Codorus State Park Campground features spacious, shaded sites ranging from tent pads to fully-serviced RV hookups. The 195-acre wooded campground offers distinct loops for tents, RVs, and pet-friendly camping within a 2,500-acre state park located 20 miles from Manchester. Sites include standard amenities with clean, well-maintained bathhouses throughout the camping loops. Sites in the primitive tent loop positioned directly on the lake offer more seclusion, though weekend boating traffic can increase noise levels near the boat launch. The non-electric tent sites provide fire rings with cooking grates, while electric sites feature 30/50-amp service. The campground maintains quiet hours from 9 p.m. to 8 a.m., with rangers routinely patrolling to ensure compliance with park rules.
What to do
Fishing at Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground: Anglers can cast for bass and bluegill from multiple shore access points at both the Conewago and Quaker Race day use areas. "We caught a handful of bass and an absurd amount of bluegill from shore," noted one visitor to Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground. The 340-acre Pinchot Lake requires a Pennsylvania fishing license, which rangers actively check.
Battlefield exploration: Artillery Ridge Campground provides direct access to historic Gettysburg battlefield trails. "Our site was right next to the trail going to Stangler Farm," reports a camper at Artillery Ridge Campground. The campground sits approximately 3 minutes from downtown Gettysburg, making it an ideal base for exploring the National Park Service battlefield sites and museums.
Disc golf at Pinchot Park: Play two distinct 18-hole disc golf courses at Gifford Pinchot State Park. The Conewago course offers relatively flat terrain while the Quaker Race course features wooded, hillier challenges. Be aware of poison ivy along course pathways, especially during summer months.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds in the Manchester area maintain high cleanliness standards. At Ramblin' Pines, "The grounds are well maintained and we found the staff was nice," according to a visitor. Bathhouses are regularly serviced, with most campgrounds offering hot showers and modern restroom facilities.
Family activities: Cedar Lake Family Campground organizes regular scheduled events for all ages. "This campground has it all, friendly staff, activities galore, cleanliness, & fun, fun, fun," writes a camper at Cedar Lake Family Campground. The campground stocks its lake with trout and maintains a small animal area popular with children.
Lake recreation: Multiple campgrounds offer water-based activities on their lakes. At Codorus, non-motorized boating is available with designated launch areas within walking distance from campsites. Gifford Pinchot features "a LARGE beach area in the Quaker Race day use area... with tons of picnic tables with grills, a playground, a volleyball court, and a special fence solution to keep the stupid geese out of the water in the swimming area."
What you should know
Seasonal availability: Most campgrounds near Manchester operate seasonally. Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground runs from the second Friday in April through October 31, while Cunningham Falls State Park operates April 1 through October 31. Winter camping options are limited primarily to Merry Meadows Recreation Farm, which offers year-round facilities including cabin rentals during cold months.
Reservation requirements: Sites book quickly during peak season (Memorial Day through Labor Day), particularly at popular parks like Cunningham Falls. "We love going to Cunningham falls annually, however, it books up quickly during peak season!" warns one experienced camper. Reservations open 6-12 months in advance depending on the campground.
Site selection considerations: Many campgrounds offer diverse site types with varying privacy levels. At Gettysburg Campground, tent sites along the creek provide more space than interior sites. However, "Black walnut trees and the squirrels do not shy away from dropping the walnuts like bombs on your head, car, or table when you're preparing breakfast."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Choose sites near recreational amenities for convenient supervision. At Gettysburg Battlefield Resorts, "There is a large playground with a play set, Gaga ball court, basketball court, volleyball, shuffleboard, arcade, and a pavilion for activities." Sites closer to playgrounds typically fill first, so book early for these premium locations.
Swimming options: Pools and designated swimming areas provide alternatives to lake swimming. Gifford Pinchot State Park maintains "a nice concession area to grab some food, ice cream, and drinks that the kids appreciated." Some campgrounds charge additional fees for pool access, such as at Gettysburg Campground.
Themed weekends: Many campgrounds organize special activities during summer and fall. "During the summer they have different themed weekends and fun activities for the whole family. In the fall they have Halloween weekends," reports a regular visitor to Gettysburg Battlefield Resorts. Check campground activity calendars when booking to align stays with preferred events.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds feature uneven terrain requiring substantial leveling equipment. At Granite Hill Camping Resort, one RVer reported, "It took 2 hours to get our camper set up because of the very uneven stone lot, thankfully we had enough wood to get the jack up without having to over extend it." Bring extra leveling blocks, especially for sites in wooded areas.
Electric service variations: Check amperage requirements before booking. Gettysburg Battlefield Resorts notes, "All sites have water and electric, but not all are 50 amp sites. About half the sites have sewer, but there are two dump stations that are centrally located and easy to get to." Most campgrounds offer 30-amp service as standard, with 50-amp available at premium sites.
Extension cord requirements: Utility connections at some campgrounds may be oddly positioned. At Granite Hill, "The hookups are oddly spaced and you need to ensure you have extentions handy." Pack additional length cords, hoses, and adapters to ensure proper hookups regardless of site configuration.
