What to Know Before Your First KOA Camping Trip

Your first camping trip should feel exciting—not intimidating. You do not need years of camping experience, an RV full of specialized equipment, or a perfectly planned schedule to enjoy time outdoors with your family.

At Elizabethtown / Hershey KOA Holiday, first-time campers can choose the type of stay that feels most comfortable, ask questions when they need help, and enjoy a campground close to many of Central Pennsylvania’s favorite family attractions. A little preparation can help everyone arrive feeling confident and ready for the adventure.

Your First Camping Trip Does Not Have to Be Complicated

It is easy to assume that experienced campers know dozens of rules and bring every possible piece of outdoor equipment. In reality, most successful camping trips begin with a few simple things: comfortable accommodations, weather-appropriate clothing, food your family enjoys, and time to relax together.

Do not pressure yourself to create a perfect camping experience. Your first trip is an opportunity to learn what your family likes, what you may want to bring next time, and which campground traditions everyone wants to repeat.

Choose the Camping Style That Fits Your Family

Camping does not look the same for every family. Some guests enjoy traveling in their own RV, while others would rather begin with a cabin or tent site.

Before reserving your stay, consider how much comfort and convenience your family would like:

• RV camping may be a good fit if you already own or rent an RV and want your familiar living space with you.
• Deluxe Cabins offer many of the comforts of home and can make a first camping trip feel especially approachable.
• Camping Cabins provide a simple cabin experience without requiring your family to sleep in a tent.
• Tent camping offers a traditional outdoor experience for families ready to sleep under the stars.

Review the campground’s Ways to Stay before booking so you can choose the option that best matches your family’s expectations.

Learn What Is Included With Your Site or Cabin

Before packing, confirm what is provided with the type of accommodation you reserved. An RV site, tent site, Camping Cabin, and Deluxe Cabin will each have different features.

Knowing what is included helps you avoid bringing unnecessary items while making sure you have the essentials. Check your reservation details and review the campground’s amenities before departure.

Pack the Basics—Not Everything You Own

First-time campers often bring too much because they are worried about forgetting something. A shorter, practical list is usually easier to manage.

Start with:

• Comfortable clothing and an extra layer for cool mornings or evenings
• Closed-toe shoes and easy campground footwear
• Toiletries and personal medications
• Flashlights or headlamps
• Reusable water bottles
• Food, snacks, and basic cooking supplies appropriate for your accommodations
• Camp chairs if they are not already available
• Rain jackets and a simple indoor activity for changing weather
• Phone chargers and reservation information

Families staying in cabins should also verify whether they need to bring linens, towels, dishes, or cooking utensils. Your reservation information should explain what is provided.

Know the Campground Rules Before You Arrive

Campground guidelines help protect guests, children, pets, and the property. Before your visit, review information about check-in and check-out times, quiet hours, vehicles, visitors, campfires, pets, and recreational equipment.

Going over a few basic rules with children before arrival makes the transition easier. Explain where they may ride bikes, why they should not walk through occupied campsites, and when they need an adult with them.

Plan Your Arrival Before Travel Day

Save the campground address, reservation confirmation, and contact information on your phone before leaving home. You can also review the campground’s maps and directions so you know what to expect as you approach the property.

Try to arrive with enough daylight to check in, find your site or cabin, unload, and become familiar with the campground. Setting up is much easier when no one feels rushed or overtired.

Ask Questions When You Need Help

No one expects a first-time camper to know everything. If you are unsure about your site, hookups, campground facilities, fire rules, or nearby services, ask a campground team member.

For RV guests, it is especially helpful to understand how your electrical, water, and sewer connections work before beginning setup. If you are renting an RV, ask the rental provider to demonstrate the basic systems before you travel.

Plan a Few Activities, but Leave Time to Relax

The Hershey area offers enough attractions to fill several vacations, but your first camping trip does not need a packed itinerary.

Choose one main outing for the day and leave room for simple campground time. A family may visit Hersheypark®, explore Hershey’s Chocolate World, or discover another local attraction, then return to the campground for dinner, games, fishing, or an evening campfire.

Browse the campground’s area attractions before your trip, but resist the urge to schedule every hour.

Prepare for Changing Weather

Weather can change quickly in Central Pennsylvania, so check the forecast shortly before leaving home. Pack clothing that can be layered and bring rain protection even when the forecast looks favorable.

A rainy hour does not have to ruin the trip. Cards, books, coloring supplies, travel games, and a favorite family movie can turn unexpected indoor time into another vacation memory.

Let Children Help With the Adventure

Children often feel more excited and responsible when they are included in the planning. Let them choose a campground meal, pack their own activity bag, select a game for the family, or help prepare supplies for the campfire.

Younger children may enjoy carrying a small flashlight or helping place safe, lightweight items at the campsite. Older children can assist with meal preparation, campsite organization, or checking the family packing list.

Expect to Learn Something for Next Time

Your first camping trip will teach you what works for your family. You may discover that everyone loves cabin camping, prefers a longer stay, wants more campground time, or needs fewer scheduled attractions.

Make a few notes after the trip about what you used, what you forgot, and what you did not need. That simple list will make your next camping adventure even easier.

Your First Trip May Be the Beginning of a Family Tradition

Camping gives families an opportunity to step away from familiar routines and spend time together in a different setting. The first trip may include a few surprises, but those moments often become part of the story everyone tells later.

Begin with a comfortable way to stay, pack the practical basics, ask for help when you need it, and leave room to enjoy the campground. You do not need to be an experienced camper to begin making family camping memories.