148 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
The Susquehanna River valley surrounding Columbia, Pennsylvania features diverse camping options within a 30-mile radius, from state parks to private resorts. Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground, about 25 miles northwest, offers 339 campsites with waterfront options and accommodations ranging from tent sites to yurts and cabins. Closer to Columbia, Pequea Creek Campground provides riverside camping with "large spots and a lot of trees," as one visitor noted. The area's camping landscape reflects Pennsylvania Dutch Country's rolling farmland and wooded terrain, with several Thousand Trails locations including Circle M in nearby Lancaster offering full hookup RV sites alongside tent camping areas and rental accommodations.
Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally from April through October, with a few exceptions like Old Mill Stream Campground which remains open year-round. Reservations become essential during summer weekends and fall foliage season when facilities reach capacity. The region experiences humid summers with occasional thunderstorms and cold winters that limit camping options. Road conditions vary significantly, with some campgrounds requiring navigation through narrow country roads. According to one camper at Pequea Creek: "Beautiful picturesque campground with large spots and a lot of trees. Very quiet and close enough to Lancaster for shopping. Covered bridges and road side shopping are close by."
Waterfront sites at Gifford Pinchot State Park receive consistently high ratings, with campers praising the sunset views over Pinchot Lake. One visitor described it as "one of our favorites" with "great sites on the lake side." Proximity to attractions shapes many camping experiences in the region, with several campgrounds positioned to provide access to Hersheypark, Lancaster's Amish country, and the Susquehanna River. Highway noise affects some locations, particularly those near the Pennsylvania Turnpike. Campground density varies widely, with some visitors noting tight spacing at certain private campgrounds while others highlight the spaciousness of state park sites. Bathroom facilities receive mixed reviews across the region, with state parks generally maintaining clean, well-kept facilities while some private campgrounds struggle with maintenance issues.
"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."
"We have a small camper and there are some great sites on the lake side to park it where you can get AMAZING sunset views. "
"We had site 108 which is an electric site along the shore and close to the beach, and it was perfect for our needs. "
from $24 - $89 / night
Check Availability"There was a bathhouse and dish sink nearby, as well as the entrance to a nice little nature trail a few sites down. "
"Large and easy to enter/exit sites. Wifi was pretty good. (It helped that the antenna was right beside our site!) Cable TV, too! Everyone we talked to was nice and friendly."
from $45 - $279 / night
Check Availability"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 . "
"The first thing to know is that Thousand Trails sites are a first come, first serve. Meaning you have to arrive early in order to get the best spots. They don't reserve sites for you."
"This is a clean, nice looking campground in a location very close to Hershey park and the outlets. It’s a very nice area."
from $50 - $60 / night
Check Availability"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"
"campground so inconveniently located (more on this later) right next to highway I76."
"This campground has a little something for everyone, from full hook up sites neatly stacked next to each other, to quiet patches of grass next to the river."
"They don’t sell alcohol but there is a shopping center within walking distance with restaurants and liquor stores! Even a supermarket. There is shuttle service to the park."
"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!"
"Just down the road about a mile or so was the Indian Steps Museum which is owned by York Conservation Society."
"Its close proximity to the Susquehanna River, Otter Creek, and the Mason Dixon Trail is absolutely ideal! Sites are spacious and nice! Restrooms clean!"
"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"
"this campground is completely surrounded by a fairly dense forest, which likely is what blocks any irritable sound and most certainly blocks any highway or traffic visibility."
TravelerCountry Acres is a lovely, well maintained campground. Sites are level and bath house facilities clean and modern. Friendly staff in the office. Dog friendly. Local to all the Lancaster attractions. A complimentary farmland tour is offered by bus and it was great. They take you out into an area of Amish farms and shops and make a stop at 2 of these. The fresh Amish pretzels are amazing!
GuideGreat campsite. Fire pit, picnic table, swimming pool ( not open), miniature golf course, laundromat, bathrooms, showers, dump station, gathering areas for groups, playground, and even a horse area and stalls for horses. Dog friendly. Staff was very helpful and curious.
GuideWe booked two nights mid October not realizing that it's duck hunting season and that hunting is allowed RIGHT by the campground - with kids everywhere. We were jolted out of sleep at 5 am by gun fire right near our site. It kept up for the next hour. In addition, the bathrooms, although clean are in poor condition. Peeling paint everywhere with bare concrete in the showers. For such a pretty site, we had a miserable stay. We left after one night.
GuideWhere we were camping had blown up their dump station. Artillery Ridge helped us out. $10. to dump. If we come to camp in Gettysburg, it will be hear.
GuideYou just can't beat a pennsylvania park. This one is not an exception. Nice clean restroom, plenty of room. Now, what cost a star. Yes, it rained like hell. When we broke camp and go dump. The dump station was overflowing with sewer. Go to the guard shack to tell them, and find another site. None there. Can I go to an unused full hookup to dump? No! I would have to pay for the site. Two hours later, we found a place to dump for $10.
ScoutThe advertisements for Olde Mill Campground were disingenuous. The campsite was 20 yards from a roller coaster. The NOISE of the roller coaster and children on it screaming was as relentless and unnerving as any train we have ever slept near. There was no quiet until almost midnight. The “pull-through” site left my truck almost in the road and our 25’ Airstream slightly over the road on the backside. The site was not level. The sites were close enough to hear a neighbor’s snoring.
GuideWe stayed here to go to the Hershey RV show—about 55 min drive. Right in the center of Amish country. Campground is adults only. It was very clean. The bathrooms were very clean with great water pressure. The roads are tight for getting into sites. Site 5 was not level side to side. We met great people there.
GuideWe only spent the night and didn't look at the amenities. The manager was very friendly and accommodating.
ScoutThe campground is in excellent condition. The facilities are top notch. The excellence and care of the campground is evident. The 4 stars is only due to the road noise and many of the sites are on top of each other. You feel like your neighbor is at your camp fire.
The Columbia area sits at approximately 390 feet above sea level on the eastern bank of the Susquehanna River. Camping near Columbia experiences warm, humid summers with average July temperatures reaching 85°F, while spring and fall offer milder temperatures in the 60-70°F range. The landscape features a mix of river valleys and rolling hills that define Pennsylvania's Piedmont region.
Kayaking at Otter Creek: Access the Susquehanna River directly from Otter Creek Campground, which offers proximity to both the main river and its tributary. "We really enjoyed the secluded sites and peaceful atmosphere. Access to many hiking locations," notes Jessica M. The boat launch provides easy river access for paddlers of all skill levels.
Historical exploration: Visit Indian Steps Museum, just a mile from campsites near Columbia, Pennsylvania. "Covered bridges and road side shopping are close by. Enjoyed river tubing which is close by to this campground," shares Pamela S. from Pequea Creek Campground. Many historical sites throughout the region offer self-guided tours for $5-10 per person.
Fishing opportunities: The area provides diverse fishing spots from riverbanks to stocked ponds. "We caught a handful of bass and an absurd amount of bluegill from shore," reports one angler who visited the lakes near campsites. Early morning and evening hours typically yield the best results.
Mini golf and recreation: "The facilities all seemed clean and well-maintained from what we could see. We were able to order food from the campground's onsite cafe, which was surprisingly tasty for standard CG fare," mentions Jen V. about their stay at Elizabethtown-Hershey KOA, which offers mini-golf courses, basketball courts, and other recreation options.
Spacious sites: Campers consistently mention the generously sized campsites at several locations. "Our site was very nice! We were in a back in site #4. The patio was concrete stone, very pretty. Nice chairs, fire pit, and picnic table," writes Cat R. about Elizabethtown-Hershey KOA. Most campsites provide at least 30 feet of separation between neighbors.
River access: Direct river access ranks high among camper preferences. "Great campsite right on the Susquehanna! Secluded and nice amenities!" reports Zoe H. who camped at Otter Creek Campground. The swimming areas and boat launches provide water recreation throughout the camping season.
Winter options: Unlike many seasonal facilities, some campgrounds remain operational year-round. "Our kids enjoyed the indoor pool. Looking forward to coming back in the summer. Thank you Brenda our check in lady, you made us feel welcome," mentions Davie Q. about Circle M RV Resort, which offers winter camping options with heated facilities.
Clean facilities: "Bathrooms are very clean and modern, but a decent walk from tent sites. The facilities are all lovely, staff in the camp store are kind and helpful," shares Melissa C. about her experience at a Columbia area campsite. Most campgrounds refresh bathroom facilities twice daily.
Water quality: Campers should check water conditions before planning water activities. "Personally, I would not get in the river because of all the agricultural runoff that is probably in it and it was pretty stagnant in places," advises Nancy W. from Old Mill Stream Campground. Water quality tends to be better after several days without rain.
Seasonal closures: Most camping facilities close from November through March. "We stayed over Labor Day weekend however it rained so badly on Friday night that York was flooded in several areas so we decided to stay home and leave on Saturday morning," shares Jen R. about Otter Creek, highlighting the impact of seasonal weather on camping plans.
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience noise from transportation and other sources. "There is a shooting range near the property, so at all hours you will hear target practice going on, especially in the wee early hours," notes Tara N. about Pinch Pond Campground. Request sites furthest from highways or railways when making reservations.
Shower costs: Several campgrounds charge for shower use. "Showers good; cost 50¢ for 6 min, but that's fine...ensures enough hot water for everyone and no waste," explains Gerald B. about the practical shower arrangement at Otter Creek. Carry quarters for shower use at most locations.
Kid-friendly swimming: Look for campgrounds with dedicated swimming areas safe for children. "This is a nice KOA but super loud bc of the trains. Bath houses are nice and clean. I would suggest making sure you aren't close to the tracks bc the trains run all night long!" advises Kit from Hersheypark Camping Resort. Swimming areas typically have lifeguards on duty from 10am-6pm during summer months.
Playground access: Most family campgrounds feature playgrounds. "We took our 3 yo camping for the first time here. He had so much fun. It was clean campground located in a State Park. Easy walk to the lake with a small beach," writes Julie Y. about Gifford Pinchot State Park, where multiple playgrounds are available throughout the grounds.
Organized activities: Weekends often include scheduled activities for children. "Lots of events to keep the kids busy. We happened to be there on the weekend a magician came, my kids loved it. They have an indoor and outdoor pool. Nice playground," shares Leanne B. about their family camping experience.
Level terrain: For families with strollers or young walkers, terrain matters. "The campground is uphill in parts so it was nice to be able to walk our two dogs around in a large circle without having to leave the campground," notes Jen R. Request lower sections of campgrounds if mobility is a concern.
Site selection: RV campers emphasize the importance of selecting the right site. "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," reports Nick E. about his experience at Circle M RV and Camping Resort. Request full hookup sites with 50 amp service when available.
Arrival timing: Early arrival improves site selection at first-come, first-served campgrounds. "The first thing to know is that Thousand Trails sites are a first come, first serve. Meaning you have to arrive early in order to get the best spots. They don't reserve sites for you," explains Yamileth K. about Thousand Trails Hershey. Plan to arrive between 12-2pm for best site selection.
Leveling challenges: Many campsites require substantial leveling. "Unlevel is an understatement we were in E row and every camper there had front end 4 foot off the ground. Many other sites were the same," cautions Justin B. Pack extra leveling blocks when camping in this region's hilly terrain.
Seasonal site access: Some roads become difficult after rain. "The 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," notes J W. about seasonal road conditions at Pequea Creek.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most scenic camping areas around Columbia for fall camping?
For spectacular fall scenery, Pine Grove Furnace State Park Campground offers an exceptional autumn experience with colorful foliage along its Appalachian Trail access points and paths between two beautiful lakes. The updated bathrooms and electric sites make it comfortable for fall camping when temperatures drop. Another excellent fall option is Blue Rocks Family Campground, nestled in the woods and rolling hills beneath the Appalachian Trail. True to its "Rocksylvania" nickname, the dramatic rock formations surrounded by autumn colors create a stunning seasonal backdrop for campers seeking picturesque fall views.
What are the best campgrounds near Columbia for a weekend getaway?
French Creek State Park Campground is perfect for weekend getaways, offering an escape from city life with excellent car camping spots and easy hiking trails. The park features a lake for fishing and a public pool during warmer months. For families, Pequea Creek Campground provides a picturesque setting with spacious sites among trees. Its quiet atmosphere is complemented by nearby attractions including covered bridges, riverside shopping, and tubing opportunities. The Saturday night music bingo adds a fun social element to weekend stays, making it ideal for short breaks.
Are there any year-round campgrounds near Columbia for extended stays?
Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country offers year-round accommodations for extended stays in Amish country, with resort-style amenities that make it comfortable across all seasons. The campground's location provides a cultural experience alongside comfortable camping facilities suitable for longer visits. Another excellent option for extended stays is Hersheypark Camping Resort, which remains open year-round and features a variety of full hook-up sites. Its proximity to Hersheypark attractions means there's always something to do nearby, regardless of how long you're staying or what season you visit.
Where can I find affordable camping spots near Columbia?
For budget-conscious campers, Campground Island offers an affordable and unique experience where you're completely surrounded by water, creating a peaceful atmosphere with waterfall sounds and wildlife viewing. For those with RVs looking to save money, several overnight parking options exist, including The Home Depot — Lower Paxton and Cracker Barrel — Mechanicsburg, which provide free overnight stays in their parking lots. These are particularly economical for travelers passing through the area who need a quick, no-cost place to park overnight.
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