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Best Campgrounds near Ephrata, PA

960 Reviews

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.

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Best Camping Sites Near Ephrata, Pennsylvania (136)

    1. French Creek State Park Campground

    80 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. 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."

    9. 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."

    10. Country Acres Campground

    11 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."

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Recent Camping Photos near Ephrata, PA

429 Photos of 136 Ephrata Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Ephrata, PA

960 Reviews of 136 Ephrata Campgrounds

  • 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!

  • Stuart K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 1, 2025

    Village Scene Park

    Tucked-Away Community Vibe

    I’m following up on my review from over a year ago with updated insights, additional photos and a quick breakdown of HIGHLIGHTS and LOWLIGHTS: 

    HIGHLIGHTS: (1) Convenient suburban location near Philadelphia yet surprisingly quiet; (2) Full-hookup RV sites with 30 / 50 amp, water, and sewer; (3) Affordable rates compared to other campgrounds in the region; (4) Smaller, tight-knit atmosphere with friendly long-term residents; (5) Pet-friendly, with walking areas and green space; and (6) Nearby restaurants include Franconi’s Pizzeria for classic pies and cheesesteaks and Appalachian Brewing Company with pub fare and house-brewed beers. 

    LOWLIGHTS: (1) Sites are narrow and can feel cramped, so don’t expect big pull-throughs; (2) Limited amenities with no pool, clubhouse, or playground; (3) Grounds feel more like a residential mobile home park than a campground; (4) Some infrastructure is dated and could use upgrades; and (5) Not much in the way of natural scenery because, um, this is urban camping. 

    Happy Camping!

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 26, 2025

    Old Mill Stream Campground

    Great place to stay!

    This Campground is in the town of Lancaster, close to everything. A little complicated getting in, you need to turn in at the Cartoon Network Hotel driveway. Nice showers & friendly staff. Our site was asphalt, that was a treat, tho not all of them were...

  • Matt S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 21, 2025

    Stonybrook RV Resort

    This is a great place!

    We spent four nights at Stonybrook RV Resort in Lehighton, PA, for a quiet wedding anniversary getaway— and so glad we did. We paid$150 per night total for a FHU 50 Amp Premium Back-in site (#F20). This campground makes a great home-base while hanging out in the Pocono Mountains. 

    THINGS I LIKED: 

    • This place is in super condition— everything works as it’s supposed to and is clean and maintained 
    • The concrete pad/patio with Breeo smokeless fire pit, Adirondack chairs, and metal patio table and chairs made a great setup 
    • Our site(F20) is level and beautiful— spacious and beautifully landscaped 
    • We interacted with 5 members of their staff and all were welcoming and friendly to talk with 
    • There’s a heated pool behind the office/store so it’s not noisy for campers at their sites 

    THINGS I DIDN’T LIKE SO MUCH: 

    • Just one thing— the entrance made for a challenging entry up a steep grade, narrow roadway, and sharp turn in. I made it without problems, but it wasn’t easy in a 45’ motorhome towing a Jeep. This may be nitpicky— and I’m not complaining about it— just letting you know to expect it on arrival. 

    WOULD WE COME BACK? 

    • Absolutely, this is a great campground(I’ve already recommended it to my Newmar Kountry Klub chapter president as a possible site for a future rally).
  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 13, 2025

    Brandywine Creek Campground

    Brandywine

    We are on the third week of a four week trip. Campground is well maintained, quiet. This was our home while exploring Philadelphia. Uber to Downgrown, Septa or Amtrak to town. Reverse to camp. Very enjoyable. Hickory nut tree beside camper shared at times.

  • Peyton S.
    Sep. 8, 2025

    French Creek State Park Campground

    Wonderful, Easy, Quick trip from Philly

    It’s about an hour away from Philadelphia. We tent camped in loop B. The site was wonderful. Just know it is a gravel site, not grass. The fire pit has a grill attachment and wood was easy to find. Water and bathrooms were close. We hiked around the lake and there were plenty of trails and even rentable kayaks and paddle boards! Would definitely recommend if looking for a quick overnight stay outside of the city.

  • Stephen W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 7, 2025

    Hersheypark Camping Resort

    Very clean campground friendly staff

    We stay here once a year in September. Stone surface. Not to bad for leveling. Our site was spacious.

  • SkywaystoHighways.com Y.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground

    Peace and quiet !

    Great spot! We had site 114 . It has water access and is right next to a small man made beach and playground. Bathrooms were in good shape. Sites were of ample size and well spaced.

Guide to Ephrata

Camping near Ephrata, Pennsylvania, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. From scenic parks to family-friendly campgrounds, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

What to do

  • Hiking and Biking: Explore the numerous trails available at French Creek State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, "Hiking and biking this park is fun," highlighting the outdoor activities available.
  • Fishing: Many campgrounds, like Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground, offer fishing opportunities. A reviewer noted, "The lake is very nice and it's a very family park!"
  • Visiting Local Attractions: Campers can easily access attractions like Hersheypark from Hersheypark Camping Resort. One family shared, "The trolley was a great addition to getting to and from the Hershey attractions."

What campers like

  • Spacious Sites: Campers appreciate the roomy sites at Elk Neck State Park Campground. A visitor said, "Accessible and pet friendly. Great trails and great staff."
  • Clean Facilities: Clean bathrooms and well-maintained grounds are a big plus. A reviewer at Codorus State Park Campground mentioned, "Bathrooms are clean, sites are spacious."
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Many campgrounds, such as Blue Rocks Family Campground, are designed for families. One camper noted, "Beautiful campground! Very family-oriented and a great place for a weekend getaway in the woods!"

What you should know

  • Alcohol Policies: Some campgrounds, like Elk Neck State Park Campground, do not allow alcohol. A visitor pointed out, "NO alcohol allowed," so check the rules before you go.
  • Site Proximity: Campers at Knoebels Campground noted that sites can be tight. One review mentioned, "The only knock on it is how tight the sites are."
  • Seasonal Availability: Many campgrounds have specific seasons. For example, Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground is open from the 2nd Friday in April to October 31.

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose Kid-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with playgrounds and activities. A parent at Lums Pond State Park Campground shared, "Our site was directly in front of a small playground with a slide, swings, and monkey bars."
  • Plan for Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities to keep kids engaged. A reviewer at Pine Grove Furnace State Park Campground said, "There are a ton of different activities to do."
  • Pack Snacks: Having snacks on hand can make a big difference. One camper at Locust Lake State Park Campground mentioned, "The camp store was great! They sell most things you’d need for camping."

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Levels: Some sites may not be level, so be prepared. A visitor at Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground noted, "Some weren’t level front to back so adjustments needed to be made to level camper."
  • Full Hookups: Look for campgrounds with full hookups for convenience. A reviewer at Codorus State Park Campground appreciated, "They do have some full hookup sites which is nice."
  • Be Mindful of Traffic: Some campgrounds can have busy roads nearby. A camper at Hersheypark Camping Resort mentioned, "There is a freight train that runs next to the park. It is loud but it didn’t bother us."

Camping near Ephrata, Pennsylvania, provides a mix of nature, family fun, and relaxation. Whether you’re in an RV or tent, there’s a spot waiting for you!

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.

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