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.
Best Campgrounds near Wrightsville, PA
The Susquehanna River region surrounding Wrightsville, Pennsylvania contains a mix of established campgrounds and riverside recreation areas within a 30-mile radius. Notable options include Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground in Lewisberry and Thousand Trails Circle M in Lancaster, which accommodate tent camping, RVs, and cabin rentals. Several KOA properties operate in the area, including the Elizabethtown-Hershey KOA, providing developed sites with modern amenities. The landscape features both wooded settings and riverside locations, with campgrounds generally concentrated along major travel corridors connecting Lancaster, Hershey, and York County.
Campground operations typically run from April through October, with most facilities closing for winter. Reservations are strongly recommended, particularly for weekend stays during summer months when Hershey Park visitors frequently fill area campgrounds. Sites with water and electric hookups are common, though availability varies by property. Many campgrounds feature level, gravel parking pads for RVs, while tent sites are often mulched or grassy. Weather conditions remain relatively moderate throughout the camping season, though summer humidity can be significant. A visitor noted: "Site details: 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."
Riverside camping opportunities represent a particular draw in the region. River Rock Recreation offers direct access to the Susquehanna River with primitive tent platforms and canoe/kayak launch points. Several campers highlight the riverfront experience as a key attraction despite occasional noise from nearby infrastructure. The area's campgrounds vary significantly in size and privacy levels, with some offering spacious wooded sites while others feature more compact layouts. Reviews frequently mention proximity to regional attractions like Hershey Park and Amish Country as significant benefits. Based on feedback on The Dyrt, campers appreciate the diversity of camping styles available: "We had the whole place to ourselves. We saw no one while there and you're literally about 100-150 yards off a side road. It was definitely convenient and private."
Best Camping Sites Near Wrightsville, Pennsylvania (144)
1. Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground
57 ReviewsWellsville, PA20 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. Thousand Trails Circle M
19 ReviewsMillersville, PA11 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."
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. Pequea Creek Campground
14 ReviewsPequea, PA13 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 . "
5. Hersheypark Camping Resort
30 ReviewsHummelstown, PA19 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. Pinch Pond Family Campground & RV Park
15 ReviewsMount Gretna, PA15 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. Thousand Trails Hershey
21 ReviewsMount Gretna, PA17 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."
8. Otter Creek Campground
10 ReviewsPequea, PA13 milesWebsite+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!"
9. Old Mill Stream Campground
17 ReviewsLampeter, PA17 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!"
10. Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country
14 ReviewsMount Gretna, PA15 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."
Recent Camping Photos near Wrightsville, PA
401 Photos of 144 Wrightsville Campgrounds
Jen V.
Elizabethtown-Hershey KOA
Jen R.
River Rock Recreation
Heather H.
Thousand Trails Circle M
Heidi R.
Hershey Road Campground
Jen R.
Otter Creek Campground
Danielle C.
Pequea Creek Campground
Meagan J.
Mill Creek Camping Area
AdventureStang
Indian Rock Campgrounds
Grace H.
Pinch Pond Family Campground & RV Park
Dan A.
Tucquan Park Family Campground
Joshua W.
Old Mill Stream Campground
Recent Reviews near Wrightsville, PA
1013 Reviews of 144 Wrightsville 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 Wrightsville
Campgrounds near Wrightsville, Pennsylvania provide varied terrain options from wooded hillsides to riverside locations within York County and Lancaster County. Most sites are located within 30 minutes of the Susquehanna River, with elevations ranging from 300 to 700 feet above sea level. Summer temperatures typically range from 75-85°F during the day, while spring and fall camping seasons offer more moderate 60-75°F daytime temperatures with cooler evenings.
What to do
Kayaking on the Susquehanna River: Access points near Otter Creek Campground provide excellent paddling opportunities. "The river is only a short walk from the campground which is directly across the street at Otter Creek Picnic Area where there are private and public boat docks. You could easily fish from anywhere along the riverside," notes one visitor.
Disc golf courses: Play two distinct 18-hole courses at Gifford Pinchot State Park. "Both areas have their own 18 hole disc golf course, but I will say: BEWARE of poison ivy!! We played the first 10 holes around the Conewago day use area and I was shocked at how much poison ivy we had to dodge all over the prime walking areas through the course," warns a camper.
Amish countryside exploration: The campgrounds near Elizabethtown provide easy access to Lancaster County's Amish communities. A visitor to Thousand Trails Circle M mentioned, "Close to Lancaster for necessities and great proximity to Baltimore and Philadelphia for day trips."
Hiking the White Rocks Trail: Located a few miles from Boiling Springs, this trail offers rock scrambles and connects to the Appalachian Trail. "Before fishing, we hiked the White Rocks Trail a few miles outside of town, and it was a ton of fun with some cool rock scrambles. It hooks up with the AT going through the area if you want to extend the hike."
What campers like
Spacious, private sites: Many campers appreciate the secluded nature of certain campgrounds. At Pequea Creek Campground, "Campsites have plenty of room and give you options to be along the creek or tucked back in the trees. We had a huge spot on the end and hardly saw the other campers."
Fishing opportunities: Multiple locations offer access to both river and pond fishing. "The campground sits in the center of a horseshoe curve of the river, bring tubes and kayaks! We didn't know but went and bought a tube and spent the day on the river!" shares a visitor to Thousand Trails Circle M.
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathhouses are consistently mentioned in positive reviews. At Elizabethtown-Hershey KOA, a camper noted, "Restrooms clean! Is there really anything else? Lol!"
Kid-friendly amenities: Parents appreciate campgrounds with dedicated recreation areas. "They have a tennis court, mini golf, basketball court, and you saw many kids out with their bicycles. There is even an arcade center for the kids and a rec center with a pool table," shares a camper about Thousand Trails Hershey.
What you should know
Seasonal variations: Most campgrounds in the region operate from April through October, though some close earlier. "The campground gets very full on the weekends here," notes a visitor to Circle M, highlighting the importance of reservations during peak seasons.
Flooding concerns: Low-lying riverside sites can experience flooding after heavy rains. "With all of the rain we have had here in Pennsylvania this summer the river was brown with mud and tree debris. The ground aside of the river was also so saturated from flooding it was difficult to walk through without sinking into the ground."
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience noise from nearby infrastructure. At Pinch Pond Family Campground, "There is a shooting range near the property, so at all hours you will hear target practice going on, especially in the wee early hours."
Water quality issues: Campers occasionally report water concerns. One visitor noted, "Water was rusty in our row came out brown at first then was tan after running through our filter for the entire stay."
Tips for camping with families
Beach access options: Multiple campgrounds offer swimming opportunities for children. At Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground, "It has a small beach area within the campground loop that we camped in, but the main beach is on the other side of the large Pinchot Lake. The LARGE beach area in the QR day use area is one of the nicest I've ever seen at a PA state park."
Playground proximity: Consider site location relative to play areas. "We took our 3 yo camping for the first time here. He had so much fun. It was clean campground located in a State Park. Easy walk to the lake with a small beach."
Halloween weekends: October camping often includes special activities. "They had Halloween ever at every weekend of October and we spent Halloween weekend here. The kids loved it!!"
Game room availability: Indoor recreation options for rainy days are valuable. "Their game room has tickets. This is the one and only campground we have ever visited that gave tickets for playing games and my kids LOVED IT! It was like camping and going to chuckie cheese at the same time."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Prepare for uneven terrain at many campgrounds. At Old Mill Stream Campground, "The campground itself is nice but a bit overpriced for what you get. If it weren't for the smell, this campground would have gotten four stars. Our campsite was perfectly level and had a large gravel patio area and a large shade tree behind us."
Arrival timing strategy: First-come, first-served campgrounds require 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. 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."
Site size considerations: RV dimensions affect site compatibility. "Depending on your rig size you're only available certain sites. They won't give you a 50 amp site unless your 50 amp or 40', they save them for larger campers."
Full hookup availability: Services vary widely between campgrounds and sites. "Our site was in the wooded area farthest from the central 'hub' (in the top left corner if you're looking at a campground map). 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."
Frequently Asked Questions
Is camping allowed on Wrightsville Beach?
Is camping allowed on Wrightsville Beach?
Camping directly on Wrightsville Beach is not permitted. Beach camping is generally restricted in this area due to conservation efforts and local ordinances. Instead, consider staying at nearby established campgrounds like Pine Grove Furnace State Park Campground, which offers electric sites and updated bathrooms with convenient access to hiking trails and lakes. Alternatively, Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country provides camping options in the scenic Pennsylvania countryside while still allowing day trips to nearby beaches and water recreation areas.
What are the best camping spots at Wrightsville Beach?
What are the best camping spots at Wrightsville Beach?
While Wrightsville Beach itself doesn't offer direct beach camping, several excellent options are available nearby. Campground Island provides a unique island camping experience with tranquil waterfall sounds and wildlife viewing. The creek surrounds the entire campground, creating a peaceful atmosphere with good fishing opportunities. Another option to consider is Pequea Creek Campground, which offers picturesque sites with large, shaded spots and proximity to water activities like river tubing.
What camping facilities are available near Wrightsville Dam?
What camping facilities are available near Wrightsville Dam?
Near Wrightsville Dam, you'll find several campgrounds with excellent facilities. French Creek State Park Campground offers car camping spots, easy hiking trails, and lake access, making it perfect for families and outdoor enthusiasts. The park provides a good balance of amenities while maintaining a natural setting. For those seeking more amenities, Hersheypark Camping Resort offers diverse camping options from full hookup sites to quieter spots along the river, with convenient access to water recreation and nearby attractions.
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