Camping cabins near Middletown, Pennsylvania offer convenient access to both Hershey attractions and natural recreation areas. The region experiences moderate seasonal temperatures with summer highs averaging in the mid-80s and winter lows in the 20s, making late spring through early fall ideal for cabin camping. Local campgrounds sit at elevations ranging from 400-700 feet above sea level across gently rolling terrain dotted with wooded areas and farmland.
What to do
Water recreation: Gifford Pinchot State Park features a large lake with multiple activity options. "The state park itself has a LOT to offer, especially in the two main day use areas: the Conewago day use area on the south side of the lake and the Quaker Race day use area on the north side of the lake. Both areas have great access for fishing," shares a camper who visited with family.
Mini-golf courses: Several campgrounds offer this family activity with varying difficulty levels. At Pinch Pond Family Campground, one visitor noted, "They have 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."
Fishing opportunities: Stocked lakes and nearby streams offer diverse fishing experiences. "Both areas have great access for fishing (bring your license! the rangers in this park check), and we caught a handful of bass and an absurd amount of bluegill from shore," reports a Gifford Pinchot visitor who enjoyed the experience.
Hiking trails: Several nearby areas offer walking paths suitable for various skill levels. "I took an early morning hike on the 8.5 mile Lakeside Trail that goes around the lake and it was really awesome to see the lake from all different angles," reports a camper who explored Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground.
What campers like
Proximity to attractions: Located within 30 minutes of major destinations. A visitor to Jonestown/Hershey KOA appreciated that "the Swatara creek runs right next to it so it is great for kayaking, tubing, etc. Campground is connected to the Swatara Rail trial which is great for biking."
Clean facilities: Multiple campgrounds receive praise for bathroom cleanliness. One camper at Elizabethtown-Hershey KOA shared, "Spotless bathrooms. Nice pool and playgrounds. Not a lot of traffic. Quiet. Friendly. Price is fair and not nearly as expensive as many other KOAs but the quality is just as good!"
Farm experiences: Some properties offer unique interactions with animals. A visitor to Thousand Trails Gettysburg Farm enjoyed that "the main attraction is the animals, but there is also a cute playground for the kids. If you love farm animals, that is the spot to be. Got a kick out of the children playing with the kids (baby goats) pigs, goats, chickens, horses and even lamas."
Wooded sites: Many campers prefer shaded locations for summer comfort. A reviewer at Codorus State Park noted, "The 'full shade' sites were amazing. Large, fire ring with grate, and nice picnic table. We fit all 4 tents on the site."
What you should know
Site selection considerations: Campground layouts vary significantly with some offering more privacy than others. At Elizabethtown-Hershey KOA, a visitor advised, "If you're looking for trees and privacy, stick to the sites at the bottom of the hill(top of the CG map). The sites closer to the entrance of the park near all the amenities were definitely packed in tightly."
Noise factors: Several campgrounds have nearby highways or railways. At Hersheypark Camping Resort, a camper warned, "Nice camp ground but super loud bc of the trains. Bath houses are nice and clean. I would suggest making sure you aren't close to the tracks bc the trains run all night long!"
Reservation timing: Summer weekends book quickly, especially during events. One reviewer noted, "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 awareness: Some areas have wildlife and plant considerations. A camper at Pinch Pond Family Campground cautioned, "There is a shooting range near the property, so at all hours you will hear target practice going on, especially in the wee early hours."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Choose sites near play areas for convenience. A Gifford Pinchot visitor shared, "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."
Swimming options: Several locations offer pools or designated swim areas. At Codorus State Park Campground, a camper explained, "There is no swimming allowed in the lake but there is a pool located at the park, there is no extra cost to use the pool if you are at the campground."
Budget considerations: Some parks offer discounted attraction tickets. A visitor to Jonestown/Hershey KOA shared, "We were able to purchase Hershey Park tickets which were cheaper than buying from the Hershey (at a discount) and it includes shuttle service to and from the park!"
Cabin amenities: Check what's included with rental cabins. Many require linens and basic camping supplies. One camper noted, "Depending on your rig size you're only available certain sites. They won't give you a 50 amp site unless your 50 amp or 40', they save them for larger campers."
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: Some parks have uneven terrain requiring additional equipment. A visitor to Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country observed, "The campground loses a star because the sites are pretty uneven. Not just the one we're on but others as well. The campground is pretty hilly and they don't seem to want to level out the sites."
Site dimensions: Verify your RV will fit comfortably in assigned spaces. A camper at Hersheypark Camping Resort noted, "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."
Water pressure considerations: Some locations report variable utility performance. An RVer at PA Dutch Country shared, "Water pressure is pretty low and the sewer pipe is a little high but all around a really solid experience."
Hookup options: Different campgrounds offer varying levels of electrical service. At Pinch Pond Family Campground, pricing reflects amenities: "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."
