Camping opportunities near Newmanstown, Pennsylvania span beyond traditional RV parks with options for tent camping, cabin stays, and primitive sites throughout Lancaster County. The region sits within Pennsylvania Dutch Country at elevations ranging from 400 to 800 feet, creating varied terrain conditions for campers. Winter camping is limited as most campgrounds in this area operate seasonally between April and November due to the region's cold winters with average January temperatures around 30°F.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: 30 minutes or less: At Lake-In-Wood Campground, visitors can take advantage of fishing ponds stocked seasonally. "My family and I just stayed here for a long weekend over the Labor Day holiday. The campground had numerous activities set up all throughout the day and there was something for everyone," notes one reviewer who enjoyed the fishing amenities.
Explore Amish Country: Day trips: The camping areas surrounding Newmanstown provide excellent access to authentic Pennsylvania Dutch experiences. "Not much for amenities, but I loved the surrounding dutch/Amish towns! It was pretty cool to seemingly step back in time," reports a visitor at Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country, highlighting the cultural attractions within easy driving distance.
Local shooting ranges: Daytime only: Some campgrounds are located near shooting facilities, which can be either a draw or deterrent depending on preferences. "The walk to pool and all other amenities was not pleasant due to hills. There is a shooting range near the property, so at all hours you will hear target practice going on, especially in the wee early hours," mentions one camper at Pinch Pond Family Campground.
What campers like
Accessible swimming options: Many campgrounds feature well-maintained pools with extended hours. At Spring Gulch Resort Campground, "There's a heated spa/pool in upper area are a bonus. Lots of sports gear available for free to use within park, has to be returned by 5 when main office closes."
Evening entertainment: Weekend activities are common at most parks from late spring through early fall. According to a Sun Valley Campground visitor, "The Saturday night bands are concert worthy. We have enjoyed our stay more than you ever imagined. For the past 4 years it has been our 'Happy Place.'"
Pet-friendly environments: Most campgrounds welcome dogs with standard restrictions. At Robin Hill Campground, one reviewer appreciated the open layout: "Nice campground with cute pool. But they put us right next to the dumpsters and they stunk. We couldn't find another 50amp and they were closed."
What you should know
Seasonal operation limitations: Most campgrounds in the region close between late October and early April. A Thousand Trails Hershey visitor noted, "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."
Variable site quality: Even within the same campground, site conditions can differ dramatically. One camper at PA Dutch Country RV Resort observed, "Should you decide to leave 'the reservation' for any reason, you'll be engulfed by the incredibly rich, verdant countryside populated by incredibly rural residents who's ancestors settled this vast rich farmland a few hundred years ago."
Terrain challenges: Many campgrounds feature uneven, sloped sites requiring significant leveling. A visitor at Pinch Pond Family Campground reported, "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."
Tips for camping with families
Mini-golf availability: Several campgrounds offer this family-friendly activity, though course conditions vary. A Pinch Pond Family Campground visitor shared, "Our campsite was very spacious and the ENTIRE campground was extremely clean and tidy. 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!"
Pool hour variations: Summer pool hours differ significantly between parks, with some closing early on weekdays. "Staff was nice but not enough staffing to keep amenities like pool open after 5 during the week. Upper showers were much better, no bugs and water was hotter," noted a Spring Gulch Resort Campground reviewer.
Scheduled activities: Many campgrounds run organized events, particularly on weekends. A visitor at Appalachian Camping Resort experienced, "Great sites. Family friendly. Lots for the kids to do," while another added, "There were scheduled activities for kids and adults. The majority of seasonal sites we're clean and we'll maintained. Campers were friendly."
Tips from RVers
Arrival timing strategies: For first-come, first-served campgrounds, arriving early is crucial. One RVer at Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country advised, "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 being furthest away from all of the action."
Leveling requirements: Many sites require substantial blocking. A camper at Thousand Trails Circle M shared their experience: "We first had a 2 point site near the river, but when it rains the sites get flooded with runoff from the campground. We moved to a full hookup on the Delaware section. Open, accommodating for our rig."
Buddy site considerations: Some RV camping near Newmanstown features buddy sites where rigs face each other. "Our site was full hook up. It was a nice size and was in a good location - near the ponds, pool, office, and bathhouse - but was still quiet!" reported an Appalachian Camping Resort visitor.
Electric service options: Most campgrounds offer 30-amp and 50-amp service, with newer or premium sites more likely to have 50-amp. "We got pretty lucky and were assigned one of the concrete pads that was pretty level. It is absolutely beautiful out. The grounds are well-kept, and aside from the 8pm Saturday night golf cart parade that was beyond loud, it's been really quiet and peaceful," noted a camper at Thousand Trails Circle M.
