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List your RVCampgrounds and RV parks near Messiah College, PA
131 campgrounds and RV Parks near Messiah College, PA. Compare campsite amenities, photos, and site types to find the perfect stop for your rig on your route.
131 campgrounds
18071 campsites
111 RVs available for delivery
From $30/night
Own an RV? Earn up to $24,738/year.
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Best campgrounds near Messiah College, PA
King's Campground
Dillsburg, PA (6 miles away)
$$$$$
(72 sites)
+4
Walmar Manor Campground
Dillsburg, PA (8 miles away)
$$$$$
(63 sites)
+4
Gifford Pinchot State Park
Pennsylvania (8 miles away)
$$$$$
(289 sites)
+7
Deer Run Campgrounds
Pennsylvania (10 miles away)
$$$$$
(173 sites)
+9
Harrisburg East Campground
Harrisburg, PA (11 miles away)
$$$$$
(75 sites)
+8
Western Village RV Park Inc
Carlisle, PA (13 miles away)
$$$$$
(250 sites)
+9
Cedar Lake Resort
Dover, PA (13 miles away)
$$$$$
(160 sites)
+12
Campground Island
Dover, PA (13 miles away)
$$$$$
(75 sites)
+6
Gettysburg Farm RV Campground
Dover, PA (14 miles away)
$$$$$
(244 sites)
Mountain Creek Camp Ground
Pennsylvania (14 miles away)
$$$$$
(213 sites)
+8
Hersheypark Camping Resort
Hummelstown, PA (17 miles away)
$$$$$
(300 sites)
+9
Elizabethtown / Hershey KOA Holiday
Elizabethtown, PA (17 miles away)
$$$$$
(134 sites)
+9
Most common amenities
Pet friendly Tables Grills Dump station Playground Showers Internet Toilets Firewood Laundry
Campgrounds near Messiah College
Messiah College, now Messiah University, sits in Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, in the lower Cumberland Valley about a dozen miles southwest of Harrisburg. The location puts RV travelers within easy reach of the Susquehanna River, York County farm country, and the state park lands of south-central Pennsylvania. Campground options range from private RV parks with full hookups to a large state-park campground on a 340-acre lake.
The closest private options include King's Campground and Walmar Manor Campground, both convenient bases for families visiting the university or day-tripping to Hershey and Gettysburg. Deer Run Campgrounds and Cedar Lake Resort round out the private choices with pools, cabins, and family programming.
For a public-land experience, Gifford Pinchot State Park lies a short drive south in northern York County. The park covers 2,338 acres of reverting farm fields and wooded hillsides centered on Pinchot Lake, and its campground is one of the largest in the Pennsylvania state park system.
Things to do near Messiah College
The Harrisburg area anchors the region with the Pennsylvania State Capitol, the National Civil War Museum, City Island on the Susquehanna, and the Broad Street Market. Hersheypark and its associated attractions sit about a half-hour east, and the Gettysburg battlefield lies roughly forty-five minutes to the south, making both realistic day trips from a base near Mechanicsburg.
Outdoor recreation centers on Pinchot Lake at Gifford Pinchot State Park, which supports boating, warm-water fishing, a swim beach, disc golf, and hiking trails. Kayaks and other small boats can be rented on-site during warmer months. The Appalachian Trail crosses ridge country to the west, and county rail-trails through Cumberland and York counties offer flat cycling for families.
Camping spots and RV parks near Messiah College, PA
When to visit Messiah College
- spring
March - May
64° / 45°F 94 mmMild and wet; state park campground reopens in April
- summer
June - August
84° / 63°F 97 mmWarm and humid; peak bookings and afternoon storms
- fall
September - November
64° / 45°F 92 mmCool with mid to late October foliage peak
- winter
December - February
41° / 25°F 74 mmCold with periodic snow; most private parks closed
The main camping season in south-central Pennsylvania runs from mid-April through late October, with the Gifford Pinchot campground opening on the second Friday in April and closing by the third Sunday in October. Summer brings warm, humid weather with afternoon thunderstorms and the highest demand at both private parks and state-park sites. Weekends around Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day book out well in advance, and the Pennsylvania state park system limits stays to 14 consecutive nights between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
Spring and fall are quieter and well suited to touring Hershey, Gettysburg, and the Capitol area without peak crowds. Fall foliage across the surrounding ridges typically peaks in mid to late October. Outside the summer window, campers may stay up to 21 consecutive nights at a state park.
Gifford Pinchot State Park is open year-round for day use, and winter visitors use the park for cross-country skiing, ice fishing, and ice skating when conditions allow. Private campgrounds in the area are more likely to close or reduce services in the colder months, so confirm operating dates before booking.
Top Hosts near Messiah College, PA
SW
Sandy5 trips - Joined Feb 2026 - Superhost
Sandy went above and beyond. Leading up to the rental dates she was in communication, making sure we were on the same page. I opted for delivery rather than pickup, and she made sure the rv was delivered early so we could fully enjoy the rental dates. We had a normal issue w the AC (the unit froze) but she was very communicative and helpful until the problem was solved (she suggested to turn it to fan in case the unit was frozen, and it quickly thawed). Always very sweet and courteous, always responsive. My four year old son loved the trailer, was very upset to understand that we had to give it back 😂. Thanks, Sandy!
Colby Z. - Aug 2026
Sandy went out of her way to make sure my family was well accommodated during our use of her camper!
Billy T. - Jul 2026
Keith3 trips - Joined Mar 2026
Keith was a great host! The camper was very clean and a perfect fit our my family of four. We made some unforgettable memories. Will definitely be keeping this in mind for any future bookings!
Brittany S. - Jul 2026
Keith was awesome to work with during my rental and trip, the camper was clean and spacious, I would definitely rent from him again for sure, I'm totally happy with my experience, thank you so much Keith for making my trip an awesome experience. John Walters
John W. - Jun 2026
How to book near Messiah College
Reservations at Gifford Pinchot State Park are handled through the Pennsylvania State Parks reservation system operated by ReserveAmerica. Sites can be booked up to 11 months in advance, with the daily release at noon Eastern Time, and online reservations require a minimum lead time of three days before arrival. Shorter-notice bookings can sometimes be arranged directly with the park office.
Private campgrounds in the area, including King's Campground, Walmar Manor Campground, Deer Run Campgrounds, and Cedar Lake Resort, book directly through their own websites or third-party platforms. Holiday weekends and Hersheypark event dates fill first, so reserve as early as possible. When booking an RV site, verify site length and hookup type, since state-park sites range from primitive to full hookup and not every loop supports larger rigs.
What to expect near Messiah College
Sites in this region mix wooded and open settings. State-park sites at Gifford Pinchot are back-in on macadam pads, with a picnic table and fire ring at each site. A small number of sites offer full hookups, more offer electric only with 20, 30, or 50 amp service, and some are non-hookup. Pets are permitted only on designated pet sites, and modern bathhouses with flush toilets and showers are distributed through the campground.
Private parks in the area typically offer full hookups, pools, cabins, playgrounds, and organized weekend activities aimed at families. Cell coverage is generally reliable near Mechanicsburg and thins slightly in the wooded sections around Pinchot Lake.
Expect summer humidity, mosquitoes near water, and the occasional evening thunderstorm. Spotted lanternflies are present in the region, so avoid transporting firewood across counties.
Own an RV? Earn up to $24,738/year.
List your motorhome or travel trailer for free on RVezy.
Frequently asked questions about campgrounds near Messiah College, PA
How do I choose the right campsite for my RV?
Start with the practical stuff: site length, the hookups you need, and whether it's a back-in or pull-through. Camping conditions in the U.S. vary by region and elevation, so check the local season, road access, and reservation requirements before you book. Federal campgrounds use Recreation.gov and state parks each have their own systems. Learn more.
How much are RV campsites near Messiah College, PA?
Campsite prices near Messiah College, PA depend on the type of campground. State park sites typically run $20-$45 with hookups. Private RV parks in town often run $40-$100, with tourist-hub locations charging more. Nearby Forest Service or Bureau of Land Management sites are usually $10-$25, often without hookups.
Is there any free camping near Messiah College, PA?
Free camping near Messiah College, PA depends on what federal public land is in driving distance. Bureau of Land Management and Forest Service land usually allows up to 14 days of dispersed camping at one spot. Check fire restrictions before you head out. Learn more about free camping.
Can I book a campsite through RVezy?
Not directly. RVezy doesn't handle campsite reservations, but each campground listing links to the operator's website or booking page when one's available.
What's the best time to go camping near Messiah College, PA?
Camping near Messiah College, PA works best in the shoulder seasons, with spring and fall hitting the sweet spot in most of the country. Summer is peak in northern climates; winter is peak in the southern and desert states. Local weather and elevation drive the specifics.
How far are RV campgrounds from Messiah College, PA?
There are {campgroundCount()} RV campgrounds within {campgroundDistanceRadius()} of Messiah College, PA. The closest are: {closestCampgroundsWithDistance(3)}. Most U.S. cities have a state park or private RV park within an hour's drive.
Where are dump stations near Messiah College, PA?
Dump stations near Messiah College, PA are usually at private RV parks and state park campgrounds, sometimes for a fee if you're not staying overnight. RVDumpsites.net maps the nearest options.
What's the best time of year to rent a RV in Messiah College, PA?
Renting a RV in Messiah College, PA works best in the shoulder seasons (April-May and September-October) across most of the U.S. Peak rental demand runs June through August nationwide, while the snowbird stretch from December through March drives winter demand in the southern states and southwest deserts.
What's the best time of year to rent an RV in Messiah College, PA?
RV rentals in Messiah College, PA peak from June through August when school is out. Shoulder months (April, May, September, October) usually have better availability and lower rates. Winter is high season for snowbird destinations in Florida, Arizona, Texas, and southern California.
Can I have an RV delivered to my home or campground in Messiah College, PA?
Yes. Many RVezy hosts in the U.S. deliver and set up at your home, a campground, or a destination. It's especially useful for first-time renters and for trips into remote areas where backing in a big rig isn't fun.
Can the RV be delivered near Messiah College, PA?
In most cases, yes. A lot of U.S. hosts offer to drop off the RV near Messiah College, PA at your driveway, a campground, or wherever you're starting your trip. It saves you the drive and the setup.
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