Lancaster County offers several motorhome-friendly campgrounds near Silver Spring, Pennsylvania, with seasonal availability typically spanning April through November. Many RV sites near Silver Spring provide wooded settings with varying degrees of level terrain. While most parks offer standard amenities, campers frequently mention the surrounding countryside and proximity to local attractions as highlights for extended stays.
What to do
Explore Dutch countryside heritage: In the area surrounding Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country, visitors can experience traditional Amish culture. "I loved the surrounding dutch/Amish towns! It was pretty cool to seemingly step back in time," notes Jill R. The region features rolling hills with distinctive rural landscapes.
Visit Hershey attractions: Camping properties provide convenient access to Hershey Park, approximately 30 minutes from some locations. "The campground is pretty hilly and they don't seem to want to level out the sites. We had to go out and get more blocks and we're still not very level front to back," reports Sammii D., who still found the location worthwhile for day trips.
Fishing opportunities: Several campgrounds maintain stocked ponds for recreational fishing. At Pinch Pond Family Campground, "There is a small fishing pond" located at the back of the property according to Stuart K., though fishing quality varies seasonally.
Mini golf courses: Multiple parks offer on-site mini golf, sometimes at no additional charge. "The campground offers free mini golf," notes Joe B. from Circle M, though maintenance quality varies between properties.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Reviewers consistently mention well-maintained bathhouses as standout features. "Clean bathhouses and convenient dishwashing stations," highlights Danielle V. about Thousand Trails Hershey, which maintains multiple bathroom buildings throughout their property.
Weekend activities: Scheduled events provide entertainment without leaving the campgrounds. "They have a mini golf course, an arcade, basketball court, horseshoe pits, kids playgrounds, fire pit, designated picnic & BBQ areas, ranger station, recreation hall, cornhole," lists Stuart K. about PA Dutch Country's amenities.
Pool access: Swimming pools remain operational during summer months, with some facilities featuring extended hours. "They have an indoor and outdoor pool. Nice playground. We were down by the river and had a lot of room on our site," explains Leanne B. from Thousand Trails Circle M.
Site spacing: Some campgrounds offer better site separation than others. "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," shares Nick E. about his Circle M experience, contrasting with tighter spaces at other properties.
What you should know
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds in the region have uneven terrain requiring additional equipment. "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 his experience.
Noise considerations: Proximity to highways and other facilities can impact peaceful camping. At Pinch Pond Family Campground, "There is a shooting range right next door. It is pretty consistent from lunch to dinner. If your out and about, it won't be an issue," advises Tara N.
Seasonal variations: Most campgrounds operate from April through October, with limited facilities during shoulder seasons. "We first had a 2 point site near the river, but when it rains the sites get flooded with runoff from the campground," warns Kasey M., highlighting weather-related considerations.
Cell service variability: Mobile coverage fluctuates significantly between properties. "Cell is AT&T and our gateway is T-Mobile. Close to Lancaster for necessities and great proximity to Baltimore and Philadelphia for day trips," mentions Nick E., noting reliable connections at Circle M.
Tips for camping with families
Pool options: When traveling with children, select campgrounds with extended pool hours. At Spring Gulch Resort Campground, "Staff was nice but not enough staffing to keep amenities like pool open after 5 during the week," notes Beth B., suggesting weekends offer better amenity access.
Playground locations: Consider proximity to play areas when selecting sites. "In a campground that size I would expect at least 2 playgrounds," comments Chelsea about Drummer Boy, highlighting the inconvenience of distant recreation areas at larger properties.
Scheduled activities: Weekend events often cater to different age groups. "We happened to be there on the weekend a magician came, my kids loved it," shares Leanne B. about Circle M's family programming, which rotates throughout the season.
Fire pit placement: Some campgrounds position fire rings uncomfortably close to utilities. "One star taken away because fire pit is within feet from poop sewer connection of neighbor," cautions Luis B. from Appalachian Camping Resort, a consideration for families cooking over open fires.
Tips from RVers
Arrival timing: First-come, first-served policies at Thousand Trails properties require strategic planning. "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," explains Yamileth K.
Utility placement: Sewer connections at some campgrounds present drainage challenges. "The biggest complaint about our site was that the sewer hookup was inconveniently placed about six inches above the ground which meant that it would not drain properly," warns Nancy W. about her stay at Drummer Boy.
Site selection strategy: When possible, request specific site areas based on your priorities. "The sites available are primitive or have water and electric and bathhouses / restrooms are located in a few spots around the park," notes Phinon W. about Lake-In-Wood Campground, suggesting campers consider proximity to facilities.
Water quality variations: Some campgrounds experience issues with water systems. "Water pressure is pretty low and the sewer pipe is a little high but all around a really solid experience," shares Nick E. about PA Dutch Country, recommending filtration systems for longer stays.
