Camping near Stewartstown, Pennsylvania offers access to both the rolling hills of southeastern Pennsylvania and the scenic Susquehanna River valley. The area sits at approximately 750 feet above sea level, with summer temperatures typically ranging from 60-85°F and moderate rainfall. Campgrounds near Stewartstown feature diverse terrain options, from wooded hillsides to riverfront sites, with many locations operating from April through October.
What to do
Water activities on the Susquehanna River: At Otter Creek Campground, campers can kayak along the river and explore nearby islands. "The boat launch is in great shape and with the close islands makes it great to put the kayaks in this huge gorgeous river! Then throw in Otter Creek... it's a great adventure paddling up the creek," notes Sean M.
Hiking nearby trails: The Mason Dixon Trail runs near several campgrounds in the region. "FANTASTIC Campground!! Its close proximity to the Susquehanna River, Otter Creek, and the Mason Dixon Trail is absolutely ideal!" writes Gerald B. about Otter Creek Campground.
Disc golf courses: Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground features two 18-hole disc golf courses. "Both areas have their own 18 hole disc golf course, but I will say: BEWARE of poison ivy!! We played the first 10 holes around the Conewago day use area and I was shocked at how much poison ivy we had to dodge all over the prime walking areas through the course," reports Danielle V.
Halloween festivities: Several campgrounds offer special Halloween events. "Visited this campground a couple of years ago to run a 5k! Campsites were spacious and the water park was fantastic!" says Ella P. about Jellystone Park at Quarryville.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: At Pequea Creek Campground, campers appreciate the spaciousness. "We really enjoyed this campground. We booked late and ended up being given the group camping site because it was all that was left. We had a ton of space and it was more secluded than other sites," mentions Olivia M.
Rustic camping options: For those seeking a more natural experience, Codorus State Park provides primitive options. "We typically stay in the primitive tent loop which is right on the lake. It can get a little busy on the weekends since there is a boat lauch at the end of the primitive lane, but some of the sites are secluded/set back enough to be private," notes Catherine H.
Clean facilities: Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park at Quarryville maintains high standards. "Super clean, beautiful campground. So many activities to entertain kids, we couldn't fit it all in!" says Karla R.
Fishing opportunities: Many campgrounds provide access to fishing spots. "There is a nice little pond you can fish," mentions Dan A. about Tucquan Park Family Campground.
What you should know
Seasonal limitations: Most campgrounds in the area have specific operating seasons. "Stayed here for Father's Day a few years ago. Nice camping experience had a fishing pond sites were level and no problems," says Heather H. about Otter Creek Campground, which is open April 1 to October 31.
Varied terrain and site conditions: Muddy Run Rec Park has some challenging sites. "Cons: Bring 50 ft of hose for water hook up and an extension cord with a converter. The water hook ups are randomly placed, ours was 2 sites away. The lake area is COVERED in goose poop. Sites in the 20's are tiny and hanging off a cliff," warns Chris G.
Bring cash for some locations: Several campgrounds prefer cash payments. "One of the complaints was they work on cash. Yeah, I knows it's not popular because most of us live in a plastic dominated world. I read it in advance and I just made sure we had some with us," notes Sharon L. about Merry Meadows Recreation Farm.
Showers may require quarters: Be prepared with coins. "Showers good; cost 50¢ for 6 min, but that's fine...ensures enough hot water for everyone and no waste," mentions Gerald B. about Otter Creek Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Merry Meadows Recreation Farm offers multiple play areas. "The pool through RV sites are in the centerfield and kind of exposed to the elements but you are right across from the pool and right across from an amazing playground," says Brian S.
Swimming options: Several campgrounds have pools as alternatives to lake swimming. "The park has a lot that you can do or just relax by the fire. Perfect for families," writes Catherine H. about Codorus State Park, adding "There is no swimming allowed in the lake but there is a pool located at the park, there is no extra cost to use the pool if you are at the campground."
Holiday activities: Campgrounds often host special events. "We stayed here this past Easter and they had plenty of activities for kids and adults. Easter egg hunts for kids, adult scavenger hunts for alcohol. Wonderful experience for the whole family," shares Melissa E. about Merry Meadows.
Kid-friendly water features: Some parks offer splash areas. "We got site 114. It has water access and is right next to a small man made beach and playground," notes SkywaystoHighways.com about Gifford Pinchot State Park.
Tips from RVers
Site selection advice: At Thousand Trails Circle M, location matters. "While the top part of the campground seemed more communal, we chose the lower, Riverside sites and we're glad we did! The campground sits in the center of a horseshoe curve of the river, bring tubes and kayaks!" recommends Karla R.
Seasonal RV considerations: For longer stays, some campgrounds offer advantages. "I would consider parking our camper over the summer! There are occasional whiffs of McCormick spices in the air that is very soothing. Prices aren't horrible," explains Sharon L. about Merry Meadows.
Pad types vary significantly: Some campgrounds offer better RV sites than others. "We got pretty lucky and were assigned one of the concrete pads that was pretty level. It is absolutely beautiful out. The grounds are well-kept," notes Nick E. about Thousand Trails Circle M.
Hookup availability: Expect diverse electric and water options. "Nice campground. Very clean facilities. We typically stay in the primitive tent loop which is right on the lake," explains Catherine H. about Codorus State Park Campground.
