Pet friendly camping near Ono, Pennsylvania offers diverse accommodations across wooded sites and riverfront settings within close proximity to Hershey attractions. The region sits at an elevation ranging from 400-600 feet along the western edge of the Lebanon Valley, where local campgrounds feature both level sites and terrain with slight elevation changes. Seasonal temperature variations create ideal conditions for camping from April through October, with early fall providing some of the most comfortable overnight temperatures.
What to do
Hiking with dogs along trails: At Jonestown/Hershey KOA, visitors appreciate the easy access to multiple trails. "The campground is connected to the Swatara Rail trial which is great for biking. The Swatara creek runs right next to it so it is great for kayaking, tubing, etc," reports Bobby S. The multi-use trail connects directly to the campground property.
Swimming and water activities: The swimming options at Twin Grove RV Resort include two pools and water slides. "2 very clean pools and water slides. 2 nice dog parks. Needs a pond and more shade but still is one of the nicer parks around," notes Mike J. The pools remain open throughout summer with extended hours on weekends.
Seasonal festivals and events: Fall visitors often coordinate their stays with the Renaissance Faire. At Pinch Pond Family Campground, "If you are thinking about staying here during the Renaissance Faire, which apparently is a VERY BIG thing in these parts, you are going to want to book your spot as soon as possible," advises Stuart K. The faire typically runs weekends from August through October.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple stocked ponds and creek access provide fishing spots. "The pond is not suitable for swimming and has no swimming signs around. Nature decided to reclaim the area and the fish have an abundance of kel to live in. It is a wonderful fishing and boating area," one camper reports about Thousand Trails Hershey.
What campers like
Clean, modern bathhouses: Campground bathhouses receive consistently positive reviews. At Elizabethtown-Hershey KOA, "This campground was really nice. Large and easy to enter/exit sites. Wifi was pretty good. (It helped that the antenna was right beside our site!) Cable TV, too!" reports Nate J. Most bathhouses feature hot showers and accessible facilities.
Dog parks and pet-friendly amenities: Pet owners appreciate designated dog facilities. According to Twin Grove reviews, "This is an amazing campground! There are 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. These facilities typically include separate small and large dog areas.
On-site food options: Several campgrounds feature dining facilities or snack bars. "The snack bar is very convenient, breakfasts on the weekends in the summer. Close to lots of great activities and there is lots to do at the campground as well," notes Melissa C. about Elizabethtown-Hershey KOA.
Shaded, spacious sites: Many campers value the wooded areas and site spacing. "The campground is pretty open because it was a weekday. Spots are kind of close, no trees or anything to separate spots. We're used to that now haha. It had really nice bathrooms and showers," reports one camper at Hersheypark Camping Resort.
What you should know
Weather and seasonal considerations: Winter camping options are limited but some campgrounds offer significant discounts. Most campgrounds in the Ono area open from April through October with partial services in shoulder seasons. Gifford Pinchot State Park opens "2nd Fri April to October 31."
Wildlife awareness: Ticks and other wildlife require precautions. "Beware of ticks," warns one camper about Jonestown KOA. Another camper at Hersheypark Camping Resort advises, "Great park. Clean, good facilities. Beware of skunks!" according to Ryan M.
Noise factors: Some campgrounds experience noise from highways or local activities. "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!" advises Kit about Hersheypark Camping Resort.
Water access variations: Creek and pond access differs by location and season. "We camped right up against the lazy River, the campground was pretty open because it was a weekday," notes a camper at Hersheypark Camping Resort, while water levels in creeks may vary seasonally.
Tips for camping with families
Budget options for primitive camping: For families seeking economical camping, Stoevers Dam Park offers very basic sites. "Nice area. Primitive camping with portapot. Must get permits on line or from city hall. $3/night. Small lake," shares Mike V. Permits must be obtained before arrival.
Family-oriented activities: Gifford Pinchot State Park provides extensive recreation for children. "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. There was also a beach location on the state park side vs campground side of the lake," explains Julie Y.
Playground facilities: Multiple campgrounds feature updated play areas. "My family has been going here for the last 3 years. We love camping here. 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. about Twin Grove.
Kid-friendly waterfront: Shallow water access provides safe play areas. "It has water access and is right next to a small man made beach and playground. Bathrooms were in good shape," reports one camper about a site at Gifford Pinchot State Park.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Some campgrounds require additional equipment for proper leveling. "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," reports Justin B. about Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country.
Best location choices: Experienced RVers recommend specific areas within each park. "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. The spaces on the creek are nice and shady. We will stay there next time," advises Angie G. from Jonestown KOA.
Hookup variations: Water and electrical service differs between campgrounds. At Camp Swatara, both full-hookup and water/electric-only sites are available, with different pricing tiers and locations within the campground.
Arrival timing tips: First-come, first-served policies affect site selection at some parks. "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. 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," advises Yamileth K.
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