135 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Camping options around Lancaster, Pennsylvania range from fully-developed RV resorts to cabin rentals across several established campgrounds. The area features at least ten developed campgrounds including Thousand Trails Circle M, Old Mill Stream Campground, and Country Acres Campground. Most facilities accommodate multiple camping styles with many offering tent sites, RV hookups, cabin rentals, and even glamping options. These campgrounds are primarily concentrated within a 10-mile radius of Lancaster, creating convenient access to Amish country attractions and shopping destinations.
Seasonal availability varies considerably among Lancaster area campgrounds. While some facilities like Old Mill Stream operate year-round, many others have limited seasons typically running from early spring through late fall. Circle M operates from April through November, and Country Acres welcomes campers from March to November. Most campgrounds require advance reservations, particularly during summer weekends and holiday periods when facilities reach capacity. Flooding can affect riverside campsites during heavy rainfall periods, as noted in reviews of Circle M: "When it rains the sites get flooded with runoff from the campground."
The region's developed campgrounds generally offer substantial amenities including electricity, water hookups, shower facilities, and dump stations. Many sites provide fire pits and picnic tables. Family-friendly facilities are common, with several campgrounds featuring swimming pools, playgrounds, and organized activities. Riverside locations like Circle M are popular for water recreation. "There is a lazy river that is great for kayaking or tubing," reports one camper. Site conditions vary considerably between locations, with reviews frequently mentioning challenges with uneven terrain at some campgrounds. Proximity to tourist attractions represents a significant advantage for many campgrounds, with several located near popular destinations like Dutch Wonderland amusement park. Mixed reviews suggest checking specific site details before booking, as campground quality and spacing between sites differs substantially throughout the area.
"Close to Lancaster for necessities and great proximity to Baltimore and Philadelphia for day trips."
"I used to stay here all the time with my grandparents when they were around. It was always some of the best times for me."
"Clean campground with great access to Dutch Wonderland, outlets and other Lancaster County tourist attractions."
"This Campground is in the town of Lancaster, close to everything. A little complicated getting in, you need to turn in at the Cartoon Network Hotel driveway. Nice showers & friendly staff."
"Close to the tourist spots in Lancaster. Great views. Clean, friendly, and would definetly recommend!"
"Our go to campground when visiting Lancaster. Right in the heart of all the shopping and antiques."
"This is a great spot for visiting Pennsylvania Amish of Lancaster County and about a one-hour drive to Hersheypark. Our site(# 837) was a good size for our motor home+ toad."
"We stayed at one of the primitive tent sites with no hookups adjacent to the farm field. Watching a horse drawn equipment cutting grass while we cooked dinner was a joy."
"Very quiet and close enough to Lancaster for shopping. Covered bridges and road side shopping are close by. Enjoyed river tubing which is close by to this campground."
"We brought our 7 year old and we visited the playgrounds, hiked the trails and explored the creek area. Boat ramp near by, we had site 54 which was nice and private."
"Close to Lancaster. If you’re a foodie, this area has many buffet style venues. Shady Maple Smorgasbord was excellent. Amish farms and fields everywhere."
"Located w/in walking distance of small town of Intercourse, PA, with plenty of shopping and Amish crafts. Very friendly people. Inexpensive stay."
from $57 - $70 / night
Check Availability"We stayed here in November with beautiful weather which meant the large farm behind the campground was spraying manure over their fields. We could smell it."
"The site was covered and it was cool around 4:30pm when the sun went behind the trees. It didn’t look like all sites had that much cover so be careful."
"We had a great time relaxing as this is in the fields of Lancaster county. Very peaceful!"
"Highly recommend staying here with lots of close hiking trails within driving distance."
"Just down the road about a mile or so was the Indian Steps Museum which is owned by York Conservation Society."
"Its close proximity to the Susquehanna River, Otter Creek, and the Mason Dixon Trail is absolutely ideal! Sites are spacious and nice! Restrooms clean!"
"Site next to us had a pipe break, they had a maintenance crew come out immediately and fix it. Amish stores/attractions close by for some entertainment also."
"Fishing pond is a joke and near by Gun Range can be annoying and tough on pets. But, over all, this place is pretty nice."
LegendPros- Pool is sparkling clear and new. Mini golf is awesome. Nice people, nice store.
Cons- further from Hershey Park than ideal, lots of seasonal campers leaving for work before dawn in loud trucks, not much privacy, some road noise.
GuideBASE ACCESS REQUIRED!
Electric/Water/Sewer hookup sites for $56 a night! (2 night minimum) Which is a great full hookup price, even though it's gone up $6 since last year. Weekly and monthly pricing available as well.
The sites are neat, well maintained, level, and sunny with concrete pads and paved campground roads. Centrally located laundry facilities and airconditioned bath house. Playground, boat launch, beach volleyball court, disk golf, basketball court, and outdoor pool all within walking distance. Other base amenities include: commissary, gas station, bowling, BBQ, Dunkin', and Greek restaurants, and golf. (I'm sure I'm forgetting something.)
Note: in July it is very buggy - the biting flies are the worst. So bring bug spray or a screened in tent to eat in.
The downside: the reservation system is a major PITA. You have to download a PDF packet, fill it out, and EMAIL it in. When you get your confirmation, it doesn't include a specific site number. You get assigned one when they call you the week of your scheduled check-in for payment completion.
Don't miss out on: the water! My advice would be to reserve one of their boats at the same time you reserve your campsite. The water in this area is great - no jellyfish, low waves. You can SUP, kayak, pontoon boat. Whatever your preference. There are large flats of grasses - which you'd want to avoid with a motor but are so much fun to paddle over. Also check out the Susquehanna National Wildlife Refuge island. You can't go inland, but you can anchor off shore, jump in and wade around the shallows.
Also very driveable to an off-base movie theater, Baltimore, and Havre de Grace.
ScoutWe stayed only one night in primitive tent site which was massive with a turnaround. It was great. There are fire pits and picnic tables and level ground. Very serene. We walked down to the river, breathtaking. Not sure of other amenities as we didn’t use them.
ScoutWhere do I start?
We came to this campground to connect with family who was hiking the AT. We left after one miserable night. Here are some reasons:
A giant confederate flag near the entrance
Highway noise and not one but two train tracks
One Filthy “bathroom”
No shade at our campsite- despite other available sites with some shade
A trail of poison ivy on the narrow path to the river
Cigarette butts everywhere
And a creepy man on a bike who declared he was a local and wouldn’t leave our site while I was alone and insisted on talking to me about the strip club down the street, where to buy condoms and how my tent’s mesh shelf is perfect for drying out my wet panties.
ScoutWe called ahead of time to reserve two sites for two nights for a bunch of people from out of state and some hikers from the AT. They said it was $35 per site per night. When we arrived we were told that we had to pay for three nights because it was a holiday weekend AND that the price was per tent. The porta potties were gross and hadn’t been serviced in a while. It was difficult to use them. During a heat wave we were given a site with little shade when several sites further along with plenty of trees were empty. The plumbed bathroom was dirty and had no soap. The shop did not in fact sell love bait, which cramped our fishing style. There is a loud rail road with constant trains on one side and a very busy highway with loud trucks on the other. The river front was lovely, but with detritus from previous campers on the rocks. We left after one night.
ScoutWell maintained campgrounds with thoughtful touches. Staff very friendly and responsive.
ScoutIts such a beautiful campground and very quite and clean showers and bathrooms
ScoutGreat campsite, plenty of space. It rained a lot and our campsite was a little muddy (not bad) but nearby campsites had large puddles
LegendWe spent a weekend at French Creek State Park as our home base for the Chester County Balloon Festival. We stayed for 2 nights at a full-hookup paved site, which ran us $55.25 per night.
WHAT I LIKED:
Peace& Quiet: The state park itself was lovely, serene, and felt nice and spacious.
Prime Location: At just 30 minutes away from the balloon festival, this is the closest campground.
WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE SO MUCH:
The"Leveling" Challenge: We were at site#C-241, which had a pretty significant slope. It took a few boards under the rear wheels and fully extended jacks just to get us anywhere near level.
Tight Fit for Big Rigs: Even though there was plenty of open space behind our site, the actual driveway pad was too short to comfortably fit our motorhome and Jeep together. Compared to other state parks we’ve visited, the interior roads and layouts felt a bit on the tight side.
WOULD WE COME BACK?
Lancaster County campgrounds provide diverse outdoor experiences ranging from riverfront sites to Amish countryside settings. The region sits at approximately 370 feet above sea level with a humid continental climate that brings hot summers and moderately cold winters. Camping season typically runs from March through November, though several campgrounds remain open year-round with varying amenities during winter months.
Creek exploration: The Pequea Creek area offers opportunities for water recreation and wildlife viewing. "We welcomed grandkids' visit for splashing and floating in Pequea Creek. (Nearby site 24 had steps down the 'levee'; affording easier access to the creek)," notes a visitor at Pequea Creek Campground.
Fishing experiences: Several camping spots near Lancaster provide fishing access, with varying seasonal conditions. "There is a nice little pond you can fish," reports a camper at Tucquan Park Family Campground, which also offers other water-based recreation.
Hiking nearby trails: The region features multiple natural areas with trail systems. "Super close to some really great hiking trails. We'll be back!" states a Pequea Creek visitor. The Mason Dixon Trail is accessible from several campgrounds, providing hiking routes with historical significance.
Amish country exploration: Observe traditional farming practices from your campsite. "Watching a horse drawn equipment cutting grass while we cooked dinner was a joy," writes a camper at Country Acres Campground. Special guided tours are available through some campgrounds, adding educational value to your stay.
Clean facilities: Many Lancaster camping spots maintain high standards for bathhouses and common areas. At Country Acres Campground, a camper noted, "The new bathhouse has better restrooms than my own home! Everything is clean and well managed." This attention to cleanliness appears in multiple campground reviews.
Spacious campsites: Several campgrounds offer larger-than-average sites. "We had a corner site and had plenty of room," reports a visitor to Tucquan Park. Sites vary considerably between campgrounds, with riverfront locations typically offering more space between neighbors.
Family activities: Organized events create social opportunities. "They had a lot of events that people participated in like candy bar and regular bingo, corn hole and horse shoe tournaments and a dj," mentions a Tucquan Park visitor. Weekend activities are most common during peak season (June-August).
Rural tranquility: The pastoral setting creates a peaceful atmosphere. "Very scenic and laid back campground. Mostly older folks. Very quiet except for the neighbor who rode his quad for hours on end," explains a visitor to Mill Bridge Village & Camp Resort.
Seasonal considerations: Weather impacts campsite conditions significantly. "We moved to a full hookup on the Delaware section. Open, accommodating for our rig. Laundry is coin or app operated. Putt putt is still open and fun, so is playground. Arcade was open," reports a visitor to Thousand Trails Circle M, noting facility changes during shoulder season.
Site selection strategy: Campgrounds often have distinct sections with varying quality. "Look at the map when selecting a site. The sites in the center are like a parking lot. Small, no shade and wide open. We prefer the creek side sites," advises a Mill Bridge Village camper. Some campgrounds allow site-specific reservations online.
Service availability: Cell coverage and wifi vary across the region. "Excellent cell and gateway service. Cell is AT&T and our gateway is T-Mobile," reports a camper at Circle M. Other campgrounds may have limited connectivity, especially those in more remote locations.
Proximity to attractions: Consider driving distances when selecting a campground. "Right in the heart of all the shopping and antiques," notes a Mill Bridge Village visitor, highlighting the location advantage for accessing tourist destinations.
Pool facilities: Compare swimming options between campgrounds. "The pool is new and has a sloped entrance so my two year old could play by himself and loved it," shares a visitor at Country Acres Campground. Pool operation dates typically run from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Playground features: Play areas vary widely in size and condition. "This campground features an amazing playground, a pond, a beautiful pool, a rec room, a wonderful hiking trail, and a basket ball court," explains a visitor to Tucquan Park Family Campground. Some playgrounds are designed for specific age groups.
Entertainment options: Several campgrounds offer indoor recreation for rainy days. At Jellystone Park™ Quarryville, "There are tons of amenities for families including mini golf, an arcade, pools, fishing ponds, etc. Not to mention live music on the weekends!" Many activities require additional fees beyond campsite rates.
Age-appropriate activities: Consider the demographic focus of each campground. "Great for younger kids," notes a Jellystone visitor, adding that "They took out the pool table. Hardly any games in the game room." Campgrounds often target specific age ranges with their activities.
Access routes: Road conditions affect larger rigs significantly. "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," advises a visitor to Old Mill Stream Campground. Many campgrounds have specific entrance procedures for larger vehicles.
Site leveling considerations: The terrain varies across campgrounds. "We got pretty lucky and were assigned one of the concrete pads that was pretty level," reports a Circle M camper, indicating that site quality can be inconsistent. Some campgrounds offer premium sites with more level surfaces for an additional fee.
Hookup placement: Utility locations impact parking position. "EWS all at great locations to hook up," notes a Mill Bridge Village camper, referring to the convenient placement of electric, water, and sewer connections. Older campgrounds may have less optimal utility positioning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find free camping options near Lancaster, PA?
Free camping options near Lancaster are limited, as most campgrounds in the area are established facilities with fees. French Creek State Park Campground offers some of the most affordable camping in the region, though it does charge modest fees. For true free camping, you'll need to venture further from Lancaster to state forests like Michaux or Tuscarora that offer dispersed camping opportunities. Always check current regulations before attempting free camping, as rules can change and permits may still be required even when no fee is charged.
What are the best campgrounds in Lancaster, PA for families with kids?
Mill Bridge Village & Camp Resort offers an adorable setting with clean facilities, great views, and a playground perfect for children. It's conveniently located near Lancaster's tourist spots. Muddy Run Rec Park - PPL is another excellent family option with a lake for boating, wildlife experiences, an ice cream snack bar, and weekly activities specifically designed for kids and families. The friendly staff regularly creates engaging programs to keep children entertained throughout your stay, making it a fantastic destination for family camping trips.
What RV parks and campgrounds with cabins are available in Lancaster County, PA?
Lancaster-New Holland KOA is a well-maintained RV park with level, gravel sites featuring paver patios and tables. It's an excellent base for exploring Amish Country and is about an hour from Hersheypark. Country Acres Campground in Gordonville offers good-sized sites for motorhomes and provides a convenient location for visiting Amish Country. Many Lancaster County campgrounds also offer cabin rentals, including Thousand Trails Circle M which features well-kept grounds and concrete pads. These facilities typically provide full hookups and are designed to accommodate various RV sizes.
Are there campgrounds near Lancaster's popular attractions like Sight and Sound Theatre?
Old Mill Stream Campground provides excellent access to Lancaster County tourist attractions, with a nice creek for fishing. It's strategically positioned near Dutch Wonderland and shopping outlets, making it convenient for visitors attending shows at nearby venues like Sight and Sound Theatre. The Loose Caboose Campground offers spacious, level sites with full hookups in close proximity to numerous Lancaster attractions and activities. While it doesn't have many frills, its strategic location makes it a practical base for exploring the area's popular entertainment venues and Amish experiences.
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