Best Campgrounds near Lebanon, PA

Lebanon, Pennsylvania is surrounded by a mix of private and established campgrounds offering diverse accommodation options. The area between Hershey and Lebanon features several family-oriented camping resorts including Thousand Trails Hershey, Jonestown/Hershey KOA, and Stoevers Dam Park. Most facilities in this region cater to both tent and RV campers, with many also offering cabin rentals for those seeking more shelter. The Pennsylvania Dutch Country influence is evident throughout the area, with several campgrounds positioned to provide access to both Amish cultural experiences and the attractions of nearby Hershey.

Camping facilities in the region typically operate seasonally, with most open from April through October or early November. "If you are an RVer or 5th Wheeler, the best sites are those that back up to the periphery and are northernmost up the slight embankment as you'll have greater privacy and less noise," noted one visitor to PA Dutch Country RV Resort. Site quality varies considerably across the area, with many campgrounds featuring uneven terrain that can present leveling challenges for larger RVs. Water pressure fluctuations and rusty water have been reported at some locations, particularly during peak season. Most established campgrounds require advance reservations, especially for weekend stays during summer months.

The camping experience around Lebanon combines accessibility to attractions with varying degrees of natural settings. Many campgrounds are situated within 30 minutes of Hershey Park, making them convenient bases for families visiting the area's attractions. Several visitors mention the proximity to local Amish communities as a cultural highlight. Campground amenities typically include swimming pools, mini-golf, and recreational facilities, though their availability may be limited during shoulder seasons. One camper at Stoevers Dam Park described it as a "cute little park" that's "fine for a night or two," highlighting the park's small size but accommodating staff. Noise considerations vary by location, with some campgrounds affected by nearby highways or, in one case, a shooting range that visitors described as "incredibly loud."

Best Camping Sites Near Lebanon, Pennsylvania (147)

    1. Thousand Trails Hershey

    21 Reviews
    Mount Gretna, PA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    $50 - $60 / night

    "The first thing to know is that Thousand Trails sites are a first come, first serve. Meaning you have to arrive early in order to get the best spots. They don't reserve sites for you."

    "This is a clean, nice looking campground in a location very close to Hershey park and the outlets. It’s a very nice area."

    2. Hersheypark Camping Resort

    29 Reviews
    Hummelstown, PA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (833) 936-0949

    "This campground has a little something for everyone, from full hook up sites neatly stacked next to each other, to quiet patches of grass next to the river."

    "They don’t sell alcohol but there is a shopping center within walking distance with restaurants and liquor stores! Even a supermarket. There is shuttle service to the park."

    3. Pinch Pond Family Campground & RV Park

    14 Reviews
    Mount Gretna, PA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 665-7640

    "campground so inconveniently located (more on this later) right next to highway I76."

    "Please note there is a driving range so starting around 10am you will here guns go off. Also the highway is close by so you can hear it."

    4. Jonestown/Hershey KOA

    16 Reviews
    Jonestown, PA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 865-6411

    "Love the close proximity to the highway and gas. We didn’t eat there but they had a restaurant! Lots of activities for the kids. Wooded sites and very clean bathrooms."

    "Pet friendly and you can access the Appalachian trail from campground. Lots of great food and places to go in the area. They have a river that is great for kayaking or tubing."

    5. Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country

    13 Reviews
    Mount Gretna, PA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "this campground is completely surrounded by a fairly dense forest, which likely is what blocks any irritable sound and most certainly blocks any highway or traffic visibility."

    "Not much for amenities, but I loved the surrounding dutch/Amish towns! It was pretty cool to seemingly step back in time."

    6. Twin Grove RV Resort

    9 Reviews
    Tower City, PA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 865-4602

    "There are 2 dog parks right next to each other, which is great for your furry friend to be able to run around and play off leash."

    "Needs a pond and more shade but still is one of the nicer parks around. Twin Grove is also one of the cheaper ones, and that is hard to believe because of all the offer."

    7. Starlite Camping Resort

    6 Reviews
    Hopeland, PA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 733-9655

    "Starlight is a nice campground to relax or explore central Pennsylvania."

    "The campground is in a great location with easy access to Lancaster, Hershey and many other places to explore."

    8. Elizabethtown-Hershey KOA

    15 Reviews
    Elizabethtown, PA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 367-7718

    $45 - $279 / night

    "There was a bathhouse and dish sink nearby, as well as the entrance to a nice little nature trail a few sites down. "

    "Large and easy to enter/exit sites. Wifi was pretty good. (It helped that the antenna was right beside our site!) Cable TV, too! Everyone we talked to was nice and friendly."

    9. Hickory Run Family Camping Resort

    9 Reviews
    Reinholds, PA
    15 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."

    10. Stoevers Dam Park

    3 Reviews
    Lebanon, PA
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (717) 228-4470

    "Small lake."

    "It really would be nice if there were campsites further from the lake."

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Recent Reviews near Lebanon, PA

972 Reviews of 147 Lebanon Campgrounds


  • Gennifer K.
    Oct. 12, 2025

    Country Acres Campground

    Nice park

    This was a great campground. Very convenient for local sites, food, and shopping. Super clean, a large pool, and all well maintained.

  • Chelsea B.
    Oct. 10, 2025

    Locust Lake State Park Campground

    Two stars for pretty trees

    We booked two nights but upon arriving, we realized that there was no way to fit our trailer (only 25 ft). Called the office, they told us what other sites were available and we tried every one. Only one was remotely suitable for a travel trailer and we had to drive the wrong way through the loop to be at the right angle to even try backing it in. No luck. I’m honestly shocked that they label some of these sites as RV friendly because wow. We left and had to find other accommodations. Trying to get a refund and currently navigating their phone system/trying to get a refund. Three phone conversations later and I’ll have to call another number on Monday to get the right person to issue the refund. We’ve never stayed at PA parks before but if they’re all like this, then it makes it really hard to plan when some sites are fine for trailers and some aren’t even close. Just heads up.

  • M
    Oct. 6, 2025

    French Creek State Park Campground

    Hard with a large group

    Harder to do with a large group due to the early quiet hours, but park is very nice and well kept

  • tThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 5, 2025

    Stoevers Dam Park

    Park is closed. We were kicked out.

    LThe park is a beautiful city park. There are 7 small, level, back-in sites with electric, a picnic table and fire pit. We arrived in a Sunday and you have to call for a permit, but the office is only open on M-F during working hours. At 8 pm, a police officer told us the park was closed because of a bear, but that they had not gotten around to putting up signs. Wound up in a Walmart instead.

  • 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!

  • 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.


Guide to Lebanon

Camping near Lebanon, Pennsylvania, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and family-friendly activities. Whether you're looking for a quiet retreat or a fun-filled adventure, there are several campgrounds in the area that cater to different needs.

What to do

  • Hiking and Biking: Explore the numerous trails available at French Creek State Park Campground. One reviewer mentioned, "Hiking and biking this park is fun," highlighting the variety of trails for all skill levels.
  • Fishing: Many campgrounds, like Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground, offer fishing opportunities. A visitor noted, "The lake is very nice and it's a very family park!"
  • Historical Sites: If you're into history, check out the nearby Gettysburg battlefields. One camper at Gettysburg Campground said, "Was very easy to access from the campground," making it a convenient spot for history buffs.

What campers like

  • Spacious Sites: Campers appreciate the roomy sites at Hickory Run State Park Campground. A review stated, "We stayed in loop C that allows pets. Very spacious sites."
  • Clean Facilities: Clean bathrooms and showers are a big plus. A visitor at Codorus State Park Campground mentioned, "Bathrooms are clean, sites are spacious."
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Many campgrounds, like Hersheypark Camping Resort, are great for families. One reviewer said, "The campground had two pools and a child’s pool."

What you should know

  • Noise Levels: Some campgrounds can get noisy, especially during peak season. A camper at Gettysburg Campground noted, "The campsites are very tight," which can lead to noise from neighbors.
  • Site Conditions: Not all sites are level. A visitor at Locust Lake State Park Campground mentioned, "206 Campsite unleveled, but plenty of room."
  • Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds, like Pine Grove Furnace State Park Campground, have limited store options. A reviewer said, "The store is really just a small carry out with a few things."

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places like Blue Rocks Family Campground, which has a playground and activities. One parent shared, "The playground was great. Lots of activities."
  • Plan for Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities. A camper at Hickory Run State Park Campground said, "There are a ton of different activities to do."
  • Pack Snacks: Having snacks on hand can keep kids happy. A visitor at Gettysburg Campground mentioned, "The campground was packed out," so having food ready can save time.

Tips from RVers

Camping around Lebanon, PA, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to check the campground details and reviews to find the best fit for your trip!

Frequently Asked Questions

How much do campgrounds near Lebanon cost?

Campground costs near Lebanon vary widely. Pinch Pond Family Campground & RV Park offers affordable rates for overnight stays, making it a convenient option for travelers on a budget. For those seeking economical options, The Home Depot — Lower Paxton provides free overnight parking. State parks like French Creek typically charge between $15-30 per night for basic sites, while private campgrounds with full hookups generally range from $35-60 per night. Prices increase during peak season (summer) and on weekends, with premium amenities like pool access or waterfront sites commanding higher rates.

Are there pet friendly campgrounds in Lebanon, Maine?

Maine's Lebanon area offers several pet-friendly camping options. While specific Lebanon, Maine campgrounds weren't mentioned in reviews, nearby options welcome four-legged campers. Most Maine campgrounds allow pets with standard restrictions—leashes required, proof of vaccinations, and cleaning up after your pet. State parks typically permit pets in camping areas but restrict them from beaches, playgrounds, and buildings. Private campgrounds often provide pet-specific amenities like dog walking areas. Always check each campground's specific pet policies before booking, as some may have breed restrictions or limit the number of pets per site.

What are the best campgrounds in Lebanon, PA?

Lebanon, PA and its surrounding area offer excellent camping options. Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country stands out for its Amish country experience and resort-like amenities. Pequea Creek Campground offers beautiful picturesque sites with large spots and plenty of trees, plus convenient access to river tubing and covered bridges. Nature enthusiasts should consider Campground Island, a peaceful retreat completely surrounded by creek waters with great fishing opportunities. For those visiting Hershey attractions, Jonestown/Hershey KOA provides convenient access. These campgrounds offer various amenities from full hookups to swimming facilities, with most being family-friendly and well-maintained.