Many campgrounds near Mount Gretna, Pennsylvania sit within the limestone-rich region of Lebanon County, where the elevation ranges from 500 to 1,200 feet. The area transitions between forested ridges and small valleys, creating varied camping environments with temperature swings of 15-20°F between day and night. Most sites remain heavily wooded even at developed properties, offering natural shade during summer's peak heat when temperatures often reach 85-90°F.
What to do
Tubing and kayaking at Swatara Creek: Visit Jonestown/Hershey KOA where the campground connects to water recreation. "The Swatara creek runs right next to it so it is great for kayaking, tubing, etc. Highly recommend," notes Bobby S. The campground's proximity to the creek makes it convenient for water activities without needing transportation.
Explore Amish countryside: The rural areas around Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country offer authentic cultural experiences. "Not much for amenities, but I loved the surrounding dutch/Amish towns! It was pretty cool to seemingly step back in time," shares Jill R. Many campers use this location as a base to visit communities within 10-15 miles of the campground.
Fishing opportunities: Local ponds and lakes provide fishing spots for campers staying at Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground which has diverse water access. "We caught a handful of bass and an absurd amount of bluegill from shore," according to one review. The park requires a Pennsylvania fishing license, which rangers regularly check.
What campers like
Private wooded sites: Many campers appreciate the natural separation at Pinch Pond Family Campground & RV Park. "Nice, forested campground. Friendly staff, clean bathhouses. Sites well maintained," reports Kathy L. The campground maintains older trees throughout the property, creating natural divisions between many sites.
Clean facilities: Bathhouse cleanliness ranks high in satisfaction across multiple properties. At Elizabethtown-Hershey KOA, one camper noted, "Spotless bathrooms. Nice pool and playgrounds. Not a lot of traffic. Quiet. Friendly." The bathhouses feature individual shower stalls with changing areas and are typically cleaned twice daily.
Location convenience: Positioning between major attractions makes these campgrounds strategic bases. "Great location for activities including Hershey Park, Hershey Chocolate factory, Hershey RV show," mentions TRACY K. about Pinch Pond. Most Mount Gretna area campgrounds sit within 20-30 minutes of multiple destinations.
What you should know
Train and traffic noise: Several campgrounds experience noise from nearby transportation routes. At Hersheypark Camping Resort, campers report, "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!" Request sites furthest from railways or highways when booking.
Seasonal operations: Many campgrounds close completely during winter months, typically from late October through early April. The camping season varies by property but generally runs April through October, with peak rates from Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Site differences: Terrain variations create significant differences in site quality within individual campgrounds. "Unlevel is an understatement we were in E row and every camper there had front end 4 foot off the ground," notes one camper about Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country. Request specific site information when booking.
Tips for camping with families
Playground proximity: Choose sites near play areas to keep children within sight. "We had site 114. It has water access and is right next to a small man made beach and playground," notes a visitor to Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground. These sites typically book fastest during summer months and school breaks.
Activity scheduling: Many campgrounds offer organized recreation during peak season. "They have Halloween every weekend of October and we spent Halloween weekend here. The kids loved it!!" shares Kasey M. about Thousand Trails Circle M. Most activities run Thursday through Sunday with limited programming midweek.
Budget for extras: On-site amenities often carry additional fees beyond camping costs. "I was pretty surprised by how much we had to pay for the KOA premium," reports one family. Mini-golf typically costs $3-5 per person, while arcade games, ice cream, and special activities all represent additional expenses.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: Arrive early for the best options at first-come-first-served campgrounds. "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. They don't reserve sites for you," advises Yamileth K. Aim to arrive between 1-2pm for optimal selection.
Leveling challenges: Bring extra blocks and leveling equipment for sites in hillier campgrounds. "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," reports one RVer. Sites along ridgelines tend to require the most significant leveling assistance.
Length restrictions vary: Different camping loops accommodate varying RV lengths, even within the same property. "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," notes Kasey M. about Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country. Always confirm site dimensions before booking.
