Best Campgrounds near Jonestown, PA

Camping near Jonestown, Pennsylvania encompasses a variety of established campgrounds within the rolling hills and farmlands of central Pennsylvania. The area is situated in Lebanon County, approximately 25 miles northeast of Harrisburg and 20 miles northwest of the popular tourist destination of Hershey. Jonestown/Hershey KOA provides year-round accommodations for RVs, tents, and cabin stays, while Twin Grove RV Resort in nearby Pine Grove offers similar options with highly-rated facilities. Camp Swatara, located just east of Jonestown, provides a more natural setting with tent sites, RV hookups, and cabins. The region's proximity to Pennsylvania Dutch Country creates a distinctive camping experience surrounded by rural landscapes and Amish communities.

Most campgrounds in the Jonestown area are accessible via well-maintained roads, with no special vehicle requirements needed. The camping season peaks from April through October, though several facilities like Jonestown/Hershey KOA remain open year-round. Summer temperatures typically range from 60-85°F, while spring and fall can be cooler with occasional frost. Cell service is generally reliable throughout the region, though signal strength varies by carrier. Fire restrictions are uncommon except during unusually dry periods. Reservations are strongly recommended during summer weekends and throughout the Hershey Park tourist season, as campgrounds fill quickly.

Family-oriented amenities are a hallmark of camping in this region. Most established campgrounds feature swimming pools, playgrounds, and organized activities. According to reviews, proximity to attractions is a significant draw, with one visitor noting that "Hershey Park with shuttles running to and from the campground all day long" makes certain locations particularly convenient for families. Campers seeking more peaceful settings should consider sites farther from highways and train tracks. Some reviewers mentioned that campgrounds near the Pennsylvania Turnpike experience traffic noise, though properties with good tree buffers mitigate this issue. Pet-friendly options are available at most facilities, though specific loops or areas may be designated for campers with animals.

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Best Camping Sites Near Jonestown, Pennsylvania (152)

    1. Jonestown/Hershey KOA

    16 Reviews
    Jonestown, PA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 865-6411

    "Love the close proximity to the highway and gas. We didn’t eat there but they had a restaurant! Lots of activities for the kids. Wooded sites and very clean bathrooms."

    "Pet friendly and you can access the Appalachian trail from campground. Lots of great food and places to go in the area. They have a river that is great for kayaking or tubing."

    2. Thousand Trails Hershey

    21 Reviews
    Mount Gretna, PA
    10 miles
    Website
    +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."

    3. Hersheypark Camping Resort

    29 Reviews
    Hummelstown, PA
    15 miles
    Website
    +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."

    4. Twin Grove RV Resort

    9 Reviews
    Tower City, PA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 865-4602

    "There are 2 dog parks right next to each other, which is great for your furry friend to be able to run around and play off leash."

    "Needs a pond and more shade but still is one of the nicer parks around. Twin Grove is also one of the cheaper ones, and that is hard to believe because of all the offer."

    5. Pinch Pond Family Campground & RV Park

    14 Reviews
    Mount Gretna, PA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 665-7640

    "campground so inconveniently located (more on this later) right next to highway I76."

    "Please note there is a driving range so starting around 10am you will here guns go off. Also the highway is close by so you can hear it."

    6. Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country

    13 Reviews
    Mount Gretna, PA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "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."

    "Not much for amenities, but I loved the surrounding dutch/Amish towns! It was pretty cool to seemingly step back in time."

    7. Stoevers Dam Park

    2 Reviews
    Lebanon, PA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 228-4470

    "Small lake."

    "It really would be nice if there were campsites further from the lake."

    8. Camp Swatara

    2 Reviews
    Pine Grove, PA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 933-5244

    $30 - $85 / night

    "There's lots to do for the whole family: hiking to the rock pile, fishing and boating in the lake, swimming, mini golf, a splash pad, ball fields, and creeks to play in, and more."

    9. Elizabethtown-Hershey KOA

    15 Reviews
    Elizabethtown, PA
    21 miles
    Website
    +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."

    10. Starlite Camping Resort

    6 Reviews
    Hopeland, PA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 733-9655

    "Starlight is a nice campground to relax or explore central Pennsylvania."

    "The campground is in a great location with easy access to Lancaster, Hershey and many other places to explore."

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Recent Reviews near Jonestown, PA

951 Reviews of 152 Jonestown Campgrounds


  • Peyton S.
    Sep. 8, 2025

    French Creek State Park Campground

    Wonderful, Easy, Quick trip from Philly

    It’s about an hour away from Philadelphia. We tent camped in loop B. The site was wonderful. Just know it is a gravel site, not grass. The fire pit has a grill attachment and wood was easy to find. Water and bathrooms were close. We hiked around the lake and there were plenty of trails and even rentable kayaks and paddle boards! Would definitely recommend if looking for a quick overnight stay outside of the city.

  • Stephen W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 7, 2025

    Hersheypark Camping Resort

    Very clean campground friendly staff

    We stay here once a year in September. Stone surface. Not to bad for leveling. Our site was spacious.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground

    Peace and quiet !

    Great spot! We had site 114 . It has water access and is right next to a small man made beach and playground. Bathrooms were in good shape. Sites were of ample size and well spaced.

  • Werner S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Old Mill Stream Campground

    In Amish area, next to an amusement park

    Our kids where happy with the small playground and with a few dollars they could have some fun in the small arcade/gameroom. In the area you have Lancaster, Amish area and an amusement park (that is a bit outdated). The camping has a bit over 100 spots. They are just oké.

  • Scott J.
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Sun Valley Campground

    My Happy Place

    My wife and I have been seasonal camper for 4 years and love it. We had visited numerous campgrounds and found Sun Valley to be the atmosphere there beyond our expectations. The minute you walk into the office you get that" aha" moment. The office greets you with a smile and " Welcome to Sun Valley, how can I help you ". That alone told us these folks are here to make your stay enjoyable. They go above and beyond any campground we have ever been to. The activities go above and beyond. The Saturday night bands are concert worthy. We have enjoyed our stay more than you ever imagined. For the past 4 years it has been our "Happy Place"

  • Stephen W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 30, 2025

    French Creek State Park Campground

    Fantastic PA state park for activities and camping.

    Third year staying over the Labor Day weekend. Campground full but still a very peaceful relaxing stay. Our site was very spacious and open. Tree lined and site was almost level. Paved sites on this loop.

  • Connie R.
    Aug. 25, 2025

    French Creek State Park Campground

    Pretty park but needs upkeep and maintenance

    Only stayed one night (8/23/25).  Had an electric site on B 45.  After pulling in and starting to unload, we were getting swarmed with yellow jackets.  There were several entry holes in the ground they were using to enter and exit.  I have never experienced anything like this anywhere.   I would have left but since it was close to dusk, I knew they would all retrieve and go underground.  The smoke with the fire helped but it impacted our stay.  They were everywhere.  I will not be going back anytime during the summer

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 19, 2025

    Old Mill Stream Campground

    Good stay

    The entrance in off the main road turns you into the theme park. Fear not. Turn in and follow the road to the right and into the campground. We stayed on site 123 with a 40 ft Allegro Bus. Plenty of room to maneuver a big rig. All gravel sites and we had full hookup with 50 Amp.

  • Barbara P.
    Aug. 19, 2025

    Spring Gulch Resort Campground

    BED BUGS in Cabin

    I believe Cabin 1409 is infested with BED BUGS! After a short stay in this cabin(7/28-7/30) I came home with 80+ bug bites that I'm certain were from BED BUGS. A dozen of them were on my eyelid! My dermatologist gave me a high strength dosage of prednisone to combat the swelling and itching. We promptly advised the property manager, who was sympathetic, but once our claim for damages(mostly items we had to throw out due to contamination) reached the insurance company, the process stalled. It's been 19 days and now the insurance adjuster is out of the office for another week- having provided no updates or feedback on our claim. I wish I had posted this earlier, as I wonder if the cabin that Michael M complained about in his Aug. 4 YELP review was the very same cabin. I had hoped our conversations with the property manager would have prevented additional folks from the same fate. I also wish I had read a few earlier reviews that warned of BED BUGS. I continue to fear an infestation in my home, in the event we brought home nymphs or eggs or the bugs themselves. I'm constantly vacuuming and looking under seat cushions and my mattress. I now dry all my laundry on high for 60 minutes, knowing it's damaging my clothes, but also knowing it's the best way to kill the bugs and their eggs- which can go dormant and survive for a year without biting again. Zero stars. Choose to stay elsewhere!


Guide to Jonestown

Camping near Jonestown, Pennsylvania, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. From scenic views to family-friendly activities, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful region.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Biking: Explore the trails at French Creek State Park Campground. Many campers enjoy the hiking and biking opportunities, with one reviewer noting, "Hiking and biking this park is fun."
  • Fishing: The lakes at Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground are great for fishing. A visitor mentioned, "The lake is very nice and it's a very family park!"
  • Historical Sites: Visit the Gettysburg area for a dose of history. Campers at Gettysburg Campground appreciate the location, saying, "Was very easy to access from the campground."

What campers like:

  • Spacious Sites: Campers at Hickory Run State Park Campground enjoy the spacious sites. One reviewer shared, "We went on a last-minute trip... Lots of varied length of campsites and privacy."
  • Clean Facilities: Many appreciate the cleanliness of the campgrounds. A visitor at Codorus State Park Campground noted, "Bathrooms are clean, sites are spacious."
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Campers at Blue Rocks Family Campground love the family-oriented vibe. One review stated, "Beautiful camp ground! Very family oriented and a great place for a weekend getaway in the woods!"

What you should know:

  • Tight Campsites: Some campgrounds have close quarters. A camper at Gettysburg Campground mentioned, "We had to keep the blinds shut or we’d be looking inside each other’s campers."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have extensive amenities. A visitor at Locust Lake State Park Campground remarked, "The quality of our site was a little lacking."
  • Seasonal Access: Some campgrounds are only open during certain months. For example, Hickory Run State Park Campground operates from the 2nd Friday in April to the 3rd Sunday in October.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Kid-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places like Hersheypark Camping Resort, where kids can enjoy pools and playgrounds. A parent shared, "The pools seemed to be slightly under maintained... but we still enjoyed our time here."
  • Plan Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities. Campers at Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground enjoyed the beach trail, saying, "You can let yourself go and meditate with mother nature."
  • Pack Snacks: Keep snacks handy for the kids. A visitor at Blue Rocks Family Campground appreciated the general store, noting, "The general store had what we needed."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Levels: Some sites can be unlevel. A camper at Locust Lake State Park Campground mentioned, "Electric only, no water hookups... The sites are spaced pretty well but are not level at all."
  • Bring Extra Supplies: Be prepared with extra supplies, especially if the campground store is limited. A visitor at Pine Grove Furnace State Park Campground advised, "Bring everything you are planning to have in with you."
  • Enjoy the Scenery: Many RVers love the views. A camper at French Creek State Park Campground noted, "The scenery was still in full effect."

Camping near Jonestown, Pennsylvania, offers a mix of adventure and relaxation. Whether you're hiking, fishing, or just enjoying the outdoors, there's something for everyone in this beautiful area.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Jonestown, PA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Jonestown, PA offers a wide range of camping options, with 152 campgrounds and RV parks near Jonestown, PA and 1 free dispersed camping spot.

Which is the most popular campground near Jonestown, PA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Jonestown, PA is Jonestown/Hershey KOA with a 4.3-star rating from 16 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Jonestown, PA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Jonestown, PA.