Camping facilities near Lykens, Pennsylvania border the Appalachian Mountains at elevations ranging from 600 to 1,200 feet, creating variable terrain conditions across campgrounds. The area typically receives 42 inches of rainfall annually, with July and August temperatures averaging 85°F during peak camping season. Most campgrounds in the region maintain late night quiet hours between 10:00 PM and 7:00 AM, with strict enforcement on weekends.
What to do
Fishing at private ponds: Pinch Pond Family Campground features a small fishing pond located at the back of the property where campers can relax with their poles. "There is a pond for fishing however we didn't have any luck. It had a lot of pond scum and there were a lot of duck families around," notes one visitor.
Visit Amish communities: When camping near Lykens, Pennsylvania, take advantage of the unique cultural experiences available. "I don't know if the Amish camp, but regardless, if you'd like to experience what it's like to go camping in Amish country then Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country RV Resort has you covered," shares a camper who explored the countryside.
Mini golf and recreation: Many campgrounds in the area maintain mini golf courses for family enjoyment. "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!" reports a family who stayed at Pinch Pond.
What campers like
Natural surroundings: Spring Gulch Resort Campground offers wooded sites that campers appreciate for shade and privacy. "This resort is a lot bigger than you would anticipate from the road/entryway. Tons of amenities for families including mini golf, an arcade, pools, fishing ponds, etc. Not to mention live music on the weekends!" explains one reviewer.
Swimming facilities: Twin Grove RV Resort receives consistently high marks for its aquatic amenities. "Great campground. Lots of sites. Friendly and accommodating staff. Great location for activities including Hershey Park, Hershey Chocolate factory, Hershey RV show," writes one visitor, while another states it "also has the best pool I've seen at a campground."
Weekend entertainment: RV camping near Lykens offers organized activities throughout the summer. "The campground had numerous activities set up all throughout the day and there was something for everyone. I find that a lot of campground activities tend to be centered around small children and with my kids being 13 and 12, they're usually left out of the fun. There was bingo, crafts, a vendor craft show, hot dog eating contest for adults and kids," reports an Appalachian Camping Resort visitor.
What you should know
Site levelness varies significantly: Thousand Trails Hershey and other campgrounds in the region often have challenging terrain. "The sites are not level. They are not well maintained as the site next to us has weeds a foot high. There are a few big rigs that can barely fit on a site," notes one camper. Some locations require extensive blocking.
Noise considerations: While searching for camping near Lykens, Pennsylvania, be aware of potential noise sources. "One thing that is certain – you're not going to get away from all of that highway traffic noise. Second, you'll note that while most of Pinch Pond is divided into little neighborhoods, for the most part, the entire campground is completely wide open so there is very little privacy," explains one visitor.
Shooting ranges nearby: Several campgrounds in the region are located near shooting facilities. "The campground is huge but you're not stacked on top of your neighbor like the others. 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," reports a camper at Pinch Pond.
Tips for camping with families
Look for campgrounds with activity variety: Thousand Trails Circle M offers multiple recreational options for different age groups. "We decided to camp in the fall and did a cabin since it was colder and we had the baby. We loved it! There is a par 3 golf course, indoor pool, mini golf, basketball, and that is in the fall. They also do canoeing in the warmer months and will shuttle you," describes one family.
Choose campgrounds with dedicated children's events: Seasonal programming varies across locations. "The kids enjoyed the indoor pool. Looking forward to coming back in the summer," shares one Circle M visitor, while another mentions, "We spent Halloween weekend here. The kids loved it!! They had Halloween ever at every weekend of October."
Consider site spacing for family comfort: When RV camping with children near Lykens, select campgrounds that provide adequate space. "We were down by the river and had a lot of room on our site," notes a Circle M camper, contrasting with another campground where "sites are very close together. Fire rings are very close to campers."
Tips from RVers
Arrival timing affects site selection: Lake-In-Wood Campground and other locations fill quickly during peak season. "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. For everyone complaining about driving around and not finding spots, if you get there early enough around 1 pm, you won't have a problem," advises an experienced RVer.
Check site utilities before booking: Many campgrounds offer varying hookup configurations. "Definitely got lucky with site F03 for Starlink. The rest of the campground has a lot of tree cover. Beautiful grounds and clean. Site is gravel and pretty level. Water pressure is pretty low and the sewer pipe is a little high but all around a really solid experience," explains one visitor to PA Dutch Country.
Navigate campground terrain carefully: Wooded settings create challenges for larger rigs. "The roads were very tight and you really had to watch how you drove through because of the trees. Our site was a drive-through but slanted. There wasn't much room on our site to do anything else. The fire ring was about all the room allowed," explains one RVer at Lake-in-Wood.
