The city of Hershey may be best known as the home of its namesake's chocolate empire, but this Pennsylvania region is also a popular attraction for campers and outdoors enthusiasts. Even the most devoted chocolate lovers can ditch the sweets, and head for one of the region's many private or state-run campgrounds for an overnight getaway or an extended stay that is packed with fishing and hiking.
State Park Camping
Nature lovers will enjoy the nearby Gifford Pinchot State Park. This 2,338-acre state-run region is a short drive from downtown Hershey. Campers will find 339 sites that are open annually from mid-April through the end of October. This wooded state park provides sites for tents or RVs, some with electric hook-ups. Several cabins, cottages and Mongolian-style yurt tents are also available for campers to rent. While camping at Gifford Pinchot you can visit Pinchot Lake, boat, swim, try out the 18-hole disc golf course, bike, ride horseback, or hike the grounds trails. Reservations may be made online via the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources website or by calling 888-PA-PARKS.
Group Camping
The Hershey, Pennsylvania area, offers a variety of campground choices for groups that may range from relatives to schools and church groups. The local state park, Gifford Pinchot, has 50 sites that comprise a specialized group campground. A group maximum of 250 people can reserve this modern wooded area. Groups must make advance reservations. Privately owned grounds such as the Elizabethtown/Hershey KOA also provide group reservations. Open from April through the beginning of November, this local campground features tent and RV sites, fishing, swimming, two children's playgrounds, and family-friendly activities.
Camping Near Hershey Park
After a day riding the coasters or splashing at the park's Boardwalk water area, Hershey Park guests can relax at one the area's privately-owned campgrounds. Enjoy late afternoon fishing or a vigorous morning hike as to complement your amusement-filled vacation. The Hershey Highmeadow Campground has 300 sites on 55 acres of property that includes tent, RV, and cabin camping. Visitors can enjoy activities such as swimming, basketball, volleyball and shuffleboard. Guests are eligible to receive preferred ticket pricing to Hershey Park and surrounding amusements.
Hiking and Biking Near Hershey
Hershey campers can hike or bike a number of area trails that range from easy to strenuous. The Appalachian National Scenic Trail runs from Georgia to Maine, and passes near to the north and west of Hershey in Pennsylvania. As a hiking trail, this scenic passage is traveled by approximately 4 million hikers per year. Biking is prohibited on the trail. The Horse-shoe Trail runs from Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, to connect with the Appalachian Trail 12 miles north of Hershey. Hikers and horse/pony riders can try out this local scenic trek or opt for another nearby trail including over 20 miles worth at Gifford Pinchot Park.
Water Activities
The Hershey area offers water activities that range from swimming to boating and fishing. Campers at the Hershey Highmeadow Campground can opt for the site's two swimming pools or a natural waterway such as Memorial and Pinchot Lakes. On Memorial State Park's 230 acres, Memorial Lake offers fishing, boating, and boat rentals. Pinchot Lake provides a boat launch and a variety of fish to catch.
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