Several RV parks within 20-30 miles of New Freedom, Pennsylvania accommodate a range of camping needs throughout the year. Situated in the rolling hills of south-central Pennsylvania at around 800 feet elevation, this area features moderate temperatures with four distinct seasons. Spring and fall are particularly popular camping seasons near New Freedom, with daytime temperatures typically ranging from 60-75°F, making outdoor activities comfortable without excessive heat or cold.
What to do
Farm animal encounters: At Thousand Trails Gettysburg Farm, campers can interact with various farm animals daily. "The sounds of the farm animals all around was fun and amusing for us. It was an easy hike as suggested on the map to circle around and through the cornfield, you get a great view of the farms nearby and the river," noted one visitor.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple campgrounds offer fishing access within walking distance of campsites. "Campsite with $5 firewood, coffee and ice cream. Mini golf, fishing pond, pool," states a reviewer about Spring Gulch Resort Campground's amenities.
Waterfront activities: Some parks feature water access for boating enthusiasts. "You can fish from the pier or right from your site. There appeared to be a boat dock as well," mentioned one camper at Bar Harbor RV Park & Marina, adding "Kayak rentals, boat slips. Close to all types of stores, civilization, 7-11, a nice seafood store to get crabs or fish if you didn't catch any."
What campers like
Swimming facilities: Many campgrounds maintain both indoor and outdoor swimming options. "We enjoyed everything and the people were friendly. Worth the trip!" said a camper at Thousand Trails Circle M, which offers "indoor and outdoor pools. Nice playground."
Themed weekend events: Special activities throughout camping seasons enhance stays. "We camped here for Halloween, they had plenty for kids to do and was a pretty nice park. Sites were nice size and orderly," reported a visitor at Spring Gulch Resort Campground.
Site separation: Several parks provide good spacing between campsites. "The site was pretty level and an okay side. Our site was separated from our neighbors site with nice foliage," noted a reviewer at Drummer Boy Camping Resort in nearby Gettysburg.
What you should know
Varying site quality: Levelness and accessibility differ significantly between parks and even within the same campground. "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," reported one camper at Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country.
Seasonal considerations: Many campgrounds operate only from April through October. "Some of the facilities are a bit worn down, but that didn't stop us from having a great time," shared a visitor to Sun Valley Campground, which maintains a season from April 1 to November 1.
Road access challenges: Some parks require careful navigation through residential areas. "You have to drive through a residential neighborhood to reach Bar Harbor, so big rigs take care/caution," warned one RVer. This is particularly important for larger motorhomes planning routes to campgrounds.
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: Choose campgrounds with multiple recreation options. "Great park and probably still one of our kids favorites after being on the road for over a year this one easily stands out as a must stop!" shared a family about Thousand Trails Gettysburg Farm, which offers animal interactions, hiking trails, and seasonal events.
Pool availability: Verify pool operating schedules before booking. "Staff was nice but not enough staffing to keep amenities like pool open after 5 during the week," noted a visitor at Spring Gulch Resort Campground, highlighting the importance of checking operating hours.
Playground access: Consider proximity to play areas when selecting sites. "In my opinion as a mom of small kids maybe the worst part was that there was only 1 playground, it was all the way at the front of the campground (we had to drive to it) and it was very junky and run down," shared one camper about their experience.
Tips from RVers
Leveling requirements: Bring extra leveling blocks for many area campgrounds. "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," warned an RVer at Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country.
Site selection strategy: Arrive early for better site options at first-come, first-served parks. "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," advised a camper at Round Top Campground near Gettysburg.
Water management: Monitor water pressure and bring regulators. "The sewer hookup was inconveniently placed about six inches above the ground which meant that it would not drain properly (even with a slinky placed under it)," noted a reviewer about drainage issues at Drummer Boy Camping Resort.
