Hershey, Pennsylvania sits at an elevation of 400 feet, located in the eastern part of the state within the Great Appalachian Valley. The region experiences four distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging 85°F, while spring and fall camping seasons typically range from 50-70°F. Train tracks run through several camping areas, creating regular noise particularly at night that can affect light sleepers and pets.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground surrounds a 340-acre lake with multiple access points. "We caught a handful of bass and an absurd amount of bluegill from shore," reports one camper. The park offers both shoreline fishing and boat rentals for accessing deeper waters.
Trail exploration: The Northwest Lancaster Trail connects to River Rock Recreation, providing miles of hiking options. "There's the entrance to a nice little nature trail a few sites down," notes a visitor to Elizabethtown-Hershey KOA. Many campgrounds maintain their own trail systems with connections to longer regional routes.
Disc golf courses: Two 18-hole disc golf courses are available at Gifford Pinchot State Park, one flat and one hillier. "Beware of poison ivy!! We played the first 10 holes around the Conewago day use area and I was shocked at how much poison ivy we had to dodge all over the prime walking areas through the course," warns one player. Bring your own discs as rentals aren't always available.
What campers like
Large swimming beaches: Thousand Trails Hershey and other area campgrounds maintain swimming facilities during summer months. At Gifford Pinchot, campers appreciate "a special fence solution to keep the stupid geese out of the water in the swimming area." Most campground pools operate from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Clean facilities: Consistently mentioned across reviews is the cleanliness of bathhouses. "Bathrooms were very clean and modern, but a decent walk from tent sites," notes one visitor at Elizabethtown-Hershey KOA. Another camper at Jonestown/Hershey KOA said, "Clean campground a super friendly staff. Not far from the AT if you're into that!"
Park shuttle services: Multiple campgrounds offer transportation to Hersheypark, saving parking fees. "Free shuttle to the park, and I believe you can get in earlier than other guests," mentions one camper. Many campsites also sell discounted Hersheypark tickets directly at their offices.
What you should know
Train noise impacts: Several campgrounds experience significant train noise, particularly at night. "Train noise occurs throughout the night" is a common comment. One camper at Hersheypark Camping Resort noted, "The Lazy River section in far away from the noise of the super close train tracks. The pioneer section you are literally feet away from the tracks."
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds in the area feature sloping terrain. "Unlevel is an understatement we were in E row and every camper there had front end 4 foot off the ground," reported a visitor at Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country. Bring extra leveling blocks, especially for larger RVs.
Shooting range proximity: Some campgrounds are located near shooting ranges. "One thing that is negative is that there is a shooting range right next door. It is pretty consistent from lunch to dinner," warns a visitor to Pinch Pond Family Campground. This noise can disturb daytime relaxation for those seeking quiet.
Tips for camping with families
Midweek visits: Avoiding weekend crowds can significantly improve the camping experience. "The campground was pretty open because it was a weekday," notes a visitor to Hersheypark Camping Resort. Weekday stays typically offer more space between campers and less competition for amenities.
Playgrounds and recreation: Twin Grove RV Resort offers extensive kid-friendly activities. "For the kids there is an arcade, a ferris wheel and some other rides. On Saturday nights they usually have a band playing on the stage which is really neat," explains one camper. Many campgrounds program family-oriented activities on weekends.
Multiple swimming options: Campgrounds typically offer multiple water recreation options. "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," reports a Gifford Pinchot visitor. Ask about smaller, less crowded swimming areas when checking in with kids.
Tips from RVers
Dog-friendly sections: Many dog friendly campgrounds near Hershey offer dedicated pet areas. "There is a fenced not in area for dogs," notes a Jonestown/Hershey KOA visitor. Pinch Pond Family Campground features "two dog parks right next to each other, which is great for your furry friend to be able to run around and play off leash."
Site selection strategy: Campground layout knowledge helps secure better sites. "If you're looking for trees and privacy, stick to the sites at the bottom of the hill," advises a visitor to Elizabethtown-Hershey KOA. Sites along campground perimeters typically offer more privacy and less foot traffic.
Arrival timing matters: With some campgrounds using first-come systems, early arrival is essential. "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," explains one RVer. Arriving between 1-2pm typically offers the best site selection at most locations.
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