
Dutch Cousin Campground
Karla R.
Thousand Trails Circle M
Meagan J.
Mill Creek Camping Area
Heidi R.
Hershey Road Campground
Joshua W.
Old Mill Stream Campground
Recent Reviews near Elm, PA
935 Reviews of 143 Elm Campgrounds
Nicole S.
LegendLake-In-Wood Campground
Sun Retreats Lancaster County - Easter Weekend
Like always we like to begin our camping season with a Easter Weekend Trip, my husband's family is partial to the Lancaster Area, so we headed there to Sun Retreats Lancaster. As we drove up I loved the look and location of the campground. You could see there was a indoor pool setup, arcade, playground, store, ice cream, mini-golf and a huge lake and that was everything we saw from the truck. We pulled up to a gate and a guy came out of the shed next to it to check us in.
The campground looked well maintained, the sports were on both sides of the lake and they offered many different options like woods or open, pull through or back up. We choose a really wooded site. It was tight getting in but I can't complain I don't drive the truck. It seemed like there was a fair amount of seasonal sites but they didn't overwhelm the place. I could see also a lot of cabins there were some shaped like teepees, a frontier cabin, and a caboose. They had a fair amount of open grass to play and enjoy. You can bring your own golfcart or they have on site rentals also.
They had an activity list that would help keep everyone busy, they had a mini golf course that was in great shape, an arcade which was definitely lacking in the game department, I think there was 4 pinball machines, 2 Skee ball, 3 racing games, and the play to you win machine. The playground x2 were both in great condition with a lot to keep kids playing on. I can only comment on the indoor pool which at the time was said to be under construction however still open, the water was on the colder side and the hot tube the same temp as the pool, the ceiling had been ripped off so the iron rusting beams were exposed and rust falling down. The kids still went in the pool unfortunately the air from the open window made them too cold so we didn't stay long. I am hoping it will be finished because the concept of the indoor-outdoor pool area looks so fun.
The staff was extremely helpful and super friendly. The store was fully stocked with everything you could want. The bathrooms were all kept so clean and in working order with hot water. We enjoyed the area we ventured out to see the Choo Choo barn, the green dragon flea market, and kitchen kettle village which are a must if your in the area. We also choose to hike the Welsh Preserve and Money Rock. The lake had a path you could walk completely around and you could choose to fish if that's your thing.
I would definitely return to this campground again, we had 8 sites in total and we all really thought it was a wonderful place and really enjoyed our holiday weekend there. It was very busy but the staff was present but not overbearing. People were very respectful and friendly.
Stuart K.LegendThousand Trails PA Dutch Country
Amish Country Charm with a Resort Twist
Tucked into the rolling, wooded hills of Pennsylvania Dutch Country, Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country RV Resort offers a unique blend of peaceful countryside and activity-packed camping, all just a stone’s throw from the PA Turnpike.
While my review from a few years ago provides a ton of detail, I thought I would follow up that review with a topline of HIGHLIGHTS and LOWLIGHTS along with a smattering of new photos.
HIGHLIGHTS:(1) Expansive campground with 250+ sites offering full hookups, giving plenty of options for both short stays and longer visits;(2) Resort-style amenities including pool, mini golf, clubhouse, playgrounds, and organized activities that keep families engaged throughout the day;(3) Beautiful wooded setting with dense tree coverage that creates a surprisingly secluded feel despite proximity to major highways;(4) Ideal location for exploring Pennsylvania Dutch Country, with scenic farmland, covered bridges, and charming nearby towns just minutes away; and(5) Strong sense of community with events like bingo, crafts, and family activities that give it that classic ‘summer camp” vibe.
LOWLIGHTS:(1) Sloped terrain throughout much of the campground can make leveling a bit tricky depending on your site;(2) Close proximity to the PA Turnpike may be a concern for some, even though tree coverage helps reduce both noise and visibility;(3) Wi-Fi is not complimentary and can be an added cost, which feels a bit dated for a“resort” experience;(4) Membership requirement through Thousand Trails can be a barrier for first-time or casual campers; and(5) Limited tent site availability compared to the large number of RV sites, making it less flexible for non-RV travelers
Happy Camping!
- Stuart K.Legend
Pinch Pond Family Campground & RV Park
Amenity-Packed Campground in PA Dutch Country
Set just off I-76 in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch country, Pinch Pond Family Campground& RV Park is a large, all-in-one, family-focused campground with a layout that feels more like a small neighborhood than a traditional woods-only campsite. While its proximity to the highway makes access easy, the property itself is gated, organized into distinct camping zones and packed with amenities that clearly cater to longer stays and families looking for built-in entertainment.
HIGHLIGHTS:(1) Full-service resort-style amenities including pool, playground, arcade, laundry, propane refills, dump stations, sports field, picnic tables and in-ground fire rings throughout the property;(2) Wide variety of lodging options including RV sites with 30/50 amp hookups, water, sewer and cable, primitive tent sites, and multiple on-site cottages for non-campers;(3) Gated entrance and very welcoming, helpful staff at check-in with a well-stocked camp store offering snacks, ice cream, sundries and souvenirs;(4) Strong family appeal with fishing pond, barn, open play areas and space for kids to roam safely; and(5) Excellent location for regional attractions including Hershey Park, Chocolate World, Amish countryside tours and the nearby wolf sanctuary with guided educational tours.
LOWLIGHTS:(1) Immediate proximity to I-76 means persistent highway noise day and night with no real sound buffer;(2) Access is oddly indirect despite being next to the turnpike, requiring a several-mile loop through countryside roads to reach the entrance;(3) Overall layout is wide open with limited natural privacy between many RV sites;(4) Nearby shooting range produces frequent target practice noise, especially noticeable during early morning hours; and(5) Pricing for primitive tent sites feels disproportionately high compared to full-hookup RV rates.
Happy Camping!
- RRandy L.
ScoutFrench Creek State Park Campground
French Creek State Park
This is our 3rd time at this park, it is one of our favorites. Well maintained, very quiet. We stay in Loop A (full hookup) pet friendly. Sites are spacious, generally large but they are all back-in sites.
- EEileen D.Guide
Echo Valley Campground
Nice park
Owners are very friendly and helpful. Sites are large and roomy.
Jenni D.ScoutHidden Acres Camping Grounds
Hidden gem
Small family owed for 50 plus years. They care about their guests and treat everyone like they are part of the family. The only thing about this campground is that it doesn't allow tents. Only RVs and pull behind.
Etzer D.GuideGifford Pinchot State Park Campground
Excellent
We had a beautiful spot at a stones throw from the beach area. The water was great and clean and a good temperature at this time of year. Our camping site was huge. We had some people come over and hang out with us and they did not feel cramped. The kids had a fantastic time and definitely wanna come back.
- Stephen W.Guide
Dutch Cousin Campground
Nice quiet fall get-a-way place
Lots of seasonal parked campers and only a few campers here. Nice peaceful quiet stay. Our site was very spacious. Level side to side. Gravel site with plenty of room for our truck n trailer.
Guide to Elm
Camping spots near Elm, Pennsylvania range from rustic forest settings to modern campgrounds with full amenities. Most local campgrounds sit between 400-800 feet in elevation within Pennsylvania's humid continental climate zone, creating distinct camping seasons from April through October. Winter camping options are limited, with nighttime temperatures regularly dropping below freezing from November through March.
What to do
Water activities at Pinch Pond: Access the small fishing pond at the rear of the property for catch-and-release fishing. "My kids went fishing and every cast they caught a fish, some were small... but hey the kids had fun," notes one visitor at Hickory Run Family Camping Resort.
Frisbee golf in wooded courses: Play the disc golf course at French Creek State Park where the trees add difficulty to the course. The park offers "a frisbee golf course in the woods to make it even more interesting and competitive. The trees definitely make it harder!"
Horseback riding trails: Bring your own horse to French Creek State Park Campground for trail riding. The park offers designated equestrian paths, though no rentals are available.
Tubing on the river: Float down the small river that runs along the front of Old Mill Stream Campground. "There is a small, slow flowing river that runs along the front of the park which some people play in and float down in inner tubes."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many campers appreciate the natural buffers at Starlite Camping Resort. "Overall the sites were large, with trees between, providing additional privacy. Except for the Plateau sites, which have the amazing view, the rest of the campground had a great tree cover!"
Family activities calendar: Weekend events keep families engaged at Thousand Trails Circle M. "We happened to be there on the weekend a magician came, my kids loved it. They have an indoor and outdoor pool. Nice playground. We were down by the river and had a lot of room on our site."
Clean shower facilities: Campers consistently mention the well-maintained bathhouses. "Amazing....staff is friendly...BATHROOMS CLEAN!!!!! Is there really anything else? Lol!" says a visitor at Hershey RV and Camping Resort.
River recreation access: The Susquehanna River provides recreation opportunities. "The campground sits in the center of a horseshoe curve of the river, bring tubes and kayaks! We didn't know but went and bought a tube and spent the day on the river!"
What you should know
Shooting ranges nearby: Noise from neighboring shooting ranges affects some campgrounds. "The only thing that is negative is that there is a shooting range right next door. It is pretty consistent from lunch to dinner. If your out and about, it won't be an issue."
Railroad proximity: Train tracks run near some campgrounds, particularly Hersheypark Camping Resort. "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 elevation challenges: Many campgrounds in the area feature significant hills. A camper at Starlite Camping Resort notes, "Yes, it is quite hilly throughout the campground, but the individual sites are very level to park the camper with almost no blocks needed."
Agricultural odors: Nearby farms can affect the camping experience. "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."
Tips for camping with families
Theme park package deals: Purchase park tickets at your campground for savings. At Old Mill Stream Campground, "The campground is in a good location to Lancaster and other quaint Amish towns like Bird-In-Hand, Paradise, and Intercourse."
Child-friendly campsite locations: Request sites away from water and road hazards. "The campground has a bit over 100 spots. They are just oké," notes one camper with children.
Game room facilities: Several campgrounds offer indoor entertainment. "They have Hershey's ice cream in the office and my kids enjoyed getting a treat. 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!"
Weekend versus weekday crowds: Book mid-week for less crowded facilities. "It gets very full on the weekends here," warns a camper at Thousand Trails Circle M, while another notes, "the campground was pretty open because it was a weekday."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling requirements: RVers should come prepared with leveling blocks. A visitor to Elizabethtown-Hershey KOA reported, "Our site was level, shaded and quite large. Almost every site in this section was similarly large and wooded, with an impressive amount of space between sites for a KOA."
Extra vehicle storage: Check for overflow parking options. "They have an overflow area for those with extra cars and those with tow dollies. This keeps the campground from looking like a junk yard."
Power requirements for hills: Engine power matters when accessing certain campgrounds. "If you're hauling a big camper you'll need power for the hills."
Site selection timing: For some campgrounds, early arrival ensures better site options. "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."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Elm, PA?
What camping is available near Elm, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Elm, PA offers a wide range of camping options, with 143 campgrounds and RV parks near Elm, PA and 1 free dispersed camping spot.
Which is the most popular campground near Elm, PA?
Which is the most popular campground near Elm, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Elm, PA is Pinch Pond Family Campground & RV Park with a 4.5-star rating from 15 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Elm, PA?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Elm, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Elm, PA.
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