Best Campgrounds near Ephrata, PA

Ephrata, Pennsylvania and the surrounding Lancaster County area offer multiple established campgrounds with varied accommodation options. The rural Pennsylvania countryside hosts facilities like Starlite Camping Resort, French Creek State Park Campground, and smaller family-owned properties such as Red Run and Dutch Cousin. Most campgrounds provide tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin rentals. Located within Amish Country, many campgrounds serve as convenient bases for exploring nearby attractions in Lancaster, with several sites positioned along creeks or featuring fishing ponds.

Most campgrounds in the Ephrata region operate seasonally, typically from April through October or November, with only a few remaining open year-round. Facilities like Hickory Run Family Camping Resort and Spring Gulch Resort Campground close during winter months. Campsites generally offer electric hookups, water access, and fire rings, with many providing full hookups for RVs including sewer connections. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially during summer weekends and fall harvest season when Amish Country tourism peaks. A camper noted that "sites are generally open and not very private, but the general vibe of the campground is slow pace and relaxing so you don't really mind the lack of privacy."

Waterfront camping represents a notable feature near Ephrata, with multiple reviewers highlighting creekside sites as particularly desirable. Red Run Campground receives consistent praise for its creek access, with one visitor describing it as having a "very nice creek behind half of the sites. Lots of ducks to watch." Family-friendly amenities appear throughout the region's campgrounds, including playgrounds, swimming pools, and organized activities like movie nights and hayrides. Several visitors mentioned the peaceful atmosphere and friendly staff at smaller campgrounds. The terrain is generally level and accessible, though some campgrounds like Starlite are positioned on hills providing scenic countryside views. The region's proximity to Lancaster County attractions makes these campgrounds popular bases for exploring Amish Country while maintaining a quiet, rural camping experience.

Best Camping Sites Near Ephrata, Pennsylvania (136)

    1. French Creek State Park Campground

    81 Reviews
    Geigertown, PA
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (610) 582-9680

    $20 - $75 / 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."

    2. Lake-In-Wood Campground

    22 Reviews
    Narvon, PA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 445-5525

    $40 - $60 / night

    "It rained the entire time I was there so we didn’t go in the pool but the campground is walkable, I was able to go running, there are things for kids to do, some animals to go visit on our walks, obviously"

    "You must try the family style restaurants in the area, delicious and close by as well. Overall a great experience and I would go again for sure :-)"

    3. Old Mill Stream Campground

    17 Reviews
    Lampeter, PA
    11 miles
    Website
    +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!"

    4. Spring Gulch Resort Campground

    16 Reviews
    Narvon, PA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "Site next to us had a pipe break, they had a maintenance crew come out immediately and fix it. Amish stores/attractions close by for some entertainment also."

    "Fishing pond is a joke and near by Gun Range can be annoying and tough on pets. But, over all, this place is pretty nice."

    5. Beacon Hill Camping

    11 Reviews
    Concord, PA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 768-8775

    $57 - $70 / night

    "Located w/in walking distance of small town of Intercourse, PA, with plenty of shopping and Amish crafts. Very friendly people. Inexpensive stay."

    "Within walking distance are Amish shops, and guided tours into the Amish countryside. Restaurants are nearby. Clean and quiet area."

    6. Hickory Run Family Camping Resort

    9 Reviews
    Reinholds, PA
    6 miles
    Website
    +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."

    7. Thousand Trails Circle M

    19 Reviews
    Millersville, PA
    14 miles
    Website
    +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."

    8. Country Acres Campground

    12 Reviews
    Concord, PA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 983-3064

    "This is a great spot for visiting Pennsylvania Amish of Lancaster County and about a one-hour drive to Hersheypark.  Our site(# 837) was a good size for our motor home+ toad."

    "We stayed at one of the primitive tent sites with no hookups adjacent to the farm field. Watching a horse drawn equipment cutting grass while we cooked dinner was a joy."

    9. Lancaster-New Holland KOA

    12 Reviews
    Narvon, PA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 354-7926

    "This is a great spot for visiting Pennsylvania Amish of Lancaster County and about a one-hour drive to Hersheypark. "

    "Not too close to each other. Has a great view of the valley and Amish farms. Everyone has been very friendly. No pool but the kids seem to enjoy the playground."

    10. Mill Bridge Village & Camp Resort

    14 Reviews
    Concord, PA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 687-8181

    "Great, convenient location. Cost friendly considering the location. Clean grounds & maintained sites. Mix of open & shaded sites, all appear to be pretty level, our site was next to stream."

    "The site was right next to the creek. Shade is perfect for our dogs. Office personnel were so very helpful. Office does close at 4 but that is due to staff shortages."

Show More
Showing results 1-10 of 136 campgrounds

2025 Detourist Giveaway

Presented byToyota Trucks

Review Campgrounds. Win Prizes.

Enter to Win


Recent Reviews near Ephrata, PA

968 Reviews of 136 Ephrata Campgrounds


  • K
    Oct. 20, 2025

    Beechwood Lodge Nudist Camp

    Great day trip

    First timer visitors , had a blast , people were very helpful, nice and made us feel very welcomed!

  • Marc P.
    Oct. 20, 2025

    Blue Rocks Family Campground

    Very nice but a little pricey.

    Been here many times always in the fall. Never been here in summer so have never used the pool. Great little store and small grill restaurant. The trails and the rocks are nice. Our site was very rocky and on an incline so hard to get the camper level. It was a “pop up/tent” site and we were in a small travel trailer so it’s understandable. Only criticism is the it’s very pricey for what you get. And there online booking system isn’t very accurate as it said they were sold out and there was many open sites all weekend. Would be much better it they made more sites have even basic electric.

  • LThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 18, 2025

    Boulder Woods Campground

    This is a have to stay campground

    Excellent stay. We spent 2 nights and had 2 sites. Big sites very quiet and the staff I’d exceptional. Even better is the amazing price!

  • Ali P.
    Oct. 16, 2025

    Homestead Campground

    Here for a week

    Beautiful park. Looks like only 2 of the spots are for campers, rest are full time residents. The farther back you go in the park the worse condition the rv are. At time of visit the closest bathroom was under repair, it happens. Aggravating issues: Dump station has no water. People walk their dogs right thru your camp site and then don’t pick up after them.

    But yea, beautiful place

  • Gennifer K.
    Oct. 12, 2025

    Country Acres Campground

    Nice park

    This was a great campground. Very convenient for local sites, food, and shopping. Super clean, a large pool, and all well maintained.

  • Chelsea B.
    Oct. 10, 2025

    Locust Lake State Park Campground

    Edit: 1 star- Scout sites before paying!

    Beware: these sites are not travel trailer friendly.

    We booked two nights but upon arriving, we realized that there was no way to fit our trailer (only 25 ft). Trees were growing up in all the sites that were available and most of the ones without trees in the way were pointing in the wrong direction for backing into and NONE were level. Called the office, they told us what other sites were available and we tried every one. Only one was remotely suitable for a travel trailer and we had to drive the wrong way through the loop to be at the right angle to even try backing it in. No luck. I’m honestly shocked that they label some of these sites as RV friendly because wow. We left and had to find other accommodations. Trying to get a refund and currently navigating their phone system/trying to get a refund. Three phone conversations later and I’ll have to call another number on Monday to get the right person to issue the refund. We’ve never stayed at PA parks before but if they’re all like this, then it makes it really hard to plan when some sites are fine for trailers and some aren’t even close. Just heads up.

    UPDATE: Called back during business hours and got the “park manager.” Could only give a partial refund for one of the two nights. I said that they weren’t clear on the condition of the sites and he said there was nothing he could do about it.

  • M
    Oct. 6, 2025

    French Creek State Park Campground

    Hard with a large group

    Harder to do with a large group due to the early quiet hours, but park is very nice and well kept

  • tThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 5, 2025

    Stoevers Dam Park

    Park is closed. We were kicked out.

    LThe park is a beautiful city park. There are 7 small, level, back-in sites with electric, a picnic table and fire pit. We arrived in a Sunday and you have to call for a permit, but the office is only open on M-F during working hours. At 8 pm, a police officer told us the park was closed because of a bear, but that they had not gotten around to putting up signs. Wound up in a Walmart instead.

  • Aly E.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 2, 2025

    French Creek State Park Campground

    Dog owners read!

    There’s four loops. All connected A through D. We just needed a place to park and sleep so I got D011. Got there at 11pm and the D loop says no pets allowed. Not sure why when they are at every other loop but we had no where else to go and the area is pretty far off from anywhere else so the ol lab stayed in the camper. The bathrooms are tile and really nice with showers. And it was really quiet and chilly so a nice fall camp site. Just know ahead of time if you’re a dog owner!


Guide to Ephrata

Lancaster County offers distinct camping opportunities near Ephrata, Pennsylvania with terrain averaging 400 feet above sea level. The region experiences four distinct seasons, with summer temperatures typically ranging 75-85°F and regular afternoon thunderstorms. Winter camping options remain limited with only a few campgrounds like French Creek State Park operating year-round.

What to do

Kayaking at French Creek State Park: Two lakes at French Creek State Park Campground provide water recreation opportunities 20 miles south of Ephrata. "We did take our inflatable kayak out on the water, and it was lovely! There is also a nice picnic area with grills and picnic tables right by the boat landing, where we picnicked and hung out for an afternoon," notes Katie M.

Golf course access: Unique among local camping options, Thousand Trails Circle M offers a par-3 golf course on-site. "There is a par 3 golf course, indoor pool, mini golf, basketball, and that is in the fall. They also do canoeing in the warmer months and will shuttle you," shares Norm F.

Fishing opportunities: Multiple campgrounds feature fishing options, with varied success rates. "My kids went fishing and every cast they caught a fish, some were small... but hey the kids had fun," reports Michelle E. about Hickory Run Family Camping Resort.

What campers like

Amish farm views: Campers consistently mention proximity to Amish cultural experiences as a highlight. At Lancaster-New Holland KOA, visitors appreciate "unobstructed views of the Amish farmland and lots of room," with one camper noting, "Peaceful, beautiful valley views of Amish country."

Themed accommodations: For those seeking unique lodging, Lake-In-Wood Campground stands out with distinctive rental options. "There are a lot of really neat and different rentals here like a tree house, double decker bus, among others," says Jen R., highlighting options beyond standard tent and RV sites.

Swimming options: Pools represent a valued amenity during summer months. "The pool is new and has a sloped entrance so my two year old could play by himself and loved it," explains Megan T. about Country Acres Campground, while others note indoor pool options for shoulder-season camping.

What you should know

Seasonal operations: Most campgrounds near Ephrata have limited operating seasons. Spring Gulch Resort Campground typically operates "from March 21 to December 1," while Lancaster-New Holland KOA runs "from April 15 to October 31."

Site selection concerns: Not all campsites near Ephrata offer equal privacy or level ground. At Spring Gulch Resort Campground, a reviewer cautions, "Lots were a bit uneven, but pull through which was nice."

Reservation requirements: Popular times create high demand. "Look at the map when selecting a site. The sites in the center are like a parking lot. Small, no shade and wide open. We prefer the creek side sites," advises Stacy D. about Mill Bridge Village & Camp Resort.

Weather considerations: The area's climate affects camping conditions. One reviewer at French Creek noted, "When we were hiking it was very warm and I was definitely sweating. My bag stayed dry and so did everything in it. When we were packing up a severe thunderstorm rolled through."

Tips for camping with families

Accessibility options: Multiple campgrounds provide accommodations for different needs. At Old Mill Stream Campground, "Camping options include tent sites, water and electric sites, and full hookup sites. There are also numerous cabins and park models for rent."

Entertainment planning: Campgrounds offer varying amenities for children. "The kids enjoyed the indoor pool. Looking forward to coming back in the summer," shares Davie Q. about Thousand Trails Circle M.

Location considerations: Proximity to attractions determines family convenience. One visitor notes Old Mill Stream Campground is "in the town of Lancaster, close to everything," while another mentions it's "walking distance from Dutch Wonderland!"

Bathroom facilities: Clean, accessible facilities matter for families. According to Megan T., Country Acres Campground's "new bathhouse has better restrooms than my own home! Everything is clean and well managed."

Tips from RVers

Site specifications: Size and levelness significantly impact RV setup. At Beacon Hill Camping, one camper noted, "This is a small campground that is a little tight for big rigs. We did manage to fit two 40' motorhome's with planning."

Seasonal considerations: Weather impacts RV camping differently. "Our site was a drive-through but slanted. There wasn't much room on our site to do anything else. The fire ring was about all the room allowed," shared Mary C. about Lake-in-Wood Campground.

Hookup details: Various electrical options exist at different campgrounds. French Creek offers sites with "a paved level area which made set up a breeze," while some campgrounds specify "full hookups with 50-amp service."

RV travel planning: Certain access issues affect larger vehicles. "The entrance in off the main road turns you into the theme park. Fear not. Turn in and follow the road to the right and into the campground," advises Chuck W. about navigating to Old Mill Stream Campground with a 40-foot RV.

Frequently Asked Questions

What campgrounds are available in Ephrata, PA?

The Ephrata area offers several excellent camping options. Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country is a popular choice, providing a true Amish country camping experience with resort-style amenities. Nearby, Pequea Creek Campground offers beautiful picturesque settings with large spots and abundant trees, perfect for enjoying the peaceful Pennsylvania countryside. These campgrounds provide easy access to Lancaster for shopping opportunities, covered bridges, and local attractions. Several other options include Lake-In-Wood Campground, Spring Gulch Resort, and Old Mill Stream Campground, all within a short drive of Ephrata.

Are there tent camping facilities available near Ephrata?

Blue Rocks Family Campground offers excellent tent camping facilities in a beautiful wooded setting near the Appalachian Trail, approximately 30-40 minutes from Ephrata. The natural rocky terrain creates a true outdoors experience. Closer to Ephrata, Mill Bridge Village & Camp Resort provides tent camping options in a more developed setting. For those seeking a more rustic experience, French Creek State Park Campground is about 45 minutes away, offering tent sites with nice hiking trails, though swimming is limited to their public pool rather than the lake.

How far are the nearest camping areas from Ephrata, PA?

The nearest camping areas to Ephrata are within 15-30 minutes by car. Pinch Pond Family Campground & RV Park is conveniently located near major highways, making it an accessible option for travelers. Lancaster-New Holland KOA is approximately 20 minutes from Ephrata in New Holland, offering a range of camping amenities. For those willing to travel slightly further, campgrounds in the Lancaster area are generally within 30-45 minutes, while options near the Hershey/Harrisburg region are typically 45-60 minutes away.

Can I find lakeside camping near Ephrata, PA?

While Ephrata itself isn't known for lakeside camping, there are options within driving distance. French Creek State Park Campground offers camping near Hopewell and Scotts Run Lakes, though swimming is restricted to the park's pool rather than the lakes themselves. For a unique water experience, Campground Island provides a peaceful setting with the tranquil sounds of a waterfall, surrounded by water on all sides. Lake-In-Wood Campground near Narvon also offers camping around a small lake, about 20-25 minutes from Ephrata.