Camping spots near Jonestown, Pennsylvania offer a mix of private campground options nestled between the Blue Mountain Ridge and Lebanon Valley. The region sits at approximately 500 feet elevation with summer temperatures typically reaching 85°F during the day but cooling to around 60°F at night. Most campgrounds in this area maintain gravel sites with varying degrees of shade coverage, requiring leveling blocks for RVs at certain locations.
What to do
Appalachian Trail access: Jonestown/Hershey KOA connects directly to hiking opportunities on the famous trail. "You can access the Appalachian trail from campground," notes one visitor who appreciates the combination of natural exploration with campground amenities.
Rail trail biking: The Swatara Rail trail offers paved paths accessible from several local campgrounds. A camper at Jonestown/Hershey KOA shared that the "Campground is connected to the Swatara Rail trial which is great for biking."
Water recreation: The Swatara Creek provides opportunities for paddling and floating near several campgrounds. "The Swatara creek runs right next to it so it is great for kayaking, tubing, etc," explains one reviewer who enjoyed the waterway.
Fishing access: Stoevers Dam Park offers a small lake for anglers staying at this budget-friendly campground. "Small lake" for fishing is available according to one camper who appreciated the natural setting just minutes from town.
Carnival rides: Twin Grove RV Resort features unique amusement park elements not found at most campgrounds. "At night they have a merry go round, train, giant slide and ferries wheel you can ride," explains a family that makes this campground a yearly tradition.
Mini golf: Several campgrounds maintain course facilities for families. One visitor to Twin Grove notes they have "Nice arcade and mini golf in an area set off to the side with a ferris wheel, merry go round, and other small kiddie rides."
What campers like
Private fishing pond: Pinch Pond Family Campground provides a dedicated fishing area on property. "In the back of the property, you'll find a small fishing pond" that offers a peaceful retreat for anglers.
Budget-friendly camping: Stoevers Dam Park provides an economical option with basic amenities. "Must get permits on line or from city hall. $3/night" notes a camper appreciating the affordable rate with primitive accommodations.
Well-maintained bath facilities: Multiple campgrounds receive praise for clean shower buildings. At Elizabethtown-Hershey KOA, a camper noted "Bathrooms are very clean and modern, but a decent walk from tent sites."
Woodland campsites: Several facilities maintain natural settings. "Very shady (lots of trees)" describes a camper at Starlite Camping Resort who enjoyed the forest cover.
Shuttle services: Campgrounds near attractions often provide transportation. A visitor to Thousand Trails Hershey appreciated "free shuttle to and from all the Hershey locations" when purchasing park tickets at the campground.
Pool facilities: Swimming options vary across campgrounds in the region. "Nice pool" was mentioned by several reviewers, with Twin Grove getting particular recognition for having "2 very clean pools and water slides."
What you should know
Railroad noise: Several campgrounds experience train disruption. At Hersheypark Camping Resort, a visitor warned that it is "super loud bc of the trains" and recommended "making sure you aren't close to the tracks bc the trains run all night long!"
Shooting range proximity: Pinch Pond Family Campground & RV Park sits near a firearms facility that creates daytime noise. "There is a shooting range right next door. It is pretty consistent from lunch to dinner. If your out and about, it won't be an issue."
Uneven terrain: Many campgrounds feature sloped sites requiring preparation. At Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country, one RVer observed that "the sites are pretty uneven" and "we had to go out and get more blocks and we're still not very level front to back."
Variable cell service: Connectivity fluctuates throughout the region. While many campgrounds offer WiFi for a fee, cell reception varies by location and carrier.
Wildlife encounters: Both wanted and unwanted animals frequent campgrounds. At Stoevers Dam Park, a camper reported "the place was swarming with Canadian geese" that could become territorial.
Reservation requirements: Peak season demands advance planning. Weekends from May through September fill quickly, especially at campgrounds with special amenities or proximity to attractions.
Tips for camping with families
Splash pad access: Camp Swatara offers water play features beyond traditional swimming. A visitor noted this campground has "Boating, swimming, fishing, splash pad, mini golf etc." which keeps children entertained.
Activity schedules: Many campgrounds organize regular events for younger guests. Elizabethtown-Hershey KOA provides "playground activities" and family-oriented programming throughout peak season.
Proximity benefits: Staying closer to attractions maximizes enjoyment with children. A visitor to Starlite Camping Resort recommended this location because it's "Located between Hershey and all of the PA Dutch Lancaster County attractions."
Playground quality: Facilities for younger children vary significantly between campgrounds. Twin Grove RV Resort maintains "2 nice dog parks" alongside "playgrounds for the kids" according to one visitor.
Ice cream options: Several campgrounds feature sweet treats on premises. "The store has a good supply (just the essentials) but their best selling item is Hershey ice cream (so good!)" shared one reviewer about Thousand Trails Hershey.
Tips from RVers
Pull-through availability: Starlite Camping Resort offers easier access sites for larger vehicles. Despite being "quite hilly throughout the campground," a visitor noted "the individual sites are very level to park the camper with almost no blocks needed."
Site spaciousness: Campgrounds vary significantly in how close neighbors are positioned. At Starlite, "the sites were large, with trees between, providing additional privacy" which impressed one RVer used to tighter arrangements.
Water quality issues: Some campgrounds experience occasional utility problems. At Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country, campers reported that "Water was rusty in our row came out brown at first then was tan after running through our filter for the entire stay."
Slope considerations: Many local campgrounds require leveling equipment. "If you're hauling a big camper you'll need power for the hills" advised a visitor to Starlite about the approach roads.
Hookup placement: Utility connections may require extra equipment at certain sites. "The sewer pipe is a little high" mentioned one camper at Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country when assessing the connections.
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