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 & Campsites near Tower City, Pennsylvania
Camping options surrounding Tower City, Pennsylvania include several well-maintained campgrounds with diverse accommodations for all types of campers. The region includes facilities like Twin Grove RV Resort in Pine Grove, offering tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin rentals with amenities such as swimming pools and playgrounds. Jonestown/Hershey KOA provides similar options with access to nearby Swatara State Park via the Appalachian Trail. Most campgrounds in the area feature full hookup sites for RVs alongside tent camping areas, with several offering cabin rentals for those seeking more comfortable accommodations. These developed campgrounds typically maintain shower facilities, flush toilets, and electrical hookups.
The camping season in this region generally runs from April through October, with some facilities like Jonestown/Hershey KOA remaining open year-round. Most campgrounds require advance reservations, particularly during summer months and holiday weekends when availability becomes limited. The area experiences four distinct seasons with hot, humid summers and cold winters with occasional snow. Spring brings variable conditions with potential for heavy rainfall that can affect trail conditions and water levels in nearby creeks. As noted in one review, "Clean campground and super friendly staff. Not far from the AT if you're into that!"
Campers consistently rate Twin Grove RV Resort highly for its amenities and cleanliness. According to reviews on The Dyrt, this campground maintains "spotless facilities" with "plenty of room for whatever size tent or RV you have." Water features appear prominently in visitor experiences, with Jonestown/Hershey KOA offering creek access that visitors describe as "ankle deep and perfect." Family-friendly activities are available at most developed campgrounds in the area, including swimming pools, playgrounds, and organized events. While roadway noise can be an issue at some locations situated near highways, others provide more secluded settings. Several campgrounds connect to hiking trails and water recreation opportunities, with the Swatara Creek mentioned frequently as a popular spot for kayaking, canoeing, and fishing.
Best Camping Sites Near Tower City, Pennsylvania (172)
1. Jonestown/Hershey KOA
16 ReviewsJonestown, PA9 milesWebsite+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."
2. Twin Grove RV Resort
9 ReviewsTower City, PA6 milesWebsite+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."
3. Camp A While
7 ReviewsRavine, PA9 milesWebsite+1 (570) 682-8696$26 - $44 / night
"Not to much to do in the area but it is somewhat close to the Appalachian Trail if you’re into that. It seems like the camp ground always has something fun going on."
"The only reason for not giving five stars is because it’s very close to a freeway. There’s quite a bit of truck and car noise from the freeway."
4. Knoebels Campground
24 ReviewsMarion Heights, PA20 milesWebsite+1 (570) 672-9555$59 - $160 / night
"Knoebels campground is situated next to Knoebels amusement park and offers sites for tent campers and RVs, as well as cabins. There is electricity at every site but not water."
"In addition to the campsites you have access to the campsite bathrooms which also have showers. They’re nothing special but they get the job done and are cleaned daily by staff."
5. Hersheypark Camping Resort
30 ReviewsHummelstown, PA23 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."
6. Thousand Trails Hershey
21 ReviewsMount Gretna, PA22 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."
7. Echo Valley Campground
3 ReviewsRavine, PA9 milesWebsite+1 (570) 695-3659"There are gardens with walkways to walk to the pool or the office. Our site 24B was a pull through with full hook up. We had cable and WI-FI. There wasn't any shade yet were only here one night."
8. Locust Lake State Park Campground
31 ReviewsMahanoy City, PA26 milesWebsite+1 (570) 467-2404$24 - $47 / night
"We had lake front access to put kayaks in and fish which was awesome. Great walking path around lake for kids to ride bikes to parks or beach. Beach area was nice."
"Had a site close to the lake. Many sites (including mine) were not level. The sites sizes were a bit small and i would book during peak season. I would definitely return again off season."
9. Lake Glory Campground
15 ReviewsCatawissa, PA22 milesWebsite+1 (570) 356-7392$50 - $80 / night
"This campground is only minutes away from Knobels Amusement Park. The campground itself was clean but not a lot of amenities being it’s part of the amusement park."
"It’s a nice spacious campground next to the park."
10. Camp Swatara
2 ReviewsPine Grove, PA12 milesWebsite+1 (717) 933-5244$30 - $85 / night
"There's lots to do for the whole family: hiking to the rock pile, fishing and boating in the lake, swimming, mini golf, a splash pad, ball fields, and creeks to play in, and more."
Recent Camping Photos near Tower City, PA
372 Photos of 172 Tower City Campgrounds
The Dyrt
Tentrr Signature Site - GoldMine Hideaway
Adam F.
Twin Grove RV Resort
Robert A.
Breezy Acre Campsites
Horizon M.
Jonestown/Hershey KOA
Michelle S.
Camp A While
Steve S.
Circle S Farm Camping
The Dyrt
Tentrr Signature Site - The Algonquin Gitigaan
The Dyrt
Tentrr Signature Site - Sky High Estate - Coleman Outfitted Site
Mike V.
Stoevers Dam Park
Nicole R.
Knoebels Campground
Camp
Camp Hebron
Sarah L.
Thousand Trails Hershey
Recent Reviews near Tower City, PA
944 Reviews of 172 Tower City 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!
- RRandy L.
ScoutFrench 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.
Andy D.ScoutWest Creek Campground
Nice Amenities, great location for Ricketts Glen
I stayed at a tent site here and was the only one in the tent area. The tent plots are a bit small especially if you have a large car. The bath house was really well kept and modern. The camp was clean and looks pleasant. Great location for hiking.
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.
- MMichael S.
TravelerHoliday Pines Campground
Nice quiet place!
We didn’t stay over night, we just need to use the dump and refill water. We paid $15 and drove around the place.
Guide to Tower City
The Tower City area offers camping access to several state parks and Appalachian Trail segments, with Swatara Creek serving as a popular recreation destination for paddlers. Most campgrounds in the region sit at elevations between 400-900 feet above sea level, experiencing temperature fluctuations of 20-30°F between day and night during peak camping season. Water activities dominate visitor experiences at camping areas within 30 minutes of Tower City.
What to do
Kayaking at Swatara Creek: Access points near Jonestown/Hershey KOA provide excellent paddling opportunities. "The Swatara creek runs right next to it so it is great for kayaking, tubing, etc. Highly recommend," notes Bobby S.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple campgrounds feature stocked fishing areas with catch-and-release options. At Lake Glory Campground, "The lake is stocked and the fish are always hungry," according to Vince L., making it an ideal spot for beginners or families.
Rail trail access: Several campgrounds connect directly to converted rail trails. Jonestown/Hershey KOA connects to the Swatara Rail Trail which Bobby S. describes as "great for biking." These flat, accessible paths provide options for all fitness levels.
Amusement park access: Many campgrounds offer shuttles to nearby parks. Lake Glory Campground is "10 minutes to Knoebels with the mighty Phoenix" as Vince L. points out, while others provide discounted tickets and transportation to Hershey Park attractions.
What campers like
Private bathroom facilities: Several campgrounds feature individual bathroom units rather than communal facilities. At Jonestown/Hershey KOA, Marlaina M. found "each their own individual rooms split into shower/changing room. I like the privacy and it made it much easier when my daughter was small."
Creek-side camping spots: Water-adjacent sites are consistently rated as premium options. At Lake Glory Campground, Eiron S. shares that "We love the creek side sites! Kids can wade in the water to cool off while parents are chatting and cooking just few feet away."
Amusement options: Beyond the major parks, several campgrounds feature their own entertainment. Twin Grove RV Resort includes "a ferris wheel, merry go round, and other small kiddie rides," according to Mike J., who also noted they "Usually have a band on Saturday evenings."
Dog-friendly amenities: Many campsites feature dedicated pet areas. Twin Grove offers "2 nice dog parks" according to Mike J., while Tiffany S. mentions "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."
What you should know
Highway noise levels: Some campgrounds near Tower City experience traffic noise. At Camp A While, Jen notes "it's very close to a freeway. There's quite a bit of truck and car noise from the freeway." Consider packing earplugs if this might affect your sleep.
Campsite spacing varies: Site proximity can differ dramatically between campgrounds and even within the same facility. Jonathan F. found that Camp A While had "Super friendly folks" but limited activities in the immediate area.
Reservation timing: Many campgrounds fill quickly during peak season. Sites at Lake Glory "fill fast" according to Eiron S., who advises to "Book early" to secure preferred locations. Weekend availability becomes particularly limited between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
Water levels fluctuate: Creek and swimming areas can change with seasonal rainfall. During dry periods, areas like the creek at Jonestown/Hershey KOA become "About ankle deep and perfect" according to one camper, making them safe for younger children.
Tips for camping with families
Look for splash features: Water play areas provide entertainment for children. Camp Swatara includes "Boating, swimming, fishing, splash pad, mini golf etc." as Kaylene H. notes, making it a comprehensive destination for families.
Consider campground shuttles: Transportation to major attractions saves time and parking fees. According to Eiron S., Lake Glory Campground's shuttle to Knoebels "is one more nice thing they add to help make your stay relaxing."
Check for organized activities: Many campgrounds near Tower City run structured events. Twin Grove hosts "special events, crafts" according to Shirley M., who visits annually with grandchildren, noting "We come here once a year to take our grandkids on an annual camping trip with us. Lots to do!"
Evaluate bathroom locations: Distance from facilities matters with small children. Gayle B. found that at Lake Glory Campground, staying "near the bath houses...actually ended up being a great location. Very large, open site and quiet!"
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds in the area have uneven terrain. At Hershey RV and Camping Resort, James G. found "The sites are gravel and most are not level," suggesting blocks or levelers are essential equipment.
Road width considerations: Some campgrounds have narrow access roads that complicate navigation. Rick B. noted Hershey RV and Camping Resort is "very tight, cramped, and hard to navigate" with "many tow vehicles have to park partially on the narrow access roads making it difficult to get in and out of with a big rig."
Pull-through availability: For easier setup, select campgrounds offering pull-through options. B M. found that at Echo Valley Campground, "site 24B was a pull through with full hook up," which made their overnight stay more convenient when traveling between states.
Service variations: Water and electrical capacities differ between campgrounds and sometimes sites. For those requiring full hookups, Twin Grove RV Resort receives consistent praise for reliability and site condition, with Mike J. describing it as "Spotless. Plenty of room for whatever size tent or RV you have."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Tower City, PA?
What camping is available near Tower City, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Tower City, PA offers a wide range of camping options, with 172 campgrounds and RV parks near Tower City, PA and 1 free dispersed camping spot.
Which is the most popular campground near Tower City, PA?
Which is the most popular campground near Tower City, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Tower City, PA is Jonestown/Hershey KOA with a 4.3-star rating from 16 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Tower City, PA?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Tower City, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Tower City, PA.
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