THOUSAND TRAILS HERSHEY, PA

Thousand Trails - Destination - Encore
Written By Chris Cox

Lebanon, Pennsylvania

📅 Date visited: 10/20/2024

⏰ Check-in / Check-out Times: Site check-in is 12 p.m., and cabin check-in is 4 p.m. Check-out for both is before 11 a.m. **These are STRICTLY enforced**

📍 Address/Grid Coord: 493 S Mt Pleasant Rd, Lebanon, PA

🌐 Website/Social Media Link: https://thousandtrails.com/pennsylvania/hershey-rv-camping-resort/

📞 Phone: 717-867-5515

💲 Pricing Details/Discounts: Membership Pricing - Less than $44/month with a Thousand Trails Camping Pass - $525 for one region, $110 for additional regions Discounts and Special Offers

  • Up to 20% off daily rates and 10% off monthly rates for members

  • 20% discount for 2 consecutive midweek nights

  • 20% discount for military and first responders

  • 50% off weekly stays up to 14 nights

  • 30% off monthly stays up to 31 nights

Check-in/Check-out and Additional Fees

  • $30 for early check-in or late check-out

  • $10 surcharge for one-night rentals booked within 48 hours

Cancellation Policies - Full refunds for cancellations up to 2 days prior for RV campsites and 7 days for rentals Other Offers - Promotional discounts available, e.g., $200 off annual camping pass for early purchase

🅿️ Site Used: 78

⌚ Length of Stay: 7 days

☝️ Max Length of Stay Permitted: Daily, Weekly, Monthly and Seasonal. The campground has several seasonal guests.

🚘 Vehicle and Rig Specs: Ford F-350, DRW - Cedar Creek 375BHO, Length: 43’ Height: 13’ 6”, 50amp service.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👧 Family Demographics: 2 Adults, 2 Kids (Under 10)

🐶 Pets: Pets are allowed: Dogs and cats permitted; no other animals.

  • Registration and Vaccination: Must register pets; vaccination records required.

  • Leash and Control: Pets must be leashed and under owner control.

  • Behavior: No noisy, aggressive, or unruly pets allowed.

  • Pet Fees: $10 per pet per night for pet-friendly rentals.

  • Service Animals: Allowed without proof of disability or fees.

  • Public Areas: No pets in public buildings or amenity areas.

  • Clean Up: Owners must clean up after pets; damages may incur charges.

  • Liability: Owners responsible for injuries or damages caused by pets.

📱 Cell Service Used: T-Mobile

  • Verizon: Fair signal, inconsistent; 1-2 bars in some areas; speeds: 4.93 Mbps down, 1.22 Mbps up; dropped calls reported.

  • AT&T: Generally good, but inconsistent; better in loops B and F (20+ Mbps); weak in Loop H (1 bar, high packet loss).

  • T-Mobile: Poor service; very poor speeds and high packet loss; some improvement reported with different tower connection. Recommended: Use a cell signal booster or park in loops B and F for better reception.

📶 Other Cell Service Quality: Verizon showed the best coverage.

Source: CoverageMap LLC.

💻 Internet Service / WiFi: We primarily use T-Mobile 5G and Starlink which support our needs.

🛰️ Starlink Overview: Our NE access was clear. Most sites throughout the park can gain NE access.

Source: Starlink App Speed test and Obstruction Reports

📡 Campground WiFi Quality: WiFi is available within the park but it has varying reliability. It appears to be better near the clubhouse and in loops B and F. Paid WiFi plans are available: 30-day plan with 10mbps for up to 4 devices for $35.

🛀 Facilities: Clubhouse/Lounge, Whirlpool/Spa/Hot Tub, General Store, Onsite Thousand Trails Rep, Restroom/Shower Facilities, Laundry Facilities and Dump Station

🏊🏻‍♂️ Amenities: Swimming Pool, Whirlpool/Spa/Hot Tub, Athletic Courts, Putt Putt, Lake (catch and release), Volleyball, Playground, Trails, and Dog Park.

🔢 Total Number of Sites and General Condition: According to Equity Lifestyles 2023 Annual report, there are 297 total RV sites available with 69 designated as “annual”. The report identifies 228 sites as being available for retail/Thousand Trails, however, sites are mixed 30/50 amp and FHU.

⛺ Tent Camping Permitted: No

♿ Handicap Accessibility: Yes

🔌💧🚽 Electric, Water & Sewer details: Yes, mixed FHU 30/50 throughout.

👋🏻 Assigned sites or FCFS: FCFS.

👀 Site selection/location assistance: We selected our site after arriving and driving around. The ranger provided a map and a few recommendations upon arrival. It was fairly easy to find a site since there were a large number of departures the day prior.

🔒 Gated Access: Yes.

🚧 Road Condition: Good; mixed gravel and paved.

⛽ Gas: Speedway (5 miles)

🛒 Grocery: Country View Grocery “limited options” (2.3 miles), Weis Markets (7 miles), Walmart (8 miles)

🚩 Local Area Attractions / Amenities: There are several places to visit and things to do in and around Hershey:

✏️ General Feedback / Review: Thousand Trails Hershey offers a mix of positive experiences and some areas for improvement. It is a spacious campground with a variety of amenities suitable for families and outdoor enthusiasts.

  • Pros

    • Clean and well-maintained pool and hot tub

    • Variety of on-site activities and amenities (mini-golf, fishing lake, playground, etc.)

    • Full hookup sites available with 50-amp service in some loops

    • Pet-friendly policies

    • Quiet atmosphere, especially in off-peak seasons

  • Cons

    • First-come, first-served site selection can be stressful for some campers

    • Crowded during peak seasons, with some areas feeling cramped

    • Inconsistent cell service and Wi-Fi quality throughout the campground

  • Tips for Visitors

    • Arrive early for better site selection, especially during busy periods

    • Consider staying in loops B and F for better cell reception

    • Bring your own portable Wi-Fi hotspot for more reliable internet access

    • Check the campground map and consider your preferences (shade, proximity to amenities) when choosing a site

    • Take advantage of the campground's proximity to Hershey attractions for day trips

Overall, Thousand Trails Hershey provides a comfortable base for exploring the Hershey area, with enough on-site amenities to keep campers entertained. While it may not offer a rustic camping experience, it's well-suited for those seeking a more resort-style campground with modern conveniences.

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