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.

Best Camping Sites Near Mount Gretna, Pennsylvania (143)

    1. Thousand Trails Hershey

    21 Reviews
    Mount Gretna, PA
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    $50 - $60 / night

    "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."

    "This is a clean, nice looking campground in a location very close to Hershey park and the outlets. It’s a very nice area."

    2. Hersheypark Camping Resort

    29 Reviews
    Hummelstown, PA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (833) 936-0949

    "This campground has a little something for everyone, from full hook up sites neatly stacked next to each other, to quiet patches of grass next to the river."

    "They don’t sell alcohol but there is a shopping center within walking distance with restaurants and liquor stores! Even a supermarket. There is shuttle service to the park."

    3. Pinch Pond Family Campground & RV Park

    14 Reviews
    Mount Gretna, PA
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (717) 665-7640

    "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."

    "campground so inconveniently located (more on this later) right next to highway I76."

    4. Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country

    13 Reviews
    Mount Gretna, PA
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "this campground is completely surrounded by a fairly dense forest, which likely is what blocks any irritable sound and most certainly blocks any highway or traffic visibility."

    "Not much for amenities, but I loved the surrounding dutch/Amish towns! It was pretty cool to seemingly step back in time."

    5. Elizabethtown-Hershey KOA

    15 Reviews
    Elizabethtown, PA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 367-7718

    $45 - $279 / night

    "There was a bathhouse and dish sink nearby, as well as the entrance to a nice little nature trail a few sites down. "

    "Large and easy to enter/exit sites. Wifi was pretty good. (It helped that the antenna was right beside our site!) Cable TV, too! Everyone we talked to was nice and friendly."

    6. Jonestown/Hershey KOA

    16 Reviews
    Jonestown, PA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 865-6411

    "Love the close proximity to the highway and gas. We didn’t eat there but they had a restaurant! Lots of activities for the kids. Wooded sites and very clean bathrooms."

    "Pet friendly and you can access the Appalachian trail from campground. Lots of great food and places to go in the area. They have a river that is great for kayaking or tubing."

    7. Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground

    56 Reviews
    Wellsville, PA
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 292-4112

    $20 - $89 / night

    "We have a small camper and there are some great sites on the lake side to park it where you can get AMAZING sunset views.  "

    "We had site 108 which is an electric site along the shore and close to the beach, and it was perfect for our needs. "

    8. Thousand Trails Circle M

    19 Reviews
    Millersville, PA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "Close to Lancaster for necessities and great proximity to Baltimore and Philadelphia for day trips."

    "I used to stay here all the time with my grandparents when they were around. It was always some of the best times for me."

    9. Starlite Camping Resort

    6 Reviews
    Hopeland, PA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 733-9655

    "Starlight is a nice campground to relax or explore central Pennsylvania."

    "The campground is in a great location with easy access to Lancaster, Hershey and many other places to explore."

    10. Old Mill Stream Campground

    17 Reviews
    Lampeter, PA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 299-2314

    "Tent sites are lined up along the water which is great for fishing (especially when you need to stay close to the littles sleeping in the tent). Lots of benches lined up along the water."

    "Not to noisy being next to a theme park. The bath house was just remodeled so it's excellent! Good price!"

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Recent Reviews near Mount Gretna, PA

958 Reviews of 143 Mount Gretna Campgrounds


  • Marc P.
    Oct. 20, 2025

    Blue Rocks Family Campground

    Very nice but a little pricey.

    Been here many times always in the fall. Never been here in summer so have never used the pool. Great little store and small grill restaurant. The trails and the rocks are nice. Our site was very rocky and on an incline so hard to get the camper level. It was a “pop up/tent” site and we were in a small travel trailer so it’s understandable. Only criticism is the it’s very pricey for what you get. And there online booking system isn’t very accurate as it said they were sold out and there was many open sites all weekend. Would be much better it they made more sites have even basic electric.

  • Gennifer K.
    Oct. 12, 2025

    Country Acres Campground

    Nice park

    This was a great campground. Very convenient for local sites, food, and shopping. Super clean, a large pool, and all well maintained.

  • Chelsea B.
    Oct. 10, 2025

    Locust Lake State Park Campground

    Edit: 1 star- Scout sites before paying!

    Beware: these sites are not travel trailer friendly.

    We booked two nights but upon arriving, we realized that there was no way to fit our trailer (only 25 ft). Trees were growing up in all the sites that were available and most of the ones without trees in the way were pointing in the wrong direction for backing into and NONE were level. Called the office, they told us what other sites were available and we tried every one. Only one was remotely suitable for a travel trailer and we had to drive the wrong way through the loop to be at the right angle to even try backing it in. No luck. I’m honestly shocked that they label some of these sites as RV friendly because wow. We left and had to find other accommodations. Trying to get a refund and currently navigating their phone system/trying to get a refund. Three phone conversations later and I’ll have to call another number on Monday to get the right person to issue the refund. We’ve never stayed at PA parks before but if they’re all like this, then it makes it really hard to plan when some sites are fine for trailers and some aren’t even close. Just heads up.

    UPDATE: Called back during business hours and got the “park manager.” Could only give a partial refund for one of the two nights. I said that they weren’t clear on the condition of the sites and he said there was nothing he could do about it.

  • M
    Oct. 6, 2025

    French Creek State Park Campground

    Hard with a large group

    Harder to do with a large group due to the early quiet hours, but park is very nice and well kept

  • tThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 5, 2025

    Stoevers Dam Park

    Park is closed. We were kicked out.

    LThe park is a beautiful city park. There are 7 small, level, back-in sites with electric, a picnic table and fire pit. We arrived in a Sunday and you have to call for a permit, but the office is only open on M-F during working hours. At 8 pm, a police officer told us the park was closed because of a bear, but that they had not gotten around to putting up signs. Wound up in a Walmart instead.

  • Aly E.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 2, 2025

    French Creek State Park Campground

    Dog owners read!

    There’s four loops. All connected A through D. We just needed a place to park and sleep so I got D011. Got there at 11pm and the D loop says no pets allowed. Not sure why when they are at every other loop but we had no where else to go and the area is pretty far off from anywhere else so the ol lab stayed in the camper. The bathrooms are tile and really nice with showers. And it was really quiet and chilly so a nice fall camp site. Just know ahead of time if you’re a dog owner!

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 26, 2025

    Old Mill Stream Campground

    Great place to stay!

    This Campground is in the town of Lancaster, close to everything. A little complicated getting in, you need to turn in at the Cartoon Network Hotel driveway. Nice showers & friendly staff. Our site was asphalt, that was a treat, tho not all of them were...

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 13, 2025

    Brandywine Creek Campground

    Brandywine

    We are on the third week of a four week trip. Campground is well maintained, quiet. This was our home while exploring Philadelphia. Uber to Downgrown, Septa or Amtrak to town. Reverse to camp. Very enjoyable. Hickory nut tree beside camper shared at times.


Guide to Mount Gretna

Camping near Mount Gretna, Pennsylvania, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a family-friendly adventure, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking and biking: Explore the trails at French Creek State Park Campground. One reviewer mentioned, "The state park has numerous hiking and biking opportunities," making it a great spot for outdoor enthusiasts.
  • Fishing: If you enjoy fishing, check out Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground. A visitor shared, "It’s a quiet campground," perfect for a relaxing day by the water.
  • Amusement parks: For family fun, visit Hersheypark Camping Resort. One camper noted, "The shuttle bus to the park and arena is a great perk," making it easy to enjoy the rides and attractions.

What campers like:

  • Clean facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness at Old Mill Stream Campground. A reviewer stated, "Some of the cleanest camp bathrooms and showers I have seen," which is a big plus for many.
  • Spacious sites: At Lake-In-Wood Campground, visitors enjoy the roomy sites. One family said, "The sites appeared to all be a very good size," making it comfortable for everyone.
  • Family-friendly atmosphere: Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park at Quarryville is known for its activities. A camper mentioned, "Kids enjoy the water park and nighttime laser tag parties," highlighting the fun for younger guests.

What you should know:

  • Site availability: At Thousand Trails Circle M, some campers found the site selection process tricky. One said, "They let you pick your own when you get in," which can be stressful during busy times.
  • Noise levels: Campers at Hersheypark Camping Resort noted that the area can be noisy. A visitor mentioned, "The freight train that runs next to the park is loud," so be prepared for some background noise.
  • Limited amenities in winter: If you're camping in the colder months, be aware that some campgrounds, like Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground, may have limited facilities. One reviewer noted, "In winter only a couple loops open and water is turned off."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose family-friendly campgrounds: Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park at Quarryville is a hit with families. A parent shared, "Plenty to do every day and night," ensuring kids stay entertained.
  • Look for activities: At Lake-In-Wood Campground, families can enjoy the indoor/outdoor pool. One camper said, "The campground is very well maintained," making it a safe choice for kids.
  • Plan for meals: Campers at Old Mill Stream Campground appreciated the nearby dining options. A visitor mentioned, "There are tons of shopping, restaurants, tourist attractions nearby," making meal planning easier.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check site sizes: RVers at Thousand Trails Hershey found that some sites can be tight. One said, "The spots are a little small," so make sure to choose wisely.
  • Be prepared for leveling: Campers at Circle M RV and Camping Resort noted that "sites are uneven," so bring leveling blocks to make your stay more comfortable.
  • Look for amenities: At Jonestown/Hershey KOA, RVers enjoyed the clean bathhouse. One camper said, "The bathhouse was fairly close and clean," which is a nice bonus after a long day of exploring.

Camping near Mount Gretna, Pennsylvania, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. With a variety of campgrounds and activities, you're sure to find the perfect spot for your next getaway.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Mount Gretna, PA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Mount Gretna, PA is Thousand Trails Hershey with a 3.9-star rating from 21 reviews.