Campgrounds near York, Pennsylvania range from riverside settings to full-service RV resorts within a 30-mile radius of the city. The region sits at approximately 400 feet elevation with a humid continental climate featuring four distinct seasons. Summer camping temperatures typically range from 65-85°F with occasional thunderstorms, while spring and fall offer more moderate conditions with nighttime temperatures that can drop significantly.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: The Susquehanna River provides excellent fishing access at several campgrounds. At Thousand Trails Gettysburg Farm, a camper noted they enjoyed "going fishing" with "nice playground and open fields" nearby. The campground sits along the riverbank with multiple fishing spots accessible directly from camping areas.
Disc golf courses: Two full 18-hole courses can be found at Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground, located about 15 miles north of York. A reviewer described, "Both areas have their own 18 hole disc golf course, but I will say: BEWARE of poison ivy!! We played the first 10 holes around the Conewago day use area and I was shocked at how much poison ivy we had to dodge."
Hiking trails: Multiple trail options exist for different ability levels. At Codorus State Park, a camper mentioned, "There is a wide variety of sites so finding one that you like should not be difficult...The lake is beautiful and the trail around the lake is nice." For more adventurous hikers, consider White Rocks Trail a few miles outside Boiling Springs, described as having "cool rock scrambles."
Farm animal experiences: Children can interact with farm animals at some campgrounds in the area. A visitor to Thousand Trails Gettysburg Farm shared, "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. Perfect campground for the family."
What campers like
Waterfront sites: Lakeside camping options are highly rated by visitors. A camper at Codorus State Park Campground mentioned, "We typically stay in the primitive tent loop which is right on the lake. It can get a little busy on the weekends since there is a boat launch at the end of the primitive lane, but some of the sites are secluded/set back enough to be private."
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds in the York area maintain well-kept bathhouses and common areas. At Elizabethtown-Hershey KOA, a visitor reported, "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."
Private camping experiences: For those seeking solitude, River Rock Recreation offers a unique option where you rent the entire campground. "This is a single campsite that you rent, no other campers on site unless you are bringing them with you! You can camp with up to 10 people and there is certainly plenty of room for everyone to spread out," explained one camper.
Swimming options: Several campgrounds offer dedicated swimming areas. One reviewer at Codorus State Park noted, "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." Cedar Lake Family Campground features a lake for swimming with a designated beach area.
What you should know
Train noise: Some campgrounds experience significant railroad noise. At Hersheypark Camping Resort, a camper warned, "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!"
Seasonal operations: Most campgrounds around York operate from April through October or early November. Specific opening dates vary, with Gifford Pinchot State Park opening the second Friday in April and Codorus State Park following the same schedule. Some private campgrounds like Indian Rock remain open year-round but with limited amenities during winter months.
Reservation requirements: Weekend bookings fill quickly, especially for waterfront sites during summer. Many campgrounds allow reservations up to 11 months in advance. Cedar Lake Family Campground has 195 sites but maintains a high percentage of seasonal campers, limiting availability for short-term stays.
Tent camping surfaces: Tent pads vary across the region. At Elizabethtown-Hershey KOA, a camper observed, "They have upgraded the tent sites since last year, no more primitive sites, all the tent sites are now mulch pad with water and electric." River Rock Recreation offers wooden platforms for tents: "They have 3 wood tent platforms. 2 small ones are right near the river and one very large one is set back in the trees."
Tips for camping with families
Playground accessibility: Choose sites near play areas for convenience with young children. At Thousand Trails Circle M, a visitor noted, "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."
First-time camping spots: Codorus State Park provides an accessible introduction to camping. One visitor shared, "Very nice, easy going campground. Definitely family oriented and a good place to start camping if you're a novice." The park offers relatively level sites and clean facilities without overwhelming technical challenges.
Halloween celebrations: October camping offers special family activities. At Thousand Trails Circle M, a camper reported, "They had Halloween ever at every weekend of October and we spent Halloween weekend here. The kids loved it!!" Gettysburg Farm similarly decorates extensively for the holiday season.
Nature education: Several campgrounds offer opportunities for wildlife observation and learning. At Gettysburg Farm, one parent shared, "If you love farm animals, that is the spot to be. Got a kick out of the children playing with the kids (baby goats)...Plenty to see and learn. Perfect campground for the family."
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: RV campers recommend researching specific site areas within larger campgrounds. At Merry Meadows Recreation Farm, a reviewer advised, "If you're looking for trees and privacy, stick to the sites at the bottom of the hill(top of the CG map). The sites closer to the entrance of the park near all the amenities were definitely packed in tightly."
Leveling considerations: Terrain throughout the region features rolling hills requiring leveling equipment. A visitor at Hersheypark Camping Resort noted, "Stone surface. Not too bad for leveling. Our site was spacious." Circle M reportedly has concrete pads in certain sections that provide level surfaces.
Hookup variations: Not all campgrounds provide full hookups at every site. Indian Rock Campgrounds provides "the basics are here for RV sites but no water available for primitive tent camping." At Thousand Trails locations, hookup options vary by site section, so early arrival is recommended for best site selection.
Storm preparation: The region experiences sudden summer thunderstorms. A River Rock Recreation camper shared, "A 1:00 AM thunder storm reminded me to never forget to use ALL the tie downs." Proper awning management and secure outdoor setups are essential during summer months when afternoon storms can develop quickly.
