Pennsylvania Dutch Country forms the backdrop for many rv sites near Marysville, Pennsylvania, with rolling hills creating natural borders between campsites. The region's limestone-rich soil and 500-foot elevation impacts drainage at campsites, especially during spring rainy season from April through June. Most campgrounds in this area report 35-45 inches of annual rainfall, making site selection important.
What to do
Explore Amish countryside: Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country in Manheim offers access to authentic rural Pennsylvania experiences. "I loved the surrounding dutch/Amish towns! It was pretty cool to seemingly step back in time," notes Jill R. The campground places you among "rolling hills in a plush countryside punctuated by massive rolled bays of hay in the surrounding fields, covered wooden bridges and the occasional quaint New England well-preserved charming towns," according to Stuart K.
Visit animal farms: Thousand Trails Gettysburg Farm in Dover integrates camping with farm animal interactions. "We came amidst COVID-19, so the many activities and events this location usually holds are down, BUT there is still fun to be had here! We've enjoyed mini-golf, feeding the animals, 'hiking' through the cornfield, fishing, and campfires," reports Kasey M. Another camper adds, "The animal fun and frolic was a fast favorite! The sounds of the farm animals all around was fun and amusing for us."
Historical explorations: Camping near Gettysburg provides easy battlefield access. "The campground is literally like a mile from downtown Gettysburg, which also has a lot of different things to do," notes David G. from Drummer Boy Camping Resort. For Renaissance Fair enthusiasts, Pinch Pond Family Campground makes a convenient base. "Stayed here 3x each time in October as they are very close to the PA Renaissance Fair. Easy to get to and beautiful setting," explains Michelle D.
What campers like
Family-focused activities: Thousand Trails Circle M in Lancaster offers multiple recreation options. "There is a par 3 golf course, indoor pool, mini golf, basketball, and that is in the fall. They also do canoeing in the warmer months and will shuttle you," says Norm F. Another camper mentions, "We happened to be there on the weekend a magician came, my kids loved it. They have an indoor and outdoor pool. Nice playground."
Water features: Many rv campsites near Marysville feature fishing ponds or river access. "We were down by the river and had a lot of room on our site," notes Leanne B. at Circle M, while Jenn D. at River's Edge RV Park enjoys "direct access to the river for afternoon floats on tubes or kayaks and they're building a large dock for fishing. Beautiful sunsets on the river!"
Off-season camping options: Some campgrounds maintain activities during shoulder seasons. "The kids LOVED the animals and we fed them at the allotted time every morning and went to visit at other times," reports melissa from Gettysburg Farm. At Thousand Trails Hershey, campers appreciate winter amenities: "We arrived too early for the pool to be open but they do have an indoor hot tub for those 16 years and older that is open," notes Yamileth K.
What you should know
Site leveling challenges: Unlevel sites are common throughout the region. At Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country, Justin B. reports "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." Similarly, a camper at Round Top Campground observed "spots are tight, Water pressure is low, road traffic noise. Water and electric are in award spot on our site."
Environmental factors: Several campgrounds have noise considerations. Pinch Pond campers mention, "Main drawback is noise from road and shooting range nearby. Fortunately our dog wasn't bothered by the sound of gunshots and it's only during the day." At PA Dutch Country, a reviewer notes "nearby shooting range is incredibly loud."
Reservation timing: Holiday weekends and special events require advance planning. One Drummer Boy camper mentions, "We camped here in May for Memorial Day weekend. We usually avoid holidays but gave this campground a try. It was pretty full and everyone seemed to have a golf cart." For Renaissance Fair weekends, Pinch Pond staff advises "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."
Tips for camping with families
Pool access: Appalachian Camping Resort in Shartlesville offers extended swimming hours. "The pool was open until 10pm everyday," notes Melissa Y., adding that "the campground had numerous activities set up all throughout the day and there was something for everyone."
Kid-friendly amenities: Many campgrounds offer dedicated children's activities. "This is only our 2nd trip with our camper but this was an awesome camping resort. The pool with the slide was very clean," reports Sabrina H. at Drummer Boy Camping Resort. At Pinch Pond, "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! It was like camping and going to chuckie cheese at the same time."
Safety considerations: Check for potential hazards at natural features. One camper at PA Dutch Country warns, "My son got poison sumac behind our site," while Pinch Pond reviewers note the proximity of a shooting range that operates "especially in the wee early hours."
Tips from RVers
Hookup logistics: Pinch Pond Family Campground offers various levels of service. "While the pricing feels pretty affordable for full hook-up (30/50 amp) @$57-$67/night and 20-amp+ water hook-up@ $54-$64/night, I thought the pricing for primitive (read: no electric or water hook-ups) @$52-$62/night to be akin to highway robbery," notes Stuart K. For Thousand Trails members, check reservation protocols: "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."
Navigation challenges: Large rigs face maneuvering difficulties at some campgrounds. At Western Village RV Park, Michelle S. reports "The access roads are so tight/narrow, that there is multiple areas of damaged trees and corners of structures." Similiarly, at Thousand Trails Hershey, Rick B. notes "the campground itself is very tight, cramped, and hard to navigate. The sites are so small that many tow vehicles have to park partially on the narrow access roads making it difficult to get in and out of with a big rig."
Technology access: Connectivity varies by location. At PA Dutch Country, Nick E. shares "Definitely got lucky with site F03 for Starlink. The rest of the campground has a lot of tree cover." At Circle M, Joe B. notes "Wifi too isn't free and only available is certain areas. Verizon cell service is weak but useable."
