TT Campground

For many avid RVers and campers across Pennsylvania, finding cost-effective and amenity-rich destinations for their travels is a key priority. Thousand Trails, a well-known membership camping network, offers various locations across the United States, including a significant presence in the Keystone State. One such location is the Thousand Trails Hershey RV Campground, nestled in Annville, PA. This resort operates on a membership model, providing a unique approach to camping that can offer significant value for frequent travelers.

While the name might suggest a direct affiliation with the famous Hershey attractions, it's important to understand that "TT Campground" as referred to in the provided information is indeed the Thousand Trails Hershey RV Campground. As a membership-based park, the experience here differs from a traditional nightly-rate campground. Guests often highlight the value derived from their membership, allowing them to stay at various Thousand Trails properties with no nightly fees once their annual dues are paid. However, recent changes in management or policies can sometimes lead to varied experiences for long-time members, as indicated by some reviews.

Reviews from current and past visitors paint a complex picture of the Thousand Trails Hershey experience. While some highly praise the long-term savings and the abundance of amenities like a "very nice outdoor pool," others express concerns about recent changes in staff demeanor, check-in processes, and the overall atmosphere. Comments about "curt staff members," unexpected "guest fees" for family members, and strict enforcement of rules, sometimes perceived as aggressive, suggest a shift in the park's operational approach. Furthermore, the cost of membership dues and additional fees for amenities like mini-golf balls can be points of contention for some.

Despite these mixed reviews regarding service and policy changes, the underlying infrastructure of Thousand Trails Hershey remains largely positive. The campground offers full hookup sites, essential facilities, and a range of recreational options that contribute to a comprehensive camping experience. This article aims to provide Pennsylvania locals with a balanced and factual overview of Thousand Trails Hershey RV Campground, focusing on its membership structure, location, amenities, and key considerations for potential visitors.

Location and Accessibility

Thousand Trails Hershey RV Campground is located at 493 S Mount Pleasant Rd, Annville, PA 17003, USA. Despite its name, which links it to the popular Hershey attractions, the campground is actually situated closer to Lebanon, PA, and within the broader Annville area. This location places it in Lebanon County, a picturesque region of Central Pennsylvania known for its rolling farmlands and proximity to various points of interest.

The campground's accessibility is generally good for RVers and campers traveling from across Pennsylvania. It's positioned within reasonable driving distance of major routes, including the Pennsylvania Turnpike (I-76) and I-81, making it a convenient stopover or destination for those exploring the state. While not directly in Hershey, its proximity allows for relatively easy day trips to the famous Hersheypark and Hershey's Chocolate World, which are typically about 6 to 9 miles away, depending on the exact route and destination within Hershey. This makes it a viable base for families wanting to experience the "Sweetest Place on Earth."

Beyond Hershey, the Annville and Lebanon area offers its own charm and attractions. Visitors can explore the historic town of Annville, known for its quaint downtown and Lebanon Valley College. Local amenities such as grocery stores, restaurants, and gas stations are typically within a few miles, providing convenience for campers needing to resupply. Other nearby attractions include:

• Amish Country: The campground is near many Amish settlements, offering opportunities to experience Pennsylvania Dutch culture, purchase handmade goods, and enjoy local cuisine.
• Indian Echo Caverns: A natural limestone cavern offering guided tours, providing a unique underground adventure.
• Mount Gretna Area: A charming historic community known for its lake, Playhouse, and Governor Dick Park, offering hiking trails and scenic overlooks.
• Harrisburg: The state capital, with its historical sites, museums, and riverfront, is also within a reasonable driving distance for a day trip.

The rural setting of the campground, combined with its accessibility to major roadways and popular tourist destinations, offers a balanced experience for campers. It provides a peaceful retreat while ensuring attractions and essential services are never too far away.

Services Offered

Thousand Trails Hershey RV Campground, as part of the wider Thousand Trails network, offers a range of services and amenities designed to cater to its members, primarily focusing on providing a comfortable RV camping experience.

• Full Hookup RV Sites: The campground offers numerous RV sites, generally including full hookups (water, electric, and sewer). While specific details on amperage (e.g., 30 or 50 amp) at every site may vary, many Thousand Trails parks provide a mix to accommodate different RVs. Reviews often indicate that most sites offer full hookups.
• Restroom and Shower Facilities: The campground provides communal restroom and shower facilities. The cleanliness and upkeep of these facilities can vary across Thousand Trails parks, but they are a standard amenity. Some reviews, though mixed on overall staff interaction, don't specifically call out issues with the cleanliness of these facilities, implying they are maintained.
• Swimming Pools: A "very nice outdoor pool" is a highlight, especially during warmer months. Access to the pool may require advance registration for time slots, as noted in a review, indicating a system to manage capacity and ensure safety. Some Thousand Trails locations also offer indoor pools or jacuzzis, with one review mentioning an indoor jacuzzi at this location.
• Mini Golf Course: A mini-golf course is available for recreation. It's noted that there might be a charge for golf balls, which is a common practice at many campgrounds for mini-golf.
• Clubhouse/Activity Center: Many Thousand Trails parks include a clubhouse or a main lodge area that serves as a central hub for activities and gatherings. These often include common areas for games, reading, or social interaction.
• Store/Trading Post: A camp store or "trading post" is typically available, offering basic necessities like firewood, ice, and some camping supplies, though stock levels can vary.
• Children's Playground: Designated playground areas are usually present to provide entertainment for younger campers.
• Pet-Friendly: Thousand Trails campgrounds generally have a pet policy, welcoming furry companions, though specific rules and fees may apply, especially for rental units.
• Wi-Fi Access: While not explicitly detailed for this specific location in the provided text, many Thousand Trails properties offer Wi-Fi, often with a basic free tier and options to upgrade for more bandwidth, typically available at central locations or across some sites.
• Laundry Facilities: Most Thousand Trails campgrounds include laundry rooms with coin-operated washers and dryers for guest convenience.
• On-Site Activities & Programs: Thousand Trails parks typically offer various planned activities and programs, especially during peak seasons, which can include bingo, card playing, children's programs, potlucks, and sometimes live entertainment, though specific details for Annville are limited in the provided reviews.

Features / Highlights

Thousand Trails Hershey RV Campground offers a range of features and highlights, catering to the needs of its members and providing a base for exploring the rich attractions of Central Pennsylvania.

• Membership-Based Model: The most prominent feature is its operation as part of the Thousand Trails membership network. This provides significant value for frequent RVers, allowing them to stay at numerous locations across the country without nightly fees (beyond annual dues), which can result in substantial savings for high-volume campers. This is a key selling point for those considering a long-term commitment to RV travel.
• Outdoor Swimming Pool and Indoor Jacuzzi: The presence of a "very nice outdoor pool" is a major draw, especially during warmer weather, providing a refreshing escape and a hub for family activity. The mention of an "indoor Jacuzzi" adds another layer of relaxation, even if its access policies differ from the main pool.
• Mini Golf Course: A mini-golf course offers a fun and accessible recreational activity for all ages, promoting lighthearted competition among family and friends, though it's important to note the potential for additional fees for equipment.
• Strategic Location for Area Attractions: Despite the name, its location in Annville/Lebanon is a significant highlight. It provides relatively easy access to the renowned Hershey attractions (Hersheypark, Hershey's Chocolate World), the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire, and the charming Amish Country. This allows campers to enjoy a rural setting while being close to major entertainment and cultural experiences.
• Full Hookup RV Sites: The availability of full hookup sites is a crucial convenience for modern RVers, ensuring access to water, electricity, and sewer services directly at the campsite. This makes for a more comfortable and self-contained camping experience.
• Pet-Friendly Environment: The campground generally welcomes pets, allowing members to bring their beloved "fur babies" along for their camping adventures, which is a significant advantage for many RV families.
• Recreational Amenities (Beyond Pool/Mini Golf): While details are somewhat sparse in the provided reviews, Thousand Trails parks typically offer various other recreational options such as playgrounds for children, sports courts (volleyball, basketball), and potentially other organized activities during peak seasons. Their general website lists amenities like a clubhouse, tennis courts, and areas for various children's programs and tournaments.

Promotions or Special Offers

As a membership-based campground, Thousand Trails Hershey's "promotions" and "special offers" are primarily structured around its membership packages rather than traditional nightly rate discounts or public sales. The core value proposition is the ability to camp at this and other Thousand Trails locations for extended periods with no nightly fees, once the annual membership dues are paid.

• Membership Value: The most significant "offer" is the inherent savings potential of a Thousand Trails membership. As some members attest, for frequent RVers, the annual dues (which can "skyrocket" over time, as noted in one review, but still lead to substantial savings per night for heavy users) can be far less than paying nightly rates at various campgrounds. The advertising of "100 campgrounds for $315" likely refers to an introductory or limited Camping Pass, which provides basic access to a zone of parks for a fixed annual fee.
• Tiered Memberships and Add-ons: Thousand Trails offers various membership tiers (e.g., Camping Pass, Elite, Elite Basic) and add-ons like "The Trails Collection." These enhanced memberships typically offer benefits such as longer stay limits, shorter "out of system" requirements (park-to-park access), and longer booking windows (e.g., 60 days vs. 210 days in advance). These are not temporary promotions but structural benefits tied to higher-tier memberships, providing greater flexibility and value for dedicated members.
• No Nightly Fees for Members: For members with an active pass or higher-tier membership, there are typically no per-night camping fees when staying at a Thousand Trails preserve, which is the fundamental financial advantage. Some "premium" Encore sites might incur a small nightly fee, but the vast majority of member sites are included in the dues.
• Potential for Significant Savings for Full-Timers: As highlighted by full-time RVers, if utilized extensively (e.g., 100-300+ nights a year), the average nightly cost for a Thousand Trails stay can drop significantly, making it a very affordable way to camp for those who spend a lot of time on the road.
• Introductory Offers: New members might encounter introductory offers or lower-cost Camping Passes (like the $315 offer mentioned) to get started with the system, though it's important to understand the limitations of these entry-level memberships compared to higher tiers.

Prospective members are strongly encouraged to thoroughly research the different Thousand Trails membership options, understand the annual dues structure (which can increase over time), and consider their anticipated camping frequency to determine if a membership truly aligns with their travel habits and offers the desired "promotion" in terms of overall savings. Direct inquiry with Thousand Trails sales representatives is crucial to fully understand the terms and benefits of any membership purchase.

Contact Information

For individuals in Pennsylvania interested in Thousand Trails Hershey RV Campground, whether for membership inquiries, reservation details, or general information, the primary contact details are as follows:

Address:493 S Mount Pleasant RdAnnville, PA 17003, USA

Phone:(717) 274-1206 (This number was previously associated with Mt. Lebanon Campmeeting in Lebanon, PA. It appears there might be a mix-up in the provided data. Based on other public sources, the general Thousand Trails reservation number or the direct park number for Hershey should be sought.)

Mobile Phone:+1 717-274-1206 (Same note as above.)

Based on other public information, the general Thousand Trails contact number for reservations and membership inquiries is often 1-800-884-4451 or 1-888-563-7040. For specific information about the Thousand Trails Hershey RV Campground, it's highly recommended to use the contact information provided on the official Thousand Trails website (thousandtrails.com) or a reputable campground directory that lists Thousand Trails parks. The Annville address provided is indeed for a Thousand Trails property, but the phone number provided in the initial prompt seems to be incorrect or shared with another entity. Always cross-reference contact details with official sources for accuracy.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For Pennsylvania locals, Thousand Trails Hershey RV Campground in Annville presents a distinct camping opportunity, particularly for those committed to the RV lifestyle and seeking long-term value through a membership model. Its suitability hinges on understanding this membership structure and aligning expectations with the park's offerings.

Firstly, for Pennsylvanians who are avid RVers and anticipate frequent camping trips throughout the year or across multiple seasons, a Thousand Trails membership, with this Annville location as a potential base, can offer substantial financial savings. The core benefit of no nightly fees once annual dues are paid can make extensive RV travel much more affordable, especially compared to booking individual sites at market rates. This cost-effectiveness is a significant draw for locals looking to maximize their camping budget.

Secondly, the campground's array of amenities provides a comfortable and engaging experience. The "very nice outdoor pool" is a highlight for families, offering a refreshing escape during warmer months. The presence of a mini-golf course, playground, and potentially other recreational facilities (like clubhouses or sports courts) ensures that there are activities to keep various age groups entertained directly on-site. This allows for relaxing days within the campground, reducing the need for constant external excursions.

Thirdly, the strategic location, despite the potential for varied experiences with staff, remains a strong asset for Pennsylvania locals. Being situated in Annville, it offers relatively easy access to the world-famous Hershey attractions, making it an excellent base for families planning visits to Hersheypark or Hershey's Chocolate World. Furthermore, its proximity to the picturesque Amish Country and other regional points of interest like Indian Echo Caverns broadens the scope for diverse day trips, allowing locals to explore the rich cultural and natural landscape of Central Pennsylvania.

While some reviews highlight challenges with specific staff interactions or policy changes, these should be weighed against the overall value proposition for frequent users. For locals who prioritize the financial benefits of membership camping and are willing to navigate the specific rules and nuances of a large network, Thousand Trails Hershey can be a valuable asset to their Pennsylvania camping adventures. It offers a consistent, amenity-rich environment for a significant portion of their camping year, right in the heart of the state's popular tourist region.

TT Campground

493 S Mount Pleasant Rd, Annville, PA 17003, USA