Thousand Trails Hershey Review

The Full Review

We pulled into Thousand Trails Hershey in Hershey, PA with our 40-foot Class A and three kids ready to explore. Here is what we found across every category of our SCOUTED scoring system.

Site & Setup 12/20

Sites at Thousand Trails Hershey are adequate but not exceptional. Our pad was mostly level — we only needed one block on the passenger side. Hookups connected fine, though the water pressure was a bit inconsistent during peak hours.

Spacing is tight in some sections. We could hear our neighbors' TV through the windows, and slide-outs nearly touched in a few spots. Some sites have good shade; others are completely exposed. Ask for a shaded site when you check in if it matters to you.

Connectivity 11/20

Connectivity is rough at Thousand Trails Hershey. Verizon barely registered — we needed our WeBoost just to send a text. The campground WiFi exists in theory but barely functions for email. Streaming? Forget it.

If you need to work or stay connected, plan accordingly. Download movies before you arrive, let people know you'll be off-grid, and consider it a digital detox opportunity. Starlink users with clear sky should be fine.

Offspring & Family 13/15

This is a great family park. Lily spent most of her time at the pool, Rose made friends at the playground within 20 minutes of arriving, and Liam was content exploring every path on his scooter. The kid activities keep them genuinely occupied — not just checked-off-a-list busy.

The pool is clean, the playground equipment is in good shape, and we felt safe letting the older kids roam within the park boundaries. That matters more than any amenity list.

Unity & Community 6/10

The park is quiet, which can be either a pro or a con depending on what you're looking for. We didn't see many organized activities during our stay, and the vibe was more 'everyone keeps to themselves' than community. Our neighbors were friendly when we crossed paths, but this isn't the park where you're making lifelong friends at the fire pit.

Territory & Location 13/15

The location is functional. You're close enough to necessities and there are a few worthwhile day trips, but Hershey isn't exactly a destination. The park itself is pleasant enough, and the surrounding area has its charms if you know where to look.

We found a few hidden gems nearby that made the stop more than just a transit point. Check the Local Intel section below for our recommendations.

Essentials & Facilities 7/10

Facilities are functional but nothing special. The bathhouse gets the job done, though 'sparkling' is not the word I'd use. Hot water was hit or miss depending on the time of day, and the laundry machines are older models that take forever. We've seen worse, but we've also seen much better at parks in this price range.

Dollars & Value 8/10

For what you get, the value is strong — especially if you're on a Thousand Trails membership where nightly cost is $0. Even at rack rates, the amenities and location justify the price. We've paid more for far less at other parks.

If you're considering a TT membership, parks like this are exactly why it pays for itself. We calculated our savings this trip alone covered two months of membership dues.

Site Tips

Request a pull-through if you have a big rig. Sites near the clubhouse tend to have better WiFi and cell signal. If you are visiting in summer, ask for a shaded site — it makes a real difference.