Hersheypark campground is a fun stop for those interested in the amusement park and other attractions as it is conveniently close and offers a shuttle. The restrooms are clean and air conditioned and on site laundry is available which is a luxury for road trippers. We found the staff to be very friendly and there is plenty to do for the kids...games, activities, swimming, and an arcade.
The camping sites are small and the one we were assigned barely fit our tent. Upon looking at the camper sites, there was little space between them as well. With that many people (it's a high tourist attraction) do not expect much peace and quiet...few had camping etiquette including quiet hours. It was also pricey, approximately $60/night.
The beach of Hammonasset is worth a visit. The campground is not a must. The sites are small and there is little shade which is challenging for tent travelers in July. Ground fires are not permitted or tying a clothesline to the few trees that exist so unless you are a roadtripper that travels with your own firepit or clothes drying system, you might want to check out a different campground. The beach is about a 1/4 to 1/5 mike walk, depending on site location and even under construction (set to be completed spring 2016) it's a nice reprieve, both quiet and relaxing. Low tide is best for beginner swimmers.
A brief disclaimer: this stop for our 2 week road trip fell on a holiday weekend. With that said, if live bands, adult karaoke, hula contests, wagon rides, and Cookie Monster are your thing, this is the place for you. For my family, this was not. The campsites are small and so close to one another that even the quietest of conversation becomes the business of all around. We were able to create some seclusion with clothesline and towels. The campground sits on a quaint lake with beach access if you're lucky (otherwise you walk down to beach at park entrance) and clean, clear water that is refreshing for a swim. A miniature island sits in the middle of the lake and is worth a paddle or swim to. For us, this wasn't an ideal stop but hopefully for your family it will be.
Loved Little Sand Point! As if the scenic drive in could have been trumped, this campground and Lake Piseco delivered. Despite the buckets of rain we experienced, my family enjoyed our stay, swimming in the lake via campsite access, hunting for bear tracks, hiking, and paddle-boarding (personal board). The campground offers kayak and canoe rental and the view from the lake is spectacular. Sites are quaint but do offer the remoteness mentioned. A recommendation from my family to yours.
Certainly work a look if you're in the area.
The gorge trail is immaculate! Well worth the stop and the scenic drive along Lake Seneca with 50+ wineries is ideal for any roadtripper. The campground is nestled among the pine with smaller, but cozy sites. We were lucky to score a few hours of sunshine to take advantage of the swimming pool with its poolside adirondack's and well groomed landscape. Watkins Glen proved a joy for our family.
A must see!
Evangola was a wonderful and scenic first stop for us. The campground provided sizable lots, ours with a view overlooking the lake. The shale cliff shoreline proved unique and the sound of the water peaceful. The main shower house was clean and one of the nicer of our trip. Our family recommends a stop at Evangola.