Facility Overview

Hersheypark General Parking serves as the central vehicular gateway to Pennsylvania\'s iconic \'Sweetest Place on Earth.\' Spanning dozens of acres along Hersheypark Drive in Hershey, PA, this expansive open-air surface parking facility accommodates thousands of visitor vehicles daily. The lot is organized into color- and candy-themed zones (such as Reese\'s, Hershey\'s, and Kisses) to assist visitors in remembering their vehicle location. Because the facility is entirely open-air and ground-level, there are virtually no vertical height clearance restrictions, making it exceptionally accommodating for standard passenger cars, oversized SUVs, lifted pickup trucks, minivans, and conversion vans. Dedicated oversized vehicle and bus parking zones are also maintained on-site to handle RVs, motorhomes, and charter buses.

Prime Location & Nearby Attractions

Positioned directly adjacent to the premier entertainment hubs of Derry Township, this lot provides seamless, pedestrian- and tram-friendly access to the region\'s most celebrated venues:

• Hersheypark & The Boardwalk: Direct access to the front gate via complimentary parking trams or a brief 5- to 10-minute walk through the main plaza.
• Hershey\'s Chocolate World: Located right at the edge of the general parking complex, mere steps away for factory tours, retail shops, and specialty dining.
• Hersheypark Stadium: Situated immediately contiguous to the lot, hosting major summer concert tours, stadium shows, and championship sporting events.
• GIANT Center: Within short walking distance or direct roadway connection, hosting Hershey Bears AHL ice hockey games, family shows, and indoor arena concerts.
• Hershey Theatre & Downtown Hershey: Located less than 1.5 miles to the south, offering historic architecture, local dining, and cultural arts.

Access, Navigation & Transit Connectivity

Ingress to Hersheypark General Parking is primarily routed via Hersheypark Drive (PA-39), which connects swiftly to US-322, US-422, and Interstate 81/Interstate 83 corridors. Electronic variable message signs direct motorists toward multi-lane toll plazas designed to expedite vehicle processing. Egress after major stadium concerts or park fireworks can experience significant bottlenecks; electronic signs and traffic personnel guide departing traffic toward separate arterial exits. For public transportation, Capital Area Transit (CAT) Route 322 serves the broader Hershey area, and the nearby Middletown or Harrisburg Amtrak stations provide regional rail links within a 15- to 20-minute rideshare distance.

Facility Amenities & Key Features

• Expansive open-air asphalt surface parking with clearly delineated lanes and signage.
• Complimentary Hersheypark Tram Service operating continuously between outer parking rows and the main entrance archway.
• Designated Accessible/ADA parking spaces positioned closest to the tram pick-up shelters and Hershey\'s Chocolate World entrance.
• Dedicated drop-off and pick-up loops for rideshare services (Uber, Lyft) and family drop-offs.
• Electric vehicle charging stations (Level 2 chargers) located in select front rows.
• Cashless payment environment accepting all major credit cards, debit cards, Hersheypark gift cards, and pre-purchased digital parking vouchers.
• On-site security patrols, perimeter lighting, and comprehensive CCTV monitoring provided by Hershey Entertainment & Resorts security staff.

Ideal For

• Families and groups spending a full day at Hersheypark and The Boardwalk water park.
• Concertgoers attending headline performances at Hersheypark Stadium.
• Hockey fans and arena visitors heading to the GIANT Center.
• Tourists visiting Hershey\'s Chocolate World for tours and chocolate tastings.
• Charter tour operators, bus groups, and RV road-trippers touring central Pennsylvania.

Visitor & Driver Tips

• Buy Parking Online: Pre-purchasing daily parking passes through the official Hersheypark website or mobile app can save time at the toll plaza booths.
• Take a Photo of Your Row: The parking fields are immense; snap a smartphone photo of your row number and candy mascot pole before heading to the gate.
• Arrive Ahead of Park Opening: Aim to pull into the parking lot 45 to 60 minutes prior to official park opening times to secure closer spots and bypass peak highway queues.
• Mind Tram Operating Hours: Trams begin operating before park opening and run until the park is cleared, but walking may be faster immediately following peak closing rush or stadium concert finales.