Hours
Monday, 9:00 AM - 3:00 PMTuesday, 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Wednesday, 12:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Thursday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Friday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday, 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Sunday, 9:00 AM - 3:00 PM
Pinch Pond Family Campground Introduce
For Pennsylvania families seeking a traditional outdoor getaway with modern comforts, Pinch Pond Family Campground in Manheim serves as a premier destination. Nestled in the rolling foothills of northern Lancaster County, this family-owned and operated facility has spent over 40 years perfecting the art of the Great American camping trip. Whether you are looking to park a luxury motorhome or pitch a classic tent under the stars, Pinch Pond offers a welcoming atmosphere that combines the charm of the Pennsylvania Dutch Country with the excitement of a full-service resort. It is a place where seasonal traditions are born and where the quiet of the woods meets the laughter of community activities.
The campground is renowned for its commitment to cleanliness and hospitality, a fact frequently highlighted by visitors who return year after year. The management treats the grounds with visible care, ensuring that the residential-style bathhouses and common areas meet high standards of maintenance. While the property provides a rustic escape, it is designed to be a "boredom-free" zone, offering a structured environment where children can safely roam between the playground, the video game room, and the swimming pool. For local Pennsylvanians, Pinch Pond is not just a campground; it is a reliable home base for exploring the rich cultural and recreational landscape of the South Central region.
Location is one of the strongest assets of Pinch Pond Family Campground. Situated at 3075 Pinch Rd in Manheim, PA 17545, it is strategically positioned between two of Pennsylvania’s most popular tourism hubs: Hershey and Lancaster. This central location makes it an ideal spot for residents of Philadelphia, Harrisburg, or York to enjoy a "staycation" that feels worlds away while remaining a manageable drive from home. The campground is located just off the Pennsylvania Turnpike (Exit 266), making it a favorite for travelers who want easy highway access without sacrificing the feeling of being in the countryside.
In terms of regional accessibility, the park is a perfect launchpad for day trips. You are less than 20 minutes from the world-famous Hersheypark and Chocolate World, and equally close to the sprawling sports complexes and antique markets of Manheim and Lancaster. Notably, the campground is a top choice for attendees of the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire at Mount Hope Estate, located just a few miles away. Despite its proximity to the highway, the interior of the park maintains a peaceful, wooded vibe, though visitors should note that the sounds of local life—including a nearby highway and a sporting range—contribute to the area’s unique local character.
Pinch Pond Family Campground provides a robust menu of onsite services designed to simplify the camping experience. The facility is equipped to handle everything from small pop-up campers to the largest "big rig" RVs. Available services include:
- Full RV hookups including water, sewer, and 30/50-amp electric service.
- Cable TV connections at most RV sites for those who want to keep up with their favorite shows.
- Climate-controlled cabin and cottage rentals for non-campers or those seeking a "glamping" experience.
- Modern, centrally located bathhouses with hot showers and high marks for cleanliness.
- A well-stocked General Store on the premises carrying firewood, ice, RV supplies, and Hershey’s dipped ice cream.
- On-site laundry facilities to accommodate long-term guests and active families.
- Flexible payment options including credit cards, debit cards, and NFC mobile payments.
- Sanitary dump stations and propane refill services for self-contained travelers.
The features and highlights of Pinch Pond are what truly set it apart as a family-centric destination. The park is designed to facilitate both active play and quiet relaxation through a variety of amenities and seasonal events. Key highlights include:
- A large, sparkling 30' x 60' outdoor swimming pool that serves as the heart of the park during the summer months.
- A dedicated fishing pond where guests (including children) can catch sunfish and bass without needing a state license.
- A massive indoor video game room/arcade featuring the latest games and classic favorites.
- A comprehensive activities schedule including wagon rides, Bingo nights, and kid-friendly crafts.
- The famous "Haunted House" and themed parades during the Halloween and autumn seasons.
- A well-maintained playground with swings and slides, centrally located near the main campsites.
- A dedicated dog-friendly policy, allowing your four-legged family members to join the fun.
- Wheelchair-accessible restrooms, parking, and entrances to ensure everyone can participate in the festivities.
To plan your stay or inquire about seasonal site availability at this Manheim staple, you can reach out to the office using the following contact details. The staff is known for being exceptionally helpful in assisting first-time campers with site selection.
Address: 3075 Pinch Rd, Manheim, PA 17545, USA
Phone: (717) 665-7640
Mobile Phone: +1 717-665-7640
What is worth choosing about Pinch Pond Family Campground is the authentic "family-first" culture that permeates every acre of the park. Unlike large corporate RV resorts, Pinch Pond maintains a personal touch that can only come from 40 years of family ownership. The staff is professional but friendly, often going out of their way to ensure a guest's site is level or to provide tips on the best local restaurants. For those who value clean facilities, the bathhouses here are frequently cited as being among the best in the state, which is a major factor for those staying in cabins or tents without their own plumbing.
Furthermore, the variety of site options—ranging from sunny, open pads to deep-woods shaded lots—allows you to customize your experience based on your preference. If you enjoy the social side of camping, the weekend activities and the ice cream socials at the store provide an instant community. If you prefer quiet mornings, the fishing pond offers a tranquil spot to watch the sunrise. When you combine this versatile atmosphere with the unbeatable proximity to Hershey, the Renaissance Faire, and the historic charm of Manheim, it becomes clear why Pinch Pond is a cornerstone of the Pennsylvania camping community. Choosing this park means choosing a stay where the logistics are easy, the staff cares, and the memories are guaranteed.
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Location
Customer Reviews
Our first time at Pinch Pond, and certainly not our last. We were in Cabin 1, and used the front shops heater rental. I was pleasantly surprised at the cleanliness of the bathhouses. I've been to several different camps over the years, and these were some of the cleanest and well-maintained I've seen. Staff was very friendly and helpful, and the campground seems to be taken care of with love. We will be returning for many years to come!
Campground was clean the bathhouse and bathroom facilities were not perfect but much better than a lot of campgrounds we have stayed at. The staff is friendly ice cream is great. Our spot 570 was just right for my camper. Like other people, the drawback is the noise from the highway, which you actually get used to. The gun range not so much. But my wife and I had a very enjoyable time. I went fishing every morning and caught sunfish and a bass.
Very nice, clean, well maintained campground. Big sites with actual trees surrounding your site not some open field with electric boxes. Turnpike is right there so you hear that but I was able to gaze it out in a short time. Also a gun range is nearby so you hear gunshots throughout the day if that bothers you. But very nice place
If you enjoy dogs barking and a rifle range next door this is the place for you.Campers were very nice and respectful, but the ones with dogs could care less .WW III next door was very enjoyable.Other than that the grounds are nice easy access to sites.
Pros: Campground was well kept and maintained. Security gate a plus. Generous ice cream portions. Campground staff pleasant, nice pool and fishing pond. Several nice bike trails in the area. Dog friendly. Cons: Sites behind store area: 1) Pull thru's not level. 2) Mostly stone covered 3) wifi very spotty in area 4) PA Turnpike and gun range noise on both sides of camp, but tolerable.Definitely would recommend and would go back to again.
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