MBOL 
Scout
ScoutSusquehanna State Park Campground
Great time with kids
Nice campground had my 6 and 7 year old. The site was pretty private and had bathrooms close. I would definitely go again.
Best Campgrounds near Marietta, PA
Campgrounds near Marietta, Pennsylvania feature a mix of developed facilities and rustic camping options along the Susquehanna River corridor. Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground, located about 15 miles northwest of Marietta, offers diverse accommodation types including tent sites, RV hookups, cabins, and yurts around Pinchot Lake. Pequea Creek Campground provides waterfront sites along the creek with primitive to full-hookup options. The region includes several privately operated campgrounds with various amenities, such as Thousand Trails properties that require membership for access to their extensive facilities.
Roads and access conditions vary significantly by season in central Pennsylvania, with many campgrounds operating from April through October. Most developed sites require advance reservations, particularly during summer weekends and holiday periods. As one visitor noted, "The tent sites are pretty spacious. There are also places to buy wood nearby (very economically priced) and the campground sells it also." Elevation changes throughout the region create microclimates, with river valleys remaining warmer than surrounding highlands. Cell service is generally reliable near larger campgrounds but can be spotty in more remote areas. Weather patterns can be unpredictable, with thunderstorms common in summer months, requiring adequate shelter and preparation.
Family-friendly amenities receive frequent mention in reviews of campgrounds near Marietta. Swimming options range from pools at private campgrounds to lake beaches at state parks, though water quality varies. A camper reported that Pequea Creek Campground is "beautiful picturesque campground with large spots and a lot of trees. Very quiet and close enough to Lancaster for shopping." Mixed-use campgrounds with both tent and RV sites predominate in the area, though tent campers sometimes note that many facilities primarily cater to RVs with limited primitive camping areas. Several campgrounds feature Pennsylvania Dutch country themes and provide convenient access to nearby attractions in Lancaster County and Hershey. Wildlife viewing opportunities include deer, rabbits, and various bird species, particularly at campgrounds adjacent to natural areas and waterways.
Best Camping Sites Near Marietta, Pennsylvania (146)
1. Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground
57 ReviewsWellsville, PA19 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. "
2. Elizabethtown-Hershey KOA
15 ReviewsElizabethtown, PA8 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."
3. Thousand Trails Circle M
19 ReviewsMillersville, PA12 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."
4. 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."
5. Thousand Trails Hershey
21 ReviewsMount Gretna, PA15 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."
6. Pinch Pond Family Campground & RV Park
15 ReviewsMount Gretna, PA13 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."
7. Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country
14 ReviewsMount Gretna, PA14 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."
8. Pequea Creek Campground
14 ReviewsPequea, PA15 milesWebsite+1 (717) 284-4587"Covered bridges and road side shopping are close by. Enjoyed river tubing which is close by to this campground. Music bingo on Saturday night was so much fun. Owners are very nice and helpful."
"The wife & I stayed in site 22 for three nights and bicycled 14 miles, some along the Susquehanna, on nearby Enola Low Grade Trail . "
9. River Rock Recreation
5 ReviewsBainbridge, PA9 milesWebsite$75 - $90 / night
"There is no on site running water or electric but they did leave us with a 5 gallon water jug and a 5 gallon shower bag to use in the outside shower."
"https://www.riverrockadv.com/#/ I was fortunate enough to find this local gem while browsing“camping near me”. Not only that, my unlucky butt won a 2 night stay there!"
10. Old Mill Stream Campground
17 ReviewsLampeter, PA18 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!"
Recent Camping Photos near Marietta, PA
396 Photos of 146 Marietta Campgrounds
Jen V.
Elizabethtown-Hershey KOA
Jen R.
River Rock Recreation
Heidi R.
Hershey Road Campground
Heather H.
Thousand Trails Circle M
Grace H.
Pinch Pond Family Campground & RV Park
AdventureStang
Indian Rock Campgrounds
Scott T.
Thousand Trails Hershey
Meagan J.
Mill Creek Camping Area
Jen R.
Otter Creek Campground
Danielle C.
Pequea Creek Campground
Ray L.
Hersheypark Camping Resort
Recent Reviews near Marietta, PA
989 Reviews of 146 Marietta Campgrounds
Stephen W.
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.
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.Scout
French 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.
Guide to Marietta
Camping near Marietta, Pennsylvania centers around the Susquehanna River, which forms a series of horseshoe bends through Lancaster County. Situated at approximately 400 feet elevation, this region experiences milder winters than surrounding highlands, with camping season extending from mid-April through October in most locations. River sites often flood during spring snowmelt, making late summer the most reliable time for waterfront camping.
What to Do
Kayaking the Susquehanna: Launch directly from River Rock Recreation, where you can rent kayaks and access the river. "My family of 4, kids ages 21 and 17, loved our 3 night stay at River Rock Adventures. We stayed Sun-Wed and rented 2 kayaks from River Rock for 1 of the days."
Disc golf courses: Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground maintains two 18-hole courses with different difficulty levels. "Both areas 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 and I was shocked at how much poison ivy we had to dodge all over the prime walking areas through the course."
Fishing for multiple species: Many campgrounds offer fishing access, with bluegill and bass being common catches. "We caught a handful of bass and an absurd amount of bluegill from shore."
Exploring Amish country: Several campgrounds provide convenient access to Lancaster County's cultural attractions. "From a foodie standpoint, take my word for it, there is VERY little around these parts and what you can find nearby are local joints, which we loved BTW."
What Campers Like
Spacious sites away from crowds: Pequea Creek Campground offers larger campsites with natural separation. "Beautiful picturesque campground with large spots and a lot of trees. Very quiet and close enough to Lancaster for shopping. Covered bridges and road side shopping are close by."
Private river access: Some campgrounds offer exclusive water access. "We had site 22 for three nights and bicycled 14 miles, some along the Susquehanna, on nearby Enola Low Grade Trail. We enjoyed the birds singing in the mornings and welcomed grandkids' visit for splashing and floating in Pequea Creek."
Clean facilities: Pinch Pond Family Campground maintains high standards for their amenities. "Clean bathrooms and showers. The bathhouses are nice and are designated shelters in case of severe weather."
Outdoor cooking areas: Dedicated cooking spaces enhance the camping experience. "One of my favorite features other than staying right on the river was the kitchen area. There is a stone floor, covered roof, and wrap around wood countertop space complete with an outdoor sink."
What You Should Know
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds require advance booking, especially on weekends. "If you are thinking about staying here during the Renaissance Faire, which apparently is a VERY BIG thing in these parts, you are going to want to book your spot as soon as possible."
Environmental conditions: Local farms can impact the camping experience. "The overwhelming impression of this campground was the smell of cow manure from the nearby dairy farm feedlot. The smell was not present the first day or so we were there and we enjoyed sitting outside in the afternoon, but when the wind shifted the horrid smell drove us inside during the rest of our visit."
Shooting range proximity: Some campgrounds experience noise from nearby ranges. "Next, and I really wished someone had let us know this before we agreed to stay, but there's a shooting range near the property, so at all hours you will hear target practice going on, especially in the wee early hours."
Site selection importance: At Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country, sites vary significantly in quality and levelness. "The campground is huge but you're not stacked on top of your neighbor like the others. They have 4 different sections to stay in, we were in D. We were also able to pick which site we wanted. We chose a pull thru for its ease and the extra space it had being on the end."
Tips for Camping with Families
Kid-friendly water activities: Multiple campgrounds feature water access appropriate for children. "We took our 3 yo camping for the first time here. He had so much fun. It was clean campground located in a State Park. Easy walk to the lake with a small beach."
Indoor options for bad weather: Elizabethtown-Hershey KOA provides weather alternatives. "They have upgraded the tent sites since last year, no more primitive sites, all the tent sites are now mulch pad with water and electric. 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."
Group camping opportunities: Some sites cater specifically to family gatherings. "This is one of our favorite camp grounds. We always book their group site, it's huge! The sleeping area and cooking/hanging out area are way spread out so if you have kids you don't have to worry about noise at night."
Consider site location: Choose sites strategically based on amenities needed. "If you have one and only complaint it's the pool, it could use an upgrade and I wish they had actual lounge chairs rather than just plastic chairs to sit. However, unlike most campgrounds, the pool stayed open pretty late so that was a huge bonus for me."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds in the region require significant leveling equipment. "Sites are very close together. Fire rings are very close to campers. 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. Unlevel is an understatement."
Utilities and hookups: Water pressure varies significantly between campgrounds. "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."
Access considerations: Hersheypark Camping Resort requires careful site selection for larger rigs. "It is a nice camp ground but the lower drive threw spots are packed together. Our 32' with slides just fit the sight and we had zero room for the truck. They have other spots up on the hill but would have been more of a challenge with our rig."
Seasonal weather impacts: Weather patterns affect site conditions. "The entrance in off the main road turns you into the theme park. Fear not. Turn in and follow the road to the right and into the campground. We stayed on site 123 with a 40 ft Allegro Bus. Plenty of room to maneuver a big rig. All gravel sites and we had full hookup with 50 Amp."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near Marietta, PA?
Which is the most popular campground near Marietta, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Marietta, PA is Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground with a 4.2-star rating from 57 reviews.
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