Camping opportunities near Glenville, Pennsylvania span the rolling hills of York County at elevations between 400-700 feet above sea level. The region experiences distinct seasonal changes with summer temperatures averaging 80-85°F and winter lows regularly dropping below freezing. While the area doesn't have designated camping directly in Glenville proper, numerous established campsites within a 30-minute drive offer access to the Codorus Creek watershed and surrounding woodlands.
What to do
Fishing at stocked lakes: Lake Marburg at Codorus State Park is regularly stocked with trout and offers good bass fishing. "We caught a handful of bass and an absurd amount of bluegill from shore," reports one visitor to Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground, who also mentioned the rangers regularly check fishing licenses.
Trail hiking options: Many campsites near Glenville connect to trail systems ranging from easy to moderate difficulty. "I took an early morning hike on the 8.5 mile Lakeside Trail that goes around the lake and it was really awesome to see the lake from all different angles," notes a camper at Gifford Pinchot State Park. Several sites also connect to historical walking paths related to Civil War history.
Mini golf and recreation: Several campgrounds maintain on-site recreation facilities. At Merry Meadows Recreation Farm, "there were tons of things to do there for adults and kids alike. The activities — such as putt-putt, jump zone and the playground" provide entertainment options during downtime at camp.
What campers like
Waterfront sites: Lakeside camping options offer direct water access and views. "We have site 108 which is an electric site along the shore and close to the beach, and it was perfect for our needs," shared a visitor about Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground. These premium waterfront sites typically book fastest, especially for summer weekends.
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain well-kept bathroom and shower facilities. "Paved sites, modern, clean bathrooms," notes a camper about Codorus State Park Campground. Bathroom cleanliness varies significantly by location and season, with state park facilities generally receiving consistent maintenance.
Farm experiences: Some unique camping options include agricultural settings. "What's better than hanging out camping on a working farm?" asks a visitor to Thousand Trails Gettysburg Farm. "Got a kick out of the children playing with the kids (baby goats) pigs, goats, chickens, horses and even lamas. Plenty to see and learn."
What you should know
Seasonal variations: Most campsites follow specific seasonal calendars. Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground operates from "the second Friday in April through October 31," similar to Codorus State Park's season. Winter camping options are limited primarily to private campgrounds like Indian Rock Campgrounds.
Bug populations: Waterfront camping areas may experience increased insect activity. "After we pitched in the new spot, all was good. Then I left and woke up with a serious case of chigger bites," reports one camper at Gifford Pinchot. Bug spray with DEET is recommended for summer camping, particularly near water.
Road noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience traffic noise that affects certain sites. At Artillery Ridge Campground, "we were in site #68...right next to the road. There was a buffer of trees, but unfortunately that didn't make much of a difference with regard to noise." Request sites away from main roads when booking for quieter experiences.
Tips for camping with families
Beach access options: Several campgrounds feature swimming beaches or pools for family use. "The main beach in the QR day use area is one of the nicest I've ever seen at a PA state park, with tons of picnic tables with grills, a playground, a volleyball court, and a special fence solution to keep the stupid geese out," describes a visitor to Gifford Pinchot State Park.
Playground availability: Check for kid-friendly amenities when booking. "Nice little fishing pond. Nice playground and open fields," mentions a review from Gettysburg Campground, though some campgrounds have limited play equipment or older facilities requiring parental supervision.
Weekend activities: Many campgrounds schedule regular activities during peak season. "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," reports a Merry Meadows visitor, showing how seasonal events enhance family camping experiences.
Tips from RVers
Dump station locations: Not all sites offer full hookups, so plan accordingly. At Cedar Lake Family Campground, one RVer mentioned, "We had a pull-through site with W/S/E, which made dumping, etc. much easier that pulling to a dump site." Some campgrounds also offer honey wagon services for extended stays.
Site dimensions and access: Campground roads and site sizes vary considerably. "Roads are narrow, but the sites are large and level," notes a visitor at Cedar Lake Family Campground. RVs over 30 feet should verify access before booking, especially at older campgrounds with tighter turns and smaller sites.
