Campsites near Marysville, Pennsylvania sit within the rolling terrain of Perry County, typically at elevations ranging from 400-600 feet above sea level. The area experiences four distinct seasons with summer highs averaging 85°F and winter lows around 20°F. Most campgrounds in this region operate from April through October, though some facilities offer year-round cabins for cold-weather camping.
What to do
Kayaking and tubing access: At Jonestown/Hershey KOA, the Swatara Creek provides excellent water recreation. The campground connects to the Swatara Rail Trail, which one camper notes is "great for biking. The Swatara creek runs right next to it so it is great for kayaking, tubing, etc."
Historical mill tours: Little Buffalo State Park Campground features an operational historical mill where demonstrations are held. According to a visitor, "The historical mill was well worth the trip. By the far the highlight of ours as well. Especially since they engaged the wheel and actually ground corn!"
Petting zoo visits: Family-friendly animal encounters are available at Ferryboat Campsites. "There is a small goat petting zoo, with very friendly pigmy goats and the camp is extremely pet friendly as long as they are on a leash," reports one camper who enjoyed the interaction with animals.
Appalachian Trail access: Several campgrounds provide direct or nearby access to sections of this famous trail. A visitor at Jonestown/Hershey KOA mentioned, "You can access the Appalachian trail from campground," making it convenient for day hikers wanting to experience portions of this iconic footpath.
What campers like
Creek-side camping: Many visitors appreciate sites situated along waterways. At Ferryboat Campsites, one camper shared, "We stayed at a Susquehanna river view site with full hookups for 2 nights. Site was level and shaded, but very close to neighbors... We enjoyed our stay here — but mostly because we liked being right on the water."
Actual ferry rides: A unique feature at Ferryboat Campsites is the operational ferry service. A camper enthusiastically noted, "The ferry here is real, and has been in operation for the last 100+ years... Rode on the Ferry every time I could."
Clean facilities: Bathroom cleanliness consistently ranks high in camper satisfaction. At Camp Hebron, a visitor commented, "It was a nice enough camp with your normal bugs in the wash house for example but the water was hot and stayed on the whole time which is nice."
Wooded sites with privacy: Many campers value secluded spots, particularly at Camp Hebron where one visitor stated, "The sites have lots of tree cover and they are private. This place does not have many amenities as far as crafts and 'drop off the kids' activities. It is a hang out as a family and tromp around the woods kind of place."
What you should know
Trains create noise: At Hersheypark Camping Resort, noise from passing trains affects some sites. Multiple reviewers mentioned this issue, with one noting, "Basic RV's park 95 night is way too much you pay for location... Trains are all night." Another specified, "Nice camp ground but super loud bc of the trains... I would suggest making sure you aren't close to the tracks bc the trains run all night long!"
Seasonal closures: Most camping facilities in the region close during winter months. Little Buffalo State Park maintains year-round operations, but with limited services during off-season.
Bug awareness: Tick activity is prevalent during warmer months. At Jonestown/Hershey KOA, a camper cautioned, "Also, beware of ticks."
Tent site variations: Tent campers should research specific sites before booking. At Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground, a camper warned, "I had never been and reserved a tent site online. When I arrived, someone was in my spot. After working it out and came back I noticed just how crowded it was... Went to front gate and got a much more isolated tent spot."
Tips for camping with families
Beach access for kids: Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground offers family-friendly water features. One family reported, "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. There was also a beach location on the state park side vs campground side of the lake."
Pool facilities: Several campgrounds feature swimming pools with child-friendly amenities. At Little Buffalo State Park Campground, a parent highlighted, "The pool is very nice! They offer a large area that is only 1 foot deep, great for little ones! There is also a splash pad! There are 2 slides for fun!"
Plan for pool fees: Even when camping, pool access often requires additional payment. As one camper at Little Buffalo noted, "You have to pay to get in the pool, yes even if you are camping!"
First-time camping spots: For families new to camping, established campgrounds with amenities can ease the transition. At Elizabethtown-Hershey KOA, a visitor shared, "We have been here tenting twice, once last year and once this summer. 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."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds feature uneven terrain requiring leveling equipment. At Thousand Trails Hershey, a camper noted, "Very clean campground but super loud bc of the trains. Bath houses are nice and clean... Some of the sites are not very level, ours included (which they warned us about when they told us which one it was)."
Arrival timing matters: At some campgrounds, specific sites aren't assigned ahead of time. One RVer at Thousand Trails Hershey 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... if you get there early enough around 1 pm, you won't have a problem."
Pull-through availability: For less experienced RVers, pull-through sites offer easier parking. A camper at Harrisburg East Campground mentioned, "Nice pull through spots with a lot of shade. The sites that were close to the interstate were noisy from traffic."
Site width considerations: RVers with slide-outs should check site dimensions. At Hersheypark Camping Resort, a camper shared, "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."
