Dallastown campers experience typical mid-Atlantic seasonal patterns with hot, humid summers averaging 85°F and mild spring/fall temperatures around 65-70°F. The area sits at approximately 600 feet elevation in York County with rolling terrain featuring a mix of woodland and agricultural landscapes. Winter glamping accommodations require advance preparation as temperatures regularly drop below freezing from December through February.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: 5 minutes from camp: At Gifford Pinchot State Park, the 340-acre lake provides excellent fishing access with multiple shore locations. "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 reviewer Danielle V. The park office can arrange equipment rentals for visitors without gear.
Kayaking the Susquehanna: 30-minute drive: River Rock Recreation offers direct river access for water adventures. "We spent our time fishing the river banks right outside our tents and kayaking on the Susquehanna to fish the warm waters. We caught a ton of catfish and carp using live bait," shares Zach R. The single-site rental includes private river frontage and hammocks.
Hiking nearby trails: family-friendly options: Multiple interconnected trail systems provide various difficulty levels. "The Conewago Recreation Trail is a great multi-use trail for walking, biking, etc.," says Jen V. from Elizabethtown-Hershey KOA. For those seeking more challenge, "We hiked the White Rocks Trail a few miles outside of town, and it was a ton of fun with some cool rock scrambles," adds Danielle V.
What campers like
Clean facilities consistently maintained: Old Mill Stream Campground receives high marks for cleanliness. "Some of the cleanest camp bathrooms and showers I have seen," writes Randall K. The campground benefits from recent upgrades: "The bath house was just remodeled so it's excellent!" according to Joshua W.
Spacious wooded sites away from crowds: Privacy-seeking campers appreciate certain areas at Thousand Trails Circle M. "While the top part of the campground seemed more communal, we chose the lower, Riverside sites and we're glad we did! The campground sits in the center of a horseshoe curve of the river," explains Karla R. These riverside locations offer natural seclusion.
Kid-focused activities beyond swimming: Parents value structured programming at family-oriented campgrounds. "Cedar Creek was amazing and clean. Staff was friendly and courteous. Price is affordable," reports Daniel R. At Tucquan Park, a reviewer highlighted: "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."
What you should know
Reservation timing requirements: Peak season glamping in Dallastown, Pennsylvania requires significant advance planning. Most full-service campsites book 3-5 months ahead for summer weekends. For holiday weekends, book 6+ months in advance.
Train noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience railroad disruptions. At Hersheypark Camping Resort, Scott B. warns: "Nice camp ground 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!" Request sites away from tracks when booking.
Wildlife awareness needed: Ticks and chiggers present seasonal challenges in wooded areas. "I came back and woke up with a serious case of chigger bites," reports one Gifford Pinchot visitor. Pack appropriate insect repellent containing DEET for best protection from May through October.
Water conditions vary by location: Water access doesn't always mean swimming is permitted. At Codorus, Catherine H. explains: "There is no swimming allowed in the lake but there is a pool located at the park, there is no extra cost to use the pool if you are at the campground."
Tips for camping with families
Playground accessibility matters: At Codorus State Park Campground, families appreciate the balanced amenities. "Very nice, easy going campground. Definitely family oriented and a good place to start camping if you're a novice," notes Jennifer S. The playground equipment is well-maintained and suitable for various age groups.
Consider swimming options carefully: Not all water features permit swimming. "You can bring your own boat (gas allowed) or rent one from their marina. There is no swimming allowed in the lake but there is a pool located at the park," Catherine H. points out about Codorus. Check pool hours before promising kids swim time.
First-time family camping selection: Choose sites with easy bathroom access for young children. At Tucquan Park, Jamie A. appreciates the "clean bathhouses" and "fun activities planned through the season." Ask specifically about bathroom proximity when booking with small children.
Tips from RVers
Level site options: RVers should request specific sites based on rig requirements. At Elizabethtown-Hershey KOA, Nate J. found "large and easy to enter/exit sites. Wifi was pretty good. (It helped that the antenna was right beside our site!) Cable TV, too!" The check-in process confirms all details: "Check-in process very through, be prepared with drivers license and plate number."
Hookup configurations: Many campgrounds offer various utility options. At Merry Meadows, Amy R. notes: "Such a wonderful campground. We have visited 5x this year. Wooded sites, open sites, tent sites. All great!" RVers seeking specific hookups should call ahead to confirm amperage and water availability.
Seasonal site extensions: For extended glamping stays near Dallastown, several campgrounds offer longer-term options. "We liked the campground so much that we would consider parking our camper over the summer," shares Sharon L. about Merry Meadows. Seasonal rates typically run 30-50% less per night than standard rates when committing to monthly stays.
