Pet friendly camping near Elm, Pennsylvania offers diverse options within Lancaster County's rolling farmland terrain. At elevations between 400-800 feet, the area maintains moderate temperatures that range from 30°F in winter to 85°F in summer, making extended camping seasons possible. Most campgrounds in this region feature wooded surroundings with varying levels of site privacy on terrain that can be uneven.
What to do
Swimming and splash areas: The Hersheypark Camping Resort provides pool access during summer months. "The pool was nice, but being that it was the end of June, the water was freezing! I couldn't get in!" notes Cat R. Some sites even feature access to the lazy river area away from train noise.
Amish culture exploration: Visit the town areas near Old Mill Stream Campground to experience authentic Amish culture. "In the area you have Lancaster, Amish area and an amusement park," explains Werner S. The campground's location makes it convenient for experiencing local traditions, including visits from Amish vendors. "An Amish buggy comes through with some great baked goods," shares William W.
Fishing opportunities: Several area campgrounds offer fishing access on their properties. French Creek State Park features two lakes for anglers. "There are several warm water fish in the lakes including northern pike, chain pickerel, bass, walleye, muskellunge and several types of panfish," explains one camper. Ice fishing is also permitted during winter months when conditions allow.
What campers like
Natural site separation: Many campers appreciate the wooded settings at French Creek State Park Campground that provide privacy between sites. "As long as you don't stay right across from the bath houses you will find ample shade at your site. There are so many trees and brush in between most sites you can't even really see your neighbors," reports Jen R.
Clean facilities: Campers consistently note the cleanliness of facilities at Elizabethtown-Hershey KOA. "Spotless bathrooms. Nice pool and playgrounds. Not a lot of traffic. Quiet. Friendly," shares Regina C. Multiple reviewers mention the well-maintained bathrooms and shower facilities as standout features compared to other campgrounds in the region.
Family-friendly activities: Most campgrounds offer recreational options beyond hiking. "They have an indoor and outdoor pool. Nice playground. We were down by the river and had a lot of room on our site," notes Leanne B. about Thousand Trails Circle M. Organized activities are common, especially during peak season and holidays. "We happened to be there on the weekend a magician came, my kids loved it," Leanne adds.
What you should know
Train noise concerns: Several campgrounds near Elm are situated close to active train lines. At Hersheypark Camping Resort, "Trains are all night," warns Bill O., recommending sites farther from tracks. "The sites closer to the entrance of the park near all the amenities were definitely packed in tightly," notes Jen V. about a different campground.
Site levelness varies: The terrain throughout the area presents challenges for larger rigs. "The sites are gravel and most are not level. They are not well maintained," reports one camper about a nearby resort. At Starlite Camping Resort, "Yes, it is quite hilly throughout the campground, but the individual sites are very level to park the camper with almost no blocks needed," shares Craig F.
Environmental factors: Some campgrounds have natural elements to consider. "The overwhelming impression of this campground was the smell of cow manure from the nearby dairy farm feedlot," notes Nancy W. about one location. At other properties, shooting ranges create daytime noise that may disturb some campers. Environmental awareness is important when selecting sites.
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and recreation: Pinch Pond Family Campground offers numerous family-focused amenities. "They have a tennis court, mini golf, basketball court, and you saw many kids out with their bicycles. There is even an arcade center for the kids and a rec center with a pool table," shares one visitor. The property also maintains clean bathroom facilities ideal for families with children.
Halloween festivities: Multiple campgrounds in the area offer special Halloween programming. "They had Halloween ever at every weekend of October and we spent Halloween weekend here. The kids loved it!!" reports Kasey M. This seasonal offering typically includes trick-or-treating, costume contests, and site decorations throughout October weekends.
Affordability considerations: State parks offer the best value for families. "The price you pay for what you get is extremely cost effective. It cost us $65 for the weekend plus a $6 service fee for using the Reserve America website," explains one camper about French Creek State Park. Private campgrounds charge significantly more but may offer additional amenities like pools and organized activities.
Tips from RVers
Big rig access: RVers with larger vehicles should research specific campgrounds before booking. "There are three separate loops to camp at, Loop C is the only loop that allows pets, plus an area for large group camping which can accommodate anywhere from 30 to 60 people," notes one reviewer about French Creek State Park. Some loops have restrictions on RV length or available utilities.
Arrival timing impacts site selection: At Thousand Trails properties, arriving early improves your chances of securing better sites. "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," explains Yamileth K., adding, "For everyone complaining about driving around and not finding spots, if you get there early enough around 1 pm, you won't have a problem."
Hookup variability: Electric options differ significantly between campgrounds. "All sites do not have a water hook up but there is water available and some sites have electric," reports a camper about French Creek State Park. Most campgrounds offer a mix of full hookup and partial hookup sites, with varying amp service availability.
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