Jonestown / Hershey NE KOA

The Great Outdoors

Jonestown / Hershey NE KOA lies on the edge of Swatara State Park, which encompasses 3,520 acres of rolling fields and woodlands between the Second and Blue Mountains. Aside from exploring the scenic Swatara Creek by canoe or kayak, you can also follow a stretch of the iconic Appalachian Trail that traverses the southern end of the park. If you’re interested in the local industrial history, embark on the Swatara Rail Trail, which accesses the remains of a canal and railroad that were built to service anthracite mines in the region, as well as a 1930's log cabin built by local industrial arts teacher Armar Bordner.Camp in an RV near Jonestown and make the short drive west to the Memorial Lake State Park, which is surrounded by the military reservation at Fort Indiantown Gap. The park was created in 1945 to honor the Pennsylvania National Guard soldiers who served in World War I and World War II, and today is a popular hub for recreational pursuits. You can fish for northern pike, yellow perch, and a variety of bass in the lake, or stretch your legs along one of the surrounding trails. If you’re visiting during the winter months, the Memorial Lake State Park is also accessible for ice skating, cross-country skiing, and ice fishing.Camping at Jonestown / Hershey NE KOA also makes a good base for visiting Michaux State Forest, which is named after French botanist André Michaux who arrived here in the 18th century to gather plants for King Louis XVI’s Royal Gardens. After many years of industrial use, the second-growth forest is now a recreational hub for hiking, fishing, and mountain biking. You can follow a section of the Appalachian Trail as it winds through the magnificent Blue Ridge Mountains or head to the Long Pine Run Reservoir to cast a fishing line and see what’s biting.

Exploring the City

Jonestown campers are within easy access of plenty of supermarkets where you can stock up on grocery supplies, as well as a handful of fast food restaurants at the highway intersection adjacent to the campground. There are also gas stations in Jonestown if you need to fill up your RV rental, along with all the services you need, such as banks and mechanics.If you’re interested in learning about the United States’ military history, make a point of visiting Fort Indiantown Gap to explore the displays of the Pennsylvania National Guard Military Museum. It occupies a two-story barracks that dates to World War II, with artifacts exhibited that date from the Civil War to the Gulf War. Alternatively, head to historic Lebanon to admire its heritage-listed buildings, such as the eclectic Cornwall & Lebanon Railroad Station and the Second Empire-style Josiah Funck Mansion.If you’re traveling with kids, jump aboard the campground’s shuttle to visit Hersheypark, which is packed with roller coasters, family-friendly rides, and live entertainment. There’s a water park with themed pools where you can cool off during the summer months, as well as an on-site zoo that’s home to a range of native wildlife. Hersheypark is also home to the sweet tooth’s paradise of Hershey’s Chocolate World where you can join a chocolate tour and even create your own candy bar.Whether you want to spend your days fishing or getting your chocolate fix at Hersheypark, book an RV in Lebanon County and start planning your next vacation.