Best Campgrounds near Palmyra, PA

Campgrounds near Palmyra, Pennsylvania primarily consist of developed facilities with various accommodation options. The area features several established campgrounds including Hersheypark Camping Resort and Thousand Trails Hershey, located within 10 miles of Palmyra. These campgrounds provide tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin rentals, with many properties offering amenities like swimming pools, shower facilities, and camp stores. The region's camping options are concentrated around the Hershey area, with sites designed to accommodate families visiting nearby attractions.

Many campgrounds in the Palmyra region require reservations, particularly during summer months when Hershey attractions draw large crowds. The camping season generally runs from April through October, though some facilities like Jonestown/Hershey KOA remain open year-round. "This campground does not reserve your site. After you make your reservation, arrive at the check-in gate, they give you a map and the hunt is on!" noted one camper about Thousand Trails Hershey, highlighting the first-come, first-served nature of some properties. Road access is generally good throughout the area with paved and gravel roads leading to most campgrounds. Sites vary in size and levelness, with some accommodating large RVs while others are better suited for smaller units or tents.

Campers report that proximity to Hershey attractions represents the primary advantage of staying at area campgrounds. Several visitors mentioned convenient shuttle services to Hersheypark as a major benefit. The developed nature of these campgrounds means amenities are plentiful but natural settings are limited. A recent review noted: "If you are looking for traditional camping in the woods, then keep looking, however if you are looking for a resort getaway type of camping, then this place is for you!" Sites are typically close together, especially in full-hookup sections. While most campgrounds feature swimming pools and recreational facilities, visitors seeking more natural surroundings might prefer Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground approximately 20 miles southwest of Palmyra, which offers camping in a more traditional outdoor setting with lake access and hiking trails.

Best Camping Sites Near Palmyra, Pennsylvania (152)

    1. Hersheypark Camping Resort

    29 Reviews
    Hummelstown, PA
    6 miles
    Website
    +1 (833) 936-0949

    "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."

    2. Thousand Trails Hershey

    21 Reviews
    Mount Gretna, PA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    $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."

    3. Pinch Pond Family Campground & RV Park

    14 Reviews
    Mount Gretna, PA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 665-7640

    "campground so inconveniently located (more on this later) right next to highway I76."

    "Please note there is a driving range so starting around 10am you will here guns go off. Also the highway is close by so you can hear it."

    4. Jonestown/Hershey KOA

    16 Reviews
    Jonestown, PA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 865-6411

    "Love the close proximity to the highway and gas. We didn’t eat there but they had a restaurant! Lots of activities for the kids. Wooded sites and very clean bathrooms."

    "Pet friendly and you can access the Appalachian trail from campground. Lots of great food and places to go in the area. They have a river that is great for kayaking or tubing."

    5. Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country

    13 Reviews
    Mount Gretna, PA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "this campground is completely surrounded by a fairly dense forest, which likely is what blocks any irritable sound and most certainly blocks any highway or traffic visibility."

    "Not much for amenities, but I loved the surrounding dutch/Amish towns! It was pretty cool to seemingly step back in time."

    6. Elizabethtown-Hershey KOA

    15 Reviews
    Elizabethtown, PA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 367-7718

    $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."

    7. Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground

    56 Reviews
    Wellsville, PA
    24 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 292-4112

    $24 - $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. "

    8. Twin Grove RV Resort

    9 Reviews
    Tower City, PA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 865-4602

    "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."

    "Needs a pond and more shade but still is one of the nicer parks around. Twin Grove is also one of the cheaper ones, and that is hard to believe because of all the offer."

    9. River Rock Recreation

    5 Reviews
    Bainbridge, PA
    15 miles
    Website

    $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!"

    10. Hershey Road Campground

    1 Review
    Elizabethtown, PA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (844) 476-6737

    "Very close to Hersheypark.  Nicest miniature golf course I’ve ever seen at a RV park. Same can be said for the swimming pool, absolutely beautiful. Great little dog park as well. "

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Recent Reviews near Palmyra, PA

1017 Reviews of 152 Palmyra Campgrounds


  • Gennifer K.
    Oct. 12, 2025

    Country Acres Campground

    Nice park

    This was a great campground. Very convenient for local sites, food, and shopping. Super clean, a large pool, and all well maintained.

  • Chelsea B.
    Oct. 10, 2025

    Locust Lake State Park Campground

    Edit: 1 star- Scout sites before paying!

    Beware: these sites are not travel trailer friendly.

    We booked two nights but upon arriving, we realized that there was no way to fit our trailer (only 25 ft). Trees were growing up in all the sites that were available and most of the ones without trees in the way were pointing in the wrong direction for backing into and NONE were level. Called the office, they told us what other sites were available and we tried every one. Only one was remotely suitable for a travel trailer and we had to drive the wrong way through the loop to be at the right angle to even try backing it in. No luck. I’m honestly shocked that they label some of these sites as RV friendly because wow. We left and had to find other accommodations. Trying to get a refund and currently navigating their phone system/trying to get a refund. Three phone conversations later and I’ll have to call another number on Monday to get the right person to issue the refund. We’ve never stayed at PA parks before but if they’re all like this, then it makes it really hard to plan when some sites are fine for trailers and some aren’t even close. Just heads up.

    UPDATE: Called back during business hours and got the “park manager.” Could only give a partial refund for one of the two nights. I said that they weren’t clear on the condition of the sites and he said there was nothing he could do about it.

  • M
    Oct. 6, 2025

    French Creek State Park Campground

    Hard with a large group

    Harder to do with a large group due to the early quiet hours, but park is very nice and well kept

  • tThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 5, 2025

    Stoevers Dam Park

    Park is closed. We were kicked out.

    LThe park is a beautiful city park. There are 7 small, level, back-in sites with electric, a picnic table and fire pit. We arrived in a Sunday and you have to call for a permit, but the office is only open on M-F during working hours. At 8 pm, a police officer told us the park was closed because of a bear, but that they had not gotten around to putting up signs. Wound up in a Walmart instead.

  • Aly E.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 2, 2025

    French Creek State Park Campground

    Dog owners read!

    There’s four loops. All connected A through D. We just needed a place to park and sleep so I got D011. Got there at 11pm and the D loop says no pets allowed. Not sure why when they are at every other loop but we had no where else to go and the area is pretty far off from anywhere else so the ol lab stayed in the camper. The bathrooms are tile and really nice with showers. And it was really quiet and chilly so a nice fall camp site. Just know ahead of time if you’re a dog owner!

  • EThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 26, 2025

    Old Mill Stream Campground

    Great place to stay!

    This Campground is in the town of Lancaster, close to everything. A little complicated getting in, you need to turn in at the Cartoon Network Hotel driveway. Nice showers & friendly staff. Our site was asphalt, that was a treat, tho not all of them were...

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 13, 2025

    Brandywine Creek Campground

    Brandywine

    We are on the third week of a four week trip. Campground is well maintained, quiet. This was our home while exploring Philadelphia. Uber to Downgrown, Septa or Amtrak to town. Reverse to camp. Very enjoyable. Hickory nut tree beside camper shared at times.


Guide to Palmyra

Camping near Palmyra, Pennsylvania, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor enthusiasts. From scenic parks to family-friendly campgrounds, there’s something for everyone looking to escape into nature.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Biking: Explore the numerous trails available in the area. Campers at French Creek State Park Campground rave about the hiking and biking opportunities, with one reviewer noting, "Hiking and biking this park is fun."
  • Fishing: Many campgrounds, like Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground, are near lakes where fishing is popular. A visitor mentioned, "The lake is very nice and it's a very family park!"
  • Historical Sites: Being close to Gettysburg, campers can easily visit historical battlefields. One camper at Gettysburg Campground said, "Was very easy to access from the campground."

What campers like:

  • Spacious Sites: Campers appreciate the roomy sites at places like Codorus State Park Campground. One happy camper shared, "The sites are fairly large and they do have some full hookup sites which is nice."
  • Clean Facilities: Clean bathrooms and well-maintained grounds are a big plus. A visitor at Caledonia State Park Campground noted, "Impressed with the large flat sites and clean facilities."
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Many campgrounds cater to families. At Blue Rocks Family Campground, a reviewer said, "Very family oriented and a great place for a weekend getaway in the woods!"

What you should know:

  • Tight Campsites: Some campgrounds have close quarters. A camper at Gettysburg Campground mentioned, "The campsites are very tight," which might be a concern for those needing more space.
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have extensive facilities. One visitor at Locust Lake State Park Campground pointed out, "Facilities are disgusting and you’re right on top of neighbors."
  • Seasonal Access: Some campgrounds are only open during certain months. For example, Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground operates from the 2nd Friday in April to October 31.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places like Hersheypark Camping Resort, which offers activities for kids. A reviewer said, "The campground had two pools and a child’s pool."
  • Plan for Activities: Make sure to check out local attractions. One family at Gettysburg / Battlefield KOA enjoyed the "fun games mini golf and a few other games."
  • Pack Snacks: Having snacks on hand can make a big difference. A camper at Codorus State Park Campground mentioned, "There’s a lot to do in the area," so having food ready can help keep everyone energized.

Tips from RVers:

Camping near Palmyra, Pennsylvania, offers a mix of adventure, relaxation, and family fun. Whether you're in an RV or tent, there's a spot waiting for you!

Frequently Asked Questions

What campgrounds are available in and around Palmyra, PA?

The Palmyra area offers several excellent camping options. Pinch Pond Family Campground & RV Park is conveniently located near Hershey and Harrisburg, offering both short stays and weekly options with full hookups. Hersheypark Camping Resort provides a variety of sites from full hookup areas to quieter spots by the river. Other nearby options include Jonestown/Hershey KOA, Elizabethtown-Hershey KOA, and Shady Oak Campground with its mix of full hookup gravel sites and more park-like grassy areas without sewer connections. For those seeking a more natural experience, state parks like Gifford Pinchot are within driving distance.

How far is Palmyra, PA from major cities and attractions?

Palmyra is strategically located near several major destinations in Pennsylvania. It's approximately 15-20 minutes from Hershey and its attractions, as evidenced by many campers at Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country using it as a base to explore Amish country and Hershey. Harrisburg, the state capital, is about 25 minutes away, with The Home Depot — Lower Paxton offering overnight parking on the city's outskirts. Lancaster and its shopping opportunities are roughly 35-40 minutes away. Philadelphia is about 1.5-2 hours east, while Pittsburgh is approximately 3.5 hours west, making Palmyra a convenient central location for exploring much of Pennsylvania.

Which is the most popular campground near Palmyra, PA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Palmyra, PA is Hersheypark Camping Resort with a 4-star rating from 29 reviews.