Best Campgrounds near Mount Joy, PA
Camping near Mount Joy, Pennsylvania encompasses a mix of private RV resorts, family campgrounds, and state park facilities within the rolling hills of Pennsylvania Dutch Country. Notable options include Thousand Trails Hershey in Lebanon, Elizabethtown-Hershey KOA, and Pinch Pond Family Campground in Manheim. The area sits at the crossroads of several tourist destinations, with Hershey's chocolate attractions 20 minutes northeast and Lancaster's Amish country 15 minutes south. Gifford Pinchot State Park, about 30 miles west, offers more natural surroundings with lakeside camping and extensive recreational facilities.
Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally from April through October, with a few exceptions like Old Mill Stream Campground which remains open year-round. Summer temperatures typically range from 70-85°F with moderate humidity, while spring and fall bring cooler temperatures and occasional rain. Reservations are strongly recommended during peak season (Memorial Day through Labor Day) and especially during special events like the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire. Cell service is generally reliable throughout the area, though some state park locations may have limited coverage in more remote sections.
The camping experience varies significantly between facility types. Private RV resorts like Thousand Trails properties tend to offer full hookups, swimming pools, and organized activities, but campers note sites can be closely spaced. According to reviews, "These RV sites are the tightest I have ever seen. So tight that people using a picnic table or fire ring are 3-4 feet from your camper." State parks provide more spacious sites with natural buffers. Pequea Creek Campground receives praise for its "shaded spacious sites by a kid-friendly creek" where families can enjoy "splashing and floating." Family-oriented campgrounds typically welcome pets and offer amenities like playgrounds, game rooms, and camp stores, with many providing shuttle service to nearby attractions like Hersheypark, making them convenient bases for exploring the region's cultural and recreational offerings.