Stephen W.
Guide
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.
Best Campgrounds near Steelton, PA
The Harrisburg-Steelton area in central Pennsylvania contains several established campgrounds accommodating various camping styles. Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground, located about 25 miles southwest of Steelton, provides tent sites, RV hookups, cabins, and yurts with boat-in and hike-in access options. Closer to Steelton, Hersheypark Camping Resort offers full-service camping with tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin rentals within easy access to Hershey attractions. The region features a mix of state park facilities, privately owned campgrounds, and some township parks with primitive camping areas along waterways.
Most campgrounds in the Steelton area operate seasonally, typically from April through October, with some facilities closing after Halloween. Reservations are strongly recommended, particularly for weekends and during summer months when proximity to Hershey attractions increases demand. "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," noted one camper about Hersheypark Camping Resort. Weather considerations include occasional flooding along creek and river sites during spring rains, and summer temperatures often reaching the 90s. Road access is generally good throughout the region, with most campgrounds accessible via paved roads that accommodate larger vehicles and RVs.
Campers consistently mention the mixed environment of the area, which balances suburban accessibility with natural features. River and creek frontage represents a valued amenity at several campgrounds, with Lower Allen Community Park offering tent sites along Yellow Breeches Creek that appeal to kayakers. According to one visitor, "You can put in a few miles up and float down to your site." While train noise affects some campgrounds near Hershey, with multiple reviews noting overnight train disturbances, others provide quieter settings. Campgrounds in the region typically include standard amenities like fire rings, picnic tables, and restroom facilities, with many offering additional recreational amenities such as swimming pools, playgrounds, and camp stores. The proximity to shopping, dining, and attractions makes this area particularly suitable for campers seeking convenience alongside outdoor experiences.
Best Camping Sites Near Steelton, Pennsylvania (158)
1. Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground
57 ReviewsWellsville, PA13 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. "
2. Hersheypark Camping Resort
30 ReviewsHummelstown, PA8 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."
3. Elizabethtown-Hershey KOA
15 ReviewsElizabethtown, PA11 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."
4. Thousand Trails Hershey
21 ReviewsMount Gretna, PA16 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. River Rock Recreation
5 ReviewsBainbridge, PA10 milesWebsite$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!"
6. Pinch Pond Family Campground & RV Park
15 ReviewsMount Gretna, PA20 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."
7. Harrisburg East Campground
2 ReviewsSteelton, PA1 mileWebsite+1 (717) 939-4331$84 - $94 / night
"The highway bordered it on one side and while we were on the other side of the campground we could still hear the noise if our door was open. Our site was level, but many were not."
"The sites that were close to the interstate were noisy from traffic. Also it was close to Harrisburg International Airport so planes also made it noisy at times."
8. Lower Allen Community Park
1 ReviewLewisberry, PA6 milesWebsite+1 (717) 975-7575$10 - $25 / night
"The park is in the suburbs so it’s close to lots of things. They do lock the park at dusk though. They have portapotties, fire pits, and picnic tables."
9. Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country
14 ReviewsMount Gretna, PA20 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."
10. Thousand Trails Gettysburg Farm
9 ReviewsWellsville, PA20 milesWebsite+1 (888) 707-1477"The bathroom near the pool left a little something to be desired. It wasn’t filthy but also wasn’t sparking clean. It was great being close to the battlefield."
"We were there around Halloween and they had decorated the park so nicely. The sounds of the farm animals all around was fun and amusing for us."
Recent Camping Photos near Steelton, PA
360 Photos of 158 Steelton Campgrounds
Ray L.
Hersheypark Camping Resort
Jen R.
River Rock Recreation
Jen V.
Elizabethtown-Hershey KOA
Heidi R.
Hershey Road Campground
Cathy A.
Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground
Camp
Camp Hebron
Steve S.
Circle S Farm Camping
Scott T.
Thousand Trails Hershey
RiverFront Fish Camp
Riverfront Campground
Lee P.
Cedar Lake Family Campground
Grace H.
Pinch Pond Family Campground & RV Park
Ruth .
Thousand Trails Gettysburg Farm
Recent Reviews near Steelton, PA
947 Reviews of 158 Steelton Campgrounds
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!
- EEileen D.Guide
Echo Valley Campground
Nice park
Owners are very friendly and helpful. Sites are large and roomy.
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.
- Etzer D.Guide
Colonel Denning State Park Campground
Great creekside spot
The weather wasn’t too great, but the campaign joy could not be hampered. We had a great spot along the creek, which was also a short walk from the lake. The bathroom facilities are fantastic nice and clean couldn’t be happier.
- Stephen W.Guide
Dutch Cousin Campground
Nice quiet fall get-a-way place
Lots of seasonal parked campers and only a few campers here. Nice peaceful quiet stay. Our site was very spacious. Level side to side. Gravel site with plenty of room for our truck n trailer.
- Marc P.
TravelerHersheypark Camping Resort
Great campground if you pick the right site.
Beautiful clean campground. Super friendly staff. Was here on Halloween weekend. The main part of the grounds the sites are tight and packed in like sardines. The Lazy River section in far away from the noise of the super close train tracks. The pioneer section you are literally feet away from the tracks but the playground area is there. The shuttle to Hershey park is very convenient but we didn’t use it. Plan return during the summer season next year
Guide to Steelton
Camping options near Steelton, Pennsylvania extend from established parks to smaller township facilities located along key waterways. The region sits at approximately 340 feet above sea level and experiences four distinct seasons with summer temperatures regularly reaching 90°F. Most campsites are situated within a 30-minute drive of downtown Steelton, creating easy access to both outdoor recreation and urban amenities.
What to do
Water recreation along Yellow Breeches Creek: Sites at Lower Allen Community Park offer direct creek access. "Cute site in a local township park that not many people know about. There actually three total. You just need to call the township to reserve. The sites sit right along the Yellow Breeches creak so you can put in a few miles up and float down to your site," notes one camper.
Fishing opportunities year-round: Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground provides shore fishing access with various species available. "We caught a handful of bass and an absurd amount of bluegill from shore," reports a visitor who found success at the park's day use areas.
Hiking trail exploration: Multiple trail systems cater to different experience levels. "I took an early morning hike on the 8.5 mile Lakeside Trail that goes around the lake and it was really awesome to see the lake from all different angles," shares one Gifford Pinchot visitor who also tried the less-maintained Quaker Race Trail.
Historical site visits: The region's proximity to Gettysburg enables historical tourism alongside camping. "It was great being close to the battlefield," mentions one visitor to Thousand Trails Gettysburg Farm, located within day-trip distance of Steelton.
What campers like
Animal encounters at working farms: The farm setting at some campgrounds provides unique experiences. "Got a kick out of the children playing with the kids (baby goats) pigs, goats, chickens, horses and even lamas. Plenty to see and learn. Perfect campground for the family," says one visitor about Thousand Trails Gettysburg Farm.
River-front camping with privacy: River Rock Recreation offers dedicated waterfront camping without sharing the site. "The site is almost 2 acres in size and you do not share the site with anyone. We saw no one while there and you're literally about 100-150 yards off a side road," explains one camper who appreciated the seclusion.
Swimming facilities for summer heat relief: Multiple campgrounds maintain swimming areas to combat hot summer days. "The LARGE beach area in the QR day use area is one of the nicest I've ever seen at a PA state park, with tons of picnic tables with grills, a playground, a volleyball court, and a special fence solution to keep the stupid geese out of the water in the swimming area," notes a Gifford Pinchot visitor.
Accessible outdoor showers: Primitive sites sometimes include unexpected amenities. "In the rear of the property there was an awesome outdoor shower equipped with a filled solar shower ready for us to use," reports a River Rock Recreation guest who appreciated this convenience at an otherwise rustic site.
What you should know
Weather impacts: Spring flooding affects waterside camping spots. "A 1:00 AM thunder storm reminded me to never forget to use ALL the tie downs," cautions a visitor to River Rock Recreation, highlighting the importance of proper tent setup.
Train noise disruptions: Hersheypark Camping Resort and other facilities near rail lines experience noise disturbances. "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!" warns a camper.
Shooting range proximity: Some campgrounds sit near active shooting facilities. "Nice campground except...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. However if you enjoy sitting outside of your camper and relaxing this might be nerve wracking," notes a visitor to Pinch Pond Family Campground & RV Park.
Seasonal pest awareness: Summer brings unwanted insects to wooded areas. "I came for a hike and quick one night tent escape... After we pitched in the new spot, all was good. Then I left and woke up with a serious case of chigger bites," reports one Gifford Pinchot camper, suggesting insect repellent is essential.
Tips for camping with families
Playground proximity matters: Select sites near play areas for convenience with children. "We had site 114. It has water access and is right next to a small man made beach and playground. Bathrooms were in good shape," shares a Gifford Pinchot visitor.
First-timer friendly facilities: Elizabethtown-Hershey KOA provides structured environments for new campers. "Nice quiet campground. A little pricey and strict for visitors, they need to leave by 10 and can't bring their pets. We always camp over the holiday weeks or weekends depending on my where we stay and our out of state children come visit," explains a visitor noting the rules that maintain the atmosphere.
Off-site attractions proximity: Consider distance to family destinations when booking. "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," mentions one family who stayed at Hersheypark Camping Resort while visiting area attractions.
Group camping coordination: Township parks can accommodate small family groups with advance planning. "We usually plan to go camping with 1-2 other families to split the rates for longer stays at the campsite," advises a River Rock Recreation visitor, noting cost-sharing makes private sites more affordable.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country and other hillside campgrounds require extra 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. Unlevel is an understatement we were in E row and every camper there had front end 4 foot off the ground," reports one RVer.
Utility placement considerations: Check sewer connection heights before selecting sites. "We stayed here several times and love the waterfront sites and the yurts," mentions one Gifford Pinchot visitor who found the layout accommodating for their 32-foot rig.
Surge protection equipment: Electrical service quality varies between campgrounds. "The campground is right off the interstate which was convenient but it was very expensive. No activities for kids. Nice pool and restrooms. I noticed a lot of campers were only there for a day and from out of state so it's just a stop while passing through," shares a visitor to Harrisburg East Campground, highlighting its use as a stopover point.
Morning arrival advantages: First-come, first-served campgrounds require strategy. "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 a visitor to Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country who understood the system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near Steelton, PA?
Which is the most popular campground near Steelton, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Steelton, PA is Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground with a 4.2-star rating from 57 reviews.
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