Camping near Ono, Pennsylvania offers accessibility to the Appalachian Mountains foothills with elevations ranging from 430 to 600 feet. The region experiences four distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging 75-85°F, making it ideal for camping from April through October. Winter camping is available at select campgrounds where temperatures can drop below freezing with occasional snowfall.
What to do
Splash pad fun: Twin Grove RV Resort features water activities beyond just swimming pools. "They have a pool and fun activities though the day. At night they have a merry go round, train, giant slide and ferries wheel you can ride," notes Dawn T., highlighting entertainment options not found at other area campgrounds.
Kayaking access: Camp Swatara provides multiple water recreation opportunities in one location. "Lots for kids to do. Boating, swimming, fishing, splash pad, mini golf etc," explains Kaylene H., making it a comprehensive destination for water enthusiasts.
Shooting range proximity: While considering Pinch Pond Family Campground, be aware of the nearby shooting facility. "The only thing that is negative is that there is a shooting range right next door. It is pretty consistent from lunch to dinner," reports Tara N., which may affect your camping experience depending on noise sensitivity.
Amusement rides: Several campgrounds offer unique attractions beyond traditional camping. At Twin Grove RV Resort, "they have an arcade, a ferris wheel and some other rides. On Saturday nights they usually have a band playing on the stage which is really neat," according to Tiffany S.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Consistently mentioned across reviews is the attention to cleanliness. At Elizabethtown-Hershey KOA, "The bath house was extremely clean and very nice. The pool was nice," notes Cat R., reflecting the campground's maintenance standards.
Chocolate theme proximity: For those visiting the area's most famous attraction, Hersheypark Camping Resort offers special benefits. "Used to take the shuttle bus to Hershey park," mentions Renee H., highlighting the convenience factor for park visitors.
Dog-friendly areas: Pet owners appreciate designated spaces at several campgrounds. "They have 2 dog parks right next to each other, which is great for your furry friend to be able to run around and play off leash," shares Tiffany S. about Twin Grove RV Resort, a feature particularly valuable for campers traveling with pets.
Tent site upgrades: Improvements to basic camping sites are notable at some locations. At Elizabethtown-Hershey KOA, "They have upgraded the tent sites since last year, no more primitive sites, all the tent sites are now mulch pad with water and electric," reports Melissa C., showing ongoing investment in facilities.
What you should know
Water quality issues: At some locations, water can be problematic. At Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country, one camper reported, "Water was rusty in our row came out brown at first then was tan after running through our filter for the entire stay," advising visitors to bring additional water filtration.
Site leveling challenges: Many area campgrounds feature sloping terrain. "Unlevel is an understatement we were in E row and every camper there had front end 4 foot off the ground," notes Justin B. about Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country, suggesting campers bring additional leveling blocks.
Noise considerations: Several campgrounds have noise sources to consider. At Hersheypark Camping Resort, "Trains are all night," reports Bill O., while another camper mentions, "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!"
Wildlife awareness: Prepare for possible wildlife encounters. At Stoevers Dam Park, "The only downside was that the place was swarming with Canadian geese," reports Bridget D., while at Gifford Pinchot State Park, one camper experienced "a serious case of chigger bites," suggesting insect repellent is essential.
Tips for camping with families
Pool options: Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground offers water access directly from campsites. "We had site 114. It has water access and is right next to a small man made beach and playground," shares SkywaystoHighways.com Y., providing specific site recommendations for families.
First-time campers: Consider sites with easy access and facilities. "We took our 3 yo camping for the first time here. He had so much fun. It was clean campground located in a State Park. Easy walk to the lake with a small beach," reports Julie Y. about Gifford Pinchot State Park.
Variety of activities: Families appreciate campgrounds with multiple entertainment options. "This is an amazing campground! There are 2 dog parks right next to each other...And for the kids there is an arcade, a ferris wheel and some other rides," notes Tiffany S. about Twin Grove RV Resort.
Park shuttle access: When visiting attractions, some campgrounds offer transportation. "You can get in earlier than other guests; discounted park tickets that make it even more economical to stay here vs. other options in the area," a camper shared about Hersheypark's official campground.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: When staying at Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country, arrive early for best options. "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," advises Yamileth K.
Space considerations: Some campgrounds offer more room between sites than others. At Jonestown/Hershey KOA, "The pull through sites are nice and long, but we were put in a buddy spot and didn't know. We were happy we made friends with our neighbors, but I'd check that first," suggests Angie G.
Hookup variations: Electric options differ between campgrounds. At Elizabethtown-Hershey KOA, "Wifi was pretty good. (It helped that the antenna was right beside our site!) Cable TV, too!" reports Nate J., highlighting technology amenities important to many RVers.
Parking logistics: Some campgrounds present challenges for larger vehicles. At Hersheypark Camping Resort, "They have other spots up on the hill but would have been more of a challenge with our rig," notes Mike J., suggesting site research before arrival for RVs with slides or larger footprints.
