Stephen W.
Guide
GuideMill Bridge Village & Camp Resort
Great olacevto camp in Lancaster County
We camp here several times thru out the year. Always an enjoyable stay. Staff is very friendly and accommodating.
Best Campgrounds near Manheim, PA
Manheim, Pennsylvania serves as a hub for family-friendly camping experiences with several established campgrounds in the surrounding Lancaster County area. Pinch Pond Family Campground and Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country offer varied accommodation types including tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin rentals. These campgrounds provide access to Pennsylvania Dutch Country and are strategically positioned near attractions like Hershey Park and the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire, making them popular bases for regional exploration. Most campgrounds in this area maintain well-developed facilities with full hookup options, swimming pools, and recreational amenities.
Camping seasons in the Manheim region typically run from April through October, with most campgrounds closing for winter. Reservations are strongly recommended, particularly during summer weekends and special events. A camper noted, "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." Road access is generally straightforward with good proximity to major highways including I-76 and I-78, though some campground sites may present leveling challenges due to the rolling terrain characteristic of Lancaster County. Weather conditions remain favorable for camping throughout the season, with occasional summer thunderstorms and cooler nights in spring and fall.
The camping experience around Manheim includes notable characteristics that visitors frequently mention in reviews. Many campgrounds in the area feature wooded surroundings that provide shade and privacy while maintaining proximity to attractions. Campers consistently mention noise considerations in their reviews, with several campgrounds being situated near highways or, in some cases, shooting ranges. According to one visitor, "The only thing that is negative is that there is a shooting range right next door. It is pretty consistent from lunch to dinner." Family-oriented amenities are plentiful in most established campgrounds, including playgrounds, game rooms, and organized activities. The region's cultural significance as Pennsylvania Dutch Country adds a unique dimension to the camping experience, with opportunities to explore Amish communities, covered bridges, and rural landscapes that characterize this distinctive part of Pennsylvania.
Best Camping Sites Near Manheim, Pennsylvania (140)
1. Pinch Pond Family Campground & RV Park
15 ReviewsMount Gretna, PA5 milesWebsite+1 (717) 665-7640"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."
2. Thousand Trails Hershey
21 ReviewsMount Gretna, PA10 milesWebsite+1 (888) 707-1477$50 - $60 / night
"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."
3. Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country
14 ReviewsMount Gretna, PA6 milesWebsite+1 (888) 707-1477"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."
4. Thousand Trails Circle M
19 ReviewsMillersville, PA11 milesWebsite+1 (888) 707-1477"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."
5. Hersheypark Camping Resort
30 ReviewsHummelstown, PA17 milesWebsite+1 (833) 936-0949"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."
6. Old Mill Stream Campground
17 ReviewsLampeter, PA13 milesWebsite+1 (717) 299-2314"Tent sites are lined up along the water which is great for fishing (especially when you need to stay close to the littles sleeping in the tent). Lots of benches lined up along the water."
"Not to noisy being next to a theme park. The bath house was just remodeled so it's excellent! Good price!"
7. Elizabethtown-Hershey KOA
15 ReviewsElizabethtown, PA14 milesWebsite+1 (717) 367-7718$45 - $279 / night
"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."
8. Starlite Camping Resort
6 ReviewsHopeland, PA10 milesWebsite+1 (717) 733-9655"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."
9. Mill Bridge Village & Camp Resort
15 ReviewsConcord, PA16 milesWebsite+1 (717) 687-8181"Great, convenient location. Cost friendly considering the location. Clean grounds & maintained sites. Mix of open & shaded sites, all appear to be pretty level, our site was next to stream."
"The site was right next to the creek. Shade is perfect for our dogs. Office personnel were so very helpful. Office does close at 4 but that is due to staff shortages."
10. Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground
57 ReviewsWellsville, PA28 milesWebsite+1 (717) 292-4112$20 - $89 / night
"We have a small camper and there are some great sites on the lake side to park it where you can get AMAZING sunset views. "
"We had site 108 which is an electric site along the shore and close to the beach, and it was perfect for our needs. "
Recent Camping Photos near Manheim, PA
358 Photos of 140 Manheim Campgrounds
Grace H.
Pinch Pond Family Campground & RV Park
Scott T.
Thousand Trails Hershey
Chris G.
Starlite Camping Resort
Kasey M.
Thousand Trails Circle M
Heidi R.
Hershey Road Campground
Meagan J.
Mill Creek Camping Area
Mike V.
Stoevers Dam Park
Joshua W.
Old Mill Stream Campground
Jen R.
Cocalico Creek Campground
Jen V.
Elizabethtown-Hershey KOA
Ashley J.
Hickory Run Family Camping Resort
Recent Reviews near Manheim, PA
926 Reviews of 140 Manheim Campgrounds
Nicole S.
LegendLake-In-Wood Campground
Sun Retreats Lancaster County - Easter Weekend
Like always we like to begin our camping season with a Easter Weekend Trip, my husband's family is partial to the Lancaster Area, so we headed there to Sun Retreats Lancaster. As we drove up I loved the look and location of the campground. You could see there was a indoor pool setup, arcade, playground, store, ice cream, mini-golf and a huge lake and that was everything we saw from the truck. We pulled up to a gate and a guy came out of the shed next to it to check us in.
The campground looked well maintained, the sports were on both sides of the lake and they offered many different options like woods or open, pull through or back up. We choose a really wooded site. It was tight getting in but I can't complain I don't drive the truck. It seemed like there was a fair amount of seasonal sites but they didn't overwhelm the place. I could see also a lot of cabins there were some shaped like teepees, a frontier cabin, and a caboose. They had a fair amount of open grass to play and enjoy. You can bring your own golfcart or they have on site rentals also.
They had an activity list that would help keep everyone busy, they had a mini golf course that was in great shape, an arcade which was definitely lacking in the game department, I think there was 4 pinball machines, 2 Skee ball, 3 racing games, and the play to you win machine. The playground x2 were both in great condition with a lot to keep kids playing on. I can only comment on the indoor pool which at the time was said to be under construction however still open, the water was on the colder side and the hot tube the same temp as the pool, the ceiling had been ripped off so the iron rusting beams were exposed and rust falling down. The kids still went in the pool unfortunately the air from the open window made them too cold so we didn't stay long. I am hoping it will be finished because the concept of the indoor-outdoor pool area looks so fun.
The staff was extremely helpful and super friendly. The store was fully stocked with everything you could want. The bathrooms were all kept so clean and in working order with hot water. We enjoyed the area we ventured out to see the Choo Choo barn, the green dragon flea market, and kitchen kettle village which are a must if your in the area. We also choose to hike the Welsh Preserve and Money Rock. The lake had a path you could walk completely around and you could choose to fish if that's your thing.
I would definitely return to this campground again, we had 8 sites in total and we all really thought it was a wonderful place and really enjoyed our holiday weekend there. It was very busy but the staff was present but not overbearing. People were very respectful and friendly.
Stuart K.LegendThousand Trails PA Dutch Country
Amish Country Charm with a Resort Twist
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’s throw from the PA Turnpike.
While my review from a few years ago provides a ton of detail, I thought I would follow up that review with a topline of HIGHLIGHTS and LOWLIGHTS along with a smattering of new photos.
HIGHLIGHTS:(1) Expansive campground with 250+ sites offering full hookups, giving plenty of options for both short stays and longer visits;(2) Resort-style amenities including pool, mini golf, clubhouse, playgrounds, and organized activities that keep families engaged throughout the day;(3) Beautiful wooded setting with dense tree coverage that creates a surprisingly secluded feel despite proximity to major highways;(4) Ideal location for exploring Pennsylvania Dutch Country, with scenic farmland, covered bridges, and charming nearby towns just minutes away; and(5) Strong sense of community with events like bingo, crafts, and family activities that give it that classic ‘summer camp” vibe.
LOWLIGHTS:(1) Sloped terrain throughout much of the campground can make leveling a bit tricky depending on your site;(2) Close proximity to the PA Turnpike may be a concern for some, even though tree coverage helps reduce both noise and visibility;(3) Wi-Fi is not complimentary and can be an added cost, which feels a bit dated for a“resort” experience;(4) Membership requirement through Thousand Trails can be a barrier for first-time or casual campers; and(5) Limited tent site availability compared to the large number of RV sites, making it less flexible for non-RV travelers
Happy Camping!
- Stuart K.Legend
Pinch Pond Family Campground & RV Park
Amenity-Packed Campground in PA Dutch Country
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 than a traditional woods-only campsite. While its proximity to the highway makes access easy, the property itself is gated, organized into distinct camping zones and packed with amenities that clearly cater to longer stays and families looking for built-in entertainment.
HIGHLIGHTS:(1) Full-service resort-style amenities including pool, playground, arcade, laundry, propane refills, dump stations, sports field, picnic tables and in-ground fire rings throughout the property;(2) Wide variety of lodging options including RV sites with 30/50 amp hookups, water, sewer and cable, primitive tent sites, and multiple on-site cottages for non-campers;(3) Gated entrance and very welcoming, helpful staff at check-in with a well-stocked camp store offering snacks, ice cream, sundries and souvenirs;(4) Strong family appeal with fishing pond, barn, open play areas and space for kids to roam safely; and(5) Excellent location for regional attractions including Hershey Park, Chocolate World, Amish countryside tours and the nearby wolf sanctuary with guided educational tours.
LOWLIGHTS:(1) Immediate proximity to I-76 means persistent highway noise day and night with no real sound buffer;(2) Access is oddly indirect despite being next to the turnpike, requiring a several-mile loop through countryside roads to reach the entrance;(3) Overall layout is wide open with limited natural privacy between many RV sites;(4) Nearby shooting range produces frequent target practice noise, especially noticeable during early morning hours; and(5) Pricing for primitive tent sites feels disproportionately high compared to full-hookup RV rates.
Happy Camping!
- RRandy L.
ScoutFrench Creek State Park Campground
French Creek State Park
This is our 3rd time at this park, it is one of our favorites. Well maintained, very quiet. We stay in Loop A (full hookup) pet friendly. Sites are spacious, generally large but they are all back-in sites.
- EEileen D.Guide
Echo Valley Campground
Nice park
Owners are very friendly and helpful. Sites are large and roomy.
Jenni D.ScoutHidden Acres Camping Grounds
Hidden gem
Small family owed for 50 plus years. They care about their guests and treat everyone like they are part of the family. The only thing about this campground is that it doesn't allow tents. Only RVs and pull behind.
Etzer D.GuideGifford Pinchot State Park Campground
Excellent
We had a beautiful spot at a stones throw from the beach area. The water was great and clean and a good temperature at this time of year. Our camping site was huge. We had some people come over and hang out with us and they did not feel cramped. The kids had a fantastic time and definitely wanna come back.
- Stephen W.Guide
Dutch Cousin Campground
Nice quiet fall get-a-way place
Lots of seasonal parked campers and only a few campers here. Nice peaceful quiet stay. Our site was very spacious. Level side to side. Gravel site with plenty of room for our truck n trailer.
Guide to Manheim
Camping sites near Manheim, Pennsylvania offer access to recreational water features that complement the region's rolling terrain. Most campgrounds in the area sit at elevations between 400-600 feet above sea level, creating natural drainage that helps sites recover quickly after rain. Summer temperatures typically range from 65-85°F, with occasional thunderstorms that move through quickly due to the region's open valleys.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Thousand Trails Circle M sits on a horseshoe curve of a river where fishing is popular. As one camper noted, "The campground sits in the center of a horseshoe curve of the river, bring tubes and kayaks! We didn't know but went and bought a tube and spent the day on the river!"
Shooting range visits: Some campgrounds are located near shooting ranges, offering target practice opportunities. A visitor to Pinch Pond mentioned, "The only thing that is negative is that there is a shooting range right next door. It is pretty consistent from lunch to dinner. If your out and about, it won't be an issue."
Water recreation: Gifford Pinchot State Park, located 32 miles from Manheim, offers extensive water activities on Pinchot Lake. A camper described the amenities: "The LARGE beach area in the QR day use area is one of the nicest I've ever seen at a PA state park, with tons of picnic tables with grills, a playground, a volleyball court, and a special fence solution to keep the stupid geese out of the water in the swimming area."
Mini golf: Many campgrounds in the area maintain mini golf courses as on-site recreation. At Elizabethtown-Hershey KOA, mini golf is just one of several family-friendly amenities available. According to a reviewer, "Nice, clean family-friendly place with a lot of RV and tent spots. Nice pool and playgrounds. Not a lot of traffic. Quiet. Friendly."
What campers like
Privacy and spacing: Campers frequently mention appreciating sites that offer some separation from neighbors. At Starlite Camping Resort, a visitor noted, "Overall the sites were large, with trees between, providing additional privacy. Except for the Plateau sites, which have the amazing view, the rest of the campground had a great tree cover! 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."
Clean facilities: Many reviews specifically mention the cleanliness of bathhouses and other facilities. A visitor to Elizabethtown-Hershey KOA observed, "Bathrooms are very clean and modern, but a decent walk from tent sites. The facilities are all lovely, staff in the camp store are kind and helpful."
Riverside sites: Camping spots along waterways are particularly valued. At Mill Bridge Village & Camp Resort, a camper shared, "We had a nice site that backed up to a small creek. Very scenic and laid back campground."
Special events: Seasonal activities enhance the camping experience, especially for families. A Circle M visitor mentioned, "We spent Halloween weekend here. The kids loved it! They had Halloween ever at every weekend of October."
What you should know
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds in the area require attention to leveling due to the region's natural topography. A camper at Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country reported, "Unlevel is an understatement we were in E row and every camper there had front end 4 foot off the ground. Many other sites were the same."
Train noise: Several campgrounds near Manheim are situated close to active rail lines. At Hersheypark Camping Resort, one visitor warned, "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!"
Seasonal crowds: Campgrounds get particularly busy during peak seasons and special events. A visitor to Pinch Pond noted, "Gets packed on weekends. Lots of families enjoying their time together, campfires, kids playing."
Reservation timing: The popularity of the region means advance planning is essential. For Thousand Trails locations, a camper advised, "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."
Tips for camping with families
Indoor options for rainy days: Several campgrounds offer indoor recreation facilities that prove valuable during inclement weather. At Circle M, a camper mentioned, "There is an indoor pool and spa. They had Halloween ever at every weekend of October and we spent Halloween weekend here. The kids loved it!!"
Playground proximity: When booking sites with children, consider proximity to play areas. At Hersheypark Camping Resort, a visitor recommended, "Near Hershey Park. Shuttle bus to the park. Nice sites in the shade. Has pool and playground."
Beach access for kids: Water features designed for children provide entertainment without leaving the campground. A Gifford Pinchot visitor shared, "Easy walk to the lake with a small beach. There was also a beach location on the state park side vs campground side of the lake. Boat rentals available."
Game rooms: Several campgrounds maintain indoor gaming facilities. A visitor to Pinch Pond mentioned, "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! It was like camping and going to chuckie cheese at the same time."
Tips from RVers
Arrival timing: For the best site selection at Thousand Trails locations, timing is critical. A camper advised, "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."
Site selection strategies: When choosing a site, consider factors beyond just size. At Old Mill Stream Campground, one RVer appreciated the online booking system: "If you reserve online you can see the availability and pick your site which is always a nice feature. They also have pictures of each campsite on the website so you really know what you are getting."
Water quality considerations: Some campgrounds may have water quality issues worth planning for. A PA Dutch Country visitor warned, "Water was rusty in our row came out brown at first then was tan after running through our filter for the entire stay."
Services and connections: Always verify what hookups are available. At Hershey RV and Camping Resort, a camper noted, "This is a basic campground with a swimming pool, a store and laundry. The sites are gravel and most are not level."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near Manheim, PA?
Which is the most popular campground near Manheim, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Manheim, PA is Pinch Pond Family Campground & RV Park with a 4.5-star rating from 15 reviews.
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