Best Campgrounds near Mount Gretna, PA
Campgrounds near Mount Gretna in Pennsylvania provide a range of accommodation types with proximity to attractions like Hershey Park and Lancaster County. The area features established campgrounds including Thousand Trails Hershey, Pinch Pond Family Campground, and Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country, all offering various camping options from tent sites to RV hookups and cabin rentals. Most facilities maintain wooded settings while providing amenities such as electric hookups, water access, showers, and fire rings. Several properties include recreational facilities like swimming pools, playgrounds, and game rooms to complement nearby attractions.
The camping season in this region typically runs from April through October, with many campgrounds closing during winter months. Full-service campgrounds require reservations, particularly during summer weekends and special events like the Pennsylvania Renaissance Fair. Sites vary in levelness across the hilly terrain, with some campgrounds featuring more developed, level pads while others maintain more rustic settings. Road noise can be noticeable at certain properties due to proximity to highways, particularly the Pennsylvania Turnpike. A visitor noted, "Nice, forested campground. Friendly staff, clean bathhouses. 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."
Families frequently mention the area's convenience for accessing regional attractions as a major benefit of camping in the Mount Gretna region. Most developed campgrounds provide good access to both natural areas and cultural attractions like Amish Country. Many visitors cite the cultural experiences available in surrounding communities as highlights of their stay. Several campgrounds feature ponds or small lakes for fishing, though they are not primary recreational features. While some sites offer significant privacy with wooded surroundings, others have more open layouts with sites in closer proximity. According to reviews, maintenance and cleanliness standards remain consistently high across most properties in the area. Seasonal campers maintain a significant presence at several campgrounds, creating a community atmosphere at properties like Pinch Pond where activities are regularly scheduled throughout the camping season.