Best Campgrounds near Harrisburg, PA
Campgrounds near Harrisburg, Pennsylvania range from highly developed facilities to more rustic options, providing accommodations for various camping styles within an hour's drive of the state capital. Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground and Hersheypark Camping Resort offer established sites with amenities for tent camping, RVs, cabins, and even glamping options. Several campgrounds in the area feature full hookup sites for RVs alongside more primitive tent camping areas, particularly along waterways like the Susquehanna River. The region includes both private resort-style campgrounds with recreational facilities and state park campgrounds with more natural settings, creating a diverse camping landscape for visitors to central Pennsylvania.
Access to campgrounds varies seasonally, with many facilities operating from April through October. "While we were on the other side of the campground we could still hear the highway noise if our door was open," noted one visitor about Harrisburg East Campground, highlighting how proximity to highways can affect the camping experience. Travelers should be aware that sites near the Susquehanna River may experience flooding during heavy rain periods. Reservations are highly recommended, especially for summer weekends when Hershey attractions draw large crowds. Most established campgrounds in the area provide water and electric hookups, with many offering full-service amenities including showers, toilets, and sanitary dump stations. Weather conditions typically allow for comfortable camping from late spring through early fall, though summer humidity can be significant.
The camping experience in the Harrisburg area reflects its mixed suburban and rural character. According to one camper at Lower Allen Community Park, "Cute site in a local township park that not many people know about... The sites sit right along the Yellow Breeches creek so you can put in a few miles up and float down to your site." Train noise is frequently mentioned in reviews of campgrounds near Hershey, with several visitors noting that trains run throughout the night. Wildlife viewing opportunities exist at several campgrounds, especially those adjacent to parks and waterways. Mixed-use campgrounds provide access to both natural experiences and proximity to attractions, with many campers using the area as a base for visiting Hersheypark, Harrisburg's museums, or exploring the surrounding countryside. Families particularly appreciate campgrounds with pools and recreational facilities during the warm summer months.
