Grantville, Pennsylvania sits within the Lebanon Valley at approximately 500 feet elevation with moderate summer temperatures typically ranging from 70-85°F. The area's rolling countryside provides natural drainage that keeps most campgrounds accessible even after rain. Yurt camping in Grantville offers year-round opportunities with multiple state parks and private campgrounds maintaining permanent canvas structures with solid floors throughout all four seasons.
What to do
Lake activities at Gifford Pinchot State Park: The park features two lakes for fishing, boating, and swimming. Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground maintains two day-use areas on opposite sides of the lake. "The hiking was good as well. There are trails with some neat little obstacles to work out on and the historical mill was well worth the trip," notes one camper. The main beach includes a snack bar, volleyball court and protected swimming area.
Target practice options: Several campgrounds near Grantville are located near shooting ranges. "There's a shooting range near the property, so at all hours you will hear target practice going on, especially in the wee early hours," shares a visitor at Pinch Pond Campground. Call ahead to determine proximity if noise sensitivity is a concern.
Nature trails with local flora: The campgrounds near Grantville feature walking paths through varied terrain. "They leave you with a scavenger hunt and a map of the nearby trail system which was very helpful," reports a camper at River Rock Recreation. Many trails remain accessible for winter visitors with proper footwear.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Twin Grove RV Resort receives high marks for site layout. "Beautiful campground with well taken care of sites. There is a pond to fish from, a dog park for your furry friend to play at and a few playgrounds for the kids," describes a visitor. The resort maintains natural barriers between camping spots.
Access to historical sites: The central location provides convenience to multiple historic destinations. "From a foodie standpoint, take my word for it, there is VERY little around these parts and what you can find nearby are local joints, which we loved BTW," explains one visitor to Pinch Pond Family Campground. The Amish countryside surrounds many campgrounds with horse-drawn buggies frequently seen on local roads.
Organized activities: Scheduled events keep campers engaged throughout their stay. "There are regular activities for all ages including bingo, crafts and live music," notes a reviewer at Starlite Camping Resort. Most campgrounds post activity schedules weekly with some facilities maintaining year-round programming.
What you should know
Train noise levels: Railroad tracks run near several campgrounds. At Hersheypark Camping Resort, a camper notes, "Nice camp ground but super loud bc of the trains. Bath houses are nice and clean. I would suggest making sure you aren't close to the tracks bc the trains run all night long!" Request sites away from tracks when making reservations.
Varying site terrain: Many campgrounds feature sloped landscapes that affect site selection. "Unlevel is an understatement we were in E row and every camper there had front end 4 foot off the ground," reports a visitor at Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country. Bring extra leveling blocks, especially for larger RVs.
Limited dining options: The rural setting means fewer restaurant choices. Pack sufficient groceries for your stay. Most campgrounds include basic stores with essential items, though prices run higher than supermarkets. The nearest full-service grocery stores are typically 10-15 minutes from most campgrounds.
Tips for camping with families
Swimming facilities: French Creek State Park Campground offers multiple water recreation options. "There are two lakes, Scotts Run Lake and Hopewell Lake that you can fish, kayak, canoe or just relax by," explains a camper. However, some campgrounds charge additional fees for pool access, even for registered campers.
Playground locations: Consider site proximity to play areas when booking. "There is a nice playground situated conveniently between the loops of the campground. It had some slides, a bridge, lots of monkey bars, ladders to climb on and the best feature was the zip line," describes a visitor at French Creek State Park. Request sites within eyesight of playgrounds when traveling with younger children.
Nature learning opportunities: Many campgrounds provide educational programs. "We found some raccoon tracks in the mud down by the river and checked out the scenery," shares a visitor at River Rock Recreation. Pack field guides, binoculars and flashlights for nighttime wildlife viewing.
Tips from RVers
Hookup variations: Elizabethtown-Hershey KOA offers multiple connection options. "Our site was very nice! We were in a back in site #4. The patio was concrete stone, very pretty. Nice chairs, fire pit, and picnic table," reports a camper. Most campgrounds in the area feature 30/50 amp service, though water pressure varies significantly between locations.
Hill considerations: The topography affects drivability and parking. At Starlite Camping Resort, "It is quite hilly throughout the campground, but the individual sites are very level to park the camper with almost no blocks needed." Arrive during daylight hours for easier navigation, especially when towing larger rigs.
Site selection strategies: Pay attention to site dimensions when booking. "Sites are large and well maintained but ours wasn't level. Gets packed on weekends," notes a visitor at Pinch Pond. Reserve non-weekend dates for better site options and lower occupancy rates, particularly during peak summer months.
