Best Tent Camping near Hershey, PA
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.
