Explore Lancaster, Pennsylvania

For RVers who want to enjoy stunning views, explore new cultures, and visit many unique attractions, a trip to Lancaster will not disappoint. Lancaster has roughly 58,000 residents, and its metro area has almost 508,000 residents. This area, which is also known as Pennsylvania Dutch Country, is home to the oldest Amish establishments in the United States. During your upcoming trip, you could spend leisurely days touring Amish villages and shopping at Amish marketplaces. From taking buggy rides through gorgeous countryside landscapes to sampling different foods, observing authentic Amish goods being crafted and more, there are wonderful new experiences for you to enjoy in Lancaster. 

Lancaster was originally settled by English, Dutch, and German immigrants, and you will find their influences throughout Lancaster and across the region. When you are not exploring Amish Country, you can treat yourself to fun-filled days at Dutch Wonderland, Long’s Park, and Lancaster Central Market. With other notable spots like Rock Ford Mansion, the Fulton Opera House, the Stevens and Smith Historic Site, and more, there is something for everyone to enjoy in Lancaster. Before you leave, stop by Turkey Hill Experience for a few sweet treats. 

Less than 30 miles from Lancaster, you will find Hershey, Pennsylvania. Hershey is well-known as the home of The Hershey Company and Hersheypark. If you decide to make the short drive to Hershey, you can stroll down lovely city streets that are adorned with Hershey Kiss-shaped streetlights. Also in Hershey, you will find Zoo America, Hershey’s Chocolate World, the Hersheypark Stadium, Hershey Gardens, and more. 

Campgrounds Near Lancaster, Pennsylvania

You can choose from several popular campgrounds when you make plans for your Lancaster RV trip. Beacon Hill Camping, for example, offers full hookups next door to a lovely Amish farm. This campground features 34 spots for RVs at $45 to $50 per night. If you plan to stay longer, you can take advantage of a rate of $270 to $285 per week. 

With 130 RV sites available, Old Mill Stream Campground is another great option to consider. It is conveniently located a short drive from a few top shopping venues. Full hookups are available, and the rates range from $41 to $66 per night. 

Families traveling with kids may appreciate the extra amenities available at the Circle M RV Campground. This is a large campground featuring 337 RV sites with full hookups. For $67 per night, you can enjoy on-site activities like bingo, volleyball, basketball, and mini-golf. 

State Parks Near Lancaster, Pennsylvania

Less than an hour outside of Lancaster, French Creek State Park is a gorgeous natural area that deserves your attention. This 7,526-acre park is situated in Hopewell Big Woods, so you can expect many of its campsites and 20 miles of hiking trails to be shaded. These trails are also suitable for horseback riding and mountain biking. At French Creek State Park, you can also go fishing, swimming, or boating on two pristine lakes. The park even has a disc golf course.

If you take a short drive south of Lancaster, you will cross the Maryland state border and reach Susquehanna State Park. This is a 2.753-acre park that spans across the Susquehanna River's bank. While waterscapes dominate the view, there are also thick forests for you to explore while hiking or mountain biking. The river is the perfect destination for fishing and boating. This park is known for being home to the start of the Mason-Dixon Trail, the Lower Susquehanna Greenways Trail, the Jersey Toll House, and the Carter-Archer Mansion. 

Codorus State Park sits 45 miles southwest of Lancaster on Lake Marburg. The park spans 3,500 acres. The lake covers 1,275 acres, and it is a great place for birdwatching, sailing, and motor boating. The trails are well-suited for hiking, horseback riding, biking and ATV riding. In the winter months, they are popular with snowmobilers and cross-country skiers. A few of the many other activities available at the park are geocaching, rock climbing, hang gliding, kayaking, canoeing, and more. 

National Sites Near Lancaster, Pennsylvania

While visiting Lancaster, consider stopping by the Washington-Rochambeau National Historic Trail. At this location, you can walk along the same trail that Revolutionary War soldiers traveled on to fight at Yorktown. The French Army under General Rochambeau and the American Army under General Washington joined together in their journey. This 14-week march ultimately led to a decisive and victorious battle in the Revolutionary War.

At Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site, you can tour an authentic 19th-century ironworks and learn how this location supported the Civil War efforts through its iron production. Other structures on the premises include a charcoal house, a cast house, blast machinery, a water wheel and a blast furnace. In addition to visiting the exhibits at the visitors' center, you can take a self-guided walking tour of the grounds and enjoy living history demonstrations. 

Hampton National Historic Site is also a fascinating place to visit near Lancaster. This is believed to be the largest home in the country as of 1790, and it is styled with grand Georgian architecture. Guided tours give you the chance to learn about the home's architecture and history. You can also participate in special events at select times of the year.

National Forests Near Lancaster, Pennsylvania

While there is much to see and do in and near Lancaster, this is also a great place to simply get away. In fact, there are several gorgeous national and state forests nearby that will get you back in touch with nature. Allegheny National Forest covers 514,029 acres on the Allegheny Plateau in northwestern Pennsylvania. In the forest, you will find Kinzua Dam, the Allegheny River and the Allegheny Reservoir. The many hiking trails that wind through the area may take you by scenic streams, overlook points, and more. The area is also ideal for riding ATVs, picnicking, swimming, camping, cross-country skiing, fishing, and more. 

Finger Lakes National Forest sits on 16,259 acres in nearby New York. This is a pristine area between Cayuga Lake and Seneca Lake, and it is marked by pastures, ravines and gorges. A scenic hike on the Interloken Trail is a great way to explore the forest in detail. You may also take advantage of swimming, fishing, hiking, and other activities during your visit. 

George Washington and Jefferson National Forests are located south of Lancaster and cover hundreds of thousands of acres in Virginia. Notably, the Blue Ridge Parkway, which is a popular attraction in the Great Smoky Mountain National Park, also winds through these forests. In addition, the forests are home to more than 2,000 hiking and backpacking trails, including a large portion of the Appalachian Trail. Some of the other attractions in the forest are the ghost town of Lignite, Mount Rogers, Elliott Knob, and Whitetop Mountain.