Best Campgrounds near Dallastown, PA
Campgrounds surrounding Dallastown, Pennsylvania offer diverse accommodation options ranging from state parks to private facilities, with many properties located within 30 miles of the town. Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground and Codorus State Park Campground provide established camping areas with a variety of amenities and are both managed by the Pennsylvania state park system. These developed campgrounds support multiple camping styles including tent sites, RV hookups, cabins, and even yurts or glamping options. Most established facilities in the region feature electric hookups, picnic tables, showers, and toilets, with many also offering water hookups and sanitary dump stations for recreational vehicles.
The camping season throughout the Dallastown area typically runs from April through October, with many campgrounds closing during winter months. Codorus State Park operates from the second Friday in April until November 1st, while Gifford Pinchot maintains a similar schedule ending October 31st. Indian Rock Campgrounds stands as an exception, remaining open year-round for campers seeking winter options. Reservations are strongly recommended for weekend stays, particularly during summer months when facilities reach capacity. Mixed-use campgrounds like Otter Creek provide both primitive and developed sites with varying levels of access to amenities. According to one visitor, "We were surprised to find this nice little spot next to the creek right outside of town... The road noise is kind of annoying but the area is beautiful."
Campers consistently highlight water access as a major draw for several properties in the region. Otter Creek Campground receives particularly strong reviews for its location near the Susquehanna River, with one reviewer noting it's "perfect for all kinds of people from family, campers, boaters, fishers, someone who is seeking rest and relaxation, peace and quiet, adventure seekers on the river, history enthusiasts, trail seekers, nature lovers and more." The terrain varies across the region, with some campgrounds offering wooded, private sites while others feature more open layouts. Several facilities maintain a mix of permanent and transient sites, with seasonal campers often providing valuable local knowledge to visitors. Most developed campgrounds provide clean facilities with hot showers, though some may charge a small fee for shower use. Noise levels vary by property location, with sites near major roads experiencing more ambient sound than more secluded options.
