Camping cabins near Mount Joy, Pennsylvania provide easy access to rolling farmland and wooded areas within Lancaster County. The area sits at an elevation of approximately 400 feet above sea level in the Piedmont region, characterized by gentle hills and fertile soil. Summer temperatures typically range from 60-85°F with occasional humidity, making cabin stays comfortable even during peak season.
What to do
Disc golf adventures: At Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground, visitors can enjoy two 18-hole courses. "Both areas have great access for fishing, and we caught a handful of bass and an absurd amount of bluegill from shore. Both areas also have their own 18 hole disc golf course," according to one visitor.
Fishing opportunities: The stream running alongside Old Mill Stream Campground provides relaxing fishing options. "There is a small, slow flowing river that runs along the front of the park which some people play in and float down in inner tubes," notes a camper, though they caution about water quality concerns.
Amish culture exploration: Take advantage of the location to explore local Pennsylvania Dutch culture. "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 to take a trip in," recommends a visitor to a nearby campground.
What campers like
Clean, modern facilities: Country Acres Campground consistently receives praise for maintenance. "This campground is probably the most well maintained campground we have ever stayed at. The grounds are beautiful, facilities above and beyond the expected," shares one reviewer. Another adds, "The new bathhouse has better restrooms than my own home!"
Water activities: The lake at Gifford Pinchot State Park is popular with families. A camper notes, "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, and a special fence solution to keep the stupid geese out of the water in the swimming area."
Seasonal events: Halloween celebrations at several campgrounds attract repeat visitors. At Thousand Trails Circle M, a reviewer reports, "They had Halloween ever at every weekend of October and we spent Halloween weekend here. The kids loved it!"
What you should know
Shooting range noise: Several campgrounds in the area are located near shooting ranges. At Pinch Pond Family Campground, one reviewer warns, "There's a shooting range near the property, so at all hours you will hear target practice going on, especially in the wee early hours." Another notes this can be "nerve wracking" for those who enjoy sitting outside.
Trains: Multiple campgrounds mention train noise. At Hershey Highmeadow Campground, a reviewer cautions, "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!"
Farm odors: Some campgrounds near agricultural operations experience farm smells. One visitor to Old Mill Stream Campground observed, "The overwhelming impression of this campground was the smell of cow manure from the nearby dairy farm feedlot...when the wind shifted the horrid smell drove us inside during the rest of our visit."
Tips for camping with families
Pool options: Mill Bridge Village & Camp Resort offers a pool and multiple kid-friendly amenities. "They have a pool, store and other amenities," shares a satisfied family camper. At Country Acres Campground, another visitor appreciated that "the pool is new and has a sloped entrance so my two year old could play by himself and loved it."
Game rooms: Several campgrounds feature arcades or game rooms that entertain kids during downtime. At Pinch Pond, a visitor praised, "Their game room has tickets. This is the one and only campground we have ever visited that gave tickets for playing games and my kids LOVED IT! It was like camping and going to chuckie cheese at the same time."
Trail hiking: For active families, trail systems provide exercise opportunities. One reviewer of Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground reports, "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."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country receives mixed reviews about site condition. "Unlevel is an understatement we were in E row and every camper there had front end 4 foot off the ground. Many other sites were the same," reports one RVer. Another adds, "The campground loses a star because the sites are pretty uneven. Not just the one we're on but others as well."
Tight campsite spacing: Several RV parks feature close quarters. At Hershey RV and Camping Resort, an RVer notes, "While it offers nice amenities and a shuttle to Hersheypark, the campground itself is very tight, cramped, and hard to navigate. The sites are so small that many tow vehicles have to park partially on the narrow access roads making it difficult to get in and out of with a big rig."
Early arrival recommended: For Thousand Trails properties, RVers suggest arriving early. One camper advises, "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. For everyone complaining about driving around and not finding spots, if you get there early enough around 1 pm, you won't have a problem."
