Best Campgrounds near Emigsville, PA
The Emigsville, Pennsylvania area provides access to several established campgrounds within a short drive, including Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground and Codorus State Park Campground. These mixed-use campgrounds accommodate various camping styles, from tent and RV camping to cabin rentals and glamping options. Gifford Pinchot State Park, located about 10 miles north of Emigsville, features lakeside camping with electric hookups, while Codorus State Park offers similar amenities approximately 15 miles southwest. Several private campgrounds like Thousand Trails Gettysburg Farm in nearby Dover and Cedar Lake Family Campground provide additional options with full hookups for RVs, cabin rentals, and tent sites. The region's camping areas generally operate seasonally, with most developed campgrounds open from April through October or November.
"We love this park….it's one of our favorites! 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," noted one visitor about Gifford Pinchot State Park. Seasonal considerations significantly impact camping experiences in the region, with most state park campgrounds opening the second Friday in April and closing by early November. Summer months bring higher temperatures and increased visitation, particularly at waterfront sites. Reservations are strongly recommended during peak season, especially for weekend stays and holidays. Many campgrounds in the area offer electric hookups, water access, and sanitary facilities, though amenities vary by location. Cell service is generally reliable throughout the region, but coverage may be spotty in more remote areas of the parks.
Campers report high satisfaction with lakeside sites at Gifford Pinchot State Park, where fishing and water activities are popular. The park features a large beach area with amenities like picnic tables, grills, and playgrounds. Several visitors mentioned the park's extensive trail system, including the 8.5-mile Lakeside Trail that circles the lake. At Codorus State Park, the swimming pool is a major draw, though one reviewer noted it's open to the public and can get crowded. For those seeking a more rustic experience, primitive tent sites are available at several campgrounds, though they tend to be limited in number. Proximity to Hershey Park (about 30 minutes from most area campgrounds) makes the region popular with families looking to combine outdoor recreation with amusement park visits. Traffic noise can be an issue at some campgrounds, particularly those near highways or railroad tracks.
