Susquehanna State Park Campground
Great time with kids
Nice campground had my 6 and 7 year old. The site was pretty private and had bathrooms close. I would definitely go again.
The rolling countryside surrounding Mount Wolf, Pennsylvania features a mix of state parks, private campgrounds, and recreational areas that accommodate various camping styles. Gifford Pinchot State Park, located about 10 miles southwest of Mount Wolf, serves as a centerpiece for outdoor recreation with 339 campsites supporting tent camping, RV hookups, and cabin rentals. The park's lakeside setting provides water-based activities and hiking trails. Within a 30-minute drive, campers can access several established campgrounds including Cedar Lake Family Campground in Dover and Thousand Trails Gettysburg Farm, both offering full hookup sites for RVs alongside more primitive options for tent campers. The Pennsylvania Dutch countryside creates a distinctive backdrop for camping experiences, with Amish farms and covered bridges dotting the landscape.
Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally from April through October, with state parks like Gifford Pinchot and Codorus closing for camping after the first weekend in November. Reservations are strongly recommended during summer weekends and holiday periods when facilities frequently reach capacity. Cell service varies considerably throughout the area, with better coverage near towns and spotty reception in more remote camping areas. As one camper noted, "We love this park...there are some great sites on the lake side where you can get amazing sunset views." Highway noise can be a consideration at some private campgrounds, particularly those near the Pennsylvania Turnpike or Interstate 83, with several reviewers mentioning traffic sounds as a factor in site selection.
Lakefront sites receive consistently high ratings from visitors, particularly at Gifford Pinchot State Park where waterfront campsites offer direct lake access. "Camping on the peninsula (site 116) is absolutely perfect," reported one camper, noting the "small beach area at the site that makes it perfect for landing kayaks or canoes." Family-friendly amenities are common at both state and private campgrounds, with playgrounds, fishing opportunities, and hiking trails available at most locations. Site privacy varies significantly, with some reviewers noting that certain campgrounds have "very tight spots" where "people next to you using a picnic table or fire ring are 3-4 feet from your camper." The region's proximity to Hershey, Gettysburg, and Lancaster makes it popular for tourists combining camping with visits to these attractions, creating higher demand during peak tourism seasons.
$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. "
$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."
"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."
$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."
$20 - $195 / night
"The trails from Campground are ok for a short walk, not much of a lake view but mostly shaded trail. The pool is conveniently located maybe even walking distance for some. "
"Older State Park just outside of Hanover, PA. Used it as a home base to explore Gettysburg and the surrounding area."
$75 - $90 / night
"There is no on site running water or electric but they did leave us with a 5 gallon water jug and a 5 gallon shower bag to use in the outside shower."
"https://www.riverrockadv.com/#/ I was fortunate enough to find this local gem while browsing“camping near me”. Not only that, my unlucky butt won a 2 night stay there!"
"Set just off I-76 in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch country, Pinch Pond Family Campground& RV Park is a large, all-in-one, family-focused campground with a layout that feels more like a small neighborhood"
"campground so inconveniently located (more on this later) right next to highway I76."
"The bathroom near the pool left a little something to be desired. It wasn’t filthy but also wasn’t sparking clean. It was great being close to the battlefield."
"We were there around Halloween and they had decorated the park so nicely. The sounds of the farm animals all around was fun and amusing for us."
"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."
$60 - $100 / night
"Nice lake for fishing. Easy check in. Nice little store. About an hour away from Hershey where we went to the RV show. We will come back if we are in the area again"
"Just takes away from the rural feel. Cabin was clean and perfect. Grounds were very clean. Toilet and showers clean. Golf carts a little dated but overall good. Night time was serene and quite."











Nice campground had my 6 and 7 year old. The site was pretty private and had bathrooms close. I would definitely go again.
We camp here several times thru out the year. Always an enjoyable stay. Staff is very friendly and accommodating.
Like always we like to begin our camping season with a Easter Weekend Trip, my husband's family is partial to the Lancaster Area, so we headed there to Sun Retreats Lancaster. As we drove up I loved the look and location of the campground. You could see there was a indoor pool setup, arcade, playground, store, ice cream, mini-golf and a huge lake and that was everything we saw from the truck. We pulled up to a gate and a guy came out of the shed next to it to check us in.
The campground looked well maintained, the sports were on both sides of the lake and they offered many different options like woods or open, pull through or back up. We choose a really wooded site. It was tight getting in but I can't complain I don't drive the truck. It seemed like there was a fair amount of seasonal sites but they didn't overwhelm the place. I could see also a lot of cabins there were some shaped like teepees, a frontier cabin, and a caboose. They had a fair amount of open grass to play and enjoy. You can bring your own golfcart or they have on site rentals also.
They had an activity list that would help keep everyone busy, they had a mini golf course that was in great shape, an arcade which was definitely lacking in the game department, I think there was 4 pinball machines, 2 Skee ball, 3 racing games, and the play to you win machine. The playground x2 were both in great condition with a lot to keep kids playing on. I can only comment on the indoor pool which at the time was said to be under construction however still open, the water was on the colder side and the hot tube the same temp as the pool, the ceiling had been ripped off so the iron rusting beams were exposed and rust falling down. The kids still went in the pool unfortunately the air from the open window made them too cold so we didn't stay long. I am hoping it will be finished because the concept of the indoor-outdoor pool area looks so fun.
The staff was extremely helpful and super friendly. The store was fully stocked with everything you could want. The bathrooms were all kept so clean and in working order with hot water. We enjoyed the area we ventured out to see the Choo Choo barn, the green dragon flea market, and kitchen kettle village which are a must if your in the area. We also choose to hike the Welsh Preserve and Money Rock. The lake had a path you could walk completely around and you could choose to fish if that's your thing.
I would definitely return to this campground again, we had 8 sites in total and we all really thought it was a wonderful place and really enjoyed our holiday weekend there. It was very busy but the staff was present but not overbearing. People were very respectful and friendly.
Tucked into the rolling, wooded hills of Pennsylvania Dutch Country, Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country RV Resort offers a unique blend of peaceful countryside and activity-packed camping, all just a stone’s throw from the PA Turnpike.
While my review from a few years ago provides a ton of detail, I thought I would follow up that review with a topline of HIGHLIGHTS and LOWLIGHTS along with a smattering of new photos.
HIGHLIGHTS:(1) Expansive campground with 250+ sites offering full hookups, giving plenty of options for both short stays and longer visits;(2) Resort-style amenities including pool, mini golf, clubhouse, playgrounds, and organized activities that keep families engaged throughout the day;(3) Beautiful wooded setting with dense tree coverage that creates a surprisingly secluded feel despite proximity to major highways;(4) Ideal location for exploring Pennsylvania Dutch Country, with scenic farmland, covered bridges, and charming nearby towns just minutes away; and(5) Strong sense of community with events like bingo, crafts, and family activities that give it that classic ‘summer camp” vibe.
LOWLIGHTS:(1) Sloped terrain throughout much of the campground can make leveling a bit tricky depending on your site;(2) Close proximity to the PA Turnpike may be a concern for some, even though tree coverage helps reduce both noise and visibility;(3) Wi-Fi is not complimentary and can be an added cost, which feels a bit dated for a“resort” experience;(4) Membership requirement through Thousand Trails can be a barrier for first-time or casual campers; and(5) Limited tent site availability compared to the large number of RV sites, making it less flexible for non-RV travelers
Happy Camping!
Set just off I-76 in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch country, Pinch Pond Family Campground& RV Park is a large, all-in-one, family-focused campground with a layout that feels more like a small neighborhood than a traditional woods-only campsite. While its proximity to the highway makes access easy, the property itself is gated, organized into distinct camping zones and packed with amenities that clearly cater to longer stays and families looking for built-in entertainment.
HIGHLIGHTS:(1) Full-service resort-style amenities including pool, playground, arcade, laundry, propane refills, dump stations, sports field, picnic tables and in-ground fire rings throughout the property;(2) Wide variety of lodging options including RV sites with 30/50 amp hookups, water, sewer and cable, primitive tent sites, and multiple on-site cottages for non-campers;(3) Gated entrance and very welcoming, helpful staff at check-in with a well-stocked camp store offering snacks, ice cream, sundries and souvenirs;(4) Strong family appeal with fishing pond, barn, open play areas and space for kids to roam safely; and(5) Excellent location for regional attractions including Hershey Park, Chocolate World, Amish countryside tours and the nearby wolf sanctuary with guided educational tours.
LOWLIGHTS:(1) Immediate proximity to I-76 means persistent highway noise day and night with no real sound buffer;(2) Access is oddly indirect despite being next to the turnpike, requiring a several-mile loop through countryside roads to reach the entrance;(3) Overall layout is wide open with limited natural privacy between many RV sites;(4) Nearby shooting range produces frequent target practice noise, especially noticeable during early morning hours; and(5) Pricing for primitive tent sites feels disproportionately high compared to full-hookup RV rates.
Happy Camping!
This is our 3rd time at this park, it is one of our favorites. Well maintained, very quiet. We stay in Loop A (full hookup) pet friendly. Sites are spacious, generally large but they are all back-in sites.
Owners are very friendly and helpful. Sites are large and roomy.
Booked this site about a week before just as a spontaneous one night trip towards the end of fall. Was greeted with a nicely stocked firewood hut on the way in, unfortunately most of the wood wasn't dry due to rain the day before and the wood being out from under the hut awning, but we made do with the stacks of dead wood along the outside of the site. Our site had the main area with the picnic table and fire pit and then a large level tent pad a couple of steps below it. I believe we went the last weekend of the season so it wasn't too populated, despite this being a smaller campsite. We did have neighbors on each side of us and across from us, and the sites are a reasonable distance apart. The trees were thinned out by the time we went so there wasn't much privacy, but I can imagine that when they're grown in it adds much more privacy, at least from nextdoor neighbors. Everyone there was considerate and friendly, even the camp host. The bathrooms were clean, functional, and a short walk away from the site. Would recommend if you want a quick getaway without frill.
Small family owed for 50 plus years. They care about their guests and treat everyone like they are part of the family. The only thing about this campground is that it doesn't allow tents. Only RVs and pull behind.
Mount Wolf camping options sit within the limestone valleys of southeastern Pennsylvania, where the terrain varies between 400-500 feet in elevation. The area experiences humid summers with temperatures averaging in the mid-80s, while spring and fall provide milder camping conditions with temperatures in the 60s and 70s. Most campsites near Mount Wolf, Pennsylvania close seasonally from November through March due to freezing winter conditions.
Kayaking on the Susquehanna River: Access the water directly from River Rock Recreation, where "we spent our time fishing the river banks right outside our tents and kayaking on the Susquehanna to fish the warm waters. We caught a ton of catfish and carp using live bait."
Disc golf courses: Play one of two 18-hole courses at Gifford Pinchot State Park. "Both areas have their own 18 hole disc golf course, but I will say: BEWARE of poison ivy!! We played the first 10 holes around the Conewago day use area and I was shocked at how much poison ivy we had to dodge all over the prime walking areas through the course."
Horseshoe curve river camping: Explore the unique river setting at Thousand Trails Circle M where "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!"
Hiking the White Rocks Trail: Take a short drive to access this trail system. "Before fishing, we hiked the White Rocks Trail a few miles outside of town, and it was a ton of fun with some cool rock scrambles. It hooks up with the AT going through the area if you want to extend the hike."
Waterfront camping: Sites with lake access at Codorus State Park are particularly valued. "We typically stay in the primitive tent loop which is right on the lake. It can get a little busy on the weekends since there is a boat launch at the end of the primitive lane, but some of the sites are secluded/set back enough to be private."
Farm animal interactions: Thousand Trails Gettysburg Farm offers a unique camping experience with livestock. "Got a kick out of the children playing with the kids (baby goats), pigs, goats, chickens, horses and even llamas. Plenty to see and learn. Perfect campground for the family."
Clean bathroom facilities: Multiple campgrounds maintain well-kept restrooms. At Elizabethtown-Hershey KOA, campers note "bath house was extremely clean and very nice. The pool was nice, but being that it was the end of June, the water was freezing! I couldn't get in!"
Private river campsites: River Rock Recreation provides complete privacy with exclusive site rental. "This is a single campsite that you rent, no other campers on site unless you are bringing them with you! You can camp with up to 10 people and there is certainly plenty of room for everyone to spread out."
Train and traffic noise: Several campgrounds experience noise issues. At Hersheypark Camping Resort, "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!"
Range sounds: At Cedar Lake Family Campground, "the only complaint is the neighbor outdoors man sports outdoor range less than a mile away. Not bothersome or concerned for safety. Just takes away from the rural feel."
Varying site quality: Site selection matters significantly at Thousand Trails Hershey. "The sites are gravel and most are not level. They are not well maintained as the site next to us has weeds a foot high. There are a few big rigs that can barely fit on a site."
Tent pad surfaces: Some campgrounds have gravel rather than grass pads. "The 'tent pad' was large gravel surrounded by over grown grass. The bathrooms were very nice (best I've ever camped with and the saving grace of this review)."
Animal-focused experiences: Kids particularly enjoy Cedar Lake Family Campground where "the animal area could stand a good cleaning, but my little one enjoyed them. Lots of activities and the staff was very friendly."
Pool temperature considerations: Swimming pools vary in comfort level. "The pool was nice, but being that it was the end of June, the water was freezing! I couldn't get in! There was only about a 15 minute drive to the Hershey park, which was really convenient."
Shooting range awareness: Parents should note nearby ranges when planning quiet activities. At Pinch Pond, "the only thing that is negative is that there is a shooting range right next door. It is pretty consistent from lunch to dinner. If you're out and about, it won't be an issue."
Halloween weekend camping: Fall camping provides special activities for kids. "We spent Halloween weekend here. The kids loved it!! It gets very full on the weekends here."
Site leveling challenges: Prepare for uneven sites at several campgrounds. At Pinch Pond Family Campground, "sites are large and well maintained but ours wasn't level. Gets packed on weekends."
Drive-through navigation: Some campgrounds have confusing layouts. "The loop we are in has four roads leading to the campsites (A,B,C and D). There is an arrow indicating direction. The exit road (D) is also an entry road to campsites. If someone is going to a campsite in Road D you cannot pass them when exiting as the road is only one lane."
Arrival timing for site selection: At Thousand Trails properties, timing matters. "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. 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."
Overflow parking options: Some campgrounds provide solutions for extra vehicles. "They have an overflow area for those with extra cars and those with tow dollies. This keeps the campground from looking like a junk yard."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near Mount Wolf, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Mount Wolf, PA is Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground with a 4.2-star rating from 57 reviews.
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