Roadtrip with RVshare Philadelphia to Hershey

If you love chocolate, then Hershey is a great getaway from Philadelphia. You can play at a chocolate-themed amusement park, create a candy bar, and watch mystery shows about chocolate. Since you will want to consume lots of chocolate while in Hershey, stop at some fantastic state parks along the route to burn off calories. There are many exciting things to do along the way, including visiting the Amish in Lancaster County.

Nearby National Parks

Shenandoah National Park  

You may want to end your journey by traveling about 2.5 hours south of Hershey to visit Shenandoah National Park. The only road through this park is Skyline Drive, which you can catch off of Virginia Route 340 near Front Royal, Virginia. Just 5 miles inside the park, you will find the Dickey Ridge Visitor Center, which is a great place to stop and to get the latest park updates. Nearby, hike the 1.2-mile Fox Hollow Trail, which is a great place to see wildflowers. Stop at many of the overlooks to enjoy the view before arriving at the Elkwallow Wayside; this is a terrific spot for a picnic, and there is a store nearby. Shortly before reaching the park's middle, you will see Old Rag Mountain. If you are in shape, take the 10-mile hike to its summit, but be forewarned that the mountain's peak is 2,500-feet above sea level. Then, stop at Byrd's Center to watch the film about the park's founding. The nearby stable is a great place to go for a trail ride. There are also excellent places to go fishing nearby. Keep stopping at the overlooks until you exit the park 105 miles later near Waynesboro, Virginia. Then, you can easily hop on the interstate to return to Hershey on your Philadelphia to Hershey RV road trip.

Nearby State Parks

Ridley Creek State Park  

While Ridley Creek State Park is only 16 miles from downtown Philadelphia, its gently rolling terrain is a great place to reconnect with nature. This park is by Ridley Creek, which is stocked regularly with trout. Except during the winter months, you will want to stop and explore Colonial Pennsylvania Plantation, where you can learn about life in rural America during the Colonial period by seeing heritage animals and crops being grown using traditional farming techniques. See many early crafts being performed, and visit with reenactors. This park closes seasonally in the winter for deer hunting. 

Marsh Creek State Park  

Surrounding Marsh Creek Lake near Eagle, Pennsylvania, stop and explore Marsh Creek State Park. Since gentle breezes often blow, this lake is a fantastic place to go sailing. It's also a favorite of many anglers, and it is an official Big Bass Lake. The L-shaped pool is a terrific place to go swimming in the summer, and toddlers and young children usually love the sprayground. Head to the stable on this park's west side to go for a horseback ride. There are also many excellent hiking trails at this park, with most starting near the boat ramp at the west side of this park. 

French Creek State Park  

The largest block of contiguous forest between Washington, D.C., and New York City is French Creek State Park, and it is a terrific place to go hiking. You will particularly want to follow trails running near the Pine Swamp Natural Area so that you can see this unique ecosystem. In all, there are more than 56 miles of maintained hiking trails at this park. Go swimming at the pool while enjoying scenic views of Hopewell Lake. There are two lakes at this park, with Hopewell Lake often providing great Northern pike fishing, and Scotts Run Lake is stocked regularly with trout.

Along the Way

Legoland Discovery Center  

You will want to stop at the Legoland Discovery Center in the Plymouth Meeting Mall. Note that you cannot get into this attraction unless you bring children. Spend hours building with Legos. Watch your favorite Lego characters come to life in the 4D theater. Let your child take a ride on the Lego-themed ride. 

Valley Forge National Historical Park  

Explore where the Continental Army camped during the brutal winter of 1777 and 1778 by stopping at Valley Forge National Historical Park. Consider biking along the Encampment Tour Route that is also open for autos. This route includes nine stops that are significant to the time that George Washington and his troops spent at this location. See the lovely home where George Washington spent the winter, and visit where his troops set up their tents. Explore the artillery park, which has several old cannons in it. End your visit at the Washington Memorial Chapel. While at the chapel, see the replica of the Liberty Bell. This bell, called the Justice Bell, was created in 1915 during the Women's Suffrage Movement. Valley Forge National Historical Park is a fantastic place to go hiking, horseback riding, and paddling. If you can complete a 78-mile hiking or paddling adventure during your visit, then you can earn a special prize by turning your log into the park's office. 

Wharton Esherick Museum  

When you get to Malvern, Pennsylvania, stop and explore the Wharton Esherick Museum. This space has been declared a National Historic Landmark for Architecture. Wharton Esherick, who carved numerous wood sculptures, initially used it as a studio. Over 300 pieces of her work are on display. During your Philadelphia to Hershey road trip, you will also want to explore other historic buildings located on this 12-acre campus, including a one-room schoolhouse. This facility often hosts special events and artist presentations. 

Dutch Wonderland Amusement Park  

The extra driving on your road trip from Philadelphia to Hershey will be worth it when you step into a Dutch kingdom when you visit Dutch Wonderland Amusement Park. This park gives you the chance to go on a prehistoric expedition in its Exploration Island area, on a Pacific Ocean holiday when you visit its Duke's Lagoon, and on a high-flying adventure at Merlin's Mayhem. 

Dutch Apple Dinner Theater  

Check the schedule during your road trip itinerary from Philadelphia to Hershey to see if you are lucky enough to take in a show at the Dutch Apple Dinner Theater in Lancaster. Shows usually start in August and run through the end of the year. Enjoy a buffet-style meal before the show. This venue often hosts special children's performances and children's acting camps.

Main Cities You Will Pass Through

King of Prussia, Pennsylvania

Located on the western outskirts of Philadelphia, King of Prussia, Pennsylvania, is a fun city to explore. Consider camping at the Philadelphia/West Chester KOA Holiday, where you can rent canoes to launch from their campground. You will also want to ponder the Brandywine Creek Campground. East Brandywine Creek at this campground is stocked with trout. There are other great King of Prussia campground choices. King of Prussia RV dump stations can be found at the Valley Forge Service Plaza and the PA Turnpike King of Prussia Rest Area. 

Valley Forge, Pennsylvania

The community of Valley Forge lies at the west end of Valley Forge National Historic Park. Hidden Acres Campground is a terrific nearby choice for a campground near Valley Forge. They have an old-fashioned playground with a steel slide and a catch-and-release fishing pond. Sun Valley RV Campground, part of the Thousand Oaks family, is a tremendous resort-style campground nearby. Consider using Valley Forge RV dump stations at the Lazy K Campground, Birchview Farm Campground, or French Creek State Park. 

Morgantown, Pennsylvania  

There are terrific campgrounds in Morgantown. Think about staying at the Adventure Bound Oak Creek Campground with its fabulous pool, gagaball pit, and jumping obstacle course. You may also want to consider Lake in Wood Resort, where you will want to hear someone play the restored pipe organ, and its Gnomes Café, where gnomes come out of hiding to entertain guests. Morgantown RV dump stations are available at Roamers' Retreat Campground and Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park Camp-Resort.

Find Adventure from Philadelphia to Hershey

Find your One-Way Rental

When you follow this road trip itinerary from Philadelphia to Hershey, you will enjoy historic locations and beautiful scenery along the way. If you want to travel in comfort and style, consider an RV rental from RVshare. From large motorhomes to compact campervans, there is a rig that will meet your travel and budget needs. Once you hit the road, you are protected by our renter guarantee and 24/7 roadside assistance. Find the perfect vehicle for your travel needs in Philadelphia or Hershey.