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Lebanon, Pennsylvania is surrounded by a mix of private campgrounds offering tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin rentals. The area between Hershey and Lebanon features several family-oriented camping resorts including Thousand Trails Hershey, Jonestown/Hershey KOA, and Stoevers Dam Park. Most facilities in this region cater to both tent and RV campers, with many also offering cabin rentals for those seeking more shelter. The Pennsylvania Dutch Country influence is evident throughout the area, with several campgrounds positioned to provide access to both Amish cultural experiences and the attractions of nearby Hershey.
Camping facilities in the region typically operate seasonally, with most open from April through October or early November. "If you are an RVer or 5th Wheeler, the best sites are those that back up to the periphery and are northernmost up the slight embankment as you'll have greater privacy and less noise," noted one visitor to PA Dutch Country RV Resort. Site quality varies considerably across the area, with many campgrounds featuring uneven terrain that can present leveling challenges for larger RVs. Water pressure fluctuations and rusty water have been reported at some locations, particularly during peak season. Most campgrounds require advance reservations, especially for weekend stays during summer months.
Many campgrounds near Lebanon are situated within 30 minutes of Hershey Park, making them convenient bases for families visiting the area's attractions. Several visitors mention the proximity to local Amish communities as a cultural highlight. Campground amenities typically include swimming pools, mini-golf, and recreational facilities, though their availability may be limited during shoulder seasons. One camper at Stoevers Dam Park described it as a "cute little park" that's "fine for a night or two," highlighting the park's small size but accommodating staff. Noise considerations vary by location, with some campgrounds affected by nearby highways or, in one case, a shooting range that visitors described as "incredibly loud."
"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."
from $50 - $60 / night
Check Availability"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."
"Set just off I-76 in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch country, Pinch Pond Family Campground& RV Park is a large, all-in-one, family-focused campground with a layout that feels more like a small neighborhood"
"campground so inconveniently located (more on this later) right next to highway I76."
"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."
"Tucked into the rolling, wooded hills of Pennsylvania Dutch Country, Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country RV Resort offers a unique blend of peaceful countryside and activity-packed camping, all just a stone"
"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."
"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."
"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."
"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."
from $45 - $279 / night
Check Availability"All of the sites are full electric and more than a few have very little space for a family size tent to be safely away from the fire ring. Ours had adequate distance but we got lucky tbh."
"Streams are close by, hiking trails are numerous and Hawk Falls was a high point of the park. Peaceful, crisp air and beautiful Surroundings."
"Small lake."
"It really would be nice if there were campsites further from the lake."
TravelerCountry Acres is a lovely, well maintained campground. Sites are level and bath house facilities clean and modern. Friendly staff in the office. Dog friendly. Local to all the Lancaster attractions. A complimentary farmland tour is offered by bus and it was great. They take you out into an area of Amish farms and shops and make a stop at 2 of these. The fresh Amish pretzels are amazing!
GuideWe booked two nights mid October not realizing that it's duck hunting season and that hunting is allowed RIGHT by the campground - with kids everywhere. We were jolted out of sleep at 5 am by gun fire right near our site. It kept up for the next hour. In addition, the bathrooms, although clean are in poor condition. Peeling paint everywhere with bare concrete in the showers. For such a pretty site, we had a miserable stay. We left after one night.
Travelersolid parking place for vans and RVs. road is dirt gravel but not terrible. nice hike nearby
Traveleri mean meh with the most enthusiasm as you can live your entire life & be oki not going here. the trails are small & the overlook is fenced high for falls. it’s about as much scenery as going for a walk deer hunting. it’s beginner friendly if anyone wants to start getting into parks but i feel there’s more focus on pavilions & playgrounds than calling it a state park. for anything boating or canoeing on the river it’s a good place to be but your in town so it take it for what it is
GuideYou just can't beat a pennsylvania park. This one is not an exception. Nice clean restroom, plenty of room. Now, what cost a star. Yes, it rained like hell. When we broke camp and go dump. The dump station was overflowing with sewer. Go to the guard shack to tell them, and find another site. None there. Can I go to an unused full hookup to dump? No! I would have to pay for the site. Two hours later, we found a place to dump for $10.
ScoutThe advertisements for Olde Mill Campground were disingenuous. The campsite was 20 yards from a roller coaster. The NOISE of the roller coaster and children on it screaming was as relentless and unnerving as any train we have ever slept near. There was no quiet until almost midnight. The “pull-through” site left my truck almost in the road and our 25’ Airstream slightly over the road on the backside. The site was not level. The sites were close enough to hear a neighbor’s snoring.
GuideWe stayed here to go to the Hershey RV show—about 55 min drive. Right in the center of Amish country. Campground is adults only. It was very clean. The bathrooms were very clean with great water pressure. The roads are tight for getting into sites. Site 5 was not level side to side. We met great people there.
GuideWe only spent the night and didn't look at the amenities. The manager was very friendly and accommodating.
ScoutThe campground is in excellent condition. The facilities are top notch. The excellence and care of the campground is evident. The 4 stars is only due to the road noise and many of the sites are on top of each other. You feel like your neighbor is at your camp fire.
Camping spots near Lebanon, Pennsylvania offer convenient access to Dutch Country, Amish communities, and popular attractions like Hershey Park. The region sits at approximately 500 feet elevation with a temperate climate that allows for camping from early spring through late fall. Summer temperatures typically range from 70-85°F, making pool facilities at campgrounds particularly valuable during July and August.
Explore the fishing pond: Pinch Pond Family Campground & RV Park has a small fishing pond where kids can experience remarkable success. "My kids went fishing and every cast they caught a fish, some were small... but hey the kids had fun," reports Michelle E. from Pinch Pond Family Campground & RV Park.
Visit the Renaissance Faire: The Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire draws many campers to the area, particularly in fall. "Stayed here 3x each time in October as they are very close to the PA Renaissance Fair. Easy to get to and beautiful setting, gorgeous trees and feels very woodsy," notes Michelle D. about her experience.
Take advantage of shuttle services: Several campgrounds offer transportation to major attractions. "BUY YOUR PARK TICKETS AT THE CAMPGROUND, there is a discount and also a free shuttle to and from all the Hershey locations," advises Sarah L., highlighting a money-saving opportunity for visitors.
Access nearby hiking trails: The region offers several trail options within minutes of campgrounds. "The Swatara creek runs right next to it so it is great for kayaking, tubing, etc. Campground is connected to the Swatara Rail trial which is great for biking," shares Bobby S. from Jonestown/Hershey KOA.
Clean bathhouse facilities: Campers consistently praise the maintenance of restroom facilities. "Amazing....staff is friendly...BATHROOMS CLEAN!!!!! Is there really anything else? Lol!" exclaims Anna M. about her stay at Thousand Trails Hershey.
Pool amenities: Swimming pools rank high on camper satisfaction lists, especially during hot summer months. "The bath houses were nice and clean. The pool was nice, but being that it was the end of June, the water was freezing! I couldn't get in!" shares Cat R. from Elizabethtown-Hershey KOA.
Creekside camping options: Water-adjacent sites provide both recreation and relaxation opportunities. "One of our favorite places we have visited! Friendly staff, very quant, laundry onsite, splash pad, play grounds, very clean restrooms/showers, provides shuttle to Hersheypark, some creekside sites along with access to creek from your campite!" raves Amber R.
Proximity to local attractions: The central location between multiple tourist destinations makes Lebanon area camping particularly appealing. "The campground is very safe at night, no noise disturbances at night and we had no problems having our kids wander around by themselves," notes Yamileth K., describing the family-friendly atmosphere.
Shooting range noise: Be prepared for potential noise disruption at certain campgrounds. "The only thing that is negative is that there is a shooting range right next door. It is pretty consistent from lunch to dinner," warns Tara N. from Pinch Pond Family Campground & RV Park.
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds in the region feature uneven terrain. "Sites are a bit close, no trees or anything to separate spots. We're used to that now haha. It had really nice bathrooms and showers," reports AdventureStang from Hersheypark Camping Resort.
Train noise considerations: Railroad proximity affects some campgrounds. "Nice camp ground but super loud bc of the trains. Bath houses are nice and clean. I would suggest making sure you aren't close to the tracks bc the trains run all night long!" advises Kit.
Water quality issues: Some campgrounds experience water problems, especially during busy periods. "Water was rusty in our row came out brown at first then was tan after running through our filter for the entire stay. The site on either side was the same rusty," reports Justin B., highlighting infrastructure challenges.
Look for campgrounds with dedicated activities: Many locations offer scheduled programming 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," shares Shirley M. from Twin Grove RV Resort.
Consider campgrounds with amusement options: Some facilities provide carnival-type attractions. "At night they have a merry go round, train, giant slide and ferries wheel you can ride. The bathrooms are always clean and staff is friendly," reports Dawn T., highlighting unique on-site entertainment options.
Check for dog-friendly accommodations: Pet areas enhance family camping experiences. "This is an amazing campground! 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," explains Tiffany S.
Research visitor policies: Campgrounds vary in their approach to non-registered guests. "Nice quiet campground. A little pricey and strict for vistors, they need to leave by 10 and can't bring their pets," notes Chris M., identifying potential limitations for extended family visits.
Site selection recommendations: Choosing the right location within a campground significantly impacts experience. "If you are an RVer or 5th Wheeler, the best sites are those that back up to the periphery and are northernmost up the slight embankment as you'll have greater privacy and less noise," advises Stuart K. from Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country.
Be prepared for peak season constraints: Busy periods impact services and availability. "The campground is part of Hershey and as such offers good discounts to Hersheypark. While it offers nice amenities and a shuttle to Hersheypark, the campground itself is very tight, cramped, and hard to navigate," cautions Rick B.
Check site dimensions carefully: RV site specifications vary significantly between campgrounds. "It is a nice camp ground but the lower drive threw spots are packed together. Our 32' with slides just fit the sight and we had zero room for the truck," warns Mike J. about tight quarters at some locations.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much do campgrounds near Lebanon cost?
Campground costs near Lebanon vary widely. Pinch Pond Family Campground & RV Park offers affordable rates for overnight stays, making it a convenient option for travelers on a budget. For those seeking economical options, The Home Depot — Lower Paxton provides free overnight parking. State parks like French Creek typically charge between $15-30 per night for basic sites, while private campgrounds with full hookups generally range from $35-60 per night. Prices increase during peak season (summer) and on weekends, with premium amenities like pool access or waterfront sites commanding higher rates.
Are there pet friendly campgrounds in Lebanon, Maine?
Maine's Lebanon area offers several pet-friendly camping options. While specific Lebanon, Maine campgrounds weren't mentioned in reviews, nearby options welcome four-legged campers. Most Maine campgrounds allow pets with standard restrictions—leashes required, proof of vaccinations, and cleaning up after your pet. State parks typically permit pets in camping areas but restrict them from beaches, playgrounds, and buildings. Private campgrounds often provide pet-specific amenities like dog walking areas. Always check each campground's specific pet policies before booking, as some may have breed restrictions or limit the number of pets per site.
What are the best campgrounds in Lebanon, PA?
Lebanon, PA and its surrounding area offer excellent camping options. Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country stands out for its Amish country experience and resort-like amenities. Pequea Creek Campground offers beautiful picturesque sites with large spots and plenty of trees, plus convenient access to river tubing and covered bridges. Nature enthusiasts should consider Campground Island, a peaceful retreat completely surrounded by creek waters with great fishing opportunities. For those visiting Hershey attractions, Jonestown/Hershey KOA provides convenient access. These campgrounds offer various amenities from full hookups to swimming facilities, with most being family-friendly and well-maintained.
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