Experience Family Camping at Circle M Campground in Lancaster Pennsylvania
This was our second stay at Circle M Campground, located in the heart of Amish country in Lancaster, Pennsylvania. We used our Thousand Trails Cabin Pass for both visits. These stays are included in our annual fee and we pay nothing when we visit. While we had some housekeeping/maintenance issues with this most recent cabin stay, we love the property and plan to return in the fall. We love this campground partly because we enjoy exploring the surrounding area, but also because they offer so many amenities that we don’t feel like we need to leave if we don’t want to.
As with most Thousand Trails parks we have visited so far, the cabins are not all together but they are all in the general vicinity of the pools, mini-golf, arcade, activity center and camp store. The yurts and the two getaway cabins are slightly further away, but still very walkable. I found this park to be very bike/scooter/walking friendly in general, with very little golf cart traffic, well maintained roadways, and minimal vehicular traffic.
Indoor Pool and Spa at Circle M Campground
The biggest draw for us, especially before local outdoor pools open for the season, is the indoor pool. We were in Florida for spring break, and once you’ve kicked off the swim season it’s hard to go back. The indoor pool was perfect for the cold, rainy weekend we had. It is a large pool, with an adult’s only hot tub. There is no lifeguard on duty but there is staff constantly patrolling the area. There are no pool toys allowed, but I did see several people using dive rings without issue. It seems like they are trying to avoid balls and pool floats, which is understandable. Despite being a large pool, it is a large campground and even in the off season there were times that the pool got very busy. Adding pool floats and balls would have made it even more chaotic and crowded. Our cabin was just down the hill from the indoor pool, a distance that would easily be walkable, but with the wind, rain and cold, we ended up driving to the pool. There are parking lots on either side of the building, one smaller lot meant specifically for the pool and the other lot serves as overflow parking for the campground. We never had an issue finding a spot in the smaller lot, even when it was busy.
There is a large covered pavilion with picnic tables near the indoor pool. The community fire ring is in the adjacent field. There was a community campfire scheduled for Friday night. Those who sing or play an instrument were encouraged to come share their talents with the group. Unfortunately the rain cancelled the campfire, as well as the golf cart parade the following night. Both sounded like a lot of fun and we look forward to experiencing them on future visits.
Miniature golf course at Circle M Campground
Another favorite of ours is their western-themed miniature golf course. This has to be the best campground mini golf we have experienced. Not only is it a great course, a lot of fun to play, and well-maintained, it is covered! The entire course is built under a large pavilion. During our first visit, we could comfortably play without the afternoon sun roasting us, and during this visit, we could play despite the rain. I feel like the fact that it is covered, also helps to keep things looking new and fresh. Nothing was worn out or faded by the sun. The activity center is nearby, and you just need to leave your membership card or photo ID in exchange for the equipment. This was a big hit with my kids and we played twice in one day.
Across the parking lot is a basketball court and a pickle ball court. Both looked relatively new or newly redone. Equipment can be checked out at the Activity Center. There are shuffleboard courts and horseshoe pits on the side of the mini golf pavilion, but they have seen better days. They are listed on the map, but I am not even sure if they are playable in their current state.
The Trading Post is the main building and it houses the arcade, laundry, camp store and the Wagon Wheel Lodge on the second floor, which is used for indoor gatherings. On the weekend we visited they had trivia, a chili cook-off, a craft fair, and a DJ in the Lodge. Children must be accompanied by an adult to enter the lodge. For a full list of events when you visit, I recommend downloading Campers APP. Circle M (as well as many other campgrounds) puts all of their activity information on the app and it will send you reminders throughout your stay. For those who prefer to disconnect when camping, everything is listed on the newsletter you receive at check-in.
The arcade is OK. The main draw is the pool tables, ping pong and air hockey. Equipment can be taken out from the Activity Center. There is a charge for the pool tables and air hockey. Quarters are available from the change machine on site. The arcade games are OK but a little heavy on claw style games with some very sad looking prizes. It was a good place to spend some time on a rainy day, but I wouldn’t waste too much time or money there.
The camp store has Circle M branded merchandise, some groceries and treats, as well as hand-scooped ice cream. When we visited they were hosting a “Guess How Many Crayons are in the Jar” contest, and on our first trip this is where you signed up for the weekend wagon rides.
The Activity Center is next door, and hosted an arts and crafts event when we visited. The staff was very friendly. This is where you can check out recreation equipment. No need to even go inside, just knock on the window and one of the staff members is happy to help. Just remember to bring your membership card or photo ID for them to hold in exchange for the equipment.
Playground located between the mini golf and the outdoor pool at Circle M Campground in Lancaster, PA
The playground is just across the path and pretty impressive for a campground playground. My kids spent quite a bit of time here when we had a little break in the rain. There are two picnic tables and a few benches nearby. I loved that they have a Little Free Library located next to the picnic tables. I made a note to start traveling with a few books we are willing to part with so we can trade during our next visit. There is a small winding path connecting the parking lot and the playground area, which was perfect for my kids to practice riding their scooters, especially on tight turns.
Meat the Browns food truck at Circle M Campground
A food truck “Meat the Browns” was available on Saturday from 9am-7pm, parked between the Activity Center and the playground. (Friday’s food truck was cancelled due to the heavy wind and rain) They had a great menu and reasonable prices. The owners were very sweet and we enjoyed a delicious lunch from them. It was nice being able to support a local business without leaving the campground. I understand there was a food service provider previously located in The Wagon Wheel Lodge and the circumstances under which they left seem to be a point of contention for many campers. I do not know the details of the situation, but whatever went on between management and the food service provider, please remember that is not the fault of the food truck operators. They are there to make a living and we were happy to support them.
The outdoor pool is located in this area but has not yet opened for the season. You will see it closed in my video, which does not do it justice. I encourage you to head to the Thousand Trails website for in-season photos. They are accurate, as that is how we experienced it in late September, and it’s a very nice outdoor space with plenty of seating and umbrellas. I am hoping to get back there in September before they close for the season.
Conestoga River entrance at the bottom of the hill, past the yurts, at Circle M Campground in Lancaster, PA
Perhaps one of the best parts of this campground that we have yet to experience is the river. The Conestoga River wraps around the campground, making it the perfect place for tubing without needing transportation to/from your point if origin. If you follow the road past the yurts and down the hill, you can launch tubes to float around the campground and exit between the Sioux and Iroquois Camps. This seems like such a unique and fun feature and we cannot wait to try it in the fall. Kayaks and canoes can be launched in this area as well.
Besides all the amenities listed above, which could easily keep you busy for days, Circle M is conveniently located about 10 minutes away from the city of Lancaster and close to all the offerings of the surrounding Amish country. I am putting together a list of must-see’s in the area and will link it here once it is available. Whether you are looking for a campground with plenty to keep you busy, or a home-base for exploring Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, Circle M is a great campground choice!
For videos about this visit and all of our adventures, please follow us on social media. If you have stayed at Circle M and I missed a must-do, let us know so we can add it to our next trip!