Glamping opportunities abound within 30 miles of Elm, Pennsylvania, where the rolling hills of southeastern Pennsylvania meet the rich agricultural landscape. This region sits at elevations between 400-800 feet above sea level and experiences four distinct seasons, with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F. Most campgrounds in this area feature wooded settings with varying terrain, often requiring careful site selection for level ground.
What to do
Fishing and water recreation: The small fishing pond at Pinch Pond Family Campground & RV Park offers easy access for anglers. "From a foodie standpoint, take my word for it, there is VERY little around these parts and what you can find nearby are local joints, which we loved BTW, including: Mount Gretna Hideaway, Gus' Keystone Family Restaurant, Kountry Kitchen Family Restaurant," notes one visitor who enjoyed combining fishing with local dining.
Golf and activities: Many locations offer recreation beyond standard camping. At Starlite Camping Resort, "There are regular activities for all ages including bingo, crafts and live music. Add all of that to the best view we have seen and it's a win win," explains a regular camper. The resort sits on a hilltop providing panoramic views of the countryside.
Historic sites: The region's rich heritage includes Amish settlements and historic landmarks. "If you're an RVer or 5th Wheeler, 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 being furthest away from all of the action in the center of this campground resort," suggests a visitor to Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country, who used the location as a base for exploring local history.
What campers like
Variety of amenities: Campers appreciate full-service facilities. At Lake-In-Wood Campground, "This place has a big lawn in the middle which rolls down to the lake. The weekend we were there they had A chicken dinner. It was actually very good. We experienced the hayride around the campground," shares one visitor. This resort combines natural settings with organized activities.
Scenic locations: Many campgrounds in the area feature beautiful natural surroundings. "Site Details: I forget our site#, but we were in the wooded area farthest from the central 'hub'. 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," reports a camper at Elizabethtown-Hershey KOA.
Quiet camping options: Despite proximity to attractions, peaceful sites can be found. "All sites have a paved level area which made set up a breeze. Sites were not on top of each other. Bathrooms were very nice and clean with large showers. Nice area to wash dishes. Very nice playground area and clean," notes a visitor to French Creek State Park Campground, highlighting the value of thoughtfully designed sites.
What you should know
Site variations: Campgrounds often have dramatically different sites within the same facility. "We first had a 2 point site near the river, but when it rains the sites get flooded with runoff from the campground. We moved to a full hookup on the Delaware section. Open, accommodating for our rig," explains a camper at Thousand Trails Circle M.
Noise considerations: Several campgrounds have nearby noise sources. "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," reports a visitor to Old Mill Stream Campground.
Reservation timing: Popular glamping options near Elm, Pennsylvania require advance planning. "Nice campground with a creek that runs along the backside of the campground! Even though the amusement park wasn't open yet, kids still had a good time! The grounds are clean and there's also a small playground and basketball court!" notes a springtime visitor, highlighting seasonal considerations.
Tips for camping with families
Entertainment options: Look for campgrounds with multiple recreation facilities. "We tented in loop D…the only bad part was that it was kind of hard to find a level and rock-free spot large enough for our tent, but we managed! There is lots of hiking, the lake is beautiful, at least two playgrounds (perfect for our kids), the bathrooms were well maintained," shares a visitor at French Creek State Park.
Kid-friendly amenities: Some locations specifically cater to younger campers. "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! It was like camping and going to chuckie cheese at the same time," explains a parent at Pinch Pond Family Campground.
Proximity to attractions: Staying near regional destinations enhances family trips. At Hersheypark Camping Resort, "Very clean 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!" cautions a visitor, highlighting the importance of site selection even at premium locations.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategies: Experienced RVers recommend checking site details carefully. "It's a koa but it's great, no on was there when we went in October. We had the whole place to ourselves," shares an off-season visitor to Elizabethtown-Hershey KOA, highlighting the benefits of traveling during shoulder seasons.
Utility considerations: Water and power access varies significantly. "The one thing that comes to mind is gnomes! After our week here, we bought one from the gift store for future camping adventures. Great pools and classes (water aerobics was fun for everyone)," recalls a visitor to Lake-In-Wood, where full hookups complement extensive recreation options.
Navigational challenges: Some glamping sites near Elm, Pennsylvania present access difficulties. "The roads were very tight and you really had to watch how you drove through because of the trees. Our site was a drive-through but slanted. There wasn't much room on our site to do anything else," cautions an RVer at Lake-In-Wood, emphasizing the importance of careful driving in wooded settings.
