Camping near Lancaster PA

Bill/Diana wrote:

jfkmk wrote:
Thanks all, I definitely appreciate all your suggestions! I'll check them out tonight.

So what is your final decision????

Sadly, I haven't had the chance to look yet (busy week!). But, it is the weekend now, so I'll have more time. I'll let you know!

I am over the whole Amish experience, but still love Sight & Sound Theater and anywhere OUTSIDE of those tourist trap areas.

Last time we travelled that way, we stayed at STARLIGHT CAMPING RESORT

It is roughly half way between Hersey and Sight & Sound. A quick drive, and we watched NOAH, ate with strangers, then drove back to peace and quiet.

Another day...quick drive and I learned all about Miltom Hersey, and got my Master's in Chocolate Tasting.

If you are going to do the WHOLE TOURIST TRAP THINGY....this would not work for you. Might as well stay at Old Mill Stream, or one of the others suggested. That way you can ride the train, see a show, tour on a buggy, etc...

Personally....if you want to se Amish, leave Lancaster. Or better yet, come to Western PA/Eastern Ohio. All kind of Amish in their natural Habitat (that sounds awful, put that way).

jfkmk wrote:
Thanks all, I definitely appreciate all your suggestions! I'll check them out tonight.

So what is your final decision????

Roamers Retreat is on the noisy side, right off Route 30 - get a site towards the back if you can. Pulling out of the CG on to the highway can be difficult with traffic.

Beacon Hill does not allow anyone below 16 years old. Getting in and out of that area via Route 340 can be a challenge in the prime summer tourist area.

Roamers Retreat off Route 30. Quiet and playground for kids. The Amish also come through every night selling baked goods. Good stuff

We live near the Lancaster area and frequently camp there.

I suggest Old Mill Steam campground, which is behind Dutch Wonderland, OR Beacon Hill campground, which is within walking distance of the town of Intercourse.

Neither one has many amenities, but both are clean and well kept.

If you decide to camp at one of these places, I suggest you reserve soon-they fill up fast.

You have to be careful when selecting a campground in Lancaster. This is a fairly spread out area and it can easily take a bit if time to get from a campground into the "tourist" area.

Both Old Mill Stream and Beacon Hill are close to everything.

Country Haven. Great views, quiet, good hookups (very iffy WiFi).

Thanks all, I definitely appreciate all your suggestions! I'll check them out tonight.

On our last visit we stayed at Beacon Hill in Intercourse. We were right across a small lane from an active Amish farm, so we could watch the work in the fields. This is where we would go again.

CloudDriver wrote:
We have stayed several times at Country Haven Campground when visiting the Amish area near Lancaster.

If you go, try the Shady Maple Smorgasbord nearby in East Earl. Go hungry - all you can eat!

We also like to ride the Strasburg Railroad. The PA Railroad Museum is right across the street and has some huge steam engines and more.

X2. This is a perfect suggestion. The view from Country Haven CG is exceptional. Click here to view some detailed feedback about Country Haven.

Hope you find this info helpful.