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.
