RV Parks In Hershey, Pennsylvania
40.2859° N, 76.6502° W
Quick Overview
Hershey is one of those rare places where the RV trip and the destination are the same thing. Most folks roll in here for Hersheypark and the chocolate, and they leave their rig parked the whole time while the kids ride coasters and everybody eats their weight in Kisses. It is a family-vacation town first and an RV town second, which shapes where you stay and how you book.
For RVers the standout is Hersheypark Camping Resort, the official Hersheypark campground a few miles from the park gates. It runs more than 300 sites including full-hookup sites with electric, water, sewer, and cable, takes rigs up to 45 feet with pull-throughs, and gives guests a free front-gate shuttle plus early-entry perks. That shuttle alone is worth a lot when you are wrangling tired kids at closing time. Two strong private full-hookup parks round out the close-in options: Pinch Pond Family Campground in northern Lancaster County, with 50-amp pull-throughs sized for big rigs and an easy hop off the PA Turnpike, and Hershey Road Campground near Elizabethtown with 184 full-hookup RV sites.
If you want public land and a lower nightly rate, Gifford Pinchot State Park sits about 25 miles west on Pinchot Lake. The Pennsylvania DCNR runs a 289-site campground there with electric on most sites, a handful of full-hookup sites, and an on-site dump station, open early April through the end of October. It trades the shuttle convenience for a quieter lakeside base and real savings.
Two things drive booking here. Summer is Hersheypark peak season, so weekends fill fast. And every September the area hosts America's Largest RV Show at the Giant Center (Sept 16-20 for 2026), which packs every park in a wide radius. We cover all of that below, plus the big-rig route in, real cost ranges, and the day trips that make Hershey a smart hub. Need to empty your tanks? See our guide to RV dump stations in Hershey.
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All Dump Stations Near Hershey
| Station Name | Distance | Rating | Category | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Hersheypark Camping Resort | 2.5 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Irvin Swatara Acres Creekside RV & Camp Parks | 3.3 mi | 5.0 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Camp Seltzer | 4.2 mi | 4.8 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Hershey Road Campground | 6.3 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Thousand Trails Hershey | 6.8 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Harrisburg East Campground And Storage | 8.6 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Elizabethtown / Hershey Koa Holiday | 9.9 mi | 4.5 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Gretna Oaks Camping Inc | 11.1 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Pinch Pond Family Campground | 11.1 mi | 4.2 | RV Park | Varies |
| Pinch Pond Family Campground | 11.1 mi | N/A | RV Park | Varies |
Hersheypark Camping Resort
2.5 miIrvin Swatara Acres Creekside RV & Camp Parks
3.3 miCamp Seltzer
4.2 miHershey Road Campground
6.3 miThousand Trails Hershey
6.8 miHarrisburg East Campground And Storage
8.6 miElizabethtown / Hershey Koa Holiday
9.9 miGretna Oaks Camping Inc
11.1 miPinch Pond Family Campground
11.1 miPinch Pond Family Campground
11.1 miTraveling to Hershey by RV
Hershey sits just east of Harrisburg in south-central Pennsylvania, and getting a rig in is straightforward if you pick the right approach. The main routes through town are US-422 (Chocolate Avenue), US-322, and PA-743, fed by I-81, I-83, PA-283, and the Pennsylvania Turnpike (I-76). Most RVers come in via I-81 to I-83/I-283, then PA-283 East to the Elizabethtown/Hershey exit at PA-743.
One real big-rig note: PA-743 has a designated truck route that bypasses the narrow US-322 intersection in downtown Hershey. Follow the truck-route signage and you skip the tight downtown corner on Chocolate Avenue, which is no fun in a 40-footer during summer traffic. The state's own getting-here directions spell out the turnpike approaches if you are coming from farther out.
Harrisburg is about 15 miles west, so groceries, propane, fuel, and RV service are all close. For fly-and-rent trips, Harrisburg International Airport (MDT) is roughly 20 minutes from the campgrounds. Lancaster and the Dutch Country sit under an hour southeast, and Gettysburg is under an hour southwest, which makes Hershey a genuinely good base for a week of regional touring rather than a one-stop park visit.
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Before You Go: RV Trip Essentials
Dump stations are only one piece of the trip puzzle. Before you set out for your trip to Hershey, Pennsylvania, it's worth taking thirty minutes to check that the basics are in place — the four areas below are where unprepared RVers most often get stung.
Check your RV insurance coverage
A standard auto policy rarely covers a Class A, Class C, or travel trailer the way a dedicated RV insurance policy does. If you're financing a motorhome, lenders typically require comprehensive and collision; full-timers should additionally price in vacation liability and personal belongings coverage. Rates vary widely by state and travel pattern — compare quotes from multiple RV-focused carriers before each season.
Know your roadside assistance options
RV-specific roadside plans tow motorhomes and trailers that regular AAA coverage won't touch — flat beds, mobile mechanics, tire service for duallies, and even emergency lockouts at remote campgrounds. Good plans cover your spouse and trailer even if you're driving a separate vehicle, and some include trip interruption reimbursement if a breakdown costs you a reservation.
Decide about an extended warranty early
Original manufacturer warranties on new RVs typically run 12–24 months — shorter than most buyers realize. An extended service contract (essentially a mechanical breakdown policy) covers the appliances, slides, levelling systems, and drivetrain components that can run $3,000–$10,000 to replace. The time to price one is before the factory coverage expires, not after something breaks.
Set up a travel rewards card for fuel and fees
A no-annual-fee travel or gas rewards card pays for itself on a single month of RV travel. Expect to spend $400–$800 per week combined on fuel, campgrounds, and propane — 3–5% cash back on gas alone covers the next oil change. For bigger trips, a sign-up bonus can offset campground fees for the whole season.
RVingLife is supported by advertising. Third-party ads on this page may include insurance quotes, roadside plans, warranty coverage, or financial products relevant to the topics above. We don't endorse any specific provider — compare multiple offers before you commit. Privacy policy.
Dump Station Costs in Hershey
Camping cost around Hershey splits sharply between public and private. Gifford Pinchot State Park is the budget play, with Pennsylvania state-park electric sites landing in the value band, well under what the private parks charge. It is the clear winner if your goal is cheap nights and you do not mind the 25-minute drive into town.
The private parks cost more because of location and amenities. Hersheypark Camping Resort sits at the top of the local range, reflecting the shuttle, early-entry access, pools, and proximity to the gates. Pinch Pond and Hershey Road Campground land in the mid range with full hookups and pull-throughs. Expect peak-season summer weekends and the September RV-show week to price higher and sell out, while spring and fall midweek stays are both cheaper and easier to book.
Budget for park admission too. Hersheypark tickets are the real expense of a Hershey trip, often more than the campsite. ZooAmerica is included with Hersheypark, and Hershey's Chocolate World is free to enter, so you can balance a big ticket day with free and low-cost ones.
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Prices may vary. Always confirm with the station before visiting.
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Best Time to Visit Hershey by RV
Winter
Nov - Feb
24°F - 40°F
Crowds: Low
Gifford Pinchot closes at the end of October and most private parks scale way back. Hersheypark Camping Resort is a year-round facility but with limited winter operation, so call ahead.
Spring
Mar - May
42°F - 64°F
Crowds: Low
Parks reopen, with Gifford Pinchot in early April and Hersheypark Camping Resort daily from late May. Cooler and quieter, and the easiest time to book before summer fills up.
Summer
Jun - Aug
64°F - 85°F
Crowds: High
Hersheypark peak season. The camping resort runs daily and weekends sell out, so reserve months ahead. Hot and humid, and the water park is a relief.
Fall
Sep - Oct
45°F - 67°F
Crowds: Medium
September brings America's Largest RV Show (Sept 16-20, 2026) and area parks fill that week. After it, fall color and cool nights make for the best-value camping of the year.
Explore the Hershey Area
Stay at Hersheypark Camping Resort if Hersheypark is your main reason for the trip. The free front-gate shuttle and early-entry perks save you the parking hassle and the long walk back to the lot with kids who are done for the day. It costs more than the public option, but the convenience is real and it is the official park campground.
Book the September RV-show week early. America's Largest RV Show (Sept 16-20, 2026) fills every park near Hershey, so if you want to attend, lock in your site months ahead or plan to stay farther out and drive in. Summer weekends book up too, just not quite as brutally.
Want a cheaper, quieter base? Use Gifford Pinchot State Park on Pinchot Lake and drive the 25 minutes in. You give up the shuttle, but you gain lake swimming, sailing, fishing, and a nightly rate that is a fraction of the resort. Reserve through ReserveAmerica up to 11 months out for summer dates.
If you are running a big rig, follow the PA-743 truck route and avoid the narrow US-322 corner downtown. And treat Hershey as a hub: Gettysburg, Lancaster Dutch Country, and Harrisburg are all easy day trips, so you can park once and see a lot without breaking camp.
National Parks Nearby
Frequently Asked Questions About Dump Stations in Hershey
What are the best RV parks and campgrounds in Hershey, PA?
For most RVers the top pick is Hersheypark Camping Resort, the official Hersheypark campground with 300-plus sites, full hookups, pull-throughs for rigs up to 45 feet, and a free shuttle to the park gates. Pinch Pond Family Campground in northern Lancaster County and Hershey Road Campground near Elizabethtown are solid private full-hookup alternatives with big-rig pull-throughs. For public camping and a lower nightly rate, Gifford Pinchot State Park on Pinchot Lake, run by Pennsylvania DCNR, sits about 25 miles west with electric sites and a dump station.
Do Hershey campgrounds have full hookups (water, electric, sewer)?
Yes, the private parks do. Hersheypark Camping Resort offers full-hookup sites with electric, water, sewer, and cable, plus partial sites with electric, water, and cable. Pinch Pond and Hershey Road Campground both run full-hookup RV sites with 30 and 50-amp service. At the public option, Gifford Pinchot State Park, most sites are electric-only with 22 full-hookup sites available, and there is an on-site dump station for everyone else. If you need full hookups, book one of the private parks or grab one of the limited full-hookup sites at the state park early.
How much does RV camping cost in Hershey?
It splits by public versus private. Gifford Pinchot State Park is the budget choice, with Pennsylvania state-park electric sites well below private rates, so it is the value pick if you do not mind a 25-minute drive into town. Hersheypark Camping Resort sits at the top of the local range, reflecting the shuttle, early entry, and proximity to the gates. Pinch Pond and Hershey Road land in the mid range with full hookups. Summer weekends and the September RV-show week price higher and sell out, while spring and fall midweek stays are both cheaper and easier to book.
How far ahead do I need to reserve a campsite in Hershey?
Sooner than you think for the busy windows. Summer weekends at Hersheypark Camping Resort fill fast, so book a month or more ahead. The single hardest week is America's Largest RV Show every September, which packs every park in a wide radius, so reserve months out if you want to attend. Gifford Pinchot State Park opens its reservation window 11 months in advance through ReserveAmerica, and popular summer lakeside sites go early. Spring and fall midweek stays are the exception and can often be booked close to your trip.
When is the best time to go RV camping in Hershey?
It depends on what you want. Summer is peak Hersheypark season with the longest park hours and the water park running, but also the biggest crowds, heat, and humidity. Fall is the sweet spot for value and weather, with cool nights and color, though the September RV-show week is busy. Spring is quiet and easy to book once parks reopen, with Gifford Pinchot in early April and the camping resort from late May. Winter is slow, with the state park closed and private parks scaled back, so call ahead.
Can big rigs (35 to 40 feet and up) camp in Hershey?
Yes. Hersheypark Camping Resort permits RVs and trailers up to 45 feet and offers pull-through sites, so 40-footers fit comfortably. Pinch Pond Family Campground and Hershey Road Campground both run big-rig-friendly full-hookup pull-throughs with 50-amp service. Gifford Pinchot State Park is more mixed, since it is an older public campground, so confirm the site length when you book rather than assuming a long rig will fit. For getting in, follow the PA-743 truck route to bypass the narrow US-322 intersection in downtown Hershey.
Are there free or first-come (boondocking) options near Hershey?
Not really. Hershey is a reservation-driven destination market built around a major amusement park, not a boondocking area, so plan on booking a site rather than counting on first-come or dispersed camping. The closest thing to a budget public option is Gifford Pinchot State Park, where Pennsylvania state-park electric sites cost a fraction of the private resorts, but those still take reservations and fill in summer. If you want cheap and flexible, target shoulder-season midweek dates at the state park and book through ReserveAmerica.
How close is Hersheypark Camping Resort to Hersheypark?
It is just a few miles from the park gates, and it is the official Hersheypark campground, which is the whole point of staying there. Guests get a free front-gate shuttle to an exclusive resort drop-off at Hersheypark, plus early-entry perks like extra park hours and the ability to preview the park the evening before your full day. That combination means you do not deal with general parking or the long walk back to the lot, which matters a lot when you are traveling with kids who run out of steam by late afternoon.
What is the America's Largest RV Show in Hershey?
It is the biggest RV show in the country, held every September at the Giant Center in Hershey, on Sept 16-20 for 2026. The show fills 33 football fields with nearly 1,500 RVs from about 40 manufacturers, plus dealers and seminars. For campers it has one big practical effect: it packs every campground in a wide radius around Hershey for that week, so if you want to attend in your own rig, book your site months ahead or plan to stay farther out and drive in. It is a great event if you are RV shopping.
What is there to do in Hershey besides Hersheypark?
Plenty, which is why Hershey makes a good multi-day base. Hershey's Chocolate World is free to enter and has a chocolate-making tour and a build-your-own candy bar attraction. ZooAmerica is an 11-acre walk-through zoo with 200-plus North American animals, included with Hersheypark admission. Hershey Gardens has a 23-acre garden and a year-round indoor Butterfly Atrium. Beyond town, Gettysburg National Military Park and Lancaster Dutch Country are both under an hour away, so you can park the rig once and fill a week with day trips.
Is Hershey a good base for visiting Gettysburg and Lancaster?
Yes, that is one of its real strengths. From a Hershey campground, Gettysburg National Military Park is under an hour southwest and Lancaster Dutch Country is under an hour southeast, with Harrisburg about 15 miles west for supplies and services. That puts a Civil War battlefield, the Amish farm country, the state capital, and a major amusement park all within easy day-trip range of one campsite. Instead of breaking camp every day, you can settle into one park for the week and drive out to a different attraction each day.
When do campgrounds near Hershey open and close for the season?
It varies by park. Gifford Pinchot State Park runs early April through the end of October, which is typical for a Pennsylvania DCNR campground. Hersheypark Camping Resort is technically a year-round facility but runs daily May 21 through Labor Day (Sept 7) for the 2026 main season, with limited operation outside that, so call ahead for spring or fall dates. The private parks like Pinch Pond and Hershey Road are seasonal spring-through-fall operations. If you are planning a winter trip, confirm directly before you roll in, since most options scale back or close.
Are Hershey campgrounds good for families?
Very much so. This is one of the most family-oriented RV destinations in the Northeast. Hersheypark Camping Resort is built around the amusement-park trip, with pools, a game room, family activities, and the shuttle that makes a day at the park manageable with kids. Pinch Pond has a large swimming pool, a fishing pond, a playground, and an indoor game room. Even the public option, Gifford Pinchot State Park, has lake swimming, a pool, and easy hiking. Add ZooAmerica, Hershey Gardens, and Chocolate World nearby, and there is no shortage of things to keep kids busy.
What are the best RV parks and campgrounds in Hershey, PA?
For most RVers the top pick is Hersheypark Camping Resort, the official Hersheypark campground with 300-plus sites, full hookups, pull-throughs for rigs up to 45 feet, and a free shuttle to the park gates. Pinch Pond Family Campground in northern Lancaster County and Hershey Road Campground near Elizabethtown are solid private full-hookup alternatives with big-rig pull-throughs. For public camping and a lower nightly rate, Gifford Pinchot State Park on Pinchot Lake, run by Pennsylvania DCNR, sits about 25 miles west with electric sites and a dump station.
Do Hershey campgrounds have full hookups (water, electric, sewer)?
Yes, the private parks do. Hersheypark Camping Resort offers full-hookup sites with electric, water, sewer, and cable, plus partial sites with electric, water, and cable. Pinch Pond and Hershey Road Campground both run full-hookup RV sites with 30 and 50-amp service. At the public option, Gifford Pinchot State Park, most sites are electric-only with 22 full-hookup sites available, and there is an on-site dump station for everyone else. If you need full hookups, book one of the private parks or grab one of the limited full-hookup sites at the state park early.
How much does RV camping cost in Hershey?
It splits by public versus private. Gifford Pinchot State Park is the budget choice, with Pennsylvania state-park electric sites well below private rates, so it is the value pick if you do not mind a 25-minute drive into town. Hersheypark Camping Resort sits at the top of the local range, reflecting the shuttle, early entry, and proximity to the gates. Pinch Pond and Hershey Road land in the mid range with full hookups. Summer weekends and the September RV-show week price higher and sell out, while spring and fall midweek stays are both cheaper and easier to book.
How far ahead do I need to reserve a campsite in Hershey?
Sooner than you think for the busy windows. Summer weekends at Hersheypark Camping Resort fill fast, so book a month or more ahead. The single hardest week is America's Largest RV Show every September, which packs every park in a wide radius, so reserve months out if you want to attend. Gifford Pinchot State Park opens its reservation window 11 months in advance through ReserveAmerica, and popular summer lakeside sites go early. Spring and fall midweek stays are the exception and can often be booked close to your trip.
When is the best time to go RV camping in Hershey?
It depends on what you want. Summer is peak Hersheypark season with the longest park hours and the water park running, but also the biggest crowds, heat, and humidity. Fall is the sweet spot for value and weather, with cool nights and color, though the September RV-show week is busy. Spring is quiet and easy to book once parks reopen, with Gifford Pinchot in early April and the camping resort from late May. Winter is slow, with the state park closed and private parks scaled back, so call ahead.
Can big rigs (35 to 40 feet and up) camp in Hershey?
Yes. Hersheypark Camping Resort permits RVs and trailers up to 45 feet and offers pull-through sites, so 40-footers fit comfortably. Pinch Pond Family Campground and Hershey Road Campground both run big-rig-friendly full-hookup pull-throughs with 50-amp service. Gifford Pinchot State Park is more mixed, since it is an older public campground, so confirm the site length when you book rather than assuming a long rig will fit. For getting in, follow the PA-743 truck route to bypass the narrow US-322 intersection in downtown Hershey.
Are there free or first-come (boondocking) options near Hershey?
Not really. Hershey is a reservation-driven destination market built around a major amusement park, not a boondocking area, so plan on booking a site rather than counting on first-come or dispersed camping. The closest thing to a budget public option is Gifford Pinchot State Park, where Pennsylvania state-park electric sites cost a fraction of the private resorts, but those still take reservations and fill in summer. If you want cheap and flexible, target shoulder-season midweek dates at the state park and book through ReserveAmerica.
How close is Hersheypark Camping Resort to Hersheypark?
It is just a few miles from the park gates, and it is the official Hersheypark campground, which is the whole point of staying there. Guests get a free front-gate shuttle to an exclusive resort drop-off at Hersheypark, plus early-entry perks like extra park hours and the ability to preview the park the evening before your full day. That combination means you do not deal with general parking or the long walk back to the lot, which matters a lot when you are traveling with kids who run out of steam by late afternoon.
What is the America's Largest RV Show in Hershey?
It is the biggest RV show in the country, held every September at the Giant Center in Hershey, on Sept 16-20 for 2026. The show fills 33 football fields with nearly 1,500 RVs from about 40 manufacturers, plus dealers and seminars. For campers it has one big practical effect: it packs every campground in a wide radius around Hershey for that week, so if you want to attend in your own rig, book your site months ahead or plan to stay farther out and drive in. It is a great event if you are RV shopping.
What is there to do in Hershey besides Hersheypark?
Plenty, which is why Hershey makes a good multi-day base. Hershey's Chocolate World is free to enter and has a chocolate-making tour and a build-your-own candy bar attraction. ZooAmerica is an 11-acre walk-through zoo with 200-plus North American animals, included with Hersheypark admission. Hershey Gardens has a 23-acre garden and a year-round indoor Butterfly Atrium. Beyond town, Gettysburg National Military Park and Lancaster Dutch Country are both under an hour away, so you can park the rig once and fill a week with day trips.
Is Hershey a good base for visiting Gettysburg and Lancaster?
Yes, that is one of its real strengths. From a Hershey campground, Gettysburg National Military Park is under an hour southwest and Lancaster Dutch Country is under an hour southeast, with Harrisburg about 15 miles west for supplies and services. That puts a Civil War battlefield, the Amish farm country, the state capital, and a major amusement park all within easy day-trip range of one campsite. Instead of breaking camp every day, you can settle into one park for the week and drive out to a different attraction each day.
When do campgrounds near Hershey open and close for the season?
It varies by park. Gifford Pinchot State Park runs early April through the end of October, which is typical for a Pennsylvania DCNR campground. Hersheypark Camping Resort is technically a year-round facility but runs daily May 21 through Labor Day (Sept 7) for the 2026 main season, with limited operation outside that, so call ahead for spring or fall dates. The private parks like Pinch Pond and Hershey Road are seasonal spring-through-fall operations. If you are planning a winter trip, confirm directly before you roll in, since most options scale back or close.
Are Hershey campgrounds good for families?
Very much so. This is one of the most family-oriented RV destinations in the Northeast. Hersheypark Camping Resort is built around the amusement-park trip, with pools, a game room, family activities, and the shuttle that makes a day at the park manageable with kids. Pinch Pond has a large swimming pool, a fishing pond, a playground, and an indoor game room. Even the public option, Gifford Pinchot State Park, has lake swimming, a pool, and easy hiking. Add ZooAmerica, Hershey Gardens, and Chocolate World nearby, and there is no shortage of things to keep kids busy.
Are there free dump stations in Hershey?
Yes — there are free RV waste disposal options available near Hershey.
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