The Best (and Worst) Things About Staying At Circle M RV Resort in Lancaster, PA
Hey friends! Dane here from the Double Decker Fam. If you follow us on Instagram or YouTube, you already know we’re all about unique family travel, especially if it involves an RV and our big, crazy crew of eight. This summer, we parked our converted double decker bus at Circle M RV & Camping Resort in Lancaster, Pennsylvania for a week, and wow—what an adventure. With six kids aged 10 and under (including two five-year-old twins with endless energy), we put this campground to the ultimate test.
Whether you’re planning your next big family RV trip or just daydreaming, I’m here to break down the best (and yes, a few of the worst) things about staying. So grab a snack, get comfy, and let’s dive in!
Why We Chose Circle M RV Resort
Lancaster, PA holds a special place on our family map—it’s Amish country, bursting with kid-friendly fun, scenic countryside, and an awesome array of RV parks. After some deep research and some tips from fellow RV families, we landed on Circle M RV Resort (part of the Thousand Trails network). With its riverfront access, indoor pool, and prime location, it seemed perfect for our lively crew.
Pro tip: Always check reviews, site maps, and amenities before you book an RV park, especially with a large family. We love Campendium for honest reviews (see for yourself), and always check out their Facebook community for the latest visitor feedback.
The Best Things About Circle M RV Resort
1. Endless Activities for Kids… and Parents
Circle M is a kid’s paradise! There’s an indoor pool (seriously a game changer on rainy days), two outdoor pools, a mini-golf course, basketball courts, a game room, playgrounds, and even gem mining. Our kids were never bored, which gave my wife and I a chance to actually relax—or at least grab a few sips of coffee before the next game of tag broke out.
- Indoor Pool: Perfect for unpredictable PA weather. We loved being able to swim even when it rained.
- Mini-Golf: Free and open all day—major win!
- Playgrounds: Multiple, so every age group had something.
2. Beautiful Natural Setting
The campground is nestled along the Conestoga River, surrounded by rolling farmland. It’s just what you picture when you think of Lancaster County. Early morning walks along the water are peaceful (well, as peaceful as anything can be with six kids), and the fields nearby are stunning at sunset.
For wildlife lovers, we spotted deer, tons of birds, and even the occasional chipmunk. Nothing like waking up to nature right outside your tiny house on wheels!
3. Close to Everything in Amish Country
Circle M is only about 15 minutes from Lancaster’s most popular attractions:
- Dutch Wonderland (the ultimate amusement park for families with young kids—read reviews here)
- Strasburg Rail Road (vintage steam trains—a must for train-obsessed kiddos like ours)
- The Amish Farm and House, buggy rides, and farmer’s markets
We loved popping out for a few hours to these local gems and then coming “home” to the RV for a low-key evening.
4. Spacious Sites for Big Rigs
As you might’ve guessed, our double decker RV needs room. The staff was super helpful in finding us a site that could handle our size (we’re nearly 14 feet tall and 45 feet long), and the roads inside Circle M are (mostly) wide and easy to navigate. If you have a unique rig, call ahead.
5. Affordable Family Rates
Compared to many resorts in the region, Circle M is a good value, especially if you’re a Thousand Trails member (which can really pay off if you RV often—NerdWallet breaks down camping memberships here). Nightly rates include all amenities—no pesky add-ons for pools or playgrounds.
The Not-So-Great (aka The “Worst”) Things About Circle M RV Resort
No campground is perfect, and we believe in keeping it real. Here’s where Circle M could use a little love:
1. Busy, Sometimes Noisy, Especially During Peak Season
Lancaster draws big crowds in summer and on weekends. At Circle M, this means a lot of families, a lot of kids, and sometimes—yes—chaos. We had noisy neighbors (think late-night karaoke and unsupervised scooters) until staff made some rounds, but the peace can be a little hit or miss.
If you’re seeking total tranquility, consider mid-week stays or shoulder season dates.
2. Some Sites Are Unlevel or Tight
While most big rig spots are fine, we did notice some sites in older loops are unlevel or difficult to back into, especially for longer rigs. Our advice? When you check in, ask for a map and drive around before picking a spot (if possible). The riverfront spots look dreamy but can be muddy after rain.
3. Facilities Can Be Hit or Miss
Circle M is a huge campground (over 350 sites), and some of the restrooms, showers, or laundry rooms are showing their age. The “main” bathhouses were cleaner and more updated, but honestly—bring extra flip-flops for the showers, just in case.
The indoor pool, while awesome, can get loud and humid, and pool hours sometimes didn’t match what was printed on the map. Not a dealbreaker, but good to know!
4. WiFi and Cell Service: Be Warned
If you depend on strong internet for work or homeschooling, know that the campground wifi is basic at best, and cell service (AT&T and Verizon) was unreliable in some spots. We make content for a living, so brought a cell booster—and still had to drive into town for big uploads.
5. Rules Aren’t Always Enforced
We love a family-friendly campground vibe, but noticed a few too many speeders (especially with golf carts and scooters) and some guests not respecting quiet hours. Staff were responsive eventually, but management could step up here a bit.
Our Favorite Family Memories at Circle M
Despite a few hiccups, we made some incredible memories here:
- The Saturday night ice cream social (seriously, what’s better?)
- Evenings catching fireflies with the twins out by the wood line
- Family bike rides around the massive property (bring bikes or scooters for sure)
- Rainy day Scrabble marathons (the indoor common area is spacious and welcoming)
Traveling in our double decker with a half-dozen kids isn’t always easy, but Circle M helped us slow down, reconnect as a family, and say “yes!” to another epic summer adventure.
Would We Recommend Circle M RV Resort?
Absolutely! For families with kids, especially younger ones, Circle M is packed with activities and offers excellent value. Just go in with realistic expectations about crowds, facilities, and maybe pack some earplugs and a few extra leveling blocks!
For couples looking for peace and quiet, you might look elsewhere or visit in the off-season. But for big, active crews like ours, this is one of the best choices around Lancaster.
Tips for Planning Your Stay at Circle M
- Book Early! Summer and weekends sell out fast.
- Ask for the Right Site: If you have a big rig, call ahead and speak to staff. Some roads/sites are easier than others.
- Bring Your Own Entertainment: Board games for rainy days, scooters or bikes for property cruises, and maybe even an extra beach chair for the indoor pool.
- Plan Day Trips: Dutch Wonderland, Bird-in-Hand farmers market, and Amish attractions are all within 20 minutes.
- Download Maps Offline: Cell coverage can be spotty, so save important info before you arrive.
Final Thoughts
Circle M isn’t a fancy luxury resort, but it’s genuine, friendly, and packed with the right kind of adventure. If you want a campground where kids can run, play, and make friends—and you don’t mind a little noise—it’s hard to beat. Just come with your sense of humor and flexibility, and you’ll have a trip to remember.
Have you been to Circle M RV Resort, or have questions about coming with a big family? Drop a comment below, or message us on Instagram or YouTube—we love connecting with fellow RVers!
Safe travels and happy camping—see you on the road!
Dane @ Double Decker Fam
Helpful Resources
– Thousand Trails RV Membership Guide (NerdWallet)
– Best Amusement Parks for Kids (Parents.com)
– Campendium RV Park Reviews
*(This post contains our honest opinions. We paid for our Circle M stay ourselves and have no affiliation to the campground. If