RV Campgrounds & Parks In Dover, PA -- Find RV Parks
40.0018° N, 76.8503° W
Quick Overview
Dover sits in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch country, where rolling farmland meets small-town charm just 30 minutes south of Harrisburg. This York County community puts you right in the middle of Amish country, with working farms, covered bridges, and roadside produce stands creating an authentic rural Pennsylvania experience. The town's location along Route 74 makes it a perfect base for exploring both Lancaster County's attractions and the Civil War battlefields around Gettysburg.
The Dover area offers several RV campgrounds and parks, with all seven being privately operated facilities that cater to different camping styles. You won't find any some free camping options here, but the paid parks deliver solid amenities and convenient access to the region's top attractions. Most parks feature full hookups with 30/50-amp service, and several offer seasonal sites for snowbirds who want to settle in for extended stays during the warmer months.
From your campsite near Dover, you're within easy driving distance of Lancaster's famous farmers markets, the Strasburg Rail Road, and dozens of Amish farms offering tours and fresh goods. Gettysburg National Military Park sits just 25 miles south, while Hershey's chocolate attractions are about 45 minutes northeast. The area's back roads reveal covered bridges, one-room schoolhouses, and family farms where you can buy everything from fresh milk to handcrafted furniture directly from the source.
Dover's RV parks tend to attract families and couples who want full amenities without the crowds of larger tourist destinations. You'll find well-maintained facilities with clean restrooms, laundry facilities, and often recreational amenities like pools or playgrounds. The parks here cater to both overnight travelers passing through on I-83 and longer-term visitors who want to explore Pennsylvania Dutch country at a relaxed pace. Several campgrounds offer group sites and can accommodate larger RVs with slide-outs.
Spring through fall represents peak season here, with May through October offering the best weather and longest daylight hours for sightseeing. Summer brings the warmest temperatures but also the heaviest tourist traffic in nearby Lancaster County. Fall delivers spectacular foliage and harvest season activities, while spring offers mild weather and fewer crowds at popular attractions.
Our directory includes detailed information on each of Dover's seven RV parks, helping you find the right fit for your rig size, budget, and preferred amenities.
Top Rated Dump Stations in Dover
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All Dump Stations Near Dover
| Station Name | Distance | Rating | Category | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Del Brook | 1.1 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground | 4.8 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Cedar Lake Campground | 4.9 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Ben Franklin RV Park | 5.4 mi | \u2014 | RV Park | Varies |
| Campground Island | 6.2 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Thousand Trails Gettysburg Farm | 6.2 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Thousand Trails Gettysburg Farm | 6.2 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Quaker Race Campground | 6.2 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Indian Rock Campgrounds | 7.9 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Crestview Mh Park | 11.0 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
Del Brook
1.1 miGifford Pinchot State Park Campground
4.8 miCedar Lake Campground
4.9 miBen Franklin RV Park
5.4 miCampground Island
6.2 miThousand Trails Gettysburg Farm
6.2 miThousand Trails Gettysburg Farm
6.2 miQuaker Race Campground
6.2 miIndian Rock Campgrounds
7.9 miCrestview Mh Park
11.0 miTraveling to Dover by RV
Dover sits right off Route 74, which connects directly to I-83 about 8 miles east of town. This puts you on one of Pennsylvania's major north-south corridors, with easy access to Harrisburg (30 minutes north) and the Maryland border (20 minutes south). The drive into Dover from I-83 takes you through genuine Pennsylvania farmland, with corn fields and dairy operations lining the two-lane roads.
Route 74 itself handles RVs well, with gentle grades and wide shoulders most of the way. However, be prepared for some narrow sections as you get closer to town, and watch for horse-drawn buggies sharing the road, especially on weekend mornings when Amish families head to church services. The speed limit drops to 25 mph through Dover's downtown area, which spans just a few blocks along Main Street.
For fuel and supplies, the Sheetz station at the I-83 and Route 74 interchange can accommodate larger RVs and offers competitive diesel prices. There's also a Walmart Supercenter about 12 miles north in York that's popular with RVers for restocking groceries and camping supplies. The store allows overnight parking, though it's not officially designated as an RV camping spot.
If you're coming from the Lancaster area, Route 30 west to Route 74 south makes for a scenic alternative to the interstate. This route takes you through several small Pennsylvania Dutch communities and past working Amish farms. Just be aware that this route includes some hills and curves that might challenge larger motorhomes, and traffic can back up behind slow-moving farm equipment during harvest season.
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Dump Station Costs in Dover
RV camping rates near Dover typically range from $35-45 per night for basic sites with water and electric hookups, while full hookup sites with sewer connections run $45-60 per night. Premium sites with 50-amp service and extra space for slide-outs can reach $65-70 during peak summer weekends. Since a portion% of the area's several campgrounds are free and a portion% charge fees, you'll need to budget for nightly camping costs throughout your stay.
Seasonal pricing follows a predictable pattern, with rates jumping 15-20% during summer months (June through August) and fall foliage season (mid-September through October). Spring offers the best value, with many parks offering early-season discounts in April and May. Some campgrounds provide weekly and monthly rates that can cut daily costs by 10-15% for extended stays.
Good Sam and Passport America memberships can save you 10-50% at participating campgrounds in the area, with Passport America typically offering the deeper discounts on Sunday through Thursday stays. Several parks also honor FMCA and Escapees club discounts, so bring your membership cards.
Fuel costs in the Dover area run slightly below Pennsylvania's state average, with diesel typically 5-10 cents cheaper than prices in Lancaster or Gettysburg. Grocery shopping at the Walmart in York or local Weis Markets keeps food costs reasonable, though you'll pay premium prices for specialty Pennsylvania Dutch products at tourist-oriented shops. Many RVers stock up on local meats and cheeses at farm stands, which offer better prices and quality than grocery stores.
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Prices may vary. Always confirm with the station before visiting.
What RVers Are Saying About Dover
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Best Time to Visit Dover by RV
Winter
December-February
25-40°F
Crowds: Low
Many campgrounds close or offer limited services; call ahead to confirm winter availability and heated facilities.
Spring
March-May
45-70°F
Crowds: Medium
Best rates and mild weather; some weekend crowds as tourist season begins in Lancaster County.
Summer
June-August
65-85°F
Crowds: High
Peak season with highest rates; book 2-3 weeks ahead for weekend stays near Pennsylvania Dutch attractions.
Fall
September-November
50-75°F
Crowds: High
Fall foliage and harvest season draw crowds; premium rates through October, then tapering off in November.
Explore the Dover Area
For the best overall camping experience near Dover, look for parks that offer both seasonal and overnight sites, as these tend to have the most comprehensive amenities and best-maintained facilities. Several campgrounds in the area cater specifically to families visiting Pennsylvania Dutch country, with organized activities and shuttle services to popular attractions.
Boondockers won't find free camping options in the immediate Dover area, but Codorus State Park about 20 miles southeast offers primitive camping at reasonable rates. The state park provides a more natural setting with hiking trails and lake access, though you'll need to plan for dump station visits at nearby commercial campgrounds.
The best local activity from your campsite is exploring the back roads between Dover and Strasburg, where you'll encounter working Amish farms and roadside stands selling everything from fresh produce to handmade quilts. Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday mornings offer the best chance to see authentic farm life without tourist crowds. Many stands operate on the honor system - just leave your money in the box.
For dining, skip the chain restaurants and head to Shady Maple Farm Market about 15 minutes east in East Earl. Their smorgasbord serves authentic Pennsylvania Dutch cooking, and the attached market sells local meats, cheeses, and baked goods. The portions are massive, so come hungry.
Dog owners should know that most area attractions welcome leashed pets, including many of the covered bridges and outdoor farmers markets. However, Amish farms typically don't allow dogs on their property, so plan accordingly if you want to visit working farms or take buggy rides.
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Read more →Frequently Asked Questions About Dump Stations in Dover
What are the best RV campgrounds in Dover?
Dover's seven RV parks focus on family-friendly amenities and Pennsylvania Dutch country access. Look for campgrounds offering full hookups, clean facilities, and organized activities. Several parks provide shuttle services to Lancaster County attractions and maintain seasonal sites for extended stays during peak tourist season.
Is there free RV camping near Dover?
Dover doesn't offer free RV camping options within the immediate area. However, Codorus State Park about 20 miles southeast provides affordable primitive camping with basic facilities. For free overnight parking, some RVers use the Walmart Supercenter in York, though this isn't an official camping arrangement.
What is the best time of year to camp in Dover?
Spring (April-May) offers the best combination of mild weather, lower rates, and fewer crowds. Summer brings peak tourist season with higher prices but full attraction schedules. Fall provides spectacular foliage and harvest activities, though expect premium rates and advance booking requirements through October.
Are there full hookup RV parks in Dover?
Yes, most of Dover's seven RV campgrounds offer full hookup sites with water, electric, and sewer connections. Many parks provide 30/50-amp service and can accommodate larger RVs with slide-outs. Premium sites often include additional amenities like cable TV and Wi-Fi access.
Can I boondock near Dover?
True boondocking opportunities are limited near Dover due to the area's developed farmland and private property. Codorus State Park offers the closest primitive camping experience with basic facilities. Some RVers dry camp at Walmart locations, but this should be considered emergency overnight parking rather than camping.
How close are Dover campgrounds to Amish country attractions?
Dover sits in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch country, with authentic Amish farms and roadside stands within 10-15 minutes of most campgrounds. Lancaster's main tourist attractions are 20-30 minutes east, while Strasburg Rail Road and other family attractions are easily accessible for day trips from your campsite.
Do Dover area campgrounds allow pets?
Most RV parks near Dover welcome pets with standard restrictions on leash requirements and waste cleanup. However, many Amish farms and some indoor attractions don't allow dogs, so plan accordingly. The area's covered bridges and outdoor farmers markets typically welcome leashed pets for sightseeing and photo opportunities.
What are the best RV campgrounds in Dover?
Dover's seven RV parks focus on family-friendly amenities and Pennsylvania Dutch country access. Look for campgrounds offering full hookups, clean facilities, and organized activities. Several parks provide shuttle services to Lancaster County attractions and maintain seasonal sites for extended stays during peak tourist season.
Is there free RV camping near Dover?
Dover doesn't offer free RV camping options within the immediate area. However, Codorus State Park about 20 miles southeast provides affordable primitive camping with basic facilities. For free overnight parking, some RVers use the Walmart Supercenter in York, though this isn't an official camping arrangement.
What is the best time of year to camp in Dover?
Spring (April-May) offers the best combination of mild weather, lower rates, and fewer crowds. Summer brings peak tourist season with higher prices but full attraction schedules. Fall provides spectacular foliage and harvest activities, though expect premium rates and advance booking requirements through October.
Are there full hookup RV parks in Dover?
Yes, most of Dover's seven RV campgrounds offer full hookup sites with water, electric, and sewer connections. Many parks provide 30/50-amp service and can accommodate larger RVs with slide-outs. Premium sites often include additional amenities like cable TV and Wi-Fi access.
Can I boondock near Dover?
True boondocking opportunities are limited near Dover due to the area's developed farmland and private property. Codorus State Park offers the closest primitive camping experience with basic facilities. Some RVers dry camp at Walmart locations, but this should be considered emergency overnight parking rather than camping.
How close are Dover campgrounds to Amish country attractions?
Dover sits in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch country, with authentic Amish farms and roadside stands within 10-15 minutes of most campgrounds. Lancaster's main tourist attractions are 20-30 minutes east, while Strasburg Rail Road and other family attractions are easily accessible for day trips from your campsite.
Do Dover area campgrounds allow pets?
Most RV parks near Dover welcome pets with standard restrictions on leash requirements and waste cleanup. However, many Amish farms and some indoor attractions don't allow dogs, so plan accordingly. The area's covered bridges and outdoor farmers markets typically welcome leashed pets for sightseeing and photo opportunities.
Are there free dump stations in Dover?
Yes — there are free RV waste disposal options available near Dover.
All Dump Stations Near Dover (161)
RV ParkKing's River Haven
RV ParkKing's Campground
RV ParkWalmar Manor Campground
RV ParkRolo Court
RV ParkCodorus State Park
RV ParkMt Olivet Campgrounds
RV ParkWilliams Grove Mobile Home Park
RV ParkCodorus State Park Campground Entrance/contact Station
RV ParkHarrisburg East Campground And Storage
RV Park