10 Sweet Tips for Tent Campers at Hersheypark Camping Resort
Enjoy these top tips for a sweet summer camping getaway in Hershey, PA
Nothing says summer quite like a camping trip. And for those who love riding roller coasters as much as they love making s’mores, there’s no sweeter place for a summer camping getaway than Hersheypark Camping Resort.
Located here in Hershey, Pa., just down the road from Hersheypark, this year-round campground is home to more than 300 open and shaded sites across 55 acres of emerald hills. With 50 cabins as well as full hook-up sites with electric, water, sewer and cable; partial hook-up sites with electric, water, and cable; and no hook-up tent sites; the campground offers something for everyone.
While our cabins and RV sites make for cozy accommodations, there’s something special about pitching a tent along the creek and enjoying Pennsylvania nature. In honor of National Camping Month this June, we’ve put together some tent camping tips to help you plan for a sweet visit.
1. Choose a sweet site
For tent campers, Hersheypark Camping Resort offers both primitive camping sites with no hook-ups and partial hook-up sites that feature electric, water and cable. Both come equipped with a fire ring for s’mores and a picnic table for family dinners. But when choosing the perfect site for your group, please be aware that most of the partial hook-up sites are on gravel, so we recommend packing accordingly (see tip #2). Additional campground amenities include free WiFi, restroom and shower facilities, self-service laundry, and a store that sells firewood, s’mores supplies, coffee, sweet souvenirs and more.
View our campground map to help you choose the perfect site.
2. Bring a sleeping pad and tarp
A sleeping pad and tarp should be at the top of your packing list. When pitching your tent, be sure to place your tarp underneath to help protect your tent from gravel and keep the bottom of your tent dry from moisture. A sleeping pad will also help make for a more comfortable sleep.
3. Make campfire-friendly meals in advance
Before you arrive, make campfire-friendly meals in advance to help make both packing and meal time at camp a little bit easier. For example, shaking up eggs and putting them in a bottle is easier than bringing a carton of eggs that could easily break in transit.
4. Wash your dishes at the outdoor sinks
Hersheypark Camping Resort kindly asks that guests refrain from washing dishes at their site. Instead, campers are encouraged to use the outdoor sinks at the bath houses located in each campground section to wash their dishes and cooking supplies.
5. Be prepared for the weather and the outdoors
Check the weather forecast before your visit and make sure you’re prepared for time spent outdoors with bug spray, sunscreen and rain gear. Select items and camping supplies can be found at the Country Store, located in Historic Landis Barn.
6. Download CampersAPP
Campers are encouraged to download CampersAPP to stay up-to-date with campground information and alerts. The app also includes augmented reality games, a campground map and more. The login key is HPCRMoose.
7. Check out the campground activities schedule
To help plan a sweet day, we recommend checking out our activities schedule and saving some time to enjoy campground recreation. A number of recreational facilities are available for campers, including outdoor swimming pools (open through Labor Day), playgrounds, an indoor game room, community s’mores area, shuffleboard, and basketball and volleyball courts. Campers are asked to supply their own sports equipment. Additionally, on select dates, the campground offers family-friendly activities ranging from Critter Connections (an educational animal program) to comedy magic shows with Mr. Sneakers. View our upcoming activities schedule here.
8. Enjoy our FREE Resort Benefits
If you're planning a visit to Hersheypark during your stay, be sure to take advantage of all of the perks that come with being a guest of Hersheypark Camping Resort! All campers receive the below FREE Resort Benefits:
- Extra hours at Hersheypark with Sweet Start and Preview Plan
- Sweet Start: Enjoy 1-hour early access to select rides during the daily Summer season (available May 25 through Sept. 10, 2023).
- Preview Plan: Enjoy up to three extra evening hours the night before your full-day visit.
- FREE front gate shuttle service to the exclusive resort drop-off location at Hersheypark
- Best price on Hersheypark tickets
9. Pack a camp chair to lounge in
Don’t forget to bring a camp chair! When you’re not busy riding the day away at Hersheypark, making splashes in the pool, playing on the playgrounds or enjoying other campground recreation and activities, make some time to relax in your camp chair and take in the beauty of the outdoors.
Planning a camping getaway? We can't wait to welcome you! Here's a guide to everything you need to know to help you prepare for a sweet campground visit in The Sweetest Place On Earth.
Happy camping!