Pet-friendly camping opportunities near Craley, Pennsylvania offer diverse access to riverside recreation along the Susquehanna River. The area sits at approximately 400 feet above sea level with warm, humid summers reaching the mid-80s and cool spring and fall seasons ideal for outdoor activities. Most campgrounds in the region remain open from April through October, with seasonal variations in water levels affecting fishing and kayaking conditions.
What to do
Explore riverside hiking trails: Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground offers multiple trail options, including an 8.5-mile Lakeside Trail. "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," reports Danielle V. The park also features the Quaker Race Trail which intersects with disc golf courses.
Kayak the Susquehanna River: Otter Creek Campground provides direct river access for paddlers. "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," shares Sean M. The campground is situated directly alongside both Otter Creek and the Susquehanna River.
Visit nearby attractions: Old Mill Stream Campground serves as a convenient base for exploring Lancaster County's attractions. "The campground is in a good location to Lancaster and other quaint Amish towns like Bird-In-Hand, Paradise, and Intercourse. Just a little bit north of the campground is the beautiful town of Lititz which is definitely worth a visit," notes Nancy W.
What campers like
Secluded camping spots: Pequea Creek Campground offers campsites with substantial privacy. "The wife & I stayed in site 22 for three nights and bicycled 14 miles, some along the Susquehanna, on nearby Enola Low Grade Trail," writes J W. The campground also features unique sites with direct creek access: "Nearby site 24 had steps down the 'levee' affording easier access to the creek."
Family-oriented activities: Thousand Trails Circle M provides entertainment options for children and adults. "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. We were down by the river and had a lot of room on our site," shares Leanne B. The campground also offers tubing opportunities for those who bring their own tubes.
Clean facilities: Elizabethtown-Hershey KOA maintains well-kept amenities that campers appreciate. "Spotless bathrooms. Nice pool and playgrounds. Not a lot of traffic. Quiet. Friendly. Price is fair and not nearly as expensive as many other KOAs but the quality is just as good," writes Regina C. Many sites feature concrete stone patios with fire pits and picnic tables.
What you should know
Site considerations: Codorus State Park Campground offers varied camping environments. "There is a wide variety of sites so finding one that you like should not be difficult, there are some in wide-open park-like settings, and some that are treed," reports J K. Some campers recommend specific sites: "We were in 132, which was huge and had nice open flat areas for the tent."
Weather impacts: Muddy Run Rec Park can experience seasonal flooding affecting accessibility. "Due to my father passing, me and my daughter stayed there 3 nights. I will be back another time to actually enjoy the lake and being between Lancaster and Gettysburg makes both places easy to access," shares Melissa F. about Codorus State Park. Water levels in the Susquehanna can rise rapidly after heavy rains.
Reservation requirements: During peak season (May-September), book campsites 2-3 months in advance, especially for weekend stays. "We visited during the late part of the covid19 outbreak in late May of 2020. From the spacious sites, respectful staff and friendly seasonal campers we felt like we didn't have a care in the world," notes Sean M. about Otter Creek Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Check for kid-friendly water features: Tucquan Park Family Campground offers water recreation for children. "The playground and pool were both nice and clean. Wonderful place for a family. We had a corner site and had plenty of room," reports Jennifer R. The campground also hosts family events like candy bar bingo and regular bingo.
Look for playgrounds: Merry Meadows Recreation Farm provides multiple play areas for children. "The pool area seemed like the place to be. There were tons of things to do there for adults and kids alike. The activities — such as putt-putt, jump zone and the playground ended up being kinda boring for them without others to share it with," explains Wendy W., suggesting visiting during busier periods for social kids.
Consider special events: Many campgrounds host seasonal activities for families. "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 Recreation Farm.
Tips from RVers
Hookup logistics: Muddy Run Rec Park requires preparation for water connections. "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," advises Chris G. Plan accordingly with appropriate equipment for these unique setups.
Site selection strategies: When camping at Old Mill Stream Campground, utilize their online reservation system. "If you reserve online you can see the availability and pick your site which is always a nice feature. They also have pictures of each campsite on the website so you really know what you are getting," explains Nancy W. This helps ensure your RV fits properly at your chosen site.
Entrance navigation: Some campgrounds have tricky entrances that require careful attention. "The entrance in off the main road turns you into the theme park. Fear not. Turn in and follow the road to the right and into the campground," advises Chuck W. about Old Mill Stream Campground, adding "We stayed on site 123 with a 40 ft Allegro Bus. Plenty of room to maneuver a big rig."