Campgrounds near Jonestown, Pennsylvania lie in the foothills of Blue Mountain, where elevation ranges from 400-1,000 feet and the weather varies dramatically by season. Summer temperatures typically hover in the 80s with high humidity, while fall brings dramatic foliage changes by mid-October. Most sites in this region feature a mix of wooded and open camping areas within easy driving distance of local attractions.
What to do
Fishing at local lakes: Gifford Pinchot State Park offers excellent fishing opportunities in its two lakes. "We caught a handful of bass and an absurd amount of bluegill from shore," notes one visitor to Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground. The park's 339 campsites provide easy access to fishing spots around Pinchot Lake.
Hiking trails: The region features numerous hiking trails of varying difficulty. "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," shares a camper at Gifford Pinchot. For a more challenging experience, try the White Rocks Trail located a few miles outside Boiling Springs.
Local historical sites: Position yourself to explore the region's rich history. "We also checked out the Conewago Recreation Trail is a great multi-use trail for walking, biking, etc," reports a visitor at Elizabethtown-Hershey KOA. This campground offers convenient access to Amish country and historical attractions within a 30-minute drive.
Disc golf courses: Several parks in the area feature disc golf courses. Gifford Pinchot State Park has "18 hole disc golf course," but one visitor warns: "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 all over the prime walking areas through the course."
What campers like
Clean facilities: Campers frequently mention the well-maintained bathrooms and shower facilities. "The bathhouses were heated, and okay," reports a visitor at Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country. "Laundry is quaint and coin operated. Playground was open and great for the kids, so was mini golf."
Natural surroundings: The wooded settings provide privacy between sites at many campgrounds. "We were in a back in site #4. The patio was concrete stone, very pretty. Nice chairs, fire pit, and picnic table," describes a camper at Elizabethtown-Hershey KOA. "The bath house was extremely clean and very nice."
Large sites: Many campgrounds in the area offer spacious camping sites. "We had two sites this trip with water and electric, but they do have quite a few full hook-up sites. Overall the sites were large, with trees between, providing additional privacy," notes a visitor at Starlite Camping Resort. "Too often private campgrounds attempt to squeeze as many sites as possible and end up with campers on top of their neighbors, but at Starlight, the sites felt very secluded."
On-site recreation: Beyond glamping in Jonestown, Pennsylvania, campers appreciate activities available within the campgrounds. "Starlite offers a wide variety of amenities such as a community pool, general store, snack bar, playground area, toilets, indoor shower stalls, daily activities, pets permitted, water/electric utilities and laundry units," mentions a camper who found the atmosphere particularly appealing.
What you should know
Noise considerations: Proximity to highways or shooting ranges may affect some campgrounds. At Pinch Pond Family Campground & RV Park, visitors note: "Nice, forested campground. Friendly staff, clean bathhouses. Main drawback is noise from road and shooting range nearby. Fortunately our dog wasn't bothered by the sound of gunshots and it's only during the day."
Site characteristics: Many campgrounds in the area feature uneven terrain. "We had to fold and refold the bag a few times in order to get it back into the droplet shaped case. It took me a couple of tries but I finally succeeded! It doesn't look as nice as it did when it arrived but it works," explains a visitor discussing the challenges at French Creek State Park.
Seasonal considerations: The camping season for most sites runs April through October, with limited year-round options. "Stayed over for one night in early December. Showers and bathrooms were great!" reports a winter camper at French Creek State Park. "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."
Wildlife awareness: Be prepared for encounters with local wildlife. "Beware of skunks!" warns a camper at Hersheypark Camping Resort. Local species also include deer, raccoons, and occasionally snakes on hiking trails.
Tips for camping with families
Choose kid-friendly campgrounds: Some sites offer exceptional children's amenities. "My family has been going here for the last 3 years. We love camping here. They have a pool and fun activities though the day. At night they have a merry go round, train, giant slide and ferries wheel you can ride," shares a visitor to Twin Grove RV Resort. The resort charges approximately $5-10 for evening carnival rides during peak season.
Pack for varying weather: The region experiences significant day-to-night temperature changes, especially in spring and fall. Temperature swings of 20-30 degrees are common, so layered clothing is essential for comfort during glamping near Jonestown, Pennsylvania.
Plan bathroom access: Consider campsite proximity to restrooms when traveling with young children. "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," notes a parent at Gifford Pinchot State Park.
Schedule around activities: Many campgrounds offer scheduled events for children. "We come here once a year to take our grandkids on an annual camping trip with us. Lots to do! Playgrounds, special events, crafts. Very nice sites and shower houses are very clean," explains a grandparent at Twin Grove RV Resort.
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: Choose your site based on specific needs and vehicle size. "The campground is huge but you're not stacked on top of your neighbor like others. We chose a pull thru for its ease and the extra space it had being on the end," advises an RVer at Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country.
Leveling challenges: Be prepared for uneven sites at some campgrounds. "Campground loses a start 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," cautions an RVer about Thousand Trails.
Hookup variations: Verify the specific hookups available at your chosen site. "Depending on your rig size you're only available certain sites. They won't give you a 50 amp site unless your 50 amp or 40', they save them for larger campers," explains a visitor to Thousand Trails, highlighting the importance of checking requirements before booking.
Access considerations: Some campgrounds have challenging access roads. "It is a great family run campground. The store is nice, bathhouses are clean and private. Owners are super nice. There is also a great view of the surrounding countryside because it's up on a big hill. If you're hauling a big camper you'll need power for the hills," advises a visitor to Starlite Camping Resort.
