If you're wondering what the Hersheypark Camping Resort is like, you've come to the right place! We just returned from a fun visit to the Hershey Campgrounds, and we stayed in an adorable deluxe cabin. This cabin slept 7 people, and had indoor plumbing, air conditioning, a kitchen, and just about everything we could hope for. Read on! (*and don't forget to watch my walk-through video in the post, too!)
What is the Hersheypark Camping Resort?
Hersheypark Camping Resort (sometimes referred to by guests as the 'Hershey Campgrounds,' although this is not the official name) offers the fun of camping with the convenience and benefits of staying at an official resort of Hersheypark. You can bring a tent, park your RV, or rent a cabin. There are plenty of different cabins to choose from, as well as an entire campground of amenities and fun.
Where is the Hersheypark Camping Resort?
Hersheypark Camping Resort is located about 10 minutes from Hersheypark, at the corner of Hersheypark Drive and Sweet Street in Hummelstown, Pennsylvania.
What are the Perks of Staying at a Hershey Resort?
People always ask me where to stay when visiting Hersheypark and Hershey, PA. I truly believe you get the best overall experience by staying at a Hershey Resorts property. Guests of Hershey Resort properties (Hotel Hershey, Hershey Lodge and Hersheypark Camping Resort) receive:
-best prices on Hersheypark tickets
-valuable savings (free or discounted tickets to Hershey Gardens and The Hershey Story Museum)
-convenience/best proximity to the park and bus shuttle service
-exclusive access (Hersheypark Sweet Start early entry during certain dates and seasons)
What Does Hersheypark Camping Resort Offer?
Amenities Include:
-Country Store (sweets and more)
-Restroom and shower facilities
-Wheelchair accessible restrooms*
-Wheelchair accessible cabins*
-Fire rings and picnic tables
-Free WiFi is available throughout the Campground
-Self-service laundry
-Ice, wood, and LP gas available
-Dumping station
-Paved roads
Recreation Facilities Include:
-Two swimming pools and a kiddie pool
-Indoor game room
-Multiple playgrounds
-Basketball, volleyball courts, and shuffleboard courts
-Horseshoe pits
-Movie nights, live entertainment...and so much more
-Pool and recreation activities are available Memorial Day thru Labor Day. In addition, Halloween activities will take place the three weekends that Hersheypark In The Dark is scheduled.
Hersheypark Camping Resort Country Store
I really loved the country store- they had just about everything you could possibly need, and prices were fair, considering it was a resort store. They sold milk, bread, rolls, charcoal, kindling, condiments, breakfasts, eggs, milk, drinks - you name it, they had it! Honestly, I can't think of anything I could have needed that they didn't have. There were also plenty of cute souvenirs, self-serve slushies and milkshakes, coffee, and the ability to purchase park tickets here. And shout-out to Marcy, who worked at the country store and assisted me on the phone after our visit. Marcy personally helped me out and sent me an item that we had purchased that was accidentally thrown away (I'm not naming names, but Mr. Jersey Momma, I could be talking about you)
About the Deluxe Cabins
We really loved our little cabin. It was clean, updated, and very comfortable. I loved having our car parked right outside and everything we needed from home. A part of me missed having room service and not having to pack all of my own towels/sheets, but I know this is a totally different kind of resort experience so I can't complain!
Our cabin was a two bedroom deluxe, so it contained one bedroom with a queen sized bed, and one bedroom with bunk beds (three singles and one double bed on the bottom). The couch in the little living room was not a pull-out couch.
Our cabin was supposed to sleep 7 but we really only had three people sleeping there because 4 of my family members bailed on us. 7 people would be a tight fit- doable but you sure do have to learn to share your space! The bathroom had a very small shower (no tub). I have to admit that the shower was even smaller than the shower we had on our last cruise ship! There was a bathroom fan and a standing sink and toilet. Toilet brush and plunger were also provided. There were two rolls of toilet paper in our cabin and one roll of paper towels. I don't know if this was normally provided, so I would still bring your own just in case!
The A/C was a tad noisy but definitely kept our cabin nice and cool. There were ceiling fans in the main living room area and the bedroom. The bunk bed room had a wall fan built in that we kept on at night.
The kitchen was a huge plus for us. I didn't want to have to do any dishes, so we brought all plasticware and paper plates, but there are kitchen items supplied for you (see list below - plates, cups, silverware, etc). I should also note that you can leave "dirty" dishes when you go. All they ask is that you rinse them off and leave them neatly in the sink for housekeeping. There was no oven but there were two burners and a microwave. A coffee pot was also provided but we did not use it.
They also provided a small broom and dustpan, which came in handy for us to sweep leaves off the deck (and gave my kiddo a good job to do). There was a small TV and DVD player but honestly, we didn't use it much. There was too much to do outside!
Beds were comfortable and the cabin was clean! I really couldn't have asked for too much more. Don't I look happy?
Outside there was a cute deck with a wooden picnic table for outdoor dining. There was a campfire pit with a grate. You also get two parking spaces for your cars.
Check out my walk-through video, too!
Keep in mind that these are details for the deluxe cabins only (one bedroom and two bedroom). The log cabins and extended log cabins do not offer indoor plumbing and their amenities are similar, but different (check the website to compare). Here are some photos of what you'll find in the deluxe cabin kitchen:
Here's what else you'll find in the deluxe cabins:
2 Bedroom Deluxe Cabin:
2 Bedroom Deluxe Cabin Amenities:
Indoor plumbing, bathroom/shower
Electric
Heat and Air Conditioning
TV with cable and DVD unit
Ceiling fan or wall fan
Refrigerator
Microwave
Kitchenette appliances: 2 burner stove top, refrigerator, microwave, toaster, coffee pot (filters not included).
Serving items for 7 people: plates, bowls, mugs, plastic cups, forks, spoons, knives, and steak knives. Miscellaneous items: frying pans, sauce pan, manual can opener, measuring spoons/cups, dish drainer, and serving spoons.
Dining table with benches/chairs
Dresser
Porch with picnic table
Outside fire ring with grate
Please bring your own supply of linens, pillows, blankets, towels, personal items, and kitchen linens, such as dish towels and hot pads.
Minimum Stay Requirements
Deluxe Cabins have a 3-night Stay requirement during the summer and Holiday weekends and 2-night Stay requirement during the rest of the year.
1 Bedroom Deluxe Cabin Amenities:
Indoor plumbing, bathroom with shower, available mid-April through late October
Electric
Heat and Air Conditioning
TV with cable and DVD unit
Ceiling fan or wall fan
Refrigerator
Microwave
Kitchen appliances: 2 burner stove top, refrigerator, microwave, toaster, coffee pot (filters not included).
Serving items for 7 people: plates, bowls, mugs, plastic cups, forks, spoons, knives, and steak knives. Miscellaneous items: frying pans, sauce pan, manual can opener, measuring spoons/cups, dish drainer, and serving spoons.
Dining table with benches/chairs
Dresser
Porch with picnic table
Outside fire ring with grate
Please bring your own supply of linens, pillows, blankets, towels, personal items, and kitchen linens, such as dish towels and hot pads.
Minimum Stay Requirements
Deluxe Cabins have a 3-night stay requirement during the summer and Holiday weekends and 2-night stay requirement during the rest of the year.
*Pennsylvania health codes prohibit animals from entering our buildings. Therefore, cabin guests must refrain from bringing pets with them.
You can read more information about what to expect at the Hersheypark Camping Resort on their FAQ page.
What About the Train?
This is the number one question I heard from people when I told them we were staying at the camping resort. "What about the train?" "Did the train keep you awake?" "I heard the train is awful." This played on my anxiety so badly that I actually worried about it for a few weeks before our trip! So in case you are not aware, there is a train track that runs along the outside of the campground. Some people told me the train didn't bother them at all, others said it kept them awake. So here's what you need to know. The train does run at all hours, no matter what anyone says (that means in the middle of the night, too). It's a freight train (and some of the cars were carrying your precious Amazon packages, so you can only complain so much). You can see the train track in the map below (it runs along the top). So here are my honest thoughts about the train when staying in the deluxe cabin (I cannot vouch for other areas of the campground): it did not bother us at all! At night we kept the fan on and a small white noise machine (which we use anyway, don't judge), and we heard nothing. Outside, when sitting by the campfire, it was not very noticeable from where we were. We heard it and saw it, but it was not earth shattering and certainly nothing like people had told me (or made me worry about!! Geez!!). Here is my advice if you're concerned about the train: look at the map and choose where you want to stay. Choose an area that is away from the tracks.
That being said, there was a lot of noise at the campground anyway. Where we stayed (Coaster Crest), it was not a quiet place. Hersheypark Drive was actually very noisy, at times even noisier than the train. And for whatever reason, there was also a lot of helicopter activity when we visited (I think there is a hospital nearby). So, in all honesty, don't expect deep woods silence when you're sitting outside! Gotta keep it real, you know, that's how it was.
What to Bring
I'll be honest, I was bummed that I had to bring my own sheets and towels. It was a hassle and so much to pack, but I understand that's the whole point- it's camping, after all, and this was our cabin. One thing that saved us some trouble was bringing sleeping bags. They were perfect to put right on the beds (each mattress had a plastic cover over it that was hand dated so we knew it was "fresh." You can also put a top sheet or blanket over the mattress (under your sleeping bag). I created a little graphic for you below of what you need to bring and what is helpful to have.
For a printable version of this checklist, click here!
Pros and Cons of the Hersheypark Camping Resort
Pros (all my own opinion)
-the grounds are really pretty and peaceful to walk around, at least while we were there at the end of September. It was nice to relax here after a busy day at Hersheypark
-bus shuttle to Hersheypark was fast and convenient- ya can't beat it! It took us about ten minutes to get to the park and ten minutes back. Shuttles arrived quickly and we were never waiting long to grab one.
-I loved having our own space, with our own belongings. It felt like home by the second day.
-it's a fun place for families and friends. We had friends staying in the cabin next door and this was an absolute blast! We had our fire pit going at night and the kids were able to play together right on the lawn. The potential for multiple friends and families to visit together is huge! Can you imagine how fun that would be?
-the country store was great and had so many things you could need, so you don't have to worry about forgetting to pack anything
-location is key- the Hersheypark Camping Resort is easy to get to and surrounded by restaurants, supermarkets, stores and other modern conveniences. You don't have to drive far if you need anything.
-there are many options to choose from as far as cabins, tents or RV space. If you're not a huge fan of tent camping (like me), the cabins offer that fun 'glamping' option, while still feeling campy!
-this is an affordable option for larger families who want to visit Hersheypark and maybe can't all fit in a regular hotel room or who normally need to purchase an expensive suite at a resort. The deluxe cabins sleep 7 and the extended log cabins sleep 8!
-I loved the playground and all of the areas that kids could explore by bike or foot. So pretty and so much to do outdoors. There is even a river along the outside of the campgrounds.
Cons (all my own opinion)
-keep in mind that we visited during the last weekend of the Hersheypark summer season (the last weekend of September). Visiting at this time, we did not see any Hershey characters at the camping resort, and we did not receive a calendar of activities for kids like we would have in the Hershey Lodge or Hotel Hershey. I don't know if this is standard for the camping resort, but that was our experience.
-all of the Hershey Resort properties offer free WiFi for guests. But the WiFi at Hersheypark Camping Resort was not great. We could not get it to work at all at first, and when we did, service was spotty. Now, if you're camping or in a camping atmosphere, maybe you want to give your devices a break anyway, so perhaps it was a blessing in disguise.
-we visited at an "off" time, meaning it was not the height of the summer or their busiest season, so crowds at the campgrounds were low. But we could see the potential for it being crowded and filled with people! The deluxe cabins face each other. Although you are not right on top of each other (you do have your own fire pit and space), I can imagine it being fairly busy out there if all cabins were occupied and kids were running all over the grass. Some people don't mind this- it's a campground after all, a social place for people to be outside and enjoy the company of others! But if you think this would bother you, be sure to check the map and choose a cabin in a more private area, or choose not to visit during their busier times of year (weekdays are usually quieter, too).
-there is a significant amount of walking (but this is a campground and that's to be expected). Many kids had their own bicycles. We did not mind this (it was one of my favorite parts of the resort, actually), but it's something to keep in mind if you are not one for walks! The grounds are beautiful and we actually loved walking the paths and exploring.
-the pool is a typical campground pool. It's not overly huge and is probably due for an update soon. If you're visiting during a busy time I can imagine the pool getting quite crowded, but we did not visit during the summer so I can't attest to this.
-there are no on-site restaurants (but this is a campground, you're supposed to be cooking, people!!). The country store did offer plenty of snacks and even some wrapped sandwiches.
-I was a little bummed that the Hersheypark Camping Resort did not offer complimentary tickets to Hershey Gardens and The Hershey Story Museum like the other Hershey properties do. They offer preferred pricing instead.
Camp Dinner Suggestions
You gotta have s'mores! That goes without saying, right? But we also had a fun campfire quesadilla for dinner that I highly recommend. Here's what you need to bring:
Campfire Quesadillas
Ingredients
-pre-cooked, cut up chicken (I used Perdue Short Cuts)
-shredded cheddar cheese
-salsa
-flour tortillas
-tinfoil
-cooking spray
Note that the amount of ingredients you need depends on the size of your family or the number of people you are feeding.
1. Rip off two squares of foil (or one if you are using heavy duty wrap). Spray one side of the foil with cooking spray and place your tortilla on the foil.
2. Spread desired amount of cooked chicken on one half of the tortilla. Sprinkle with cheese and salsa.
3. Fold the tortilla over to cover the chicken. Then fold the foil over the entire quesadilla, folding up all edges so ingredients won't leak out.
4. Place over the campfire grate until quesadilla is warm and cheese melted (depends on how hot your fire is but it usually only takes a few minutes. Don't let 'em burn!). You want it just warmed enough so the cheese is melted.
5. Remove from fire and let cool. Keep it in the tinfoil to eat it. Just peel back and enjoy.
*you can also include refried beans, shredded lettuce, or any other favorite add-ins. But keep in mind you’ll have to have those ingredients handy around the fire!
For a printable version of Campfire Quesadillas, click here!
And check out some of my favorite Camping Amazon affiliate links below!
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