Camping and glamping near Cornwall, Pennsylvania offers visitors access to the diverse natural environments of central Pennsylvania, where the elevation ranges between 430-800 feet across undulating terrain. The area experiences four distinct seasons with hot, humid summers reaching 90°F and winter temperatures that frequently drop below freezing. Many campgrounds in this region sit within the unique Pennsylvania Dutch countryside, where agricultural lands intersect with protected woodlands.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground provides excellent fishing access at Pinchot Lake, where you can catch various species. "We caught a handful of bass and an absurd amount of bluegill from shore," shares one visitor who enjoyed the park's fishing spots.
Hiking trails: French Creek State Park Campground offers numerous hiking paths through protected forest. A camper mentions, "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."
Visit Amish country: Located near Lancaster County, many campgrounds offer access to authentic Amish experiences. "I liked the surrounding dutch/Amish towns and if you've never visited an Amish community, you should definitely take advantage of this very unique location by exploring Lancaster County where you can find a number of horse & buggies," notes a visitor to the area.
Water recreation: Multiple parks feature lakes or streams for water activities. At Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground, "the LARGE beach area in the QR day use area is one of the nicest I've ever seen at a PA state park, with tons of picnic tables with grills, a playground, a volleyball court."
What campers like
Wooded privacy: Many campsites offer natural separation from neighbors. At French Creek, a reviewer noted, "The campsites are not right on top of one another. There is a lot of shade and the campground is laid out well."
Clean facilities: Starlite Camping Resort maintains well-kept amenities. "The facilities are spotless and the campground is maintained to the highest standards I have seen. There are regular activities for all ages including bingo, crafts and live music," shares a happy camper.
Diverse accommodation options: Beyond traditional tent sites, luxury glamping options abound. A visitor to Elizabethtown-Hershey KOA enjoyed their deluxe site: "Our site was very nice! We were in a back in site #4. The patio was concrete stone, very pretty. Nice chairs, fire pit, and picnic table."
Countryside views: The terrain provides scenic vistas. At Starlite Camping Resort, "There is also a great view of the surrounding countryside because it's up on a big hill," which many campers appreciate for landscape photography.
What you should know
Seasonal considerations: Many campgrounds operate from April through October. "We first had a 2 point site near the river, but when it rains the sites get flooded with runoff from the campground," warns a camper at Thousand Trails Circle M.
Site selection matters: Research specific site characteristics before booking. At Hickory Run Family Camping Resort, "You definitely want to be on the top of the hill or right below the country store. The people from Sites 100-116 were mad, it rained and the water ran down hill."
Proximity to roads: Some campgrounds are located near highways. At Pinch Pond Family Campground, "You're not going to get away from all of that highway traffic noise" and "there's a shooting range near the property, so at all hours you will hear target practice going on."
Wildlife awareness: Be prepared for local fauna. At Gifford Pinchot State Park, one camper "woke up with a serious case of chigger bites" while another visitor hiking nearby mentioned, "This area (central PA in general) tends to have a lot of rattlesnakes."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Choose sites near play areas. At Old Mill Stream Campground, "There's also a small playground and basketball court" making it convenient for families with children.
Swimming options: Several parks feature swimming facilities. At Pinch Pond Family Campground, "The pool is awesome" and provides a safe alternative to lake swimming for younger children.
Halloween camping: Fall visits include special events. "They had Halloween every weekend of October and we spent Halloween weekend here. The kids loved it!!" reports a family who stayed at Thousand Trails Circle M.
Educational opportunities: Combine camping with learning experiences. "If you are traveling in these parts with kids, there's a handful of really great places to check out like the most obvious nearby location being Hershey Park, Chocolate Factory, Gardens & Museum" recommends a parent.
Tips from RVers
Leveling considerations: Many campgrounds in this hilly region require leveling equipment. At Pinch Pond Family Campground & RV Park, "Sites are well maintained but ours wasn't level" reports an RVer.
Site surface variations: Surface types differ between campgrounds. At Old Mill Stream Campground, "Our site was asphalt, that was a treat, tho not all of them were," while at Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country, "We were in the D loop which is rustic with no hookups. Spacious sites."
Hook-up availability: Electric amperage options vary. "They won't give you a 50 amp site unless your 50 amp or 40', they save them for larger campers," notes a visitor at Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country.
Arrival and access: Consider entrance logistics. At Old Mill Stream Campground, "A little complicated getting in, you need to turn in at the Cartoon Network Hotel driveway," helping RVers avoid confusion when arriving.
