Gretna Oaks Camping Inc, Manheim, PA

Introduction / Overview

For Pennsylvania residents seeking a truly relaxing, quiet, and friendly camping experience away from the noise of the bigger, resort-style parks, **Gretna Oaks Camping Inc** stands out as a genuine hidden gem. Nestled in the rolling, scenic countryside of Lancaster County near Manheim, this private campground has earned a reputation among locals for its deeply hospitable atmosphere and peaceful, wooded setting. Visitors consistently praise the personal touch from management—with the owner, Doug, often personally greeting guests and ensuring a top-shape experience—which creates a welcoming environment that many larger operations simply cannot match.

Gretna Oaks Camping Inc is defined by its commitment to classic, low-key camping. It is a smaller facility, featuring a total of 37 sites perfectly suited for RVs, pop-ups, and traditional tent camping. The environment is heavily shaded, with thick trees throughout the grounds providing excellent cover, privacy, and that quintessential woodsy feel that makes a summer getaway truly refreshing. This peaceful setting is particularly appealing for the older generation or couples seeking a tranquil retreat where the focus is on nature, relaxation, and friendly community interaction.

A significant and convenient feature for PA families is Gretna Oaks’ unique relationship with its nearby sister campground, Pinch Pond Family Campground & RV Park. While Gretna Oaks itself offers a small, private retreat, this partnership means that guests here gain access to the extensive, large-scale family amenities—like swimming pools and playgrounds—at Pinch Pond, located less than five miles away. This effectively offers campers the best of both worlds: the peace of a small, hospitable campground coupled with the full range of activities typically found at a major family resort. Operating seasonally, generally from mid-April through the end of October, Gretna Oaks provides the perfect window for enjoying the best of Pennsylvania’s beautiful spring, summer, and fall weather.

Location and Accessibility

Gretna Oaks Camping Inc is strategically positioned at **2649 Camp Rd, Manheim, PA 17545**, placing it in the northern foothills of Lancaster County. This location is one of the most desirable in the Keystone State for local tourism and accessibility. For Pennsylvanians driving in, the campground is easily reached via major highways, including the Pennsylvania Turnpike (I-76), ensuring a straightforward drive from metropolitan areas like Philadelphia, Harrisburg, and even points west toward Pittsburgh.

The region itself is rich with history, agriculture, and world-class attractions. Its location allows campers to use Gretna Oaks as a convenient, tranquil hub for regional exploration. Key destinations are all within a short, scenic drive through the famous rolling hills of Pennsylvania Dutch Country:

Pennsylvania Dutch Country: The campground is completely immersed in the rural landscape of Lancaster County, providing immediate access to local Amish communities, farmers' markets, covered bridges, and opportunities for sampling hearty, homestyle Pennsylvania cooking.
Mount Gretna & The Renaissance Faire: The unique resort town of Mount Gretna, known for its charm, lake, and arts scene, is nearby. Furthermore, the campground offers easy access to the excitement of the annual Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire at Mount Hope Estate & Winery.
Hershey, PA: The "Sweetest Place on Earth," featuring Hersheypark and Hershey's Chocolate World, is a manageable drive from the Manheim area, making Gretna Oaks an ideal, more secluded alternative to staying directly in Hershey.

The surrounding area offers all necessary conveniences, including local dining and supply stores, blending rural charm with practical accessibility.

Services Offered

Despite its smaller size and quiet atmosphere, Gretna Oaks Camping Inc provides all the necessary services to ensure a comfortable and self-sufficient stay for every type of Pennsylvania camper, focusing on convenience and cleanliness:

Campsite Hookups: Sites include options for full hookups (Water, Electric, Sewer) at 14 locations, as well as sites with water and electric hookups, supporting 20, 30, and 50-amp electrical service.
Tent Camping: Approximately 20 dedicated tent sites are available, many within the campground’s beautiful shaded, woodsy areas.
Essential Facilities: The campground provides clean and modern toilet and shower facilities, ensuring a comfortable experience for all guests.
Laundry: On-site laundry facilities are available, which is a valuable amenity for both short-term and extended stays.
RV Services: A dump station is provided for RV guests, along with available services like fresh water.
Personalized Customer Service: The owner, Doug, and staff are noted for being highly hospitable, offering personalized guidance on activities, and ensuring guests are well-informed about the campground and local area.

Features / Highlights

Gretna Oaks is known for its relaxed, woodsy highlights, which are complemented by the robust offerings of its sister resort, providing a full-spectrum experience for Pennsylvania guests:

Quiet, Wooded Sites: The primary highlight is the deep shade and privacy offered by the numerous trees, providing a genuinely relaxing and picturesque environment that fosters peace and tranquility.
On-site Nature Activities: Guests can enjoy fishing and hiking trails directly within or immediately adjacent to the campground, embracing the surrounding wilderness.
Sister Campground Access (Pinch Pond): Gretna Oaks campers receive the invaluable benefit of utilizing the extensive amenities at Pinch Pond Family Campground & RV Park, including its large swimming pool, playgrounds for children and grandchildren, and possibly other family-focused recreational areas.
Exceptional Hospitality: The campground is widely lauded for its hands-on, friendly ownership and staff, with personal touches like being shown to sites and provided local tips and wood, making every visitor feel valued.
Pet-Friendly: Pets are welcome at Gretna Oaks, allowing Pennsylvanians to bring their entire family, including their beloved animals, along for the vacation (standard restrictions apply).

Contact Information

To inquire about seasonal operations, make reservations, or learn more about the unique sister-campground access, please contact Gretna Oaks Camping Inc directly. It is always a good idea to confirm rates and availability, especially during peak Pennsylvania travel weekends.

Address: 2649 Camp Rd, Manheim, PA 17545, USA

Phone: (717) 665-7120

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

Gretna Oaks Camping Inc is a particularly suitable choice for Pennsylvania locals looking for the perfect weekend escape or an extended seasonal basecamp. This campground captures the essence of a tranquil, private getaway that is hard to find in today's crowded resort landscape. The smaller size cultivates a strong sense of community and ensures a level of quiet relaxation—ideal for adults and seniors—that is often sacrificed at larger parks.

Most importantly for PA families, the clever arrangement with Pinch Pond Family Campground & RV Park allows them to enjoy the serenity of Gretna Oaks while still providing children and grandchildren access to a full range of recreational features, such as a swimming pool and playground, just a short drive away. This model maximizes the best parts of a camping vacation: quiet evenings under the stars in a deeply wooded setting, combined with days filled with family fun and unparalleled accessibility to world-famous Pennsylvania attractions like Amish Country, Mount Gretna, and Hershey. The demonstrated, exceptional hospitality from the owner and staff ensures that every visit is not just a stay, but a truly welcoming and memorable experience in the heart of the Keystone State.