Pinch Pond Family Campground

- 3075 Pinch Rd, Manheim, PA 17545

For local Pennsylvania families seeking a reliable, amenity-filled, and centrally located campground, the Pinch Pond Family Campground and RV Park in Manheim, PA, has been a cherished destination for over 40 years. Nestled in the scenic foothills of northern Lancaster County, this resort is perfectly positioned to serve as your comfortable base camp for exploring the best of South Central Pennsylvania, from the sweet attractions of Hershey to the timeless charm of the Pennsylvania Dutch Country. The campground accommodates a wide range of camping styles, ensuring that everyone, from tent campers to those with the largest RVs, can find a welcoming spot for their getaway.

The enduring appeal of Pinch Pond lies in its commitment to family fun and a robust schedule of planned activities. The friendly staff and family-centric vibe are consistently praised by guests. The resort goes above and beyond to keep campers engaged with annual events, seasonal celebrations culminating in a famous Haunted House near Halloween, and regular weekend staples like wagon rides, Bingo, and themed crafts for the kids. With facilities like a swimming pool, a private fishing pond, and an indoor game room, there is always something to do, rain or shine.

However, as local users, it is important to have a fully factual view of the site’s location. Pinch Pond is highly accessible, situated near major roadways like Interstate 76 (the Pennsylvania Turnpike). While this ensures easy access, it also means that campers, particularly those in sites nearest the perimeter or the fishing pond, will experience audible noise from the highway traffic. A more significant, recurring issue highlighted by customer reviews is the noise emanating from a nearby sportsman’s club or rifle range. Campers should be aware that high-caliber shooting can be heard daily, and while some guests adjust to the sound or are out exploring during the day, it is a significant factor for those seeking absolute tranquility at their campsite.

Despite the noise considerations, Pinch Pond remains a highly-rated family campground, largely due to its well-maintained sites, excellent amenities, and the dedication of its staff. The facilities are generally clean—with staff making continuous efforts to keep bathhouses well-maintained—and the sites themselves are spacious, offering both shady and sunny options, each equipped with a picnic table and fire ring. RV owners will particularly appreciate the full hookups with cable TV availability, and for those who don't have their own equipment, the variety of rental cabins offers a great alternative to traditional camping. For the Pennsylvania local, Pinch Pond is a convenient and entertaining retreat, provided they plan for the ambient noise from the surrounding area.

Introduction / Overview

Pinch Pond Family Campground is a well-loved, family-owned RV park and camping destination located in Manheim, PA. With a history spanning over four decades, it has established itself as a premier spot for creating memorable family vacations in South Central Pennsylvania. The campground is designed to be a complete destination, offering approximately 190 total camping sites that cater to everything from large, modern RVs to cozy, primitive tents.

Operating year-round, Pinch Pond provides comprehensive accommodations, including full hook-up sites with 50-amp electric service, water, sewer, and cable TV, as well as simpler electric/water (Ruff'n It) and primitive (No Hookups) options. Every campsite comes standard with a fire ring and a picnic table. Beyond camping units, the resort offers a variety of rental accommodations, from rustic cabins to full-service cottages, ensuring accessibility for all types of travelers. The park’s mission is to blend the relaxation of the outdoors with the convenience of modern amenities and a robust, family-focused activity program.

Location and Accessibility

The campground’s address at 3075 Pinch Rd, Manheim, PA, places it in an exceptionally convenient location for Pennsylvania residents. It sits in the northern foothills of Lancaster County, perfectly positioned roughly halfway between two of the state's biggest attractions: Hershey and the traditional Pennsylvania Dutch Country.

Accessibility is a major selling point. The campground is just a short distance from the Pennsylvania Turnpike (I-76), allowing for quick and straightforward travel from major metropolitan hubs like Philadelphia, Harrisburg, and Lancaster. This central positioning makes Pinch Pond an ideal base camp for a diverse vacation, enabling day trips to:

• Hershey, PA: For family fun, including Hershey’s Chocolate World and Hersheypark.
• Lancaster/Amish Country: To explore unique cultural attractions, including traditional lifestyles, local markets, and handcraft shops.
• Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire: The campground is in close proximity to the popular Mount Hope Estate & Winery, the site of the annual faire.

The area is well-serviced, with dining, shopping, and gas stations conveniently located a short drive away. While the proximity to the highway is a convenience, as noted, guests should anticipate highway noise that may be noticeable from their campsite, which is a trade-off for the easy accessibility.

Services Offered

Pinch Pond Family Campground prides itself on offering a complete set of services and amenities for a worry-free stay:

• Diverse Camping Sites: Offering Full Hookup (W/E/S/Cable) sites with 30/50 amp electric, Electric & Water hookup sites, and Primitive sites.
• Rental Accommodations: A variety of cabins and cottages are available, ranging from primitive electric-only units to full-service cottages with heat, A/C, and a private bath/kitchenette.
• Camp Store and Office: A well-stocked on-site store for essentials like RV supplies, groceries, ice, firewood, gifts, and, notably, Hershey's dipped ice cream.
• Utility Services: Propane refill station and a designated dump station.
• Laundry Facilities: A clean, on-site laundromat for guest convenience.
• Restrooms and Showers: Three clean, modern restroom buildings with separated shower units for guest comfort. Staff adhere to a scheduled cleaning rotation to maintain high standards.
• Connectivity: Fee-based Wi-Fi hotspots are available throughout the campground, with an Ethernet connection also provided near the laundry room.
• Security and Access: A gated entrance with access cards issued upon check-in, and a Park Ranger on-site to ensure guest safety and adherence to rules.
• Guest Policies: Pet-friendly sites are available (check for restrictions), and discounts are offered for AAA, Good Sam Club, FMCA, and AARP members.

Features / Highlights

The recreational features at Pinch Pond are geared toward creating a fun, engaging, and memorable family environment:

• Swimming Pool: A spacious 30' x 60' swimming pool for summer relaxation and water activities.
• Private Fishing Pond: A large, catch-and-release fishing pond is available for guests, requiring no state fishing license.
• Indoor Game Room: A large recreation building featuring a video game arcade with the latest games for children and teens.
• Active Schedule of Events: A continuously updated calendar of activities, including children's crafts, Bingo, pool parties, seasonal celebrations, and the popular Haunted House attraction in the fall.
• Themed Transportation: Engaging and unique transportation options like regular wagon rides and special Army truck rides.
• Recreation Areas: Multiple playgrounds for children, sports fields (including a soccer field), and a large recreation building for indoor events.
• Spacious and Shaded Sites: Sites are generally large, offering ample room and a choice of sunny or partially shaded spots, each with a picnic table and campfire ring with a grill.

Contact Information

To book your family’s next camping adventure or inquire about seasonal stays:

Address: 3075 Pinch Rd, Manheim, PA 17545, USA

Phone: (717) 665-7640

Mobile Phone: +1 717-665-7640

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For local Pennsylvanians, Pinch Pond Family Campground offers an optimal combination of convenience and comprehensive family entertainment. Its location—central to Lancaster, Hershey, and the Pennsylvania Turnpike—makes it a perfect, low-travel destination for a weekend escape or a full-week vacation without the hassle of a long-distance drive. You are instantly immersed in the rich cultural landscape of Pennsylvania Dutch Country, with all the sights and historical landmarks just a quick trip away.

The suitability for locals is heavily rooted in its family-owned character and extensive amenities. The emphasis on planned, engaging activities ensures that children of all ages will stay entertained, fostering a sense of community that many campers highly value. Whether it’s catching sunfish in the pond, enjoying a cold treat from the great ice cream selection, or participating in a themed weekend, Pinch Pond makes it easy for families to create lasting memories close to home.

While the noise from the nearby highway and the neighboring shooting range (the Elstonville Sportsman's Club) is a factual consideration that may affect some guests, especially during the day, many locals find that the overall value, friendly staff, clean facilities, and sheer volume of recreational opportunities far outweigh this drawback. It remains a practical and fun "home base" for Pennsylvanians looking to explore the state's heartland, offering a full-service, enjoyable camping experience for the entire family.

Pinch Pond Family Campground

3075 Pinch Rd, Manheim, PA 17545, USA