Kampgrounds of America, Inc. (KOA) welcomed KCN Campgrounds as the new owner of Pennsylvania’s Elizabethtown/Hershey KOA Holiday.
KCN specializes in acquiring, managing and enhancing campground properties, particularly within the KOA network. A longtime KOA franchisee and partner, KCN Campgrounds successfully operates multiple KOA campgrounds, continuously upholding the brand’s high standards for outdoor hospitality, the organization said.
Nestled in the countryside of Lancaster County, the Elizabethtown/Hershey KOA Holiday has long been a favorite destination for families and travelers exploring or passing through Pennsylvania. Just a short drive from Hershey’s famous attractions, the campground offers a retreat, blending nature and convenience, making it an ideal stop for both short getaways and extended vacations. With a strong background in campground management and a dedication to enhancing guest stays, the team at KCN Campgrounds plans to build upon the well-loved Pennsylvania campground’s strong reputation, while continuing to provide the top-tier service and amenities that guests to the campground have come to expect, KOA said.
Campgrounds have a significant economic and cultural impact on local communities. According to KOA’s annual Camping and Outdoor Hospitality Report, campers injected $61 billion into local economies in 2024, with the average camper spending $200 daily while camping. With 27% of campers saying they are interested in visiting small towns, and another 27% drawn to food tourism, campers are looking to experience the culture of local regions.
“With 50 acres of lush wooded trails and all the amazing wildlife, the Elizabethtown/Hershey KOA Holiday has been a go-to camping spot in Pennsylvania for years. We are so grateful to Stephanie Vargas and her family for the 32 years they spent making this campground what it is today,” said Kevin Thueson, campground owner and CEO of KCN Campgrounds. “We’re thrilled to add it to our portfolio and share the beauty of Central Pennsylvania with even more campers. We look forward to introducing exciting new features, ensuring every guest has an unforgettable experience.”
The Elizabethtown/Hershey KOA Holiday offers amenities such as two swimming pools, a playground, sand volleyball, basketball, a recreation hall, mini-golf, a bike track, fishing pond and organized family-friendly events like ice cream socials, and abundant summer festivities. Guests can also take advantage of the campground’s proximity to Hersheypark, historic Lancaster, and the Pennsylvania Dutch countryside.
The Elizabethtown/Hershey KOA Holiday is one of more than 500 open-to-the-public KOA campgrounds in the U.S. and Canada. Other brands in the KOA Family of Campgrounds include KOA Journeys, convenient locations after a long day on the road that feature long Pull-thru RV Sites, and easy after-hours check-in. KOA Resorts offer an abundance of staff-led activities, on-site food dining, group meeting space and more.
Located at 1980 Turnpike Road in Elizabethtown, the campground will be open from April 18 to Oct. 26.
For more information or to make a reservation, please visit the campground’s website, or call 1-800-562-4774. Reservations are also available by going online or using the KOA App.
