Glamping near Hershey, Pennsylvania offers elevated outdoor accommodations within a 30-minute drive of Pennsylvania's chocolate capital. Located in the rolling hills of central Pennsylvania at elevations between 400-600 feet, this region experiences humid summers with temperatures typically in the 80s and mild, sometimes snowy winters. Most luxury camping options in the area operate from April through October, with premium sites booking up to six months in advance during peak chocolate tourism season.
What to do
**Water recreation at Gifford Pinchot: ** Visitors to Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground can enjoy two lakes for fishing and boating. One camper noted, "There is a small beach area within the campground loop that we camped in, but the main beach is on the other side of the large Pinchot Lake." The park features excellent fishing opportunities where "we caught a handful of bass and an absurd amount of bluegill from shore."
**Explore historic sites: ** The region surrounding Hershey offers numerous historic attractions within a short drive of most campgrounds. Near French Creek State Park Campground, you can visit "Hopewell National Furnace and St. Peter's Village with shops and restaurants and hiking trails." These historic sites provide context about Pennsylvania's industrial heritage.
**Local recreation amenities: ** Many campgrounds offer on-site activities beyond the standard camping experience. At Twin Grove RV Resort, "There is an arcade, a ferris wheel, a merry go round, and some other small kiddie rides. Usually have a band on Saturday evenings." These entertainment options make it easy to enjoy your stay without leaving the property.
What campers like
**Private, spacious sites: ** Campers frequently praise the spacing and privacy at certain glamping locations. At River Rock Recreation, one reviewer was impressed by the size: "The site is almost 2 acres in size and you do not share the site with anyone. We saw no one while there and you're literally about 100-150 yards off a side road."
**Clean facilities: ** Quality bathrooms and showers rank high on camper priorities. A reviewer at Twin Grove RV Resort appreciated that it was "Spotless. Plenty of room for whatever size tent or RV you have... 2 very clean pools and water slides. 2 nice dog parks." Another mentioned, "Very well kept, bathrooms are clean, showers are hot."
**Family-friendly activities: ** Parents appreciate campgrounds with structured activities for children. At Elizabethtown-Hershey KOA, a camper shared, "They have upgraded the tent sites since last year, no more primitive sites, all the tent sites are now mulch pad with water and electric... The facilities are all lovely, staff in the camp store are kind and helpful. The snack bar is very convenient, breakfasts on the weekends in the summer."
What you should know
**Railway noise concerns: ** Several campgrounds near Hershey are located near active railways. At Hersheypark Camping Resort, one camper warned, "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!"
**Terrain challenges: ** The Pennsylvania landscape creates some camping challenges. At Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country, a reviewer noted, "Sites are very close together. Fire rings are very close to campers. Water was rusty in our row came out brown at first then was tan after running through our filter for the entire stay... Unlevel is an understatement we were in E row and every camper there had front end 4 foot off the ground."
**Seasonal considerations: ** Weather patterns affect camping conditions throughout the year. At French Creek State Park Campground, which remains open year-round, a winter camper shared, "Stayed over for one night in early December. Showers and bathrooms were great! If you're traveling through, there are many places to eat nearby. The honor system of payment at the office makes it really easy to come in late and leave early."
Tips for camping with families
**Water features for kids: ** Swimming options keep children entertained during hot summer days. One parent at Pinch Pond Family Campground & RV Park appreciated that "Their game room has tickets. This is the one and only campground we have ever visited that gave tickets for playing games and my kids LOVED IT! It was like camping and going to chuckie cheese at the same time."
**Playground access: ** Multiple play areas help children burn energy between other activities. A visitor to Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground shared, "We took our 3 yo camping for the first time here. He had so much fun. It was clean campground located in a State Park. Easy walk to the lake with a small beach... Good sized lake for canoeing or kayaking."
**Unique accommodation options: ** Glamping accommodations provide comfort for families new to outdoor recreation. French Creek State Park Campground offers diverse sleeping arrangements: "There are 200 individual sites in four loops, some with full hookups for RVs, some with electric only but mostly primitive sites. There are also several cottages, cabins and yurts available as well."
Tips from RVers
**Site selection strategy: ** When glamping in an RV near Hershey, choosing the right site makes a significant difference. At Starlite Camping Resort, a camper advised, "We had a great family camping weekend at Starlight and will definitely return in the future. Yes, it is quite hilly throughout the campground, but the individual sites are very level to park the camper with almost no blocks needed."
**Hookup considerations: ** Utility availability varies significantly between campgrounds. At Thousand Trails Circle M, one RVer noted, "As with all thousand trails, this campground is first come best site. While the top part of the campground seemed more communal, we chose the lower, Riverside sites and we're glad we did! The campground sits in the center of a horseshoe curve of the river."
**Seasonal planning: ** Timing affects both availability and experience quality. A visitor to Pinch Pond Family Campground & RV Park warned, "If you are thinking about staying here during the Renaissance Faire, which apparently is a VERY BIG thing in these parts, you are going to want to book your spot as soon as possible."
