Susquehanna State Park Campground
Great time with kids
Nice campground had my 6 and 7 year old. The site was pretty private and had bathrooms close. I would definitely go again.
Campgrounds near Airville, Pennsylvania cluster along the scenic Susquehanna River, offering a range of accommodations from primitive tent sites to full-hookup RV facilities. Otter Creek Campground and Tucquan Park Family Campground anchor the area's camping options, with additional sites available at Pequea Creek Campground. Most facilities provide water and electric hookups, with several offering cabins and glamping alternatives for visitors seeking more comfortable overnight experiences. The proximity to the Susquehanna River creates opportunities for waterfront camping, fishing, and boating activities that complement the rural Pennsylvania landscape.
The camping season typically runs from early April through late October, with most facilities closing during winter months. Many sites require advance reservations, particularly during summer weekends and holidays when river access is most desired. "We stayed over Labor Day weekend however it rained so badly on Friday night that York was flooded in several areas," noted one visitor at Otter Creek, highlighting how seasonal weather patterns can impact camping experiences. Road access to most campgrounds is well-maintained, though some primitive areas may become difficult to navigate after heavy rainfall. Cell service varies significantly throughout the region, with several reviews mentioning limited connectivity at certain campgrounds, particularly in wooded areas.
Riverside camping experiences receive consistently positive feedback from visitors to the Airville area. The Susquehanna River and its tributaries like Otter Creek provide natural attractions that enhance the camping experience. A camper described Otter Creek Campground as having "great proximity to the Susquehanna River, Otter Creek, and the Mason Dixon Trail" which is "absolutely ideal." Family-friendly amenities appear throughout the region's campgrounds, with several featuring playgrounds, fishing ponds, and organized activities. Campground staff receive particular praise in multiple reviews, with visitors noting the helpful, friendly atmosphere at several facilities. While sites can be somewhat close together at certain campgrounds, many visitors appreciate the wooded settings that provide natural privacy barriers between campsites, especially at the primitive camping areas.
"Covered bridges and road side shopping are close by. Enjoyed river tubing which is close by to this campground. Music bingo on Saturday night was so much fun. Owners are very nice and helpful."
"The wife & I stayed in site 22 for three nights and bicycled 14 miles, some along the Susquehanna, on nearby Enola Low Grade Trail . "
"Highly recommend staying here with lots of close hiking trails within driving distance."
"There was a lot of space so walking our dogs was great. The smaller bathroom stalls are pretty small but got the job done. Playground and pool were both nice and clean. Wonderful place for a family."
"Otter Creek Campground Review Otter Creek is located at 1101 Furnace Rd, Airville, PA 17302 and is directly aside of the Susquehanna River and Otter Creek in York County."
"Its close proximity to the Susquehanna River, Otter Creek, and the Mason Dixon Trail is absolutely ideal! Sites are spacious and nice! Restrooms clean!"
"Close to Lancaster for necessities and great proximity to Baltimore and Philadelphia for day trips."
"I used to stay here all the time with my grandparents when they were around. It was always some of the best times for me."
"The large lake is great for a day of kayaking and fishing with supplies readily available for rent at the boat dock store."
"The observatory is open to public once a month, we recommend you plan your trip around this."
"We stayed here in November with beautiful weather which meant the large farm behind the campground was spraying manure over their fields. We could smell it."
"The site was covered and it was cool around 4:30pm when the sun went behind the trees. It didn’t look like all sites had that much cover so be careful."
$28 - $72 / night
"The camping area is small but worth it. a short walk from the scenic overlooks and other hiking trails."
"Some walk in tent sites. There are lots of long scenic hiking trails down to Deer creek and to the Susquehanna River."
"Tent sites are lined up along the water which is great for fishing (especially when you need to stay close to the littles sleeping in the tent). Lots of benches lined up along the water."
"Not to noisy being next to a theme park. The bath house was just remodeled so it's excellent! Good price!"
$21 - $50 / night
"I was a walk-up with no reservation and since it was a weekday the ranger gave me a great rundown of the best spots in the camp and let me drive through to check them out before going back with my decision"
"Has access to Susquehanna River, nice hiking trails. Can picnic on Deer Creek and go tubing. Close to Connowingo Damn for fishing and birdwatching. Havre de Grace sits near Chesapeake Bay."
$35 / night
"First the positives:
- The free splash pad is perfect for younger kids and felt great on a hot summer day.
- Boat rentals were cheap and perfectly adequate."
"Massive lake with rentals, so many hikes available. Events available near by if not in."












Nice campground had my 6 and 7 year old. The site was pretty private and had bathrooms close. I would definitely go again.
This campground has everything. Conveniently located, short drive to Dover, Wilmington, Annapolis and Baltimore. The sites were very large and spacious. Sites can accommodate any type of trailer or vehicle. Plenty of site hookups, areas for tents. There is a camp store, several washer and dryers. The best private, individual shower booths and even a pond to go fishing in.
We camp here several times thru out the year. Always an enjoyable stay. Staff is very friendly and accommodating.
Like always we like to begin our camping season with a Easter Weekend Trip, my husband's family is partial to the Lancaster Area, so we headed there to Sun Retreats Lancaster. As we drove up I loved the look and location of the campground. You could see there was a indoor pool setup, arcade, playground, store, ice cream, mini-golf and a huge lake and that was everything we saw from the truck. We pulled up to a gate and a guy came out of the shed next to it to check us in.
The campground looked well maintained, the sports were on both sides of the lake and they offered many different options like woods or open, pull through or back up. We choose a really wooded site. It was tight getting in but I can't complain I don't drive the truck. It seemed like there was a fair amount of seasonal sites but they didn't overwhelm the place. I could see also a lot of cabins there were some shaped like teepees, a frontier cabin, and a caboose. They had a fair amount of open grass to play and enjoy. You can bring your own golfcart or they have on site rentals also.
They had an activity list that would help keep everyone busy, they had a mini golf course that was in great shape, an arcade which was definitely lacking in the game department, I think there was 4 pinball machines, 2 Skee ball, 3 racing games, and the play to you win machine. The playground x2 were both in great condition with a lot to keep kids playing on. I can only comment on the indoor pool which at the time was said to be under construction however still open, the water was on the colder side and the hot tube the same temp as the pool, the ceiling had been ripped off so the iron rusting beams were exposed and rust falling down. The kids still went in the pool unfortunately the air from the open window made them too cold so we didn't stay long. I am hoping it will be finished because the concept of the indoor-outdoor pool area looks so fun.
The staff was extremely helpful and super friendly. The store was fully stocked with everything you could want. The bathrooms were all kept so clean and in working order with hot water. We enjoyed the area we ventured out to see the Choo Choo barn, the green dragon flea market, and kitchen kettle village which are a must if your in the area. We also choose to hike the Welsh Preserve and Money Rock. The lake had a path you could walk completely around and you could choose to fish if that's your thing.
I would definitely return to this campground again, we had 8 sites in total and we all really thought it was a wonderful place and really enjoyed our holiday weekend there. It was very busy but the staff was present but not overbearing. People were very respectful and friendly.
Tucked into the rolling, wooded hills of Pennsylvania Dutch Country, Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country RV Resort offers a unique blend of peaceful countryside and activity-packed camping, all just a stone’s throw from the PA Turnpike.
While my review from a few years ago provides a ton of detail, I thought I would follow up that review with a topline of HIGHLIGHTS and LOWLIGHTS along with a smattering of new photos.
HIGHLIGHTS:(1) Expansive campground with 250+ sites offering full hookups, giving plenty of options for both short stays and longer visits;(2) Resort-style amenities including pool, mini golf, clubhouse, playgrounds, and organized activities that keep families engaged throughout the day;(3) Beautiful wooded setting with dense tree coverage that creates a surprisingly secluded feel despite proximity to major highways;(4) Ideal location for exploring Pennsylvania Dutch Country, with scenic farmland, covered bridges, and charming nearby towns just minutes away; and(5) Strong sense of community with events like bingo, crafts, and family activities that give it that classic ‘summer camp” vibe.
LOWLIGHTS:(1) Sloped terrain throughout much of the campground can make leveling a bit tricky depending on your site;(2) Close proximity to the PA Turnpike may be a concern for some, even though tree coverage helps reduce both noise and visibility;(3) Wi-Fi is not complimentary and can be an added cost, which feels a bit dated for a“resort” experience;(4) Membership requirement through Thousand Trails can be a barrier for first-time or casual campers; and(5) Limited tent site availability compared to the large number of RV sites, making it less flexible for non-RV travelers
Happy Camping!
Set just off I-76 in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch country, Pinch Pond Family Campground& RV Park is a large, all-in-one, family-focused campground with a layout that feels more like a small neighborhood than a traditional woods-only campsite. While its proximity to the highway makes access easy, the property itself is gated, organized into distinct camping zones and packed with amenities that clearly cater to longer stays and families looking for built-in entertainment.
HIGHLIGHTS:(1) Full-service resort-style amenities including pool, playground, arcade, laundry, propane refills, dump stations, sports field, picnic tables and in-ground fire rings throughout the property;(2) Wide variety of lodging options including RV sites with 30/50 amp hookups, water, sewer and cable, primitive tent sites, and multiple on-site cottages for non-campers;(3) Gated entrance and very welcoming, helpful staff at check-in with a well-stocked camp store offering snacks, ice cream, sundries and souvenirs;(4) Strong family appeal with fishing pond, barn, open play areas and space for kids to roam safely; and(5) Excellent location for regional attractions including Hershey Park, Chocolate World, Amish countryside tours and the nearby wolf sanctuary with guided educational tours.
LOWLIGHTS:(1) Immediate proximity to I-76 means persistent highway noise day and night with no real sound buffer;(2) Access is oddly indirect despite being next to the turnpike, requiring a several-mile loop through countryside roads to reach the entrance;(3) Overall layout is wide open with limited natural privacy between many RV sites;(4) Nearby shooting range produces frequent target practice noise, especially noticeable during early morning hours; and(5) Pricing for primitive tent sites feels disproportionately high compared to full-hookup RV rates.
Happy Camping!
This is our 3rd time at this park, it is one of our favorites. Well maintained, very quiet. We stay in Loop A (full hookup) pet friendly. Sites are spacious, generally large but they are all back-in sites.
This is the most quietest campground. Perfect when you need to go somewhere to think. The people here are very nice. The wildlife is amazing
Okay so I haven't actually been here yet I am looking for somewhere to put my rv long term. I guess I was just wondering why the other person made this place sound so horrible. Is it because of the people who can only afford to survive long term at this campsite or was this another time that stigma took over instead of knowledge or is the place a real dangerous dump. I guess I need to check this place out for myself.
Campsites near Airville, Pennsylvania cluster in a rural section of York County where the Susquehanna River widens to nearly a mile across. The area sits at approximately 400 feet of elevation with summer temperatures typically ranging from 65°F to 85°F. Local camping options range from basic tent sites to RV facilities with full hookups, with most campgrounds closed between November and March due to freezing temperatures and periodic snowfall.
Riverside kayaking access: The boat launch at Otter Creek Campground provides direct water access for paddlers wanting to explore the Susquehanna. "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," reports camper Sean M.
Local hiking trails: The Mason Dixon Trail passes near several campgrounds, offering wooded routes with river views. As one camper noted at Otter Creek, "Its close proximity to the Susquehanna River, Otter Creek, and the Mason Dixon Trail is absolutely ideal!"
Historical exploration: The Indian Steps Museum is located about a mile from some campgrounds. "Just down the road about a mile or so was the Indian Steps Museum which is owned by York Conservation Society," mentions a visitor to the area.
Disc golf courses: Muddy Run Recreation Park offers a full disc golf course for visitors. One reviewer noted it has "a very well laid out and up kept disc golf course" adding that the park also features "plenty of playgrounds, disc golf, boat rentals, an observatory (closed due to covid for now), snack bar that is open 8-5 or 6 daily for breakfast, lunch, dinner or snacks."
Spacious wooded sites: Pequea Creek Campground provides larger than average campsites with natural separation. "The campsites are large and include a firepit. They supplied a massive pile of firewood for free," mentions Sarah S. Another camper adds, "Nice quite spot secluded off the beaten path. Campsites have plenty of room and give you options to be along the creek or tucked back in the trees."
Water recreation options: Swimming, fishing, and boating opportunities exist at multiple locations. A camper at Muddy Run Recreation Park reports, "The large lake is great for a day of kayaking and fishing with supplies readily available for rent at the boat dock store."
Wildlife viewing: Abundant wildlife provides nature watching opportunities. "My favorite evening activities (besides enjoying a campfire) are dusk deer-watching! There are hundreds of deer in this protected park," notes a visitor to Muddy Run Recreation Park.
Clean facilities: Tucquan Park Family Campground maintains well-kept bathrooms. As one camper states, "The bath house was just remodeled so it's excellent!" while another mentions "Clean bathhouses! Fun activities planned through the season."
Road access challenges: Some campgrounds have rough entrance roads. A Pequea Creek camper noted: "I realize that the private entrance road is long to maintain but patching some of the holes, clearing debris from the dump site deck, and wiping down the bathrooms would have netted a 5th star."
Seasonal water levels: The Susquehanna River can become muddy after heavy rainfall. One camper observed: "Unfortunately, with all of the rain we have had here in Pennsylvania this summer the river was brown with mud and tree debris. There was no way any fish was going to see anything in that water."
Limited cell service: Merry Meadows Recreation Farm and other campgrounds may have spotty connectivity. While some areas get decent service, others can be completely without signal, particularly in wooded sites.
Shower facilities: Pay showers cost $0.50 for 6-7 minutes at some locations. An Otter Creek camper explained: "I made sure to use every second of that nice hot shower. There was plenty of room in the shower and stall however the shower curtain could have been a little bigger."
Child-friendly camp activities: Tucquan Park Family Campground provides organized events for all ages. "The family that runs the campground makes everyone feel welcome and feel like you've been their 1000 times," reports Dan A., while another visitor adds, "We very much enjoyed our stay here. Kids enjoyed the park, they offer a small paddle boat to take any time you want on their little lake on site."
Playground facilities: Several campgrounds feature updated play equipment. "This campground features an amazing playground, a pond, a beautiful pool, a rec room, a wonderful hiking trail, and a basket ball court," notes a Tucquan Park visitor.
Swimming options: Thousand Trails Circle M offers indoor and outdoor pools. "There is an indoor and outdoor pool. Nice playground. We were down by the river and had a lot of room on our site," reports Leanne B.
Budget-friendly rentals: Boat and recreation equipment rentals are often reasonably priced. "$20 to rent a kayak for 1 1/2 hour!" notes a visitor to Muddy Run. "The snack shop had burgers and shakes that were very reasonably priced!"
Hookup positioning: Electric and water connections may require extra equipment. A reviewer at Muddy Run noted: "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."
Site selection: Some campgrounds offer better RV sites than others. At Old Mill Stream Campground, "We stayed on site 123 with a 40 ft Allegro Bus. Plenty of room to maneuver a big rig. All gravel sites and we had full hookup with 50 Amp," reports Chuck W.
Site levelness: RV sites vary in how level they are. A Muddy Run camper observed: "Sites in the 20's are tiny and hanging off a cliff," while another mentioned, "There are paved parking pads, picnic tables, charcoal grills, and of course a fire ring in each."
Seasonal traffic: Weekend crowds can impact the camping experience. "It gets very full on the weekends here," notes a camper at Thousand Trails Circle M, suggesting midweek stays for a quieter experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near Airville, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Airville, PA is Pequea Creek Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 14 reviews.
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