Tulpehocken is a name derived from the Lenape language, meaning "land of the turtles".

[2][3] According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the township has a total area of 23.3 square miles (60.3 km2), all land.

There were 1,052 housing units at an average density of 45.1 per square mile (17.4/km2).

PA 501 follows Lancaster Avenue along a north-south alignment across the southwestern portion of the township.

PA 645 follows Camp Swatara Road along a north-south alignment across the southwestern corner of the township.