Rv parks near Mount Joy, Pennsylvania sit within Lancaster County's rolling farmlands at elevations between 350-500 feet. The camping season typically runs April through October, with summer highs averaging 85°F. Unlike other regions, many campgrounds here have fire rings positioned directly on campsites rather than in communal areas, allowing for convenient evening campfires.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Thousand Trails Gettysburg Farm, campers can enjoy on-site fishing. "Great place to go fishing!" notes reviewer Anna H. The property includes access to a nearby river and pond stocked with fish.
Farm animal interactions: Family campers enjoy the unique opportunity to interact with farm animals. "We came amidst COVID-19, so many activities and events this location usually holds are down, BUT there is still fun to be had here! We've enjoyed mini-golf, feeding the animals, 'hiking' through the cornfield, fishing, and campfires," shares Kasey M. about her experience at Thousand Trails Gettysburg Farm.
Local Amish culture exploration: The area provides unique opportunities to experience Pennsylvania Dutch culture. "Not much for amenities, but I loved the surrounding dutch/Amish towns! It was pretty cool to seemingly step back in time," reports Jill R. from Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country.
Mini-golf access: Many campgrounds include mini-golf courses that are either free or available for a small fee. "They have a mini golf course that was fun but need to be regreened....several holes needed maintenance," notes Beth B. from her stay at Spring Gulch Resort Campground.
What campers like
Indoor-outdoor pool options: Several campgrounds feature both indoor and outdoor swimming options. "They have an indoor and outdoor pool. Nice playground. We were down by the river and had a lot of room on our site," shares Leanne B. about Thousand Trails Circle M in nearby Lancaster.
Themed weekend activities: Holiday weekends feature special programming at most parks. "We spent Halloween weekend here. The kids loved it! It gets very full on the weekends here," notes Kasey M. about her experience at Circle M. Many campgrounds organize weekend events year-round.
Clean, modern facilities: Campers consistently praise the cleanliness of facilities. "The bathrooms were heated, and okay. I didn't care for the shower curtain system it seems less private. Laundry is quaint and coin operated. Playground was open and great for the kids, so was mini golf," reports Kasey M. about PA Dutch Country facilities.
River access for water activities: Waterways near certain campgrounds provide additional recreation. "The campground sits in the center of a horseshoe curve of the river, bring tubes and kayaks! We didn't know but went and bought a tube and spent the day on the river!" advises Karla R. about Circle M.
What you should know
Highway proximity noise: Several campgrounds are located near major highways. "Sites are very close together. Fire rings are very close to campers. Water was rusty in our row came out brown at first then was tan after running through our filter for the entire stay," Justin B. cautions about Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country.
Shooting range noise: Nearby shooting ranges affect the peace at some campgrounds. "Very well kept camp ground. The Prime Sites are very spacious. Fishing pond is a joke and near by Gun Range can be annoying and tough on pets," notes Steve R. about Spring Gulch Resort Campground. Similar issues exist at other locations.
Site levelness challenges: Many sites require significant leveling equipment. "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," explains Justin B. about his experience at Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country.
Low water pressure: Utility connections can have performance issues. "Site is gravel and pretty level. Water pressure is pretty low and the sewer pipe is a little high but all around a really solid experience," shares Nick E. about PA Dutch Country.
Tips for camping with families
Animal encounters: Pinch Pond Family Campground provides family-friendly amenities. "I don't know if the Amish camp, but regardless, if you'd like to experience what it's like to go camping in Amish country then Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country RV Resort has you covered," observes Stuart K., who also mentioned the campground's recreational facilities.
Extended pool hours: Unlike many campgrounds that close pools early, some local facilities have extended hours. "If I have one and only complaint it's the pool, it could use an upgrade and I wish they had actual lounge chairs rather than just plastic chairs to sit. However, unlike most campgrounds, the pool stayed open pretty late so that was a huge bonus for me," shares Melissa Y. about Pinch Pond.
Game rooms with tickets: Some campgrounds offer arcade experiences with ticket rewards. "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," explains Melissa Y. about her Pinch Pond experience.
Weekend craft activities: Scheduled weekend activities provide entertainment options. "We happened to be there on the weekend a magician came, my kids loved it. They have an indoor and outdoor pool. Nice playground," reports Leanne B. about Circle M.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategies: Experienced RVers recommend specific areas within larger campgrounds. "If you are an RVer or 5th Wheeler, the best sites IMHO are those that back up to the periphery and are northernmost up the slight embankment as you'll have greater privacy and less noise," advises Stuart K. about Thousand Trails Hershey.
Dump station timing: Plan tank emptying during off-peak times. "Weekend stay here and instead of leaving on Sunday, we booked another day. Great swimming pool, immaculately clean bathrooms and showers. Well wooded campground with friendly staff and guests," reports Jim C. about Sun Valley Campground.
Satellite reception challenges: Heavily wooded sites can interfere with technology. "Definitely got lucky with site F03 for Starlink. The rest of the campground has a lot of tree cover," explains Nick E. about site selection at Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country.
Early arrival importance: First-come, first-served policies at some campgrounds require strategic timing. "The first thing to know is that Thousand Trails sites are first come, first serve. Meaning you have to arrive early in order to get the best spots," advises Yamileth K. about Thousand Trails Hershey.
