Best Campgrounds near Washington Woods, PA

Pennsylvania camping near Washington Woods includes several established campgrounds offering various accommodations. The area features destinations like Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground, which provides tent sites, RV spots, cabins, and yurts around a scenic lake. Thousand Trails Circle M in Lancaster offers similar diversity with RV hookups and cabin options. Most campgrounds in the region maintain seasonal operations, typically running from April through October or November, with a few locations like Old Mill Stream Campground remaining open year-round.

Many campgrounds require reservations, particularly during summer months and holiday weekends. Gifford Pinchot State Park operates from the second Friday in April through October 31, while most private campgrounds have slightly longer seasons. "Beautiful picturesque campground with large spots and a lot of trees. Very quiet and close enough to Lancaster for shopping," noted one visitor about Pequea Creek Campground. Road access throughout the region is generally good with paved routes to most established campgrounds, though some tent sites may require short walks from parking areas. Weather considerations include occasional thunderstorms during summer months and cool temperatures in spring and fall.

Waterfront camping represents a significant draw in the region, with several campgrounds featuring lake or creek access. At Gifford Pinchot State Park, campers particularly value the peninsula sites that offer water views and easy kayak launching. A review highlighted one location as having "a nice path between the two lakes" with "lots of great hikes." Family-friendly amenities appear consistently throughout area campgrounds, with swimming pools, playgrounds, and organized activities common at private establishments. Most campgrounds provide fire rings, picnic tables, and access to bathroom facilities with showers, though cleanliness and maintenance quality varies across locations. Proximity to local attractions like Hershey Park, Lancaster's Amish country, and various historical sites adds to the appeal of camping in this region of Pennsylvania.

Best Camping Sites Near Washington Woods, Pennsylvania (133)

    1. Thousand Trails Circle M

    19 Reviews
    Millersville, PA
    7 miles
    Website
    +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. Pequea Creek Campground

    14 Reviews
    Pequea, PA
    9 miles
    Website
    +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 . "

    3. Otter Creek Campground

    10 Reviews
    Pequea, PA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 862-3628

    "Just down the road about a mile or so was the Indian Steps Museum which is owned by York Conservation Society."

    "Its close proximity to the Susquehanna River, Otter Creek, and the Mason Dixon Trail is absolutely ideal! Sites are spacious and nice! Restrooms clean!"

    4. 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. "

    5. Old Mill Stream Campground

    16 Reviews
    Lampeter, PA
    14 miles
    Website
    +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!"

    6. Tucquan Park Family Campground

    12 Reviews
    Holtwood, PA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 284-2156

    "Highly recommend staying here with lots of close hiking trails within driving distance."

    "There was a lot of space so walking our dogs was great. The smaller bathroom stalls are pretty small but got the job done. Playground and pool were both nice and clean. Wonderful place for a family."

    7. Elizabethtown-Hershey KOA

    15 Reviews
    Elizabethtown, PA
    14 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."

    8. Pinch Pond Family Campground & RV Park

    14 Reviews
    Mount Gretna, PA
    16 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."

    9. Muddy Run Rec Park - PPL

    11 Reviews
    Holtwood, PA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 284-4325

    "The large lake is great for a day of kayaking and fishing with supplies readily available for rent at the boat dock store."

    "The observatory is open to public once a month, we recommend you plan your trip around this."

    10. Thousand Trails Hershey

    21 Reviews
    Mount Gretna, PA
    19 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."

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Recent Reviews near Washington Woods, PA

1002 Reviews of 133 Washington Woods Campgrounds


  • Marcandpatti B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 11, 2025

    Gettysburg Campground

    Good spot for Gettysburg, a bit spendy.

    We stayed here mid-week in September so it was very quiet. There was a bit of road noise as our site was close to the entrance. Host was super friendly. They have a bunch of things going on with groups that stay here; next group is quilters with vintage trailers, sorry to miss that. All of the utilities worked just fine. Sites re a bit close to each other, not a lot of foliage between sites.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 9, 2025

    Artillery Ridge Campground

    Great location and friendly staff

    We have a motorhome with no additional vehicle and two dogs, and this site couldn’t have been more perfect for us. A dog park, walking distance to most everything we wanted to see. The national park is mostly dog friendly. My husband caught a fish first day in the pond behind our site. The staff was super friendly and welcoming.

  • p
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Artillery Ridge Campground

    Rv stay

    Site and bathrooms clean. Activities provided free each day. Food trucks in park. Close to museum and battleground sites.

  • Peyton S.
    Sep. 8, 2025

    French Creek State Park Campground

    Wonderful, Easy, Quick trip from Philly

    It’s about an hour away from Philadelphia. We tent camped in loop B. The site was wonderful. Just know it is a gravel site, not grass. The fire pit has a grill attachment and wood was easy to find. Water and bathrooms were close. We hiked around the lake and there were plenty of trails and even rentable kayaks and paddle boards! Would definitely recommend if looking for a quick overnight stay outside of the city.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 7, 2025

    Round Top Campground

    Better than OK

    Stayed for 2 days while passing through from FL to NH. Off-season so not crowded. Pool was clean and quite good sized, had it to ourselves due to season. Did laundry while here, ample laundry room. On-site extras include food-truck restaurant and small country goods vendor during our stay. Office staff did ok. Sites have reasonable spacing with gravel pads, mostly level. Trees between sites with sloping hills , not just a big open field. It’s a corporate site so automated web-based reservation system was finicky so we had to verify reservation went through. Tried to book 2 nights but system only set us up for 1. Phone call to help line easily resolved the issue. Quiet and no spotlights on all night.

  • Stephen W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 7, 2025

    Hersheypark Camping Resort

    Very clean campground friendly staff

    We stay here once a year in September. Stone surface. Not to bad for leveling. Our site was spacious.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground

    Peace and quiet !

    Great spot! 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. Sites were of ample size and well spaced.

  • Werner S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Old Mill Stream Campground

    In Amish area, next to an amusement park

    Our kids where happy with the small playground and with a few dollars they could have some fun in the small arcade/gameroom. In the area you have Lancaster, Amish area and an amusement park (that is a bit outdated). The camping has a bit over 100 spots. They are just oké.

  • Werner S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Elk Neck State Park Campground

    More than correct stay for a pass through or short period

    Check in at the store (without reservation), went very smooth. Only the north east loop was open because it was calm. All spots are full hook up, all fine. There was a small play area for the kids and the restrooms/ shower where clean. No complaints.


Guide to Washington Woods

Camping near Washington Woods, Pennsylvania, offers a variety of beautiful spots for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun family adventure, there are plenty of campgrounds to explore.

What to do:

  • Hiking: There are numerous trails in the area. For example, at French Creek State Park Campground, you can enjoy scenic hikes. One visitor mentioned, "The state park has numerous hiking and biking opportunities and probably some fishing as well."
  • Fishing: Many campgrounds have access to lakes and rivers. At Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground, a reviewer noted, "The lake is very nice and it's a very family park! There are some neat places around and markets are close by."
  • Exploring Historic Sites: If you're into history, the Gettysburg / Battlefield KOA is just a short drive away. One camper said, "This is a great campground in a great location and we can’t wait to go back!"

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained restrooms and showers. A visitor at Elk Neck State Park Campground remarked, "The bathrooms are immaculate."
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. A reviewer at Codorus State Park Campground mentioned, "Spacious, beautiful, clean, quiet, easy, and lots to do and see."
  • Pet-Friendly Options: Campgrounds like French Creek State Park Campground allow pets, making it easier for families to bring their furry friends along. One camper noted, "We stayed in loop C that allows pets. Very spacious sites."

What you should know:

  • Alcohol Policies: Some campgrounds, like Lums Pond State Park Campground, allow alcohol, while others do not. A visitor shared, "Great secluded campground, peaceful."
  • Site Conditions: Not all sites are level, which can be a challenge for RVs. A camper at Locust Lake State Park Campground mentioned, "The sites are spaced pretty well but are not level at all."
  • Seasonal Access: Some campgrounds are only open during certain months. For instance, Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground is open from the 2nd Friday in April to October 31.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Kid-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places with playgrounds and activities. At Elk Neck State Park Campground, a camper noted, "Our site was directly in front of a small playground with a slide, swings and monkey bars."
  • Plan for Activities: Make sure to have a list of things to do. A family at Gettysburg / Battlefield KOA enjoyed the mini-golf and hiking trails, saying, "We had a great time...a few fun games mini golf and a few other games."
  • Pack Essentials: Bring along games and outdoor gear to keep everyone entertained. A visitor at Pine Grove Furnace State Park Campground mentioned, "This campground is SO much fun. There are a ton of different activities to do."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A camper at Codorus State Park Campground said, "The sites are fairly large and they do have some full hook up sites which is nice."
  • Be Prepared for Limited Connectivity: Many campgrounds have poor cell service. A visitor at Pine Grove Furnace State Park Campground noted, "If you are planning to use your cellphone at this one, probably not going to happen."
  • Bring Extra Supplies: Some campgrounds have limited stores. A camper at Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground advised, "The store is really just a small carry out with a few things, so bring everything you are planning to have in with you."

Camping near Washington Woods, Pennsylvania, has something for everyone, whether you're a family looking for fun or an RV enthusiast seeking adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Washington Woods, PA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Washington Woods, PA is Thousand Trails Circle M with a 3.9-star rating from 19 reviews.