RV camping near Manheim, Pennsylvania spans across both wooded and open landscapes with elevations ranging from 300-550 feet. The region experiences distinct seasonal changes with summer daytime temperatures typically ranging from 75-85°F, while spring and fall camping seasons can see nighttime temperatures drop into the 40s. Many campsites require advance reservations year-round, not just during fall foliage season.
What to do
Fish local ponds: At Sun Valley Campground, campers can enjoy catch-and-release fishing in the on-site pond. "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 reviewer at Robin Hill Campground, showing that fishing experiences vary by location and season.
Visit Amish attractions: The surrounding Pennsylvania Dutch countryside offers authentic cultural experiences. "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," explains a camper who found the location ideal for exploring the region's cultural heritage.
Play mini golf: Many campgrounds in the area maintain mini golf courses for family entertainment. At Lake-In-Wood Campground, the course might need some maintenance as one visitor noted, "Mini golf was fun but need to be regreened....several holes needed maintenance," but remains a popular activity for campers of all ages.
What campers like
Heated indoor pools: Some campgrounds offer extended swimming seasons with heated indoor facilities. At Circle M RV Resort, "There is an indoor and outdoor pool. Nice playground. We were down by the river and had a lot of room on our site," providing recreation options regardless of weather conditions.
Level sites: Many RV parks have invested in creating relatively flat camping spaces. At Sun Valley Campground, a camper reported, "The sites are nice. 90% of the people here are full time," indicating established, well-maintained spaces that accommodate longer stays.
Nature surroundings: Despite being developed campgrounds, many maintain wooded areas. "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," explains a visitor to Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country, highlighting the natural buffer that enhances camping experiences.
What you should know
Shooting range noise: Several campgrounds are located near shooting facilities. "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," warns a camper at Pinch Pond Family Campground, suggesting day trips during peak shooting hours.
Uneven terrain: Many sites require significant leveling equipment. A visitor to PA Dutch Country RV Resort observed, "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."
Seasonal closures: Most campgrounds operate on limited schedules. Spring Gulch Resort Campground runs from "Mar 21 - Dec 1," while Sun Valley Campground has a shorter season from "April 1 to November 1," requiring winter camping alternatives.
Tips for camping with families
Look for splash zones: Water features provide excellent entertainment for children. At Drummer Boy Camping Resort, "The park offers free mini golf, a pool and a splash pad pool area," giving families multiple water recreation options during hot summer months.
Consider cabin options: For families new to camping, cabins offer comfort with outdoor access. At Spring Gulch Resort, "Some cabins, like those in my photos, are brand new and have everything you would need to set up house minus linens, towels, toilet paper, paper goods and toiletries."
Check activity schedules: Organized events enhance family camping experiences. "They had Halloween ever at every weekend of October and we spent Halloween weekend here. The kids loved it!!" reported a visitor to Circle M RV Resort, showing that themed weekends add extra entertainment value.
Tips from RVers
Water pressure variations: Water hookup quality varies between campgrounds. At PA Dutch Country RV Resort, one RVer noted, "Water pressure is pretty low and the sewer pipe is a little high but all around a really solid experience," highlighting the need to bring water pressure regulators and extra sewer hose lengths.
Pay attention to site selection: Choosing the right campsite impacts your stay significantly. An Appalachian Camping Resort visitor advised, "The buddy site was very narrow and since our buddy arrived first we had no choice but to park farther down on the site to avoid our awnings touching and that left us very uneven," demonstrating the importance of requesting specific site types when booking.
Consider connectivity needs: Internet access varies widely between campgrounds. Many parks charge extra for WiFi, as noted at Drummer Boy: "There is Wi-Fi throughout the campground but you have to pay for it so we opted just to use our mobile data and Hotspot on our Verizon phone (which worked well and was 5G)," making cellular hotspots a reliable alternative at most Manheim area campgrounds.
