We stayed at Hersheypark Camping Resort® last year while we were in town for America’s Largest RV Show at Hersheypark, and it gave us a great chance to try Hersheypark Camping Resort®. Hersheypark Camping Resort® is the official on-site campground of Hersheypark, right in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch Country and just minutes from the park gates. The same company behind Hersheypark owns and operates it. This guide is based on our visit in September 2025 and what we learned during our two-night stay. We’re about to book to stay again in September 2026 when we return to the Hershey RV show.
Our level RV campsite with views of the cabins at Hersheypark Campground
Hershey, PA Campground with RV, Tent & Cabin Camping
While we make every effort to get the details right at the time of publication, campground details can change quickly. It’s always a good idea to confirm any important information before you go by calling the campground and checking their social media and website for updates.
Hersheypark Camping Resort®
1200 Sweet St
Hummelstown, PA 17036
We used to live in Lancaster County, so for years we didn’t need RV accommodations to enjoy Hershey, Hersheypark, a concert at the Giant Center, dinner at the Hershey Hotel, or an afternoon at Troegs Brewing; we could just take the 30-minute drive. Now, we live out of state, so trips to Hershey involve a plan for an overnight stay. Since we already own the RV and like to travel with our dog, a campground is usually our first choice whenever we’re planning overnight travel, like when we go to the Hershey RV show.
We booked our site by phone a few weeks ahead of the RV show and were glad to find they still had space. When booking, you’ll want to refer to the map, of course, when picking a site. The campground has about four areas and loops: one dedicated to cabins and a couple of tiny homes; two loops mixing full-hookup and partial-hookup RV or tent sites in different configurations; and, down by the river, a section of primitive sites for tent camping.
Getting There
Coming from Maryland, we took 83 North to 322 East and had an easy drive in. The campground entrance is right off the main road, Hersheypark Drive, near some of the fast food restaurants. The approach is a long driveway that ends in a generously sized flat parking lot, where we parked to check in and detach our Jeep from our towing setup.
Reservations and Checking In
Campground check-in is across from this parking lot in the Big Red Barn, also known as the Historic Landis Barn. This building not only houses the check-in desk, the game room, bathrooms, and one of the two laundry facilities on the property. We arrived during an off-peak time, so there was no wait, and the staff was warm and welcoming. They answered our questions about catching the shuttle to the park and gave us the lay of the land.
Check-in and the Camp Store are housed in this red barn at Hersheypark Camping Resort®
Amenities and amusements are dotted throughout the property, including a full country store (sometimes called the camp store) stocked with Hershey products and official merchandise, an indoor game room, playgrounds, and an outdoor pool. The bathrooms and showers are located throughout the campground and are large and clean.
As with most places, you can book online or by calling the reservation department directly, and you’ll need a credit card to hold your site. They offer discounts for first responders and the military, as well as special packages geared toward Hersheypark visitors.
Campsite Types and Accommodations
Camping accommodations range from primitive tent sites along the creek to partial and full-hookup RV campsites to deluxe cabins and tiny homes. Every RV site we saw included picnic tables and a fire ring. Full hookups (electric, water, sewer, and cable) are available for RVs, along with partial-hookup and no-hookup options depending on the loop. Whether you’re pulling a travel trailer, driving a motorhome, pitching a tent, or looking for a cabin to rent, you’ll likely find an option that fits your camping style.
Cabins and shady trees in the Pioneer Heights Section
Choosing An RV Site: Pioneer Heights vs. Carousel Circle
Our site was site 8A, up the hill from the main entrance and check-in area, in the section the campground calls Pioneer Heights. The hill is worth noting if you’re traveling with small kids, especially those who like to ride bikes or scooters. For bikers of any age, there are posted warnings about walking bikes down the hill, since it’s very steep and the main driving entrance to Pioneer Heights, and it can have a steady flow of traffic during peak arrival and departure times. As far as towing and maneuvering an RV, the sites in Pioneer Heights were easy to get in and out of, with the same kind of one-way routes you’ll find in almost any campground. We liked this loop because several of the sites have shade trees, and the elevation gives a nice view down over the pools and the rest of the campground.
We moved to site 9, uphill from 8A on the second day of our stay.
Our site’s gravel parking pad was very level, but the land around it was cut into the hillside, so the grass area around the site wasn’t perfectly flat — nothing unpleasant, just something to expect, since it means neighboring sites can sit uphill or downhill from yours.
For RVers like us, there’s another section right near the entrance to the campground called Carousel Circle, made up entirely of RV sites set closer together than Pioneer Heights, which, in contrast, seemed to have more green space and cabins mixed in. If you enjoy meeting your RV neighbors and don’t mind a more classic, side-by-side camping style with fewer trees, Carousel Circle offers that more typical resort-campground feel, and it’s further away from the train noise.
For non-RVers, cabin rentals are available and are located on the outer circle of the RV Campsites in the Pioneer Heights section of Hersheypark Camping Resort
There are pull-through sites here for larger motorhomes and travel trailers. Since this is such a popular campground, the property makes the most of its space here, and the loop is noticeably flatter overall, which should make it easier when setting up and leveling your RV. Since we didn’t camp in those spots, we can’t compare them accurately, but you can always ask staff which sites are their favorites today, and you’ll likely hear both loops mentioned, depending on whether the person you ask prefers shade or a flatter pad.
In other sections, especially for tent camping, there are warnings about the river and creeks that can flood, so be sure to read the particulars of each site in the booking notes online before you commit. We loved the trees near our site that gave us a little shade, and since we were there in September, it was hot during the day but starting to get chilly, and slightly less crowded since school had started for most families and it was slightly off-season.
Campground Amenities and Overall Conditions
The grounds are easy to navigate, the amenities are well-marked, and the RV, tent, and cabin sites we saw all had tidy landscaping. We didn’t need the bathhouses the way a tent camper would, but we checked them briefly, and everything was in good condition.
On the recreation side, the resort offers an indoor game room, multiple playgrounds, a basketball court, volleyball and shuffleboard courts, and classic outdoor games like horseshoes and cornhole, along with a community area for s’mores by the fire, self-service laundry, and free WiFi. There’s a large outdoor pool for cooling off in the summer. The country store carries firewood (no outside firewood is allowed), s’mores supplies, coffee, and camping basics, along with Hershey-branded souvenirs. There’s no shortage of family activities at this campground.
The swimming pool is a welcoming benefit to staying at Hersheypark Camping Resort at the end of a hot day at Hersheypark
Campground Rules and Details to Note
A few rules worth knowing if you’re used to bringing your own bikes, e-bikes or golf carts to campgrounds. At this campground, golf carts aren’t permitted on the property, aside from accessibility exceptions approved by the front office, so plan to leave your golf cart at home.
Fellow e-bikers should take note of this: while manually powered bikes, scooters, and skateboards are fine, you must walk them (not ride them) on the Pioneer Heights hill, and you must park them between 9 p.m. and 8 a.m. E-bikes, e-scooters, hoverboards, inline skates, and wheeled shoes aren’t permitted in the campground. For RVers, dogs are welcome, so long as the park rules are followed, but for tent campers, you should leave all pets at home.
View of the Campground Loops at Hersheypark Camping Resort
One thing to know before you book: this resort is extremely popular, and reservations disappear quickly in summer, especially during Hersheypark’s operating hours, and we have to imagine it fills up even more if there’s also a concert or other event at the Giant Center. If you can, plan and book well ahead. If you’d rather have a quieter stay, the off-season or a mid-week visit can be a good way to visit with noticeably fewer crowds.
On the benefit side, the resort’s free front-gate shuttle bus to Hersheypark is an incredible perk. It saves you from parking and packing up the car each day, and it’s especially helpful if one family member wants to head back earlier or later than the rest of the group. It saves you time and the hassle of walking from one of the gigantic parking lots. You’ll need a wristband from the office to ride the shuttle, which runs on a continuous loop during Hersheypark’s operating season. The shuttle stop is a short walk from the Pioneer Heights sites, so plan a few extra minutes to get there.
Another unique bonus: because of its official affiliation with Hersheypark, the campground can offer package deals that bundle camping with park tickets, plus other options for family reunions and group trips.
Proximity to Hershey PA Attractions
The proximity to Hersheypark and all the other Hershey attractions is, of course, one of the biggest reasons to camp here. However, Hersheypark is just one of hundreds of things to do in the Hershey area, so if the park isn’t your thing or you have a few non-park days planned, there’s no shortage of unique activities to fill the rest of your trip.
By staying at this campground, you’ll be centrally located to a bunch of things like golf courses, fantastic restaurants, The Hershey Hotel, The Hershey Theater, Amish Country, Indian Echo Caverns, the state capital of Harrisburg, and several other areas of Pennsylvania Dutch Country like Elizabethtown, Lititz, and Lancaster that are worth exploring, especially if you’re a history buff.
Dining Near the Campground
When we stayed, the campground had no on-site dining beyond the well-stocked country store, which can fill any gaps in your dining plans. But at this campground you’re never far from a fantastic meal: fast food places like McDonald’s are close by for a quick bite; Bob Evans and Applebee’s are 2 minutes away for sit-down dinners.
If you really like to eat, as we do, there are fantastic restaurants within a mile or two of the campground. You’ll find some of the top restaurants in PA in Hershey, plus the Hershey Hotel, which has several dining rooms of its own.
Craft beer fans will be thrilled to know that Tröegs Independent Brewing and Rotunda Brew Pub are both nearby and definitely worth the visit. If shopping and relaxing are more your speed, the Hershey outlets, Hershey Gardens, and the world-famous Hershey Spa are all within about a five-minute drive. We’ll share with you some of our favorite places to eat in Hershey in an upcoming article!
Kid and Family Friendly
While we don’t have kids, we can see that this campground is particularly kid and family-friendly, even for young kids. If Hersheypark and the surrounding attractions are the main reason for your trip, and you love to camp, it’s hard to imagine a better home base than this campground. The campground is also close to Hershey’s Chocolate World, which is a great way for families with kids too young for the bigger rides to get a taste of Hershey. Chocolate World is free to enter and offers tours, shopping, and interactive candy and chocolate experiences. It’s the perfect way to give kids a dose of Hershey magic without the cost or commitment of a full theme-park day.
Getting to and From Hersheypark
This campground is ideal for getting to the park early, since even if you drive yourself, it’s a 5-minute drive to the Hershey gates. The drive around the main Hershey parking lot to find a spot is probably going to take the most time of the commute. The complimentary shuttle here means you can leave the campground in the morning without any parking hassles, spend the day riding everything Hersheypark has to offer, and be back at your site quickly for a dip in the pool or a quiet evening by the fire. It’s a great setup for families who don’t want to deal with long drives or don’t want to waste time getting to the park, and just want to get out into the great outdoors and to the park as soon as they’re ready. If you take the shuttle from the campground
The Shuttle to Hersheypark is right on site at this campground; it is a huge benefit for campers who want easy travel to and from Hersheypark from the campground.
Things to Know Before You Book
A few things are unique to this campground besides the Hershey connection. An active freight train runs along part of the property, and the trains pass by frequently, day and night — it adds a bit of charm to the stay if you ask us, but it’s certainly something to be aware of if you’re a light sleeper or camp with the windows open, especially in the sites closest to the tracks.
There are also nearby creeks that can get high during rainy seasons. We didn’t have any experience with this while we were there, so it’s hard to say how this might impact your stay or choosing your site, but it’s something to be aware of.
Not to Be Confused With Other Hershey Campgrounds
Search around, and you’ll find that other campgrounds use Hershey in the name because of the town, so it’s worth knowing which is which. Perhaps adding to the confusion, Hersheypark Camping Resort® is actually located in Hummelstown, not Hershey, but trust us – it’s the closest to Hersheypark and is the official on-site resort for those who want a Hershey, PA experience.
There’s also Hershey Road Campground (in Elizabethtown) and the Hershey KOA, two other campgrounds that are near Hersheypark, but still about a 10-15 minute drive to the park. Still, they are worth comparing if you’re weighing your options for a Hershey RV campground, or need a place to stay for the RV show when other resorts fill up.
Pros and Cons of Camping Here
Our stay here made us pretty much only see the pros. Everything you’d want to see in Hershey is extremely close by, and if you’re spending the full day at the park or at any other Hershey-area event, your commute is so easy. This is the closest RV park to the Hersheypark attractions, and if the park is the whole point of your trip, staying here keeps it a Hershey-fied experience from the moment you wake up. It’s a beautiful campground and a great way to enjoy Hershey without paying hotel prices. Still, if you’re the kind of camper who wants to be in nature and away from it all, then this campground will be on the busy
We think you’ll love it if:
- You’re planning a Hersheypark-focused trip and want a comfortable, convenient home base, or you’re using it as home base for exploring other Hershey-area attractions.
- You love RV parks that have resort-style amenities — pools, a game room, and organized activities alongside a classic camping experience with fire rings and s’mores.
- You’re traveling with a group of friends or extended family and want plenty of room to spread out, or you need a mix of tent camping, an RV site, and a cabin or tiny home for different members of your party.
- You have kids, and you want a campground that includes activities for the whole family.
- You appreciate having well-maintained facilities, a friendly staff, and a sense of community among fellow campers.
- You want the flexibility to explore this area of PA with the Amish markets, caverns, and countryside one day and hit the theme park the next.
This might not be the right fit if:
- You’re looking for a remote, back-to-nature experience with some solitude — this is an active, busy resort with lots of kids and families, especially in peak season.
- Budget is your top priority. Since the rates rise during peak booking times, there probably are a few campgrounds with lower rates in the region, though they won’t offer this level of proximity to Hershey’s attractions, and the money you’ll save on gas.
- You’re not particularly interested in the Hershey attractions and would rather stay somewhere that puts you near the farmland and quieter side of Pennsylvania Dutch Country.
- You prefer oversized sites with natural surroundings and hiking trails, more like what you’d find at a state park campground.
More to Do in the Hershey Area
Since we’ve spent a lot of time in the Hershey and Lancaster, PA areas over the years, we have plenty more tips to share about how to have fun in PA: restaurants worth a stop in Hershey, tips for attending America’s Largest RV Show (held at the Giant Center, not the Pennsylvania Farm Show Complex in Harrisburg, which hosts a different outdoor show entirely), and other things to do beyond the main attractions we’ve covered here. We also have recommendations for the best breakfast spots near Hershey, PA.
Hershey is in Central Pennsylvania, near the Susquehanna River Valley. In this central location, Lancaster is only about 35 to 40 minutes from Hershey, so it’s an easy add-on if you have the extra day. Elizabethtown and Lititz, PA — once voted America’s best small town — are also worth the short drive. We’ll be sharing our full guides and tips for both soon. You might also like our other camping articles about camping in Delaware at Lums Pond Campground and Cape Henlopen.