The Hummelstown area features limestone-rich terrain at approximately 400 feet elevation, situated in Pennsylvania's Ridge and Valley region. Local campgrounds experience mild summers with average temperatures in the 80s, though occasional thunderstorms can create muddy conditions at riverside sites. Winter camping options remain limited with most facilities closing between late October and April.
What to do
Explore riverfront recreation: At River Rock Recreation, campers access the Susquehanna River directly. "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.
Participate in seasonal activities: Pinch Pond Family Campground offers structured events throughout the year. "They had Halloween ever at every weekend of October and we spent Halloween weekend here. The kids loved it!!" one camper wrote. The campground provides organized recreation options beyond the typical swimming and hiking.
Visit historic sites: The surrounding area contains several significant historical attractions within 25 minutes of most campgrounds. "From a foodie standpoint, take my word for it, there is VERY little around these parts and what you can find nearby are local joints, which we loved BTW, including: Mount Gretna Hideaway, Gus' Keystone Family Restaurant, Kountry Kitchen Family Restaurant," mentions a visitor describing the authentic local experiences.
What campers like
Waterfront glamping access: Riverside glamping options near Hummelstown provide direct water access. At Thousand Trails Circle M, "The campground sits in the center of a horseshoe curve of the river, bring tubes and kayaks! We didn't know but went and bought a tube and spent the day on the river!" This site offers water-based recreation without sacrificing comfort.
Private camping options: Unlike crowded commercial campgrounds, some locations offer secluded experiences. "This is a single campsite that you rent, no other campers on site unless you are bringing them with you! You can camp with up to 10 people and there is certainly plenty of room for everyone to spread out," explains a camper at River Rock Recreation.
Proximity to attractions: Campers appreciate the central location for day trips. "Close to Lancaster for necessities and great proximity to Baltimore and Philadelphia for day trips," notes one visitor, highlighting the strategic position between major cities and attractions while maintaining a countryside feel.
What you should know
Noise considerations: Several campgrounds have unexpected noise sources. "One thing is for certain – you're not going to get away from all of that highway traffic noise. Second, you'll note that while most of Pinch Pond is divided into little neighborhoods, for the most part, the entire campground is completely wide open so there is very little privacy," warns a reviewer.
Variable site conditions: Campsite quality varies significantly within the same facility. At Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country, "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." Site selection impacts your experience tremendously.
Alternative accommodations: Beyond traditional glamping, unique options exist. "We have camped here several times and love the waterfront sites and the yurts," mentions a visitor to Gifford Pinchot State Park, providing insight into alternative shelter options not typically associated with glamping near Hummelstown, Pennsylvania.
Tips for camping with families
Pool features: Twin Grove RV Resort offers exceptional water recreation for children. "2 very clean pools and water slides. 2 nice dog parks. Needs a pond and more shade but still is one of the nicer parks around," notes a repeat visitor, highlighting the family-friendly swimming options.
Kid-specific amenities: Look for campgrounds with dedicated children's activities. "Lots to do! Playgrounds, special events, crafts. Very nice sites and shower houses are very clean. Staff is excellent. Camp store is well stocked. Can't beat this place!!" shares a grandparent who visits annually with grandchildren.
Evening entertainment: Some locations provide unique nighttime activities. "At night they have a merry go round, train, giant slide and ferries wheel you can ride," reports a family that camps at Twin Grove annually, detailing options that keep children engaged after sundown.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: At Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground, RVers recommend specific locations. "We had site 108 which is an electric site along the shore and close to the beach, and it was perfect for our needs. It has a small beach area within the campground loop that we camped in," shares one experienced camper.
Leveling challenges: Many RV sites in the region require significant leveling equipment. "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," warns one RVer, suggesting bringing extra leveling blocks to the area's campgrounds.
Utility quality considerations: Water pressure and connection placement vary dramatically. "Water pressure is pretty low and the sewer pipe is a little high but all around a really solid experience," notes a camper at PA Dutch Country, highlighting infrastructure challenges RVers should prepare for when glamping near Hummelstown.
