Elizabethtown-Hershey KOA's spacious dog park provides a dedicated exercise area for pets staying at this well-maintained campground near Hershey attractions. The campground enforces breed restrictions, with documented instances of staff refusing entry based on visual identification of dog breeds. Pet owners should be prepared to show documentation for their dogs upon check-in. Most sites feature level grounds with gravel pads and include water and electric hookups, making them suitable for tent camping, RVs, and cabin stays with pets. The campground maintains several pet trails throughout the property, with pet waste stations available to keep the grounds clean. Tent sites have been upgraded from primitive to mulch pads with water and electric. The bathrooms remain extremely clean and modern despite being a decent walk from the tent sites.
Thousand Trails Hershey and Pinch Pond Family Campground accept pets with varying amenities and restrictions. Both campgrounds request that pets remain leashed when outside of designated pet areas. River Rock Recreation offers a primitive camping experience along the Susquehanna River where pets can enjoy waterfront access. The site features private camping with no other campers present unless they're part of your group, allowing pets more freedom to explore. Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground permits pets in designated areas and offers hiking trails where leashed dogs can accompany their owners. Trail access provides opportunities for pet exercise with several miles of pet-friendly paths. The Northwest Lancaster Trail near River Rock Recreation allows for geocaching and nature walks with dogs. Campers should note that quiet hours are enforced at most campgrounds, with barking policies in place to ensure a peaceful experience for all guests.
"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."
"We stay here every September during the Hershey Dog Grooming Expo. We have never had any complaints. Office personnel are very friendly and helpful."
$20 - $90 / night
"I liked the dish washing sinks outside of the shower houses. The site was nice with the tent pad backing up to the trees."
"Our site was in the pet loop and was set back off the road a good amount which kept a lot of the road noise down. It was very large and Iffered gIId trees fIr strIngIng up tarps and hammocks."
$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."
$45 - $279 / night
"A little pricey and strict for vistors, they need to leave by 10 and can’t bring their pets."
"There was a bathhouse and dish sink nearby, as well as the entrance to a nice little nature trail a few sites down. "
"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."
"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."
"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"
$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!"
"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."
"Very close to Hersheypark. Nicest miniature golf course I’ve ever seen at a RV park. Same can be said for the swimming pool, absolutely beautiful. Great little dog park as well. "
"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!"
GuideWe stayed for 10 days in a rustic cabin. Campground is well organized and clean. Tons of activities and even a hiking path. Pet friendly with small dog park. We had civil war soldiers drilling and staying the weekend we were there. Bathrooms are super clean.
ScoutClean and well kept campground located 12 mile below Lewistown, Pa. As clean a campground as you will find. Staff is super friendly. Campground has two distinct levels with open spaces with few trees above and well shaded spots with large trees for shade located down along Juniata River. Great place for fishing, tubing or just getting wet. Campground has many activities for kids. On site is a pool, winery, dog park, office/supplies located in center of campground. WiFi is available to all. Nearly all full hook-ups with back-ins and pull-thrus available. Pets allowed. 42 mile South from State College and 48 mile North of Harrisburg on Rt 322. Highly recommend!
GuideWe 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.
ScoutThe rangers were nice and the campground hosts were sweet. I liked the dish washing sinks outside of the shower houses. The site was nice with the tent pad backing up to the trees. I would rather sleep in a tent any night over a motel room but this time was different. Due to my father passing, me and my daughter stayed there 3 nights. I will be back another time to actually enjoy the lake and being between Lancaster and Gettysburg makes both places easy to access. Next time I will be getting a site away from the group area. It was nice that the pet area is separate from those of us who don't have pets or want quiet from dogs barking. Some of the groups can get rather loud especially when there are a bunch of teens. It was nice that the pet area is separate from those of us who don't have pets or want quiet from dogs barking.
TravelerClean well kept family owned campground. Located a few miles off 81, in the country surrounded by beautiful views. It’s a mix campground of seasonal campers and short term campers. Very family oriented. Very nice off leash fenced dog park.
GuideWe loved it here. It accommodates a large family reunion with plenty of space. The campground was well populated but we didn’t feel cramped at all. Super dog friendly. Many little dog parks throughout. Great pool.
GuideThis camp boasts a stream and beautiful city bridge for water play in the summer and photography in the cooler months. Grounds, bathrooms, showers, playgrounds, dog park, everything. This park is wonderful!
TravelerNice campground with well taken care of sites. There is a pond to fish from, a dog park for your furry friend to play at and a few playgrounds for the kids.
TravelerThis is an amazing campground! 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. And for the kids there is an arcade, a ferris wheel and some other rides. On Saturday nights they usually have a band playing on the stage which is really neat. There is also a ice cream place to get a nice cold treat. The RV spots are really nice and well kept.
The camping areas around Elizabethtown, Pennsylvania sit between 300-500 feet in elevation with moderate humidity throughout summer months. The region experiences rainfall averaging 42 inches annually, creating lush surroundings for campers. Weather patterns typically include hot summers with temperatures in the 80s and cool spring and fall seasons ideal for tent camping.
Trail exploration: Connect to Lancaster County Trail for geocaching and nature walks. Near River Rock Recreation, you'll find the Northwest Lancaster Trail. "There is the Northwest Lancaster Trail to walk along, ride your bike, geocache or check out the Edible Forest," notes one camper.
Fishing on the Susquehanna River: Set up at riverfront campsites for direct water access. "We spent our time fishing the river banks right outside our tents and kayaking on the Susquehanna to fish the warm waters. We caught a ton of catfish and carp using live bait," shares a visitor at River Rock Recreation.
Visit Amish communities: Drive through the countryside just 20 minutes from Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country. "If you've never visited an Amish community, you should definitely take advantage of this very unique location by exploring Lancaster County where you can find a number of horse & buggies to take a trip in."
Clean, modern facilities: Many campsites maintain exceptional bathroom facilities. At Pinch Pond Family Campground, "You'll appreciate the gated surroundings that ensure drive-by traffic doesn't ruin your experience here... super-clean and well-kept restrooms with showers."
Lakeside camping options: Set up near water at Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground. "We had site 108 which is an electric site along the shore and close to the beach, and it was perfect for our needs. It has a small beach area within the campground loop that we camped in."
Pool amenities: Many campgrounds offer swimming options for summer heat relief. "The pool is nice, but being that it was the end of June, the water was freezing! I couldn't get in! There was only about a 15 minute drive to the Hershey park, which was really convenient," reports a visitor to Elizabethtown-Hershey KOA.
Noise factors: Some campgrounds experience sound disruption from nearby facilities. "One thing is certain – you're not going to get away from all of that highway traffic noise. Second... there's a shooting range near the property, so at all hours you will hear target practice going on, especially in the wee early hours," warns a camper about Pinch Pond.
Site leveling challenges: Many campsites in the area require leveling equipment. At Thousand Trails Hershey, "Some of the sites are not very level, ours included (which they warned us about when they told us which one it was)."
Seasonal considerations: Campground availability varies throughout the year. "We camped right up against the lazy River, the campground was pretty open because it was a weekday. Spots are kind of close, no trees or anything to separate spots," notes a camper at Hersheypark Camping Resort.
Look for campgrounds with dedicated kid activities: Many locations offer structured programming. Thousand Trails Circle M has "Lots of events to keep the kids busy. We happened to be there on the weekend a magician came, my kids loved it. They have an indoor and outdoor pool. Nice playground."
Choose tent sites with amenities: Updated tent camping areas provide conveniences for families with young children. "They have upgraded the tent sites since last year, no more primitive sites, all the tent sites are now mulch pad with water and electric. Bathrooms are very clean and modern, but a decent walk from tent sites."
Consider proximity to attractions: Select campgrounds based on day trip access. "Great location for activities including Hershey Park, Hershey Chocolate factory, Hershey RV show," notes a visitor at Pinch Pond Family Campground, emphasizing the convenience factor for families.
Site selection for big rigs: Carefully review campground maps before booking. At Old Mill Stream Campground, "We stayed on site 123 with a 40 ft Allegro Bus. Plenty of room to maneuver a big rig. All gravel sites and we had full hookup with 50 Amp."
Check for pull-through availability: Some campgrounds offer easier access sites. "We chose a pull through site for our 30 ft TT since we are newbies (our 4th trip). There is ample space between you and your rv neighbor and no real obstructions to park. The trees are not in the way of the parking space."
Plan for water and electric needs: Confirm hookup specifications when booking pet friendly camping near Elizabethtown. "They won't give you a 50 amp site unless your 50 amp or 40', they save them for larger campers," advises an RVer about Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country, information particularly valuable for those traveling with pets requiring climate control.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular dog-friendly campsite near Elizabethtown, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular dog-friendly campground near Elizabethtown, PA is Hersheypark Camping Resort with a 4-star rating from 30 reviews.
What is the best site to find dog-friendly camping near Elizabethtown, PA?
TheDyrt.com has all 123 dog-friendly camping locations near Elizabethtown, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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