143 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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. The Ephrata area campgrounds range from full-service resorts to more rustic camping experiences in scenic countryside settings.
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.
"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."
from $20 - $75 / night
Check Availability"As we drove up I loved the look and location of the campground. "
"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"
from $40 - $60 / night
Check Availability"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!"
"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."
"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."
from $57 - $70 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
ScoutChoose another campground unless you are certain you can arrive before 4pm. Otherwise, you'll not be allowed in. Owner is belligerent on this point, and from other comments, belligerent on other issues also.
We strongly recommend the nearby French Creek State Park campground.
GuideWe've stayed here annually for 7 years and it's one of our favorite campgrounds. There are enough trees and green spaces that it feels like a park despite the number of RVs it accommodates.
The sites are level, large, and well maintained. If you need to contend with a tree blocking your satellite dish the sites are large enough that you can usually just move up or back a bit so that you are not blocked.
The pool is nice and clean. Has water fountains, etc. for kids to play in in addition to a kiddie pool. I do wish it was open a bit later into the evening. The camp store is a bit small but is well stocked with camping items in addition to souvenirs and impulse purchase items.
Since the pandemic what they offer has varied. Sometimes hot food like taco Tuesday, ice cream sundaes, burgers and dogs in their activity center at certain times and days. Sometimes ceramic, arts and crafts, etc.. Sometimes their activity center remains closed during our entire stay.
ScoutEnjoy an amazing experience staying at Hershey Park camp site 😄😄
RangerI love this place. The tent sites are super, rustic but superior. Showers are a walk. Tent Sites are very private huge and I love that.
ScoutThe park is very nice however the site H2 was the site assigned to us. The distance between our Coach and the fence was 7 feet and the bathhouse was blocking the view. I do not recommend this site.
GuideThe sites offer plenty of space and privacy, making it easy to relax and enjoy nature. The campground is conveniently located near the lake, with beautiful views and easy access to the water. There is also a nice swimming pool, which is a great bonus. We enjoyed kayaking on the lake and spending time outdoors. Overall, it's a wonderful place to unwind, relax, and enjoy a peaceful getaway. We would definitely come back!
GuideMore of a rustic trailer park than a campground with some long term residents. Owners were nice. "Bathhouse" has flush toilets but wasn't very clean. We don't fish but if you do this might be a place for you.
TravelerThe camp site was amazing. Everything is neat and clean and really beautiful place so quiet.
TravelerGreat location a updated grounds, sites and restrooms n bath houses. Local to hershey but out of the traffic.
Great vaction site for RVs n longer stays. Quiet n comfortable RV living!
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.
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.
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.
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."
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."
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.
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