Lebanon, Pennsylvania sits at approximately 450 feet above sea level in the scenic Lebanon Valley, surrounded by farmland and wooded areas between Blue Mountain and South Mountain. The camping season typically runs from April through October, with July and August temperatures averaging in the 80s. Most campgrounds in this region offer varying degrees of shade coverage, with many sites featuring gravel pads.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: The small lake at Stoevers Dam Park provides fishing access for campers and their pets at minimal cost. "Must get permits on line or from city hall. $3/night," notes Mike V. This primitive camping option offers basic amenities with only portable restrooms available.
Nearby hiking trails: Several campgrounds connect to local trail systems. At Jonestown/Hershey KOA, "you can access the Appalachian trail from campground" and the campground is "connected to the Swatara Rail trial which is great for biking," according to reviewers. The Swatara Creek runs adjacent to the property, making it "great for kayaking, tubing, etc."
Amish countryside exploration: The rural landscapes surrounding Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country offer cultural exploration opportunities. "Not much for amenities, but I loved the surrounding dutch/Amish towns! It was pretty cool to seemingly step back in time," writes Jill R. The campground provides convenient access to authentic Pennsylvania Dutch countryside.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Multiple campgrounds maintain high cleanliness standards. Twin Grove RV Resort consistently receives praise for its facilities, with one camper noting it's "spotless. Plenty of room for whatever size tent or RV you have." The bathhouses are frequently mentioned as exceptionally well-maintained across most Lebanon area campgrounds.
Family activities: Pinch Pond Family Campground offers numerous recreational options. "They have Hershey's ice cream in the office and my kids enjoyed getting a treat. 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!" writes Melissa Y. The campground maintains a swimming pool, arcade, and various activities.
Shuttle service to attractions: Several campgrounds near Lebanon provide transportation to Hershey Park. "We were able to purchase Hershey Park tickets which were cheaper than buying from the Hershey (at a discount) and it includes shuttle service to and from the park!" reports Marlaina M. This service eliminates parking hassles and can provide cost savings.
What you should know
Shooting range proximity: Several campgrounds are affected by nearby shooting facilities. At Pinch Pond Family Campground, "you will hear target practice going on, especially in the wee early hours," according to reviewers. Another camper notes, "It is pretty consistent from lunch to dinner. If your out and about, it won't be an issue. However if you enjoy sitting outside of your camper and relaxing this might be nerve wracking."
Highway noise considerations: Some campgrounds are situated near major roadways. While convenient for access, this can impact the camping experience. Stuart K. notes that at PA Dutch Country, "you're not going to get away from all of that highway traffic noise" despite trees surrounding the property.
Site selection challenges: At Thousand Trails Hershey, the reservation system operates differently than many other campgrounds. "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," explains Yamileth K. This can lead to challenges finding suitable sites during peak times.
Tips for camping with families
Water features for kids: Several campgrounds offer water recreation. Twin Grove RV Resort has "great pool. Best pool I've seen at a campground," according to Adam F. Additionally, some campgrounds feature splash pads and water slides that provide entertainment for younger campers.
Amusement opportunities: Hersheypark Camping Resort provides convenient access to theme park attractions. Its location "across the street from Hersheypark" makes it an ideal base for families, with shuttle service available. Some campgrounds even feature their own small-scale amusements, with Twin Grove offering "a merry go round, train, giant slide and ferries wheel you can ride."
Pet-friendly facilities: For families camping with pets near Lebanon, Pennsylvania, most campgrounds offer designated dog areas. At Jonestown/Hershey KOA, "There's a fenced not in area for dogs" allowing off-leash play. Twin Grove RV Resort has "two dog parks right next to each other, which is great for your furry friend to be able to run around and play off leash."
Tips from RVers
Leveling considerations: Site grading varies significantly between campgrounds. Justin B. notes that at PA Dutch Country, "unlevel is an understatement we were in E row and every camper there had front end 4 foot off the ground." This requires planning and appropriate leveling equipment.
Water quality issues: Some campgrounds experience water discoloration problems. One RVer reported, "Water was rusty in our row came out brown at first then was tan after running through our filter for the entire stay." Bringing additional water filtration is advisable.
Site spacing variations: RV sites range from spacious to tightly packed depending on location. At Elizabethtown-Hershey KOA, a reviewer noted they had "large and easy to enter/exit sites," while another camper at a different campground mentioned "site was level, shaded and quite large." Researching specific site dimensions before booking is recommended, especially for larger rigs.
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