MBOL 
Scout
ScoutSusquehanna State Park Campground
Great time with kids
Nice campground had my 6 and 7 year old. The site was pretty private and had bathrooms close. I would definitely go again.
Top-Rated Campgrounds near Silver Spring, PA
Camping near Silver Spring, Pennsylvania spans full-service RV resorts, family campgrounds, and more rustic state park campgrounds. Within a 30-mile radius, campers find Gifford Pinchot State Park with its 339 campsites, lakefront views, and multiple accommodation types including yurts and cabins. The area features several Thousand Trails properties, including Circle M in Lancaster and PA Dutch Country in Manheim, both offering extensive amenities for members. Private campgrounds like Pequea Creek Campground provide creek access and spacious wooded sites, while Pinch Pond Family Campground offers family-oriented facilities despite its proximity to highway noise.
Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally from April through October, with a few exceptions like Old Mill Stream Campground which remains open year-round. Advance reservations are strongly recommended during summer weekends and holiday periods when facilities reach capacity. The rolling terrain of central Pennsylvania creates varied camping experiences, with some sites featuring challenging slopes that can make RV leveling difficult. Weather conditions remain relatively mild through camping season, though summer thunderstorms can develop quickly. As one camper noted about Pequea Creek Campground, "Beautiful picturesque campground with large spots and a lot of trees. Very quiet and close enough to Lancaster for shopping."
State park campgrounds provide more natural settings with access to hiking trails and water recreation, though facilities vary in quality. "The restrooms at this park, while older, are clean and in good order," reported one visitor to Gifford Pinchot State Park. Private campgrounds typically offer more amenities but sometimes at the cost of privacy and space between sites. Several reviewers mentioned noise concerns at campgrounds near highways or train tracks, particularly at Hersheypark Camping Resort where one camper described sites as "the tightest I have ever seen." Waterfront sites at places like Gifford Pinchot State Park are particularly sought after, with campers praising the "amazing sunset views" from lakeside locations. The region's proximity to Amish country, Hershey attractions, and historical sites makes it a popular base for exploring central Pennsylvania.
Best Camping Sites Near Silver Spring, Pennsylvania (142)
1. Thousand Trails Circle M
19 ReviewsMillersville, PA7 milesWebsite+1 (888) 707-1477"Close to Lancaster for necessities and great proximity to Baltimore and Philadelphia for day trips."
"I used to stay here all the time with my grandparents when they were around. It was always some of the best times for me."
2. Old Mill Stream Campground
17 ReviewsLampeter, PA12 milesWebsite+1 (717) 299-2314"Tent sites are lined up along the water which is great for fishing (especially when you need to stay close to the littles sleeping in the tent). Lots of benches lined up along the water."
"Not to noisy being next to a theme park. The bath house was just remodeled so it's excellent! Good price!"
3. Pinch Pond Family Campground & RV Park
15 ReviewsMount Gretna, PA11 milesWebsite+1 (717) 665-7640"Set just off I-76 in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch country, Pinch Pond Family Campground& RV Park is a large, all-in-one, family-focused campground with a layout that feels more like a small neighborhood"
"campground so inconveniently located (more on this later) right next to highway I76."
4. Thousand Trails Hershey
21 ReviewsMount Gretna, PA15 milesWebsite+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."
5. Elizabethtown-Hershey KOA
15 ReviewsElizabethtown, PA13 milesWebsite+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."
6. Pequea Creek Campground
14 ReviewsPequea, PA12 milesWebsite+1 (717) 284-4587"Covered bridges and road side shopping are close by. Enjoyed river tubing which is close by to this campground. Music bingo on Saturday night was so much fun. Owners are very nice and helpful."
"The wife & I stayed in site 22 for three nights and bicycled 14 miles, some along the Susquehanna, on nearby Enola Low Grade Trail . "
7. Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country
14 ReviewsMount Gretna, PA12 milesWebsite+1 (888) 707-1477"Tucked into the rolling, wooded hills of Pennsylvania Dutch Country, Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country RV Resort offers a unique blend of peaceful countryside and activity-packed camping, all just a stone"
"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."
8. Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground
57 ReviewsWellsville, PA25 milesWebsite+1 (717) 292-4112$20 - $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. "
9. Hersheypark Camping Resort
30 ReviewsHummelstown, PA20 milesWebsite+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."
10. Mill Bridge Village & Camp Resort
15 ReviewsConcord, PA15 milesWebsite+1 (717) 687-8181"Great, convenient location. Cost friendly considering the location. Clean grounds & maintained sites. Mix of open & shaded sites, all appear to be pretty level, our site was next to stream."
"The site was right next to the creek. Shade is perfect for our dogs. Office personnel were so very helpful. Office does close at 4 but that is due to staff shortages."
Recent Camping Photos near Silver Spring, PA
390 Photos of 142 Silver Spring Campgrounds
Heather H.
Thousand Trails Circle M
Meagan J.
Mill Creek Camping Area
Grace H.
Pinch Pond Family Campground & RV Park
Joshua W.
Old Mill Stream Campground
Danielle C.
Pequea Creek Campground
Jen V.
Elizabethtown-Hershey KOA
Heidi R.
Hershey Road Campground
Jen R.
Otter Creek Campground
Jen R.
River Rock Recreation
Scott T.
Thousand Trails Hershey
Stephen W.
Mill Bridge Village & Camp Resort
Recent Reviews near Silver Spring, PA
1000 Reviews of 142 Silver Spring Campgrounds
Stephen W.
GuideMill Bridge Village & Camp Resort
Great olacevto camp in Lancaster County
We camp here several times thru out the year. Always an enjoyable stay. Staff is very friendly and accommodating.
Nicole S.
LegendLake-In-Wood Campground
Sun Retreats Lancaster County - Easter Weekend
Like always we like to begin our camping season with a Easter Weekend Trip, my husband's family is partial to the Lancaster Area, so we headed there to Sun Retreats Lancaster. As we drove up I loved the look and location of the campground. You could see there was a indoor pool setup, arcade, playground, store, ice cream, mini-golf and a huge lake and that was everything we saw from the truck. We pulled up to a gate and a guy came out of the shed next to it to check us in.
The campground looked well maintained, the sports were on both sides of the lake and they offered many different options like woods or open, pull through or back up. We choose a really wooded site. It was tight getting in but I can't complain I don't drive the truck. It seemed like there was a fair amount of seasonal sites but they didn't overwhelm the place. I could see also a lot of cabins there were some shaped like teepees, a frontier cabin, and a caboose. They had a fair amount of open grass to play and enjoy. You can bring your own golfcart or they have on site rentals also.
They had an activity list that would help keep everyone busy, they had a mini golf course that was in great shape, an arcade which was definitely lacking in the game department, I think there was 4 pinball machines, 2 Skee ball, 3 racing games, and the play to you win machine. The playground x2 were both in great condition with a lot to keep kids playing on. I can only comment on the indoor pool which at the time was said to be under construction however still open, the water was on the colder side and the hot tube the same temp as the pool, the ceiling had been ripped off so the iron rusting beams were exposed and rust falling down. The kids still went in the pool unfortunately the air from the open window made them too cold so we didn't stay long. I am hoping it will be finished because the concept of the indoor-outdoor pool area looks so fun.
The staff was extremely helpful and super friendly. The store was fully stocked with everything you could want. The bathrooms were all kept so clean and in working order with hot water. We enjoyed the area we ventured out to see the Choo Choo barn, the green dragon flea market, and kitchen kettle village which are a must if your in the area. We also choose to hike the Welsh Preserve and Money Rock. The lake had a path you could walk completely around and you could choose to fish if that's your thing.
I would definitely return to this campground again, we had 8 sites in total and we all really thought it was a wonderful place and really enjoyed our holiday weekend there. It was very busy but the staff was present but not overbearing. People were very respectful and friendly.
Stuart K.LegendThousand Trails PA Dutch Country
Amish Country Charm with a Resort Twist
Tucked into the rolling, wooded hills of Pennsylvania Dutch Country, Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country RV Resort offers a unique blend of peaceful countryside and activity-packed camping, all just a stone’s throw from the PA Turnpike.
While my review from a few years ago provides a ton of detail, I thought I would follow up that review with a topline of HIGHLIGHTS and LOWLIGHTS along with a smattering of new photos.
HIGHLIGHTS:(1) Expansive campground with 250+ sites offering full hookups, giving plenty of options for both short stays and longer visits;(2) Resort-style amenities including pool, mini golf, clubhouse, playgrounds, and organized activities that keep families engaged throughout the day;(3) Beautiful wooded setting with dense tree coverage that creates a surprisingly secluded feel despite proximity to major highways;(4) Ideal location for exploring Pennsylvania Dutch Country, with scenic farmland, covered bridges, and charming nearby towns just minutes away; and(5) Strong sense of community with events like bingo, crafts, and family activities that give it that classic ‘summer camp” vibe.
LOWLIGHTS:(1) Sloped terrain throughout much of the campground can make leveling a bit tricky depending on your site;(2) Close proximity to the PA Turnpike may be a concern for some, even though tree coverage helps reduce both noise and visibility;(3) Wi-Fi is not complimentary and can be an added cost, which feels a bit dated for a“resort” experience;(4) Membership requirement through Thousand Trails can be a barrier for first-time or casual campers; and(5) Limited tent site availability compared to the large number of RV sites, making it less flexible for non-RV travelers
Happy Camping!
- Stuart K.Legend
Pinch Pond Family Campground & RV Park
Amenity-Packed Campground in PA Dutch Country
Set just off I-76 in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch country, Pinch Pond Family Campground& RV Park is a large, all-in-one, family-focused campground with a layout that feels more like a small neighborhood than a traditional woods-only campsite. While its proximity to the highway makes access easy, the property itself is gated, organized into distinct camping zones and packed with amenities that clearly cater to longer stays and families looking for built-in entertainment.
HIGHLIGHTS:(1) Full-service resort-style amenities including pool, playground, arcade, laundry, propane refills, dump stations, sports field, picnic tables and in-ground fire rings throughout the property;(2) Wide variety of lodging options including RV sites with 30/50 amp hookups, water, sewer and cable, primitive tent sites, and multiple on-site cottages for non-campers;(3) Gated entrance and very welcoming, helpful staff at check-in with a well-stocked camp store offering snacks, ice cream, sundries and souvenirs;(4) Strong family appeal with fishing pond, barn, open play areas and space for kids to roam safely; and(5) Excellent location for regional attractions including Hershey Park, Chocolate World, Amish countryside tours and the nearby wolf sanctuary with guided educational tours.
LOWLIGHTS:(1) Immediate proximity to I-76 means persistent highway noise day and night with no real sound buffer;(2) Access is oddly indirect despite being next to the turnpike, requiring a several-mile loop through countryside roads to reach the entrance;(3) Overall layout is wide open with limited natural privacy between many RV sites;(4) Nearby shooting range produces frequent target practice noise, especially noticeable during early morning hours; and(5) Pricing for primitive tent sites feels disproportionately high compared to full-hookup RV rates.
Happy Camping!
- RRandy L.Scout
French Creek State Park Campground
French Creek State Park
This is our 3rd time at this park, it is one of our favorites. Well maintained, very quiet. We stay in Loop A (full hookup) pet friendly. Sites are spacious, generally large but they are all back-in sites.
- EEileen D.Guide
Echo Valley Campground
Nice park
Owners are very friendly and helpful. Sites are large and roomy.
Jenni D.ScoutHidden Acres Camping Grounds
Hidden gem
Small family owed for 50 plus years. They care about their guests and treat everyone like they are part of the family. The only thing about this campground is that it doesn't allow tents. Only RVs and pull behind.
Etzer D.GuideGifford Pinchot State Park Campground
Excellent
We had a beautiful spot at a stones throw from the beach area. The water was great and clean and a good temperature at this time of year. Our camping site was huge. We had some people come over and hang out with us and they did not feel cramped. The kids had a fantastic time and definitely wanna come back.
Guide to Silver Spring
Campgrounds near Silver Spring, Pennsylvania offer diverse terrain and camping conditions throughout the 30-mile radius, with elevations ranging from 400 to 800 feet. The area sits at the transition zone between the Piedmont and Ridge and Valley regions, creating varied soil conditions that affect campsite drainage. Many campgrounds remain operational from April through October, though several locations close earlier in fall due to seasonal forest conditions.
What to do
Creek exploration: 10 miles from Silver Spring at Pequea Creek Campground, families find accessible water activities. "I went for an early morning run and the camping sites are terrific, too," notes a visitor who enjoyed the nearby trails. The creek offers opportunities for tubing during summer months.
Fishing: Year-round options at multiple locations with varied catch potential. "We put in at Otter Creek Picnic Area where there are private and public boat docks. You could easily fish from anywhere along the riverside," reports a camper who visited during high water conditions. Bass and panfish are common catches in local waterways.
Disc golf: 40-minute drive north to recreation areas with established courses. "Great location, decent amenities, large sites," mentions one visitor about a campground that provides access to multiple disc golf facilities. The courses range from beginner-friendly to challenging layouts with water hazards.
Hiking: Multiple trail systems connect throughout the region with varied difficulty levels. "The nearby Conewago Recreation Trail is a great multi-use trail for walking, biking, etc.," shares a camper who explored beyond their campground. Trail maps are available at most visitor centers.
What campers like
Spacious wooded sites: Many campers appreciate the natural buffers between sites at several campgrounds. "Our site was level, shaded and quite large. Almost every site in this section was similarly large and wooded, with an impressive amount of space between sites for a KOA," notes a visitor to Elizabethtown-Hershey KOA, contrasting with more crowded options.
Clean facilities: Bathhouse quality varies widely across the region. "Bathrooms are very clean and modern, but a decent walk from tent sites," explained one camper. Many locations offer dish washing stations outside shower buildings to reduce indoor congestion.
Creek access: Water features enhance campground experiences. "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," observed a camper at Circle M RV & Camping Resort, highlighting the balance between organized activities and natural settings.
Proximity to attractions: Convenient locations for day trips appeal to many visitors. "Close enough to Lancaster for necessities and great proximity to Baltimore and Philadelphia for day trips," explains a camper who appreciated the strategic location between major cities while maintaining a countryside atmosphere.
What you should know
Weather variability: Spring and fall camping requires preparation for temperature swings. "We went in October and did a cabin since it was colder and we had the baby," explains a visitor who found alternative accommodations useful during shoulder season at Thousand Trails Circle M.
Reservation timelines: Many campgrounds fill quickly, especially for holiday weekends. "When we checked in we were not offered any information on 'Resort' activities or information on Hershey Park," noted a camper, suggesting early research beyond just securing a site.
Environmental concerns: Some locations present unexpected challenges. "My son got poison sumac behind our site, and the nearby shooting range is incredibly loud," reported a family at Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country, highlighting the importance of site selection research.
Highway noise: Campgrounds near major roads experience traffic sounds. "Our main drawback is noise from road and shooting range nearby," explained a visitor, though many noted that wooded sites provide better sound buffering than open field locations.
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: Schedule around peak times to avoid crowds at popular campground amenities. "Our kids love all the activities to do!" shared a visitor to Circle M, where organized programs keep children engaged throughout their stay.
Swimming options: Check water quality reports before planning water recreation. "The pool is nice, but being that it was the end of June, the water was freezing! I couldn't get in!" noted a visitor to Elizabethtown-Hershey KOA, suggesting late summer offers better swimming conditions.
Playground access: Consider proximity to play areas when selecting sites. "There was a nice pavilion right aside of the playground which was only one road behind us. We could hear our son from our campsite," explained a parent at Otter Creek Campground, highlighting the convenience of keeping children within earshot.
Weekend planning: Prepare for different crowd levels between weekdays and weekends. "We first had a 2 point site near the river, but when it rains the sites get flooded with runoff from the campground," shared a camper who had to relocate during their stay, noting weekend availability limitations.
Tips from RVers
Leveling challenges: Bring additional blocks for sites throughout the region. "Not just the one we're on but others as well. The campground is pretty hilly and they don't seem to want to level out the sites," observed a visitor to Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country, who needed extra equipment to stabilize their vehicle.
Site selection strategy: Research specific site numbers before arrival when possible. "We were in a back in site #4. The patio was concrete stone, very pretty. Nice chairs, fire pit, and picnic table," shared an RVer who found a particularly well-appointed site.
Water pressure variations: Prepare for inconsistent hookups at some locations. "Water pressure is pretty low and the sewer pipe is a little high but all around a really solid experience," noted a camper who brought additional equipment to compensate for utility limitations.
Entrance navigation: Plan arrival routes carefully as some campgrounds have challenging access points. "I would suggest sites #102–120, again, in the far rear or sites #308– 317 along Angler's Way," recommended an experienced visitor to Pinch Pond Family Campground, highlighting the importance of location within larger properties.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near Silver Spring, PA?
Which is the most popular campground near Silver Spring, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Silver Spring, PA is Thousand Trails Circle M with a 3.9-star rating from 19 reviews.
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