Camping options near Hopeland, Pennsylvania sit at approximately 500 feet above sea level in Lancaster County's gentle rolling farmland. Winter temperatures regularly drop below freezing between November and March, while summer months average in the mid-80s with higher humidity. Most campgrounds in this area remain open seasonally from April through October, with only a few offering year-round accommodations.
What to do
Fishing at local lakes: French Creek State Park Campground offers two lakes stocked with various fish species. "There are two lakes, Scotts Run Lake and Hopewell Lake that you can fish at, kayak, canoe or just relax by. There are several warm water fish in the lakes including northern pike, chain pickerel, bass, walleye, muskellunge and several types of panfish," notes one camper at French Creek State Park Campground.
Explore Amish country: Country Acres Campground provides direct access to authentic Amish experiences. "Ask about the special and free Amish tour linked to the campground," suggests a visitor who adds, "We had the best time in a site next to our son and his gal. We both had pop-ups. The sites were clean and lovely places to stay while we enjoyed the Amish sites in the area."
Attend seasonal events: Fall and Halloween activities draw crowds to several local campgrounds. At Thousand Trails Circle M, one visitor mentions, "It gets very full on the weekends here. They had Halloween ever at every weekend of October and we spent Halloween weekend here. The kids loved it!!"
What campers like
Family-friendly aquatic options: Numerous campgrounds feature swimming facilities for hot summer days. At Lake-in-Wood Campground, campers appreciate the multiple pool options: "Huge pond for fishing, miniature gold, nice indoor and outdoor pool and a kiddie pool. Goats to pet and watch. There are a lot of really neat and different rentals here like a tree house, double decker bus, among others."
Convenient access to attractions: Many campgrounds serve as ideal basebases for exploring regional attractions. "Great location for activities including Hershey Park, Hershey Chocolate factory, Hershey RV show," notes a visitor at Pinch Pond Family Campground & RV Park, which sits between major tourist areas.
Spacious, well-maintained sites: Campers frequently comment on the quality of campsites throughout the region. "All sites have a paved level area which made set up a breeze. Sites were not on top of each other. Bathrooms were very nice and clean with large showers. Nice area to wash dishes. Very nice playground area and clean," reports one visitor about French Creek State Park Campground.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Weather impacts the camping experience significantly in this region. At French Creek State Park Campground, winter camping is available but requires preparation: "Stayed over for one night in early December. Showers and bathrooms were great! If you're traveling through, there are many places to eat nearby. The honor system of payment at the office makes it really easy to come in late and leave early, make sure you have cash on you."
Noise factors: Some campgrounds experience noise from nearby activities or roads. Visitors to Old Mill Stream Campground note: "Literally off the same parking lot as Dutch Wonderland. It's really small but very pleasant... Not too noisy being next to a theme park."
Site features vary significantly: Not all sites offer the same amenities or level ground. At Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country, a camper observes: "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 access: When booking with children, prioritize sites near play areas. At Dutch Cousin Campground, one visitor shares: "Very clean, quiet, nice level sites. Beautiful rentals are available. Affordable!" though others note limited activities for children: "Great smaller campground. Staff was friendly, general vibe was low key. A lot of year round sites. Only complaint being not a lot for the kids to do aside from ride bike."
Pool quality matters: When camping during summer months, pool facilities become essential. Country Acres Campground earns high marks for their kid-friendly pool design: "The pool is new and has a sloped entrance so my two year old could play by himself and loved it. The new bathhouse has better restrooms than my own home! Everything is clean and well managed."
Consider glamping options: For families new to camping, luxury glamping close to Hopeland, Pennsylvania offers an accessible entry point. Lake-in-Wood Campground features "elegant yurts with electricity, comfortable bedding, and temperature control systems" according to reviews, with numerous themed accommodations that kids enjoy.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling requirements: RVers should prepare for potential leveling challenges at several campgrounds. At Starlite Camping Resort, "Yes, it is quite hilly throughout the campground, but the individual sites are very level to park the camper with almost no blocks needed."
Full hookup availability: Many campgrounds offer complete RV services, but specifications vary. At Country Acres Campground, an RVer reports: "Inaugural trip with travel trailer. Pull-Thru site will all hookups in good working order. Site felt spacious with a nice grass strip. Bath house was immaculate."
Big rig accessibility: Larger RVs face access limitations at some campgrounds. One visitor to Pinch Pond Family Campground & RV Park notes: "This campground has nice large sites, shade and sunny, full hookups, clean pool, playground, super clean laundry room and bathrooms," making it suitable for larger rigs despite some noise concerns from a nearby shooting range.
