The Hershey Park campground cancellation policy varies depending on the type of accommodation and timing of cancellation. Generally, cancellations made within 24 hours of booking incur no penalty. For cancellations made after 24 hours but up to 10 days prior to arrival, a $15 processing fee applies. Cancellations within 10 days of arrival result in forfeiture of the first night’s deposit. Special events may have stricter policies.
What Are the General Cancellation Rules for Hersheypark Camping Resort?
The Hersheypark Camping Resort has established a set of general cancellation rules to ensure fair treatment for all guests while maintaining operational efficiency. Here’s a breakdown of the policy:
- 24-Hour Grace Period:
- No penalty for cancellations made within 24 hours of booking
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Provides flexibility for guests who may have made a mistake or had a change of plans
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10-Day Window:
- $15 processing fee for cancellations made after 24 hours but up to 10 days before arrival
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Allows the resort to recoup administrative costs
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Last-Minute Cancellations:
- First night’s deposit is forfeited for cancellations within 10 days of arrival
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Compensates the resort for potential lost revenue from unsold accommodations
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Notification Method:
- Cancellations must be made by phone
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Emails and texts are not accepted for cancellation requests
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No-Show and Early Departure Policy:
- No refunds for no-shows or early departures
- Protects the resort from last-minute vacancies
How Does the Policy Differ for Various Accommodation Types?
The cancellation policy at Hersheypark Camping Resort is not one-size-fits-all. Different accommodation types have specific rules:
RV & Tent Sites
| Cancellation Timing | Fee |
|---|---|
| 14+ days before arrival | $20 cancellation fee |
| Less than 14 days | Specific fees apply (contact resort for details) |
Rental Cabins
| Cabin Type | 30+ Days Notice | 14-29 Days Notice | Less Than 14 Days |
|---|---|---|---|
| Camping Log Cabins | $20 fee | $30 fee | No refund |
| Deluxe Cabins | $25 fee | $50 fee | No refund |
This tiered system reflects the higher demand and limited availability of cabin accommodations compared to RV and tent sites.
What Exceptions Apply to the Standard Cancellation Policy?
While the general policy covers most situations, there are several exceptions and special circumstances to be aware of:
- Special Events:
- Full payment required at time of reservation
- Stricter cancellation policy applies
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May have non-refundable periods
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Weather-Related Cancellations:
- No refunds for poor weather conditions
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Guests are advised to plan accordingly or consider travel insurance
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Personal Issues:
- No refunds for cancellations due to personal circumstances
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Emphasizes the importance of being certain about travel plans
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Force Majeure:
- No refunds for conditions beyond the campground’s control
- May include natural disasters, government actions, or unforeseen events
How Can Guests Modify Their Reservations?
While the cancellation policy is clear, the process for modifying reservations is less explicitly stated. However, based on industry standards and the resort’s customer-centric approach, the following guidelines likely apply:
- Contact Method:
- Call the resort directly for any reservation changes
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Have booking information ready when calling
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Timing Considerations:
- Changes made well in advance are more likely to be accommodated
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Last-minute changes may be subject to cancellation fees
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Type of Modifications:
- Date changes may be possible, subject to availability
- Shortening stays might trigger cancellation fees for the removed nights
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Extending stays is usually easier, pending availability
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Fee Structure:
- Minor changes might be free of charge
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Significant alterations could incur fees similar to cancellation charges
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Special Event Bookings:
- Modifications to reservations during peak periods or special events may be more restricted
- May require cancellation and rebooking, subject to full cancellation policy
What Should Guests Know About the Camp & Play Package Cancellation Policy?
The Camp & Play Package at Hersheypark Camping Resort comes with its own set of rules:
- Non-Refundable Nature:
- Tickets and packages are generally non-refundable
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Emphasizes the commitment required when booking
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Non-Transferable Policy:
- Packages cannot be transferred to other guests or dates
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Ensures fairness and prevents resale issues
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Booking Considerations:
- Guests should be certain of their plans before purchasing
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Travel insurance might be advisable for added protection
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Exceptions:
- Resort may make exceptions in extraordinary circumstances
- Decisions made on a case-by-case basis
How Does the Cancellation Policy Protect Both Guests and the Resort?
The Hersheypark Camping Resort cancellation policy serves multiple purposes:
- Guest Protection:
- 24-hour grace period allows for correction of booking errors
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Tiered fee structure provides some flexibility for changing plans
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Resort Protection:
- Fees help offset administrative costs and potential lost revenue
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Stricter policies for high-demand accommodations and periods ensure fair access
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Operational Efficiency:
- Clear policy reduces disputes and misunderstandings
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Phone-only cancellations ensure proper documentation and personal service
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Financial Stability:
- Non-refundable deposits for last-minute cancellations help maintain revenue projections
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Encourages guests to commit to their bookings
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Fairness:
- Consistent application of policy ensures all guests are treated equally
- Special event policies reflect the unique nature of these high-demand periods
By understanding the nuances of the Hershey Park campground cancellation policy, guests can make informed decisions about their bookings and travel plans. The policy strikes a balance between flexibility for guests and protection for the resort, ensuring a sustainable and enjoyable camping experience for all visitors to Hersheypark.
References:
1. Elizabethtown / Hershey KOA Rates
2. Hersheypark Camping Resort FAQs
3. Hersheypark Camping Resort Camp & Play Package