16 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Several primitive tent campsites dot the landscape around Hershey, Pennsylvania, offering varied experiences for tent campers. Lower Allen Community Park provides kayak-accessible tent sites along Yellow Breeches Creek, while Mill Creek Camping Area in Lancaster County features creekside tent sites with more basic amenities. Hibernia County Park maintains two primitive tent camping loops approximately 30 miles east of Hershey, providing affordable backcountry tent camping options within driving distance.
Most primitive tent sites in the Hershey area require advance reservations through county or township offices, with fees typically ranging from $15-25 per night. Campgrounds generally provide fire rings and picnic tables, though amenities vary significantly. Potable water access is limited at most locations, with Lower Allen Community Park and several other sites offering no drinking water. Fire regulations are strictly enforced, with some parks locking gates at dusk. Vault toilets or portable facilities are common at most tent campgrounds, but full bathrooms with running water are rare.
Tent camping areas near Hershey often feature wooded settings providing natural shade and privacy. Mill Creek sites benefit from creek access that provides both recreation and natural cooling. "Campgrounds are spaced out with large spaces for multiple tents," noted one camper about Mill Creek Camping Area, highlighting the generous site dimensions. Lancaster County's primitive tent areas serve as good bases for regional hiking, with many sites situated near trail networks. Most backcountry tent campsites are close enough to Hershey for convenience while offering the seclusion tent campers seek. Be aware that several sites experience moderate hiker traffic, as trails sometimes run adjacent to or through camping areas. The Lake Loop at Hibernia County Park offers particularly good walk-in tent sites, though reviews indicate they provide minimal privacy between sites.
"The park is in the suburbs so it’s close to lots of things. They do lock the park at dusk though. They have portapotties, fire pits, and picnic tables."
from $10 - $25 / night
Check Availability"Campgrounds are spaced out large spaces for multiple tents, camping cost $25 a night flat rate, for up to 6 days. Campground will refund you if rain prevents your stay or allow you to rebook."
from $23 / night
Check Availability"Potable water is available in several places on each loop. The bathhouses are rebuilt recently and are very nice. Some walk in tent sites."
"This is Organized Group Tenting Only."
from $28 - $72 / night
Check Availability"Inexpensive $15 a night, but you only get picnic table and fire ring. No hook ups. Great children's pond for 12 and under. Brandywine creek and Chambers Lake are there too. Great playground."
"We loved the lake campground. My kids are age 3-12. There’s running water available, porta potties are very clean and don’t smell and are lit with a street lamp. Very quiet at night."
from $15 - $50 / night
Check Availability"Shambala at Mystic Hollow offers great creekside campsites for anyone looking to pitch a tent and enjoy some time by the water. Check them out and share your experience on the Dyrt!"
from $40 / night
Check Availability"Had a great time walking the trails and enjoying a picnic at the cliff-side pavilion."
from $25 - $50 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $25 - $50 / night
ScoutVery nice campground nice size sites all have picnic table and fire ring. Lot of full time RV here but many other for people traveling and tent sites also. Nice lake for fishing. Easy check in. Nice little store. About an hour away from Hershey where we went to the RV show. We will come back if we are in the area again
ScoutThis campground is operated as part of the Hershey Corporation. It is located minutes from Hershey Park and the campground does provide bus services to the park. Sites are generally very close together, and more crowded than a typical KOA. Even having a fire may be problematic based on the site and your neighbors RV placement. Full hook up and pull through sites are located in Carrousel Circle at the front of the park. At booking ask for your site number and never accept site 192 which has a telephone pole located near or in the site. Campground is convenient to Hershey Park and the town, but charges Disney Prices for a campground that just doesn’t measure up. Their are better places in Central Pennsylvania.
LegendPretty campground with lots of lake views. We arrived just before dark which was good because the sites were not level front to back. Most sites had a slope but there were some level sites. You can kayak, canoe, paddle board, and fish on the lake. There are 2 boat launches. The store wasn’t much to speak of. Bath houses were clean. We walked around the lake on a paved level path. They advertise no alcohol. This is near the Pioneer Tunnel Coal Mine tour which we loved. It’s near the Yingling Brewery tour.
LegendPROS
Reserved 328 days prior to arriving
$13.50 senior discount
Immediately greeted by Loop C camp host who was extremely friendly and helpful
Site C3 parking pad level asphalt
Metal frame wooden picnic table that was moveable
One hook lantern pole
Metal fire pit which was cleaned out upon our arrival
Some vegetation between sites provided a bit of privacy from neighbors sites
Park is 21 miles from Valley Forge National Historical Park. Catch National Park Service 90 minute trolley tour at the Visitor Center.
Shady Maple Smorgasbord...authentic Pennsylvania Dutch cooking…largest buffet in the USA…16 miles from French Creek SP
CONS
$6.50 reservation fee for making my own on-line reservation
Horrible signage along PA-345. Never saw very small sign when we where intensely searching
Such a large overall park, but camping loop sites are jammed together
Pitiful low water pressure in Loop C
Site sewer connection is high; needs to be knocked down to ground level
Short length of site caused creative tow vehicle parking
Loop C women’s toilet/shower building a big nasty mess Saturday
Trash dumpsters are on the main road near the campground check-in station (not walkable)
Noisy campground; 9pm quiet hour not enforced
Lots of barking dogs
No wood sales in park
No WiFi
1 bar Verizon
TravelerWalk in sites have picnic table and fire ring. Tent pads are level and smooth. Showers and restrooms are close to sites. Strongly recommend...
LegendSet just off I-76 in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch country, Pinch Pond Family Campground& RV Park is a large, all-in-one, family-focused campground with a layout that feels more like a small neighborhood than a traditional woods-only campsite. While its proximity to the highway makes access easy, the property itself is gated, organized into distinct camping zones and packed with amenities that clearly cater to longer stays and families looking for built-in entertainment.
HIGHLIGHTS:(1) Full-service resort-style amenities including pool, playground, arcade, laundry, propane refills, dump stations, sports field, picnic tables and in-ground fire rings throughout the property;(2) Wide variety of lodging options including RV sites with 30/50 amp hookups, water, sewer and cable, primitive tent sites, and multiple on-site cottages for non-campers;(3) Gated entrance and very welcoming, helpful staff at check-in with a well-stocked camp store offering snacks, ice cream, sundries and souvenirs;(4) Strong family appeal with fishing pond, barn, open play areas and space for kids to roam safely; and(5) Excellent location for regional attractions including Hershey Park, Chocolate World, Amish countryside tours and the nearby wolf sanctuary with guided educational tours.
LOWLIGHTS:(1) Immediate proximity to I-76 means persistent highway noise day and night with no real sound buffer;(2) Access is oddly indirect despite being next to the turnpike, requiring a several-mile loop through countryside roads to reach the entrance;(3) Overall layout is wide open with limited natural privacy between many RV sites;(4) Nearby shooting range produces frequent target practice noise, especially noticeable during early morning hours; and(5) Pricing for primitive tent sites feels disproportionately high compared to full-hookup RV rates.
Happy Camping!
GuideWe had a wonderful stay at Gifford Pinchot State Park!
The camping area at GP is separated into A loop and B loops with approximately 300 sites. All sites had a paved pad, varying in size depending on the location, with tent site being smaller. Most sites have electric and there are 22 full hookup sites in the camping area. Both loops are peninsulas into the lake, which is convenient to launching boats directly from many sites. Loop A is closer to the designated swimming area with a sandy beach and playground. B loop is closer to many of the hiking trails and also several boat launch areas. It is nice that the camping area and amenities are separated from the public day use area. At the entrance to the camping area there are three dump stations.
During our stay we were at a full hookup site which was very spacious and often hard to find in PA State Parks. Our site was#299 and for some reason the entire site was paved/blacktop, which was different than all the other sites where the pad was paved and the picnic table area was gravel/grass. While this site made it easy to level our camper, it became quite hot in the afternoon/evening after the sun had baked it all day.
Overall, we thoroughly enjoyed GP and couldn’t believe we hadn’t visited before because it is a great state park. Wood is available for purchase at the campground hosts’ sites and ice at the park office. As with most PA state parks, quiet hours are at 9:00PM, which is a bit early, and there is no alcohol allowed in the park. We look forward to returning to GP in the future.
ScoutWe stayed only one night in primitive tent site which was massive with a turnaround. It was great. There are fire pits and picnic tables and level ground. Very serene. We walked down to the river, breathtaking. Not sure of other amenities as we didn’t use them.
ScoutKnoebels campground is situated next to Knoebels amusement park and offers sites for tent campers and RVs, as well as cabins.
There is electricity at every site but not water. There are fill stations throughout the campgrounds. Most sites are level and shaded. There are nice sturdy wooden platforms for tent campers.
The bath houses are clean and well maintained. There are outside sinks with mirrors, laundry facilities, shower stalls, and toilet stalls. Or if you prefer there are also traditional bathrooms with showers.
Quiet hours are enforced between 10p and 8a.
Each site has a fire ring and picnic table. Wood is available by the bucket near the check in building. Sites are inexpensive and are all a short walk, or free shuttle ride, to the park!.
Primitive tent camping around Hershey, Pennsylvania provides affordable overnight options generally within 30-45 miles of the chocolate destination. The region features several county and township-managed tent camping areas typically costing $15-25 nightly. Most primitive sites in the greater Hershey area require payment by cash or check, with reservations handled through individual park offices rather than centralized systems. Winter camping is limited, with most locations closing between October and April.
Creek activities: Yellow Breeches Creek at Lower Allen Community Park offers kayak-in camping opportunities. "Cute site in a local township park that not many people know about. You can put in a few miles up and float down to your site," notes a camper. The park locks gates at dusk but provides fire pits and picnic tables.
Fishing access: Children under 12 can enjoy designated fishing at Hibernia County Park. "Great children's pond for 12 and under. Brandywine creek and Chambers Lake are there too," states one reviewer. No gas-powered motors are permitted on Chambers Lake, creating a quieter fishing environment.
Trail exploration: Multiple trail networks connect campgrounds to broader hiking systems. "You can bike to the trail from the campground. All downhill. So be ready for the climb back up," mentions a camper about Susquehannock State Park's bike trail to Conowingo dam, approximately 4 miles from the campground.
Cooling creek proximity: The temperature regulation provided by streamside sites appeals to summer campers at Mill Creek Camping Area. "Campsite for where we stayed is down by the creek making for a cooler camping experience and love the sound of water flowing at night," shares a reviewer who found the site provided natural air conditioning during hot periods.
Budget-friendly rates: Campsites maintain affordable pricing compared to commercial options. "Super great price at $15/night as well," notes a family staying at Hibernia County Park. Most primitive sites in Lancaster County maintain flat rates regardless of occupancy, typically allowing 4-6 people per site.
Flexible weather policies: "Campground will refund you if rain prevents your stay or allow you to rebook," mentions a reviewer about Mill Creek Campground, highlighting policies some parks have implemented to accommodate weather disruptions. Check with individual park offices as refund policies vary significantly.
Site privacy varies: Some campgrounds provide minimal separation between neighboring campers. "There is absolutely no privacy. The campsites are right next to each other with hardly any trees," reports one camper about Lake Loop at Hibernia. For more isolation, request sites farther from main trails.
Limited drinking water: Water availability is inconsistent across primitive sites. "There are NO HOOKUPS, and water is not easy to come by if you are in an RV. If you are coming in an RV, you should come with a full water tank," advises a camper about Fiddler's Loop. Many locations provide only a single spigot near toilet facilities.
Hiker traffic: Tent sites situated near trail systems experience foot traffic. "Hikers take any trail instead of marked trails regardless of families camping in private areas," notes a camper about Mill Creek Campground. Trail users sometimes pass through camping areas, particularly during peak daylight hours.
Playground access: Rolling Hills Retreats and other locations provide playground equipment near tent sites. "Great playground," mentions a reviewer about Hibernia County Park, which features play structures within walking distance of camping loops.
Bathroom considerations: Facilities vary significantly between camping areas. "The porta potties are very clean and don't smell and are lit with a street lamp," shares a family camper about Lake Campground, noting the child-friendly bathroom maintenance. Most primitive campgrounds feature vault toilets rather than flush facilities.
Age-appropriate activities: Consider age restrictions for recreation areas. "The children's pond is a short ways away for well stocked fishing," mentions a parent about Hibernia's designated youth fishing pond, which maintains special regulations for anglers 12 and under.
Limited RV accessibility: Few primitive tent campgrounds accommodate larger recreational vehicles. "I wouldn't attempt to park an RV up there," cautions a reviewer about Lake Loop at Hibernia County Park. Susquehannock State Park Campground offers some of the best tent camping near Hershey with electric hookups at select sites.
Tank management: "There is NO DUMP STATION. There are a few nearby campgrounds that will let you dump for a fee, otherwise, you'll have to look for a truck stop on the way home," advises an RVer staying at Hibernia. Most primitive tent sites near Hershey lack waste disposal facilities.
Site leveling challenges: Uneven terrain requires preparation. "They aren't level, but nothing a little creative positioning can't fix," explains a camper with a 28-foot fifth wheel about Fiddler's Loop. Small travel trailers and pop-ups can access more tent-focused campgrounds than larger RVs.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where are the best tent camping sites near Hershey Park?
For tent camping near Hershey Park, Lower Allen Community Park offers a unique experience with sites along Yellow Breeches Creek, perfect for combining water activities with your Hershey adventure. The park has limited sites requiring reservation through the township. Another excellent option is Rolling Hills Retreats, which provides more privacy than typical campgrounds, making it ideal for groups wanting a secluded outdoor experience while still being within driving distance of Hershey's attractions.
What amenities are available at Hershey Park campgrounds for tent campers?
Tent campers in the Hershey area can expect varying amenities depending on the campground. Shikellamy State Park Campground offers convenient parking areas, hiking trails, a pavilion, playground, and numerous picnic tables. At Brandywine Meadows Family Campground, tent campers typically have access to clean restroom facilities, water sources, and family-friendly recreation areas. Most campgrounds in the region provide basic amenities like picnic tables and fire rings, while some offer additional facilities such as playgrounds, hiking trails, and access to water recreation.
How much does tent camping cost near Hershey, PA?
Tent camping costs vary across the region. Mill Creek Camping Area charges a flat rate of $25 per night for up to six days, with generous refund policies for weather cancellations. For budget-conscious campers, Susquehannock State Park Campground offers economical options with some electric sites available. The most affordable option is Hibernia County Park at just $15 per night, though amenities are basic with only picnic tables and fire rings included.
Are there tent camping options near lakes around Hershey, PA?
Hibernia County Park offers tent camping near Chambers Lake, making it perfect for families who enjoy water recreation. The park features two camping loops with the Lake Loop being more open and popular with group campers. The children's pond is great for kids 12 and under. Another option is Shambala at Mystic Hollow, which provides peaceful creekside tent sites for those who prefer camping by flowing water rather than a lake.
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