Headed to Hershey: The Best Campgrounds to Book

There are few small towns that can brag like Hershey, Pennsylvania. It boasts a world-renowned chocolate factory and a full-scale amusement and waterpark. It has an antique car museum and a pro hockey team. Further, it is lined with great restaurants, overflowing with outdoor activities, combed with local limestone caverns, full of fantastic vineyards and wineries — and on top of everything else, it is home to America’s Largest RV Show every September! No wonder that travelers from all corners of the continent come to attend this incredible show where over 1,500 RV models and more than 25 educational seminars celebrate the RV lifestyle! So, if you love RVs, Hershey is clearly the play to be in September. But for anyone going to Hershey, the question is: What are the best campgrounds in the area?

Well, you’re going to like what you hear. No matter what brings you to Hershey, there are several places to stay overnight in your RV — no matter your camping style. From resort-style accommodations to basic off-grid camping and Harvest Hosts locations, here are a few good options. All within five to thirty minutes of central Hershey, these campgrounds and resorts put you right in the middle of the party.

Hersheypark Camping Resort: Near the Epicenter

The land where the Hersheypark Camping Resort sits began in 1823 as the Landis Family Farm. (Currently, the original barn and home have been transformed into modern spaces for campers to enjoy.) This camping resort is family and pet-friendly, all within two to three miles of Hersheypark, the GIANT Center, and many other local activities.

• Campsite Options. Able to accommodate everything from very large RVs to tents offering full, and partial hook-ups. Cabins and newly built tiny homes on-site as well.
  
• Amenities. Volleyball, basketball, and shuffleboard courts, horseshoe pits, multiple playgrounds, game room, two swimming pools, a kiddie pool, multiple bathhouses.  Has various camp and play packages available.
• Benefits. Easy access to the RV show and Hersheypark — plus all the services you could want are right there!
• Drawbacks. Very busy! There are multiple trains that run next to the campground throughout the night. Unfortunately, you will hear them unless you camp next to the creek.
• Courtesy Shuttle. Free, takes you directly to the RV show and/or Hersheypark.
• Availability. Open all year.
• How to Book. Reservations required. Book online up to a year in advance. Prices range based on type of campsite.

Hershey Road Campground: A Close-But-Quiet Retreat

A twenty-acre, family-owned, family and pet-oriented destination park near Hershey, the Hershey Road Campground is still in a more rural setting. Loaded with amenities and a completely remodeled campground, it is located about 10 miles from most Hershey destinations.

• Campsite Options. Accommodates large RVs and everything else down to pop-up campers. Has full and partial hook-ups and newly built cabins onsite as well.
• Amenities. Pool, splash pad, playground, arcade, camp store, fishing pond, miniature golf course, small dog park, laundry, and remodeled bathhouse.  
• Benefits. Close to the RV show and Hersheypark with less nearby traffic.
• Drawbacks. A bit further out, so plan on more driving time to local activities.
• Courtesy Shuttle. None.
• Availability. Open all year with fully-winterized sites.
• How to Book Reservations required. Book online up to a year in advance. Prices range based on type of campsite.

Hershey Entertainment & Resorts: Dry Camping the Show

Hershey Entertainment & Resorts provides overnight dry camping in the field across from the Giant Center and Hersheypark in an effort to accommodate the huge number of RVers seeking to camp during the RV show each September. 

• Camping Options:  Flat, open, grassy field. No electrical hook-ups, dump, or water.  Generators are allowed, but solar gain is great!
• Amenities. 24-hour security.
• Benefits. Quick and easy access to the RV show and Hersheypark. No major planning or reservations required. A huge community of campers return every year.
• Drawbacks. Camping field is right along Hersheypark Drive. So, there’s lots of traffic noise all day.
• Courtesy Shuttle. Free, takes you directly to the show.
• Availability. Based on the dates of America’s Largest RV Show. For 2025, dry camping is available from September 8–15.
• How to Book:  First-come, first-served. No reservations required, perfect for last minute travelers! It is $60 per night + $10 (a one-time charge) for vehicles towed behind a motorhome. Credit cards are accepted for payment, collected at the gate between 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m.

Elizabethtown/Hershey KOA Holiday: The While-You’re-In-PA Spot

Located a bit further out from Hershey locations, but more central to places like Gettysburg, Lancaster, the Susquehanna River, and Amish country, the Elizabethtown KOA offers a convenient point from which to explore southeastern Pennsylvania and — of course — also attend the RV show and enjoy Hersheypark.

• Campsite Options. Hosts RVs of all sizes down to tent campers. The KOA offers full and partial hook-ups. There are also cabins and lodges onsite.
• Amenities. Pool, fishing, mini golf, laundry, horseshoe pits, snack bar, camp store, pet areas, playgrounds, recreation hall, volleyball and basketball courts, multiple bathhouses.
• Benefits. Centrally located to a variety of Pennsylvania recreation areas and sightseeing activities.
• Drawbacks. A bit further out, so plan on more driving time to Hershey-related activities.
• Courtesy Shuttle. None.
• Availability. Mid-April to late October.
• How to Book. Reservations required. Book online up to a year in advance.  Prices range based on type of campsite.

Harvest Hosts: A Short, Members-Only Stay

In addition to campgrounds in the local area, there are several fantastic Harvest Hosts within 30 minutes of Hershey — including farms, wineries, breweries, and golf courses. While most only offer a one night stay, the Vineyard & Brewery at Hershey offers up to four nights! Members can book right through the app.

Soak In America’s Largest RV Show

No matter which of the many Hershey campgrounds you choose, enjoy the heck outta America’s largest RV show — and be sure to come find us at the RV Show in the Champions Club Room in the Giant Center.  We offer two different RV Lifestyle Seminars per day during the five-day show!