RV parks near Emigsville, Pennsylvania offer varying terrain challenges across 60 miles of Central Pennsylvania countryside. Most campgrounds sit at elevations between 400-700 feet, with seasonal temperature ranges from 30°F in winter to 85°F in summer. Sites between Lancaster and York counties frequently experience afternoon thunderstorms from June through August, requiring proper awning management and drainage considerations.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: 5 miles from Thousand Trails Gettysburg Farm where visitors can enjoy the stocked pond. "We chose a non-sewage site, the loop is quiet and large and they have the honey wagon 3x a week (free sewage dump service). We've enjoyed mini-golf, feeding the animals, 'hiking' through the cornfield, fishing, and campfires," notes Kasey M.
Amish countryside exploration: 20 minutes from Manheim campsites. The Pennsylvania Dutch areas provide unique cultural experiences. According to Jill R. from Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country, "Not much for amenities, but I loved the surrounding dutch/Amish towns! It was pretty cool to seemingly step back in time."
Shooting ranges nearby: Within earshot of several campgrounds. While convenient for shooting enthusiasts, noise can affect relaxation. "If you enjoy sitting outside of your camper and relaxing this might be nerve wracking," warns Tara N. about Pinch Pond Family Campground, where "a shooting range right next door... is pretty consistent from lunch to dinner."
What campers like
Animal interactions: Farm experiences at rural locations. At Thousand Trails Gettysburg Farm, campers can participate in daily animal feeding. "The children LOVED the animals and we fed them at the allotted time every morning and went to visit at other times," says melissa, though she notes "beyond that though, we found there wasn't too much to do."
Indoor pools for year-round swimming: Available at several parks. Thousand Trails Circle M offers swimming regardless of weather. "The kids enjoyed the indoor pool. Looking forward to coming back in the summer," mentions Davie Q., highlighting the extended camping season this amenity provides.
Seasonal Halloween events: October is a prime camping time. Multiple campgrounds offer special activities during fall. Kasey M. explains, "They had Halloween ever at every weekend of October and we spent Halloween weekend here. The kids loved it!!" Decorations, parades, and themed events make autumn visits popular across the region.
What you should know
High percentage of seasonal/permanent campers: Affects atmosphere and availability. Many parks have long-term residents who personalize their sites. At Round Top Campground, "There are a lot of seasonals in the campground with 'stuff' spread out everywhere around their campsites," according to Nancy W.
Terrain leveling challenges: Bring extra blocks. The rolling hills of central Pennsylvania create naturally uneven camping pads. At Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country, "Unlevel is an understatement we were in E row and every camper there had front end 4 foot off the ground," reports Justin B.
Proximity to highways creates noise concerns. Several campgrounds trade easy access for quiet surroundings. Stuart K. explains at Pinch Pond Family Campground, "While it is RIGHT NEXT to the highway, it's not a simple or EZ path to navigate," noting "you're not going to get away from all of that highway traffic noise."
Tips for camping with families
Pool hours vary seasonally: Call ahead to verify. At Spring Gulch Resort Campground, Beth B. found "not enough staffing to keep amenities like pool open after 5 during the week," limiting evening swimming options.
Arcade and game rooms: Bring quarters. Many parks offer indoor entertainment for rainy days. Stuart K. notes at Pinch Pond, "It was like camping and going to chuckie cheese at the same time," with one parent adding "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!"
Mini-golf conditions vary widely between parks. While most RV campgrounds Emigsville-area offer this amenity, maintenance differs. Beth B. reports at Spring Gulch, "Mini golf was fun but need to be regreened....several holes needed maintenance," a common concern across multiple parks.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: Request periphery spaces for privacy. Stuart K. advises at Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country, "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."
Satellite internet performance varies by tree cover. Nick E. shares from Thousand Trails PA Dutch, "Definitely got lucky with site F03 for Starlink. The rest of the campground has a lot of tree cover," highlighting the importance of requesting specific sites for connectivity.
Weekend golf cart traffic impacts experience. At many parks, personal transportation creates noise and dust. Dale Y. notes even at quiet campgrounds, "It's private property and they can certainly decide who can rent their spots," suggesting weekday stays for those seeking less activity.
