RV Campgrounds In Manheim, Pennsylvania -- RV Parks
40.1634° N, 76.3950° W
Quick Overview
Manheim sits in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch Country, where rolling farmland stretches between historic towns and Amish buggies share quiet back roads with modern traffic. This Lancaster County community offers RV campers a perfect base for exploring authentic Pennsylvania culture, from working farms to traditional craft shops. The surrounding countryside displays some of the state's most productive agricultural land, with corn fields and dairy operations creating a peaceful backdrop for camping.
The area features several RV campgrounds and parks, with some offering free camping options. Most parks here focus on full-service camping with complete hookups, catering to families and couples who want comfortable amenities while exploring the region. Several campgrounds sit within easy driving distance of Lancaster's attractions, while others provide more secluded settings among working farms and wooded areas.
From your campsite near Manheim, you're positioned perfectly to experience authentic Amish culture at nearby farms and markets. The famous Kitchen Kettle Village in Intercourse is just fifteen minutes away, offering handmade goods and traditional foods. Lancaster's downtown district, with its Central Market and historic sites, sits about twenty minutes south. Hersheypark and Chocolate World provide family entertainment thirty minutes north, while the Susquehanna River offers fishing and boating opportunities to the west.
Campers here can choose between large resort-style parks with pools and planned activities, or smaller family-owned campgrounds that emphasize quiet relaxation. Full hookup sites dominate the options, though some parks offer primitive camping for those seeking a more natural experience. Many campgrounds welcome seasonal campers, creating friendly communities during peak months. The area's Amish heritage means some nearby businesses close on Sundays, so plan accordingly.
Spring through fall provides the best camping weather, with summer bringing warm temperatures perfect for outdoor activities. Winter camping is possible but limited, as some seasonal campgrounds close from November through March. Peak season runs from Memorial Day through Labor Day, when advance reservations become essential. Our detailed listings below help you find the perfect campground for your Pennsylvania Dutch Country adventure.
Top Rated Dump Stations in Manheim
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All Dump Stations Near Manheim
| Station Name | Distance | Rating | Category | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gretna Oaks Camping Inc | 5.3 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Pinch Pond Family Campground | 5.5 mi | \u2014 | RV Park | Varies |
| Thousand Trails Pa Dutch Country | 5.5 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Pinch Pond Family Campground | 5.5 mi | \u2014 | RV Park | Varies |
| Thousand Trails Hershey | 9.9 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Central Manor Camp Grounds | 11.1 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Thousand Trails Circle M | 11.4 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Hershey Road Campground | 11.6 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Circle M | 11.8 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Mill Creek Camping Area | 12.1 mi | \u2014 | Dump Station | Varies |
Gretna Oaks Camping Inc
5.3 miPinch Pond Family Campground
5.5 miThousand Trails Pa Dutch Country
5.5 miPinch Pond Family Campground
5.5 miThousand Trails Hershey
9.9 miCentral Manor Camp Grounds
11.1 miThousand Trails Circle M
11.4 miHershey Road Campground
11.6 miCircle M
11.8 miMill Creek Camping Area
12.1 miTraveling to Manheim by RV
Manheim sits conveniently along US Route 72, providing easy access for RVs traveling from major interstates. From I-76 (Pennsylvania Turnpike), take Exit 266 for Lebanon/Lancaster, then follow Route 72 south for about eight miles. This route handles large RVs well, with gentle grades and wide shoulders. From I-83, exit at Route 283 west toward Lancaster, then connect to Route 72 north.
The drive through Lancaster County offers scenic views of farmland and traditional architecture, but watch for slow-moving Amish buggies, especially on secondary roads. Route 30 (Lincoln Highway) runs east-west through the region, connecting to most major attractions, though it can get congested during peak tourist season. Avoid narrow township roads unless your GPS specifically directs you there.
For fuel and supplies, the Turkey Hill store at Route 72 and Route 230 intersection provides diesel and a well-stocked convenience store. Walmart in nearby Ephrata offers groceries and RV supplies, located about ten minutes northeast on Route 322. The Love's Travel Stop in Lancaster provides truck-friendly fueling with easy RV access.
Plan extra time during summer weekends when tourist traffic increases significantly. Construction projects occasionally affect Route 30 and other major roads, so check current conditions before traveling. Most campgrounds provide detailed directions that avoid problematic intersections for large RVs.
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Dump Station Costs in Manheim
RV camping rates in the Manheim area typically range from $35-45 per night for basic sites to $55-75 for full hookup sites with amenities. Premium parks with pools, playgrounds, and planned activities charge $60-85 during peak season. Currently, a portion% of the area's several campgrounds offer free camping, while a portion% charge fees for overnight stays.
Seasonal pricing varies significantly, with summer rates running 20-30% higher than spring and fall. Many campgrounds offer weekly and monthly discounts, particularly valuable for snowbirds staying longer periods. Memorial Day through Labor Day represents peak pricing, while April-May and September-October provide better value with pleasant weather.
Good Sam membership provides 10% discounts at several area campgrounds, while Passport America offers 50% off regular rates at participating parks, though restrictions may apply during busy weekends. Some campgrounds honor FMCA or other club discounts, so ask when making reservations.
Groceries cost slightly more than national averages due to the tourist economy, but farm stands offer competitive prices on fresh produce. Diesel fuel typically runs $0.10-0.20 per gallon above state averages at truck stops, though some campgrounds offer member discounts at nearby stations. Restaurant prices reflect the tourist market, with family-style establishments providing good value for hearty portions.
Contact station for pricing details.
Prices may vary. Always confirm with the station before visiting.
What RVers Are Saying About Manheim
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Best Time to Visit Manheim by RV
Winter
December-February
25-40°F
Crowds: Low
Many seasonal campgrounds close; those open offer reduced rates and fewer amenities but peaceful countryside views.
Spring
March-May
45-70°F
Crowds: Medium
Perfect weather for exploring without summer crowds; campgrounds reopen with lower rates and fresh farm activities.
Summer
June-August
65-85°F
Crowds: High
Peak season requires advance reservations; highest rates but full amenities and all attractions operating daily.
Fall
September-November
50-75°F
Crowds: Medium
Beautiful foliage and harvest season activities; moderate crowds with lower rates than summer months.
Explore the Manheim Area
For the best campground experience, choose parks that offer shuttle services or easy access to Lancaster's attractions, since parking large RVs downtown can be challenging. Several campgrounds provide organized tours to Amish farms and local markets, which saves the hassle of navigating narrow country roads with your rig.
Boondockers have limited free options in this developed area, but some farms offer overnight parking for self-contained RVs in exchange for purchasing farm products. Check with individual farms along Route 772 east of Manheim, though always call ahead for permission.
The best activities start early morning when you can watch Amish farmers working their fields and encounter fewer crowds at popular attractions. Kitchen Kettle Village opens at 9 AM and gets busy by mid-morning, especially on weekends. Central Market in Lancaster operates Tuesday, Friday, and Saturday, with Friday offering the largest selection of vendors.
For dining, try family-style restaurants like Miller's Smorgasbord or Shady Maple, both designed to handle tour groups and offering ample parking for RVs. Local farm stands provide fresh produce and baked goods, with many accepting cash only. Bird-in-Hand Farmers Market combines shopping and dining under one roof.
Bring your camera for early morning shots of Amish buggies and farm scenes, but respect private property and avoid photographing people without permission. Most campgrounds welcome pets, and many local attractions allow leashed dogs in outdoor areas.
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Read more →Frequently Asked Questions About Dump Stations in Manheim
What are the best RV campgrounds in Manheim?
The top-rated campgrounds near Manheim focus on family-friendly amenities and easy access to Lancaster County attractions. Many feature full hookups, pools, and organized activities during peak season. Several parks offer shuttle services to popular destinations, which helps avoid downtown parking challenges with larger RVs.
Is there free RV camping near Manheim?
Free camping options are extremely limited in this developed tourist area of Lancaster County. Some working farms may allow overnight parking for self-contained RVs in exchange for purchasing farm products, but you'll need to call ahead for permission. Most visitors find paid campgrounds worth the cost for the amenities and convenient location.
What is the best time of year to camp in Manheim?
Late spring through early fall provides the best camping weather and full access to attractions. May and September offer ideal conditions with moderate crowds and lower rates than peak summer months. Summer brings the highest temperatures and busiest campgrounds, requiring advance reservations but offering the most activities and longest operating hours.
Are there full hookup RV parks in Manheim?
Yes, most campgrounds in the Manheim area offer full hookup sites with water, electric, and sewer connections. Many parks feature 30 and 50-amp electrical service, with some providing cable TV and Wi-Fi as standard amenities. The developed nature of Lancaster County means primitive camping is less common here than in more rural Pennsylvania destinations.
Can I boondock near Manheim?
Boondocking opportunities are limited in Lancaster County due to private land ownership and local regulations. Some state game lands allow primitive camping with proper permits, but facilities are minimal. Most RVers find the area's full-service campgrounds provide better value given the convenience to attractions and the relatively modest price difference.
How close are campgrounds to Amish attractions?
Most campgrounds near Manheim place you within 15-20 minutes of major Amish attractions like Kitchen Kettle Village, Bird-in-Hand, and working farms. Several campgrounds offer organized tours or shuttle services to popular destinations, which eliminates navigation concerns on narrow country roads. The compact nature of Lancaster County makes everything easily accessible from central camping locations.
What are the best RV campgrounds in Manheim?
The top-rated campgrounds near Manheim focus on family-friendly amenities and easy access to Lancaster County attractions. Many feature full hookups, pools, and organized activities during peak season. Several parks offer shuttle services to popular destinations, which helps avoid downtown parking challenges with larger RVs.
Is there free RV camping near Manheim?
Free camping options are extremely limited in this developed tourist area of Lancaster County. Some working farms may allow overnight parking for self-contained RVs in exchange for purchasing farm products, but you'll need to call ahead for permission. Most visitors find paid campgrounds worth the cost for the amenities and convenient location.
What is the best time of year to camp in Manheim?
Late spring through early fall provides the best camping weather and full access to attractions. May and September offer ideal conditions with moderate crowds and lower rates than peak summer months. Summer brings the highest temperatures and busiest campgrounds, requiring advance reservations but offering the most activities and longest operating hours.
Are there full hookup RV parks in Manheim?
Yes, most campgrounds in the Manheim area offer full hookup sites with water, electric, and sewer connections. Many parks feature 30 and 50-amp electrical service, with some providing cable TV and Wi-Fi as standard amenities. The developed nature of Lancaster County means primitive camping is less common here than in more rural Pennsylvania destinations.
Can I boondock near Manheim?
Boondocking opportunities are limited in Lancaster County due to private land ownership and local regulations. Some state game lands allow primitive camping with proper permits, but facilities are minimal. Most RVers find the area's full-service campgrounds provide better value given the convenience to attractions and the relatively modest price difference.
How close are campgrounds to Amish attractions?
Most campgrounds near Manheim place you within 15-20 minutes of major Amish attractions like Kitchen Kettle Village, Bird-in-Hand, and working farms. Several campgrounds offer organized tours or shuttle services to popular destinations, which eliminates navigation concerns on narrow country roads. The compact nature of Lancaster County makes everything easily accessible from central camping locations.
Are there free dump stations in Manheim?
Yes — there are free RV waste disposal options available near Manheim.
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