The campgrounds surrounding Jacobus, Pennsylvania range from basic sites to fully-featured vacation destinations, with most locations situated in the rolling hills of Pennsylvania Dutch country. The area's moderate climate allows for a comfortable camping season typically running from April through October, with summer temperatures averaging in the 80s. Many campgrounds offer both wooded and open sites, creating diverse camping environments within the same property.
What to do
Visit a working farm: Thousand Trails Gettysburg Farm combines camping with agriculture, offering a unique experience where families can interact with farm animals. "We chose a non-sewage site, the loop is quiet and large and they have the honey wagon 3x a week (free sewage dump service). We've enjoyed mini-golf, feeding the animals, 'hiking' through the cornfield, fishing, and campfires," shared one camper.
Explore historic sites: The Gettysburg area provides camping access to Civil War history just minutes away. "It's literally like a mile from downtown Gettysburg, which also has a lot of different things to do," notes a reviewer from Drummer Boy Camping Resort. Campers often use these locations as a base for battlefield tours and museum visits.
Enjoy outdoor recreation: Many campgrounds maintain fishing ponds, sports facilities, and seasonal pools. At Sun Valley Campground, "The Saturday night bands are concert worthy," showing how entertainment extends beyond natural activities. Water recreation options are limited but available at select properties through small ponds or nearby streams.
What campers like
Family-friendly amenities: Thousand Trails Circle M consistently receives praise for its extensive activities. "We first had a 2 point site near the river, but when it rains the sites get flooded with runoff from the campground. We moved to a full hookup on the Delaware section. Open, accommodating for our rig," reported one camper. Another mentioned, "They had Halloween ever at every weekend of October and we spent Halloween weekend here. The kids loved it!"
Clean facilities: Many reviewers specifically mention bathroom cleanliness as a deciding factor. At Pinch Pond Family Campground, campers appreciate the "super clean laundry room and bathrooms." One visitor noted, "Our campsite was very spacious and the ENTIRE campground was extremely clean and tidy."
Community atmosphere: Seasonal campers create a welcoming environment at many parks. At Sun Valley Campground, one reviewer explained, "Most of the sites are seasonal and we were placed amongst the seasonals. We immediately had multiple people offer insight as to how best approach the site." This community feel enhances the camping experience, particularly for first-time visitors.
What you should know
Site conditions vary significantly: Level sites are not guaranteed at many campgrounds. At Round Top Campground, "Site was unlevel and poorly maintained," according to one reviewer. Another camper noted, "While the site was shaded, it was also on a significant hill and had NO view of anything but other seasonal campers."
Environmental considerations: Several campgrounds have unexpected noise sources. "The only thing that is negative is that there is a shooting range right next door. It is pretty consistent from lunch to dinner," reported a Pinch Pond visitor. Highway noise affects some properties, while others maintain a quieter, more remote feel.
Reservation systems differ: Some parks use first-come, first-served systems for site selection. "This is my 3rd stay with a Thousand Trails campground and haven't been too impressed and wasn't expecting too much when we drove in. I was pleasantly surprised when we did," explained one camper, highlighting how experiences can vary from expectations.
Tips for camping with families
Look for dedicated children's activities: Pinch Pond Family Campground & RV Park offers special amenities for young campers. "Their game room has tickets. This is the one and only campground we have ever visited that gave tickets for playing games and my kids LOVED IT! It was like camping and going to chuckie cheese at the same time," shared an enthusiastic parent.
Consider pool availability: Swimming options vary by season and campground. "The pool was great, especially camping with younger kids," noted a visitor to Gettysburg Farm, where water recreation supplements other activities. Several campgrounds maintain both indoor and outdoor pools, extending swimming seasons.
Evaluate playground facilities: Quality and quantity of play areas differs significantly between properties. "In a campground that size I would expect at least 2 playgrounds," noted one disappointed visitor at Drummer Boy, suggesting parents should research this aspect before booking.
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: When rv camping near Jacobus, Pennsylvania, experienced campers recommend arriving early. At Spring Gulch Resort Campground, "The sites were nice size and orderly. Site next to us had a pipe break, they had a maintenance crew come out immediately and fix it." For smoother experiences, many recommend calling ahead about specific site dimensions.
Utilities and hookups: Water pressure and hookup placement create challenges at some locations. One camper at Round Top reported, "Water pressure is low, road traffic noise. Water and electric are in award spot on our site." Bringing extension hoses and stabilizing equipment helps address these common issues when camping in RVs near Jacobus.
Seasonal considerations: Full-service RV camping options diminish significantly after October. Several reviewers mentioned unexpected closures or limited services in shoulder seasons. For late-season RV camping near Jacobus, Pennsylvania, confirm all needed amenities will be operational before booking.
