S
Steven W.
Scout
ScoutHosack Run
Peaceful Oasis
Well kept, clean facilities, easy to work with camp staff, we stayed at site 51 a full hook up site mostly level with a gravel pad short walk to the restrooms
Best Campgrounds near Highspire, PA
Campgrounds near Highspire, Pennsylvania range from established state parks to private resorts, with most facilities located within a 30-minute drive of the city. Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground offers 339 sites with options for tent camping, RVs, cabins, and yurts around a large lake about 20 miles southwest of Highspire. Closer to town, Harrisburg East Campground provides year-round camping with full hookup sites for RVs and tent areas. The region includes several family-oriented private campgrounds like Hersheypark Camping Resort and Elizabethtown-Hershey KOA, which feature cabin rentals, glamping options, and proximity to attractions like Hershey Park.
Many campgrounds in the area require reservations, particularly during the peak season from April through October when most facilities operate at full capacity. Road access to established campgrounds is generally well-maintained, with paved roads leading to most developed sites. "Beautiful picturesque campground with large spots and a lot of trees. Very quiet and close enough to Lancaster for shopping," noted one visitor about a nearby campground. Weather considerations include occasional summer thunderstorms and cooler temperatures in spring and fall. Cell service is generally reliable throughout the region, though coverage may vary at more remote sites. Most developed campgrounds offer electric hookups, with many providing full hookups including water and sewer connections, particularly at private resorts catering to RV travelers.
Waterfront camping receives consistently positive reviews, with Gifford Pinchot State Park's lakeside sites being particularly popular. One camper described their experience: "We love this park...it's one of our favorites! We have a small camper and there are some great sites on the lake side to park it where you can get AMAZING sunset views." Several visitors mentioned the region's proximity to attractions like Hershey Park and Amish country as key benefits. Campground amenities vary widely, with state parks offering more natural settings and private campgrounds featuring pools, game rooms, and organized activities. Noise levels can be a concern at some locations, with several reviews mentioning train noise at Hersheypark Camping Resort. For those seeking a quieter experience, sites farther from highways and train tracks generally provide more peaceful surroundings.
Best Camping Sites Near Highspire, Pennsylvania (156)
1. Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground
57 ReviewsWellsville, PA13 milesWebsite+1 (717) 292-4112$20 - $89 / night
"We have a small camper and there are some great sites on the lake side to park it where you can get AMAZING sunset views. "
"We had site 108 which is an electric site along the shore and close to the beach, and it was perfect for our needs. "
2. Hersheypark Camping Resort
30 ReviewsHummelstown, PA7 milesWebsite+1 (833) 936-0949"This campground has a little something for everyone, from full hook up sites neatly stacked next to each other, to quiet patches of grass next to the river."
"They don’t sell alcohol but there is a shopping center within walking distance with restaurants and liquor stores! Even a supermarket. There is shuttle service to the park."
3. Elizabethtown-Hershey KOA
15 ReviewsElizabethtown, PA8 milesWebsite+1 (717) 367-7718$45 - $279 / night
"There was a bathhouse and dish sink nearby, as well as the entrance to a nice little nature trail a few sites down. "
"Large and easy to enter/exit sites. Wifi was pretty good. (It helped that the antenna was right beside our site!) Cable TV, too! Everyone we talked to was nice and friendly."
4. Thousand Trails Hershey
21 ReviewsMount Gretna, PA14 milesWebsite+1 (888) 707-1477$50 - $60 / night
"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. They don't reserve sites for you."
"This is a clean, nice looking campground in a location very close to Hershey park and the outlets. It’s a very nice area."
5. River Rock Recreation
5 ReviewsBainbridge, PA8 milesWebsite$75 - $90 / night
"There is no on site running water or electric but they did leave us with a 5 gallon water jug and a 5 gallon shower bag to use in the outside shower."
"https://www.riverrockadv.com/#/ I was fortunate enough to find this local gem while browsing“camping near me”. Not only that, my unlucky butt won a 2 night stay there!"
6. Pinch Pond Family Campground & RV Park
15 ReviewsMount Gretna, PA17 milesWebsite+1 (717) 665-7640"Set 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"
"campground so inconveniently located (more on this later) right next to highway I76."
7. Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country
14 ReviewsMount Gretna, PA18 milesWebsite+1 (888) 707-1477"Tucked into the rolling, wooded hills of Pennsylvania Dutch Country, Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country RV Resort offers a unique blend of peaceful countryside and activity-packed camping, all just a stone"
"this campground is completely surrounded by a fairly dense forest, which likely is what blocks any irritable sound and most certainly blocks any highway or traffic visibility."
8. Harrisburg East Campground
2 ReviewsSteelton, PA2 milesWebsite+1 (717) 939-4331$84 - $94 / night
"The highway bordered it on one side and while we were on the other side of the campground we could still hear the noise if our door was open. Our site was level, but many were not."
"The sites that were close to the interstate were noisy from traffic. Also it was close to Harrisburg International Airport so planes also made it noisy at times."
9. Hershey Road Campground
2 ReviewsElizabethtown, PA9 milesWebsite+1 (844) 476-6737"Very close to Hersheypark. Nicest miniature golf course I’ve ever seen at a RV park. Same can be said for the swimming pool, absolutely beautiful. Great little dog park as well. "
"Great location a updated grounds, sites and restrooms n bath houses. Local to hershey but out of the traffic. Great vaction site for RVs n longer stays. Quiet n comfortable RV living!"
10. Lower Allen Community Park
1 ReviewLewisberry, PA7 milesWebsite+1 (717) 975-7575$10 - $25 / night
"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."
Recent Camping Photos near Highspire, PA
351 Photos of 156 Highspire Campgrounds
Ray L.
Hersheypark Camping Resort
Jen R.
River Rock Recreation
Jen V.
Elizabethtown-Hershey KOA
Heidi R.
Hershey Road Campground
Andrea N.
Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground
Scott T.
Thousand Trails Hershey
Steve S.
Circle S Farm Camping
Camp
Camp Hebron
Grace H.
Pinch Pond Family Campground & RV Park
Lee P.
Cedar Lake Family Campground
RiverFront Fish Camp
Riverfront Campground
Recent Reviews near Highspire, PA
938 Reviews of 156 Highspire Campgrounds
MsTrailBlazer 🏔.
GuidePine Grove Furnace State Park Campground
App Trail and Store 🙌🏻
Probably my favorite due to the Store, the store employee and the App Trails. Will be back. My site was next to the amp trail which I didn’t particularly like, but my site was beautiful. WiFi available at Camp Store
- MsTrailBlazer 🏔.Guide
Caledonia State Park Campground
Great Park App Trail 🤌🏼
Great Park, showers were cold and after the App Trail, A hot shower would have been awesome. Beautiful park though. My site was a little bit uneven but it looks like the park has been through an upgrade recently.
James B.
TravelerHershey Road Campground
An alternative to Hershey Park Campground. A little cheapwr but sites are better here.
Great location a updated grounds, sites and restrooms n bath houses. Local to hershey but out of the traffic.
Great vaction site for RVs n longer stays. Quiet n comfortable RV living!
Stephen W.GuideMill Bridge Village & Camp Resort
Great olacevto camp in Lancaster County
We camp here several times thru out the year. Always an enjoyable stay. Staff is very friendly and accommodating.
Nicole S.
LegendLake-In-Wood Campground
Sun Retreats Lancaster County - Easter Weekend
Like always we like to begin our camping season with a Easter Weekend Trip, my husband's family is partial to the Lancaster Area, so we headed there to Sun Retreats Lancaster. As we drove up I loved the look and location of the campground. You could see there was a indoor pool setup, arcade, playground, store, ice cream, mini-golf and a huge lake and that was everything we saw from the truck. We pulled up to a gate and a guy came out of the shed next to it to check us in.
The campground looked well maintained, the sports were on both sides of the lake and they offered many different options like woods or open, pull through or back up. We choose a really wooded site. It was tight getting in but I can't complain I don't drive the truck. It seemed like there was a fair amount of seasonal sites but they didn't overwhelm the place. I could see also a lot of cabins there were some shaped like teepees, a frontier cabin, and a caboose. They had a fair amount of open grass to play and enjoy. You can bring your own golfcart or they have on site rentals also.
They had an activity list that would help keep everyone busy, they had a mini golf course that was in great shape, an arcade which was definitely lacking in the game department, I think there was 4 pinball machines, 2 Skee ball, 3 racing games, and the play to you win machine. The playground x2 were both in great condition with a lot to keep kids playing on. I can only comment on the indoor pool which at the time was said to be under construction however still open, the water was on the colder side and the hot tube the same temp as the pool, the ceiling had been ripped off so the iron rusting beams were exposed and rust falling down. The kids still went in the pool unfortunately the air from the open window made them too cold so we didn't stay long. I am hoping it will be finished because the concept of the indoor-outdoor pool area looks so fun.
The staff was extremely helpful and super friendly. The store was fully stocked with everything you could want. The bathrooms were all kept so clean and in working order with hot water. We enjoyed the area we ventured out to see the Choo Choo barn, the green dragon flea market, and kitchen kettle village which are a must if your in the area. We also choose to hike the Welsh Preserve and Money Rock. The lake had a path you could walk completely around and you could choose to fish if that's your thing.
I would definitely return to this campground again, we had 8 sites in total and we all really thought it was a wonderful place and really enjoyed our holiday weekend there. It was very busy but the staff was present but not overbearing. People were very respectful and friendly.
Stuart K.LegendThousand Trails PA Dutch Country
Amish Country Charm with a Resort Twist
Tucked into the rolling, wooded hills of Pennsylvania Dutch Country, Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country RV Resort offers a unique blend of peaceful countryside and activity-packed camping, all just a stone’s throw from the PA Turnpike.
While my review from a few years ago provides a ton of detail, I thought I would follow up that review with a topline of HIGHLIGHTS and LOWLIGHTS along with a smattering of new photos.
HIGHLIGHTS:(1) Expansive campground with 250+ sites offering full hookups, giving plenty of options for both short stays and longer visits;(2) Resort-style amenities including pool, mini golf, clubhouse, playgrounds, and organized activities that keep families engaged throughout the day;(3) Beautiful wooded setting with dense tree coverage that creates a surprisingly secluded feel despite proximity to major highways;(4) Ideal location for exploring Pennsylvania Dutch Country, with scenic farmland, covered bridges, and charming nearby towns just minutes away; and(5) Strong sense of community with events like bingo, crafts, and family activities that give it that classic ‘summer camp” vibe.
LOWLIGHTS:(1) Sloped terrain throughout much of the campground can make leveling a bit tricky depending on your site;(2) Close proximity to the PA Turnpike may be a concern for some, even though tree coverage helps reduce both noise and visibility;(3) Wi-Fi is not complimentary and can be an added cost, which feels a bit dated for a“resort” experience;(4) Membership requirement through Thousand Trails can be a barrier for first-time or casual campers; and(5) Limited tent site availability compared to the large number of RV sites, making it less flexible for non-RV travelers
Happy Camping!
- Stuart K.Legend
Pinch Pond Family Campground & RV Park
Amenity-Packed Campground in PA Dutch Country
Set 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!
- EEileen D.Guide
Echo Valley Campground
Nice park
Owners are very friendly and helpful. Sites are large and roomy.
Guide to Highspire
Camping sites near Highspire, Pennsylvania feature diverse terrain with elevations ranging from 300 to 450 feet above sea level, creating natural drainage that helps campsites dry quickly after rain. The area sits at the junction of the Susquehanna River Valley and Appalachian foothills, offering a mix of riverside and wooded camping options within a 30-mile radius. Summer temperatures typically range from 65-85°F with higher humidity from June through August.
What to do
Kayaking the Susquehanna River: Riverside camping at River Rock Recreation offers direct water access with private launch points. "We spent our time fishing the river banks right outside our tents and kayaking on the Susquehanna to fish the warm waters. We caught a ton of catfish and carp using live bait," reports one visitor who found the $20 per person rate reasonable for the exclusive riverside access.
Disc golf courses: Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground maintains two 18-hole disc golf courses within 20 miles of Highspire. "Both areas have their own 18 hole disc golf course, but I will say: 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."
Northwest Lancaster Trail exploration: Located near camping options, this trail system offers hiking and biking opportunities. "As I mentioned there is the Northwest Lancaster Trail to walk along, ride your bike, geocache or check out the Edible Forest. We found some raccoon tracks in the mud down by the river and checked out the scenery of the York Haven Catwalk."
Farm animal interactions: Thousand Trails Gettysburg Farm offers a unique camping experience where kids can interact with farm animals. "We came amidst COVID-19, so the many activities and events this location usually holds are down, BUT there is still fun to be had here! We've enjoyed mini-golf, feeding the animals, 'hiking' through the cornfield, fishing, and campfires."
What campers like
Waterfront tent platforms: River Rock Recreation provides dedicated wooden platforms for tents right at the water's edge. "They have 3 wood tent platforms. 2 small ones are right near the river and one very large one is set back in the trees. We used the large platform for our REI Kingdom 8 tent. This gave us more than enough space to set up the tent garage and we even set up cornhole in front of the tent."
Well-designed outdoor kitchens: Campers appreciate thoughtful amenities that enhance meal preparation. "One of my favorite features other than staying right on the river was the kitchen area. There is a stone floor, covered roof, and wrap around wood countertop space complete with an outdoor sink. You can refill the water supply for the sink very easily."
Less crowded weekday camping: Midweek stays offer a quieter experience at most campgrounds near Highspire. "Close to Hershey World, nice campground mid week nice and few campers. Nice staff, trash pickup at site, friendly escort. Site was spacious, clean and trees between sites so you don't feel crowded in."
Fishing opportunities: Multiple locations offer fishing access within a short drive of Highspire. At Pinch Pond Family Campground & RV Park, visitors can fish in the stocked pond, though one visitor notes: "Pond is okay, could be nicer. It can be noisy near the highway so we always try to get furthest campsite away."
What you should know
Noise considerations: Several campgrounds experience noise from nearby roads or railways. At Hersheypark Camping Resort, "Basic RV's park 95 night is way to much you pay for location" and "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!"
Shooting range proximity: Some campgrounds are located near shooting ranges, which affects daytime noise levels. "This campground has nice large sites, shade and sunny, full hookups, clean pool, playground, super clean laundry room and bathrooms. The only thing that is negative is that there is a shooting range right next door. It is pretty consistent from lunch to dinner."
Seasonal insects: Certain areas experience significant insect activity, particularly in warmer months. "I came for a hike and quick one night tent escape. I had never been and reserved a tent site online. When I arrived, someone was in my spot. After working it out and came back I noticed just how crowded it was. Lots literally right on top of each other. Felt like everyone there was in the same group but we obviously weren't. Went to front gate and got a much more isolated tent spot. After we pitched in the new spot, all was good. Then I left and woke up with a serious case of chigger bites."
Varying site leveling: Many campgrounds in the area require significant leveling equipment for RVs. At Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country, "Unlevel is an understatement we were in E row and every camper there had front end 4 foot off the ground. Many other sites were the same. The walk to pool and all other amenities was not pleasant due to hills."
Tips for camping with families
Playground proximity: Request sites near play areas for easy supervision. "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. There was also a beach location on the state park side vs campground side of the lake."
Kid-friendly hiking trails: Lower Allen Community Park offers easy hiking options along Yellow Breeches Creek. "Cute site in a local township park that not many people know about. There actually three total. You just need to call the township to reserve. The sites sit right along the Yellow Breeches creak so you can put in a few miles up and float down to your site."
Game room considerations: Some campgrounds offer indoor recreation options for rainy days. "It was like camping and going to chuckie cheese at the same time. If I have one and only complaint it's the pool, it could use an upgrade and I wish they had actual lounge chairs rather than just plastic chairs to sit. However, unlike most campgrounds, the pool stayed open pretty late so that was a huge bonus for me."
Scavenger hunts: Look for campgrounds that provide organized activities. "They provided us with tons of information to include maps of the local trails. There was 2 scavenger hunts that you could do. One where they list things to do and objects to find and take pictures of. The other was for local land marks."
Tips from RVers
Early arrival importance: Many campgrounds operate on first-come, first-served basis for site selection. "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. They don't reserve sites for you. For everyone complaining about driving around and not finding spots, if you get there early enough around 1 pm, you won't have a problem."
Leveling challenges: Bring extra leveling blocks for uneven terrain. "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. The site on either side was the same rusty. Unlevel is an understatement."
Satellite and cell reception: Tree cover affects connectivity at many campgrounds. "Definitely got lucky with site F03 for Starlink. The rest of the campground has a lot of tree cover. Beautiful grounds and clean. Site is gravel and pretty level. Water pressure is pretty low and the sewer pipe is a little high but all around a really solid experience."
Pull-through access: Choose campsites carefully based on your RV size and access needs. "It is a nice camp ground but the lower drive threw spots are packed together. Our 32' with slides just fit the sight and we had zero room for the truck. They have other spots up on the hill but would have been more of a challenge with our rig."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near Highspire, PA?
Which is the most popular campground near Highspire, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Highspire, PA is Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground with a 4.2-star rating from 57 reviews.
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