Dog-Friendly Camping near Highspire, PA

Camping near Highspire offers varied terrain with elevations ranging from 300-400 feet above sea level along the Susquehanna River. The area features a humid continental climate with four distinct seasons, making spring and fall particularly comfortable for camping. Local campgrounds often provide river access points where campers can launch kayaks or fishing boats.

What to do

Fishing opportunities: Multiple waterways near Highspire provide excellent fishing spots. At Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground, campers report good catches from shore. "We caught a handful of bass and an absurd amount of bluegill from shore," notes one visitor. The park requires fishing licenses, which rangers actively check.

Hiking trails: Explore local trail systems offering various difficulty levels. "I took an early morning hike on the 8.5 mile Lakeside Trail that goes around the lake and it was really awesome to see the lake from all different angles," shared a Gifford Pinchot visitor. For shorter hikes, the Northwest Lancaster Trail near River Rock Recreation offers accessible paths with wildlife viewing opportunities.

Disc golf courses: Several campgrounds maintain disc golf courses for guests. "Both areas have their own 18 hole disc golf course," explains a camper at Gifford Pinchot. While courses vary in difficulty, beginners should note potential hazards: "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."

What campers like

Waterfront sites: Riverside camping provides both recreation and relaxation. River Rock Recreation offers "two large wooden decks keep you level and off of the ground" with sites right on the Susquehanna River. Another camper adds, "Staying right on the river was both fun and relaxing for us. We even booked a second trip for this July."

Dog-friendly amenities: Pet owners appreciate campgrounds near Highspire with dedicated dog areas. Elizabethtown-Hershey KOA offers "several pet parks for your own pets, several pet trails, there are people trails" according to visitors. This makes it an excellent option for those seeking dog friendly campgrounds near Highspire.

Well-maintained bathrooms: Clean facilities matter to campers. One visitor to Elizabethtown-Hershey KOA noted, "Bathrooms are very clean and modern, but a decent walk from tent sites." Another camper shared, "Spotless bathrooms. Nice pool and playgrounds. Not a lot of traffic. Quiet. Friendly. Price is fair and not nearly as expensive as many other KOAs but the quality is just as good!"

What you should know

Train noise: Several campgrounds experience railroad noise. At Hersheypark Camping Resort, one camper warned: "Trains are all night" while another advised, "I would suggest making sure you aren't close to the tracks bc the trains run all night long!" Site selection significantly impacts your experience.

Site leveling challenges: Uneven terrain affects many campsites in the region. A visitor to Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country reported, "Campground loses a star because the sites are pretty uneven. Not just the one we're on but others as well. The campground is pretty hilly and they don't seem to want to level out the sites."

Shooting range proximity: Some campgrounds are located near shooting facilities. A Pinch Pond visitor noted, "The only thing that is negative is that there is a shooting range right next door. It is pretty consistent from lunch to dinner." Another camper added, "If you enjoy sitting outside of your camper and relaxing this might be nerve wracking."

Tips for camping with families

Kid-friendly animal interactions: Farm-themed campgrounds provide unique experiences for children. At Thousand Trails Gettysburg Farm, "The main attraction is the animals, but there is also a cute playground for the kids." Another family shared, "Got a kick out of the children playing with the kids (baby goats) pigs, goats, chickens, horses and even llamas."

Beach access for children: Look for campgrounds with swimming areas. "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," reports a Gifford Pinchot visitor. Some campgrounds offer both pool and beach options for cooling off.

First-timer friendly sites: Some locations specifically cater to new campers. At River Rock Recreation, "They said they would eventually like to be able to provide more items like tents, kayaks, bicycles, fishing gear and anything you would need for camping." This is ideal "for someone who has never camped before and just wants to try it to see if they like it."

Tips from RVers

Site selection strategy: Choose sites based on specific needs. For RVers at Hersheypark Camping Resort, "Sites were a bit close where we were but they had other sites that were more spread out." Another RVer advised, "The pioneer section you are literally feet away from the tracks but the playground area is there. The Lazy River section is far away from the noise."

Full hookup considerations: Water pressure and sewer connections vary between campgrounds. A PA Dutch Country visitor noted, "Water was rusty in our row came out brown at first then was tan after running through our filter for the entire stay." Check reviews for specific utility issues before booking.

Pull-through availability: RVers seeking easier setup should target specific campground sections. "We chose a pull through site for our 30 ft TT since we are newbies (our 4th trip). There is ample space between you and your rv neighbor and no real obstructions to park," shared a camper at Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country.