The Loose Caboose Campground Introduce
The Loose Caboose Campground is a 26-acre wooded retreat nestled in the heart of Pennsylvania’s Amish Country. For residents and visitors in the Lancaster County region, this campground offers a distinct alternative to the large, resort-style parks often found in southeastern Pennsylvania. As a second-generation, veteran-owned, and women-owned business, it prioritizes a peaceful and rustic atmosphere where the focus remains on nature and relaxation. The property is well-known for its large, secluded sites that provide a sense of privacy often missing from modern commercial campgrounds. Whether you are looking for a weekend getaway or a longer stay in the Dutch Country, The Loose Caboose offers a quiet "no-frills" experience that lets the beauty of the PA landscape take center stage.
For Pennsylvania locals, the appeal of The Loose Caboose lies in its authenticity and the personal touch of its owners. Donald and Tracy, both veterans of the United States Air Force, take an active role in the daily operations, often personally assisting guests with site navigation and set-up. The campground is surrounded by picturesque farmland and offers unique views of the passing Amtrak and Norfolk Southern mainline trains, making it a favorite for rail enthusiasts and those who appreciate the slow-paced charm of rural Kinzers. Its history even includes a brush with Hollywood; portions of the property were used during the filming of the 1985 classic movie “Witness.” Today, it stands as a calm sanctuary for those who want to disconnect from the digital world and enjoy a traditional campfire under a canopy of mature trees.
The Loose Caboose Campground is located at 5130 Strasburg Rd, Kinzers, PA 17535. Its location is strategically positioned to provide easy access to the many attractions of Lancaster County while remaining tucked away from the heavy traffic of major tourist corridors. From the junction of SR-30 and Kinzer Road, the campground is just a short drive south and east, making it highly accessible for those traveling with large RVs or trailers. Despite its secluded feel, it is only minutes away from popular destinations like the Strasburg Rail Road, the Sight & Sound Theatres, and the Rough and Tumble Engineers Historical Association in nearby Kinzers.
Accessibility within the park is designed to accommodate various camping styles, from primitive tents to big rigs. However, prospective guests should be aware that the campground is situated on a steep hillside, which provides breathtaking views but also requires careful navigation. The roads are gravel and can be bumpy, reflecting the rustic nature of the terrain. For those who enjoy exploring on foot, the park features several hiking trails that lead to the top of the mountain, offering some of the most peaceful and secluded spots in the area. On-site parking is available for visitors, and the management works hard to ensure that even the most "snug" back-in sites are manageable with their assistance.
The services at The Loose Caboose Campground are tailored to provide a comfortable, functional environment for both short-term and seasonal campers. While the owners are currently working on renovations to update the facility, they offer a range of essential onsite services to support the RV and tenting community. These services emphasize reliability and the personal commitment of the veteran-led team to assist their guests.
- Full RV hookup sites including water, sewer, and 30/50-amp electric service.
- Dedicated tent sites for a more traditional, primitive camping experience.
- A heated bathhouse with free hot showers, available year-round to patrons.
- Complimentary wireless internet access available in designated areas of the park.
- Propane sales and a dumping station for the convenience of RV travelers.
- On-site gift shop and camp store for basic necessities and souvenirs.
- Minor RV repair, troubleshooting, and winterization services available upon request.
- Local trailer transport and leveling assistance provided by the staff.
The highlights of the campground reflect its commitment to being a family-friendly and pet-friendly destination. By focusing on the natural environment, the park provides features that encourage active play and quiet reflection. These highlights are curated to make the most of the 26-acre wooded property and its unique position in Pennsylvania’s agricultural heartland.
- Wooded hiking trails and kid-friendly hikes that offer bird-watching and nature-study opportunities.
- A children's playground area located on the lower level for safe outdoor recreation.
- Dog-friendly policies that include plenty of room for walking on-leash throughout the grounds.
- Gorgeous farmland views where guests can watch Amish buggies pass by from the property edge.
- A large pavilion available for clubs, scouting organizations, and special group events.
- Individual picnic tables and fire rings at every site to facilitate the classic camping experience.
- Proximity to major Lancaster attractions like the "Day Out with Thomas" events and the annual Thresherman’s Reunion.
For those interested in booking a stay or inquiring about seasonal lot availability, the management can be reached through the following contact details. It is recommended to call ahead for reservations, especially during peak summer months or special area event weekends.
Address: 5130 Strasburg Rd, Kinzers, PA 17535, USA
Phone: (717) 442-8429
Email: info@theloosecaboosecampground.com
What makes The Loose Caboose Campground worth choosing is its unwavering focus on peace, quiet, and a genuine connection to the Lancaster County landscape. In a world of high-density "resort" campgrounds with endless scheduled activities, this park offers the luxury of silence and space. It is worth choosing for the hands-on hospitality of owners who treat every guest like a neighbor, whether they are staying for two nights or two seasons. The spacious, secluded sites at the top of the hill are particularly valued by seasoned campers who want to feel "all alone" in the woods while still having the security of a managed facility.
Furthermore, choosing a veteran-owned business like The Loose Caboose supports the local Pennsylvania economy and families who have dedicated themselves to the community for over 35 years. The affordable rates and the proximity to the Enola Low Grade Trail and the Susquehanna River make it a practical home base for hikers and cyclists. While the property is rustic and currently undergoing improvements, the "clean-swept" sites and the authentic country atmosphere provide a refreshing break from the modern world. If you are looking for a place where you can sit by a fire, enjoy the view of a passing train, and experience the heart of Amish Country from a secluded wooded lot, The Loose Caboose Campground is a factual and inviting choice for your next Pennsylvania adventure.
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Location
Customer Reviews
My family and I stayed at the Loose Caboose campground for two nights, and we had an amazing time! We were lucky enough to get a spot at the very top near the hiking trails—absolutely beautiful and peaceful. The owner, Donald, was incredibly helpful and welcoming. He personally showed us to our spot and even took the time to help back me in, which I really appreciated. The campground is well-maintained, and the location is perfect for anyone who enjoys nature and a relaxing getaway. We’ll definitely be coming back!
This was our experience, can't speak for anyone else, take from this what you will.My fiancé and I decided to live full-time in our RV and picked this place for a quiet spot to stay until we bought a home. Our first year was pretty great! But halfway into the second year, we started noticing some really weird stuff with our electricity and the bill. We texted and called the owner over and over to get him to check it out, and we just kept getting pushed off.Finally, our GFCI outlets completely gave out, taking out 8 other outlets piggybacked to them, and then our ACs wouldn't even turn on. We had been asking the owner for OVER A YEAR to get his pedestal checked, and all he did was slap a broken voltage box onto it – which did absolutely nothing. Oh, and our electric meter broke TWICE in 3 years; that is definitely not normal for an electric meter!It got to the point where we had to call a certified RV repair tech to figure out what was going on because our camper was seriously about to get damaged from the electrical problems (he actually claimed it was "illegal" for us to have them look at our camper, which is totally false). Turns out, we weren't crazy at all (we have a watchdog surge protector that shows us real-time voltage, watts, etc., so we knew something was off). We simply weren't getting enough voltage from his pedestal to our camper.When we sent him a message to let him know what we found and tried to resolve it civilly – yes, we were frustrated, and we had every right to be – he kicked us out with only two weeks' notice. He refused to talk to me (because he apparently thought I was "aggressive," which I wasn't, just frustrated) and only wanted to speak with my husband (because he probably thought he was a pushover). He also tried to push us into not leaving a bad review or fighting back legally. This was after 3 years of paying our bills on time, WEEKLY, at over $1,000 a month for this place.My honest advice? Stay far away from this establishment. There's nothing good there – just falling branches, broken-down buildings, and some pretty questionable people. They constantly have issues with the water and the electric. Plenty of times we'd come home to no water, with no heads-up, and it would stay like that for days. So, again, take what you will from our experience, but we strongly suggest finding another location. Thanks for reading.
We stayed for a long holiday weekend (Fri-Tues). Our site was extremely spacious as we had room for both our vehicles, our camper, our Harley, our golf cart and still plenty of room for our table and fire pit area; an added bonus, we had the site with the bear totem pole! Upon making reservations the owner was very clear that our unit had to be completely self contained as there are renovations going on in their out buildings which was not a problem.The owner was so nice and helpful from helping my husband with some questions about the camper, as we are still pretty new to camping to helping with our golf cart my husband broke!So over all- wonderful sites (at great rates), more than accommodating owner- an all around great long weekend.
This is a beautiful campground. The site we had was shaded and flat. Our camper has a bathroom, which is a plus because the bathhouse is under renovation. The roads need some work as they are a little bumpy. The staff is very nice. There is plenty to do around the area. If you are not afraid to back your rig into your site, you will enjoy it. The whole campground is wooded.
I stayed at the loose caboose for a few years & had a wonderful experience. It was nice having our own little plot of land in the woods. The other full timers were kind and neighborly. Donald and his family are so sweet, generous & are there for you if you need any help. My favorite part of this campground is the walking trails, great for bird watching & mushroom hunting. Location is great too! This place became my home & I miss it dearly.
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