RV Camping near Marietta, PA

Camping around Marietta, Pennsylvania offers options in the heart of Lancaster County's agricultural landscape at elevations between 300-500 feet. Several RV sites near Marietta provide camping access along the Susquehanna River with hot, humid summer conditions typical of the mid-Atlantic region. Winter closures are common with most facilities shutting down between late October and mid-March.

What to do

Explore Amish country: Visit the surrounding Pennsylvania Dutch countryside from Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country in Manheim. "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," notes one camper. The campground puts you "in the heart of one of the most picturesque natural landscapes anywhere in the Keystone State."

Visit Hershey attractions: Travel 30 minutes from Thousand Trails Hershey to the chocolate-themed attractions. "Free shuttle to the park, and I believe you can get in earlier than other guests; discounted park tickets that make it even more economical to stay here vs. other options in the area," shares one visitor. The campground offers both economic benefits and transportation convenience.

Fish at campground ponds: Many campgrounds feature fishing opportunities without leaving the property. "Nature decided to reclaim the area and the fish have an abundance of kel to live in. It is a wonderful fishing and boating area," mentions a camper at Thousand Trails Hershey. Fishing licenses may be required for anglers 16 and older.

What campers like

Heated indoor amenities: Spring Gulch Resort Campground in New Holland offers year-round comfort features. "Heated spa/pool in upper area are a bonus. Lots of sports gear available for free to use within park, has to be returned by 5 when main office closes," notes a visitor. These amenities extend the camping season beyond summer months.

Swimming options: Multiple pools provide relief during hot summer days. At Thousand Trails Circle M, "They have an indoor and outdoor pool. Nice playground. We were down by the river and had a lot of room on our site." The dual pool setup accommodates weather changes and temperature preferences.

Farm animal experiences: Several campgrounds feature working farms with animal interactions. "We were there around Halloween and they had decorated the park so nicely. The sounds of the farm animals all around was fun and amusing for us," shares a camper at Thousand Trails Gettysburg Farm. Most animal feeding activities occur during scheduled morning times.

What you should know

Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds feature sloping terrain requiring additional equipment. "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," warns a camper about PA Dutch Country. Pack extra leveling blocks even for designated level sites.

Seasonal operation schedules: Most campgrounds close during winter months. Spring Gulch operates from "Mar 21 - Dec 1," while PA Dutch Country and other Thousand Trails locations typically run "April 14 to October 29." Make reservations well in advance for holiday weekends and fall foliage season.

Nearby shooting ranges: Several campgrounds report noise from neighboring shooting facilities. At Pinch Pond Family Campground in Manheim, "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 you're out and about, it won't be an issue."

Tips for camping with families

Look for dedicated kid activities: Some campgrounds schedule regular family-friendly programming. "The kids enjoyed the indoor pool. Looking forward to coming back in the summer," mentions a visitor at Circle M, which also features Halloween events every weekend in October with trick-or-treating and decorations.

Consider mini golf options: Free or low-cost mini golf provides entertainment between other activities. At Round Top Campground near Gettysburg, "Golf course setup for spooky time of year" during Halloween season, though some note it "was in pretty sad shape" or "needed maintenance" at certain campgrounds.

Check playground locations: Playground placement varies widely between campgrounds. "They have a tennis court, mini golf, basketball court, and you saw many kids out with their bicycles. There is even an arcade center for the kids and a rec center with a pool table," reports a Thousand Trails Hershey visitor, though some locations have limited play equipment or require driving within the campground to reach it.

Tips from RVers

Site selection strategy: Request specific sites or areas based on your needs. At PA Dutch Country, "The best sites IMHO are those that back up to the periphery and are northernmost up the slight embankment as you'll have greater privacy and less noise being furthest away from all of the action in the center of this campground resort."

Water and sewer considerations: Check hookup placement before arrival. "The sewer pipe is a little high but all around a really solid experience," notes one RVer at PA Dutch Country, while others mention "the sewer hookup was inconveniently placed about six inches above the ground which meant that it would not drain properly."

Cell service coverage: Reception varies widely between campgrounds. "Verizon cell service is weak but useable," at some locations, while others report "2 bars LTE on T-Mobile" or "no cell service" depending on specific campsites and carriers. Some campgrounds offer wifi for additional fees.