Central Pennsylvania campgrounds near Manheim offer diverse camping experiences nestled among the region's rolling hills and farmland at elevations ranging from 350-500 feet. Seasonal temperatures vary from winter lows around 20°F to summer highs reaching 85-90°F, with higher humidity from June through August. Most campgrounds remain open from April through October, though a few operate year-round with heated facilities during colder months.
What to do
Kayaking on the Conewago Creek: Thousand Trails Circle M campground provides excellent water access for paddlers. "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!" notes Karla R.
Visit Amish attractions: Mill Bridge Village & Camp Resort places you in authentic Amish country. "It is right in Amish country. They have a pool, store and other amenities," explains Ilene M. The property features creek-side camping with convenient access to cultural sites.
Hiking nearby trails: Gifford Pinchot State Park offers extensive trail networks around its lake. "I took an early morning hike on the 8.5 mile Lakeside Trail that goes around the lake and it was really awesome to see the lake from all different angles," shares Danielle V. The park also connects to several other trail systems for longer excursions.
Disc golf courses: Several local parks feature disc golf courses, including Gifford Pinchot State Park. "Both areas also have their own 18 hole disc golf course, but I will say: BEWARE of poison ivy!! We played the first 10 holes around the Conewago day use area," warns a reviewer.
What campers like
Clean, modern facilities: Elizabethtown-Hershey KOA receives consistent praise for its well-maintained amenities. "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," explains Melissa C.
Spacious, private sites: Starlite Camping Resort offers roomier camping spots than many private campgrounds. "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!" writes Craig F.
Fishing opportunities: Several campgrounds feature fishing ponds or creek access. "The pond is okay, could be nicer. It can be noisy near the highway so we always try to get furthest campsite away," notes Michelle D. about Starlite Camping Resort's fishing area.
Extended pool hours: One unique feature at some local campgrounds is later pool closing times. "They have an indoor and outdoor pool. Nice playground. We were down by the river and had a lot of room on our site," mentions Leanne B. about Thousand Trails Circle M.
What you should know
Shooting range proximity: Multiple dog friendly campgrounds near Manheim are located near shooting ranges. "Nice, forested campground. Friendly staff, clean bathhouses. Sites well maintained but ours wasn't level. Gets packed on weekends. Main drawback is noise from road and shooting range nearby," explains Kathy L. from Pinch Pond Family Campground.
Train noise concerns: Several campgrounds have railroad tracks nearby with nighttime traffic. "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!" cautions Kit about Hersheypark Camping Resort.
Seasonal water quality: Some campgrounds experience water discoloration during certain 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. about one campground.
Hillside terrain challenges: Many campgrounds in the area feature sloped grounds. "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. The walk to pool and all other amenities was not pleasant due to hills," notes one reviewer.
Tips for camping with families
Kids' activity schedules: Thousand Trails Circle M offers extensive programming for children. "Lots of events to keep the kids busy. We happened to be there on the weekend a magician came, my kids loved it. They have an indoor and outdoor pool. Nice playground," shares Leanne B.
Playground proximity: When booking sites with children, consider playground locations. "We were in a back in site #4. The patio was concrete stone, very pretty. Nice chairs, fire pit, and picnic table. The bath house was extremely clean and very nice," notes Cat R. about Elizabethtown-Hershey KOA.
Game room options: Several pet-friendly campgrounds near Manheim feature arcade games for rainy days. "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!" explains Melissa Y.
Beach access for children: Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground offers excellent swimming areas for families. "We had site 114. It has water access and is right next to a small man made beach and playground. Bathrooms were in good shape. Sites were of ample size and well spaced," writes a reviewer.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling requirements: Many campgrounds near Manheim require significant leveling equipment. "Site Details: I forget our site#, but we were in the wooded area farthest from the central 'hub'. Our site was level, shaded and quite large. Almost every site in this section was similarly large and wooded, with an impressive amount of space between sites for a KOA," shares Jen V.
Water pressure variations: Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country has some water pressure challenges. "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," notes Nick E.
Site selection strategy: For larger rigs, requesting specific areas is essential. "We chose a pull thru for its ease and the extra space it had being on the end. Campground loses a start because the sites are pretty uneven. Not just the one we're on but others as well," explains Sammii D. from Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country.
Arrival timing matters: At first-come, first-served campgrounds, early arrival is crucial. "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," advises Yamileth K. from Thousand Trails Hershey.
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