Glen Rock, Pennsylvania camping destinations occupy a transition zone between the rolling Piedmont region and the more rugged Appalachian foothills. Elevations range from 450 to 800 feet above sea level, creating varied terrain conditions throughout the region's campgrounds. Winter camping options are limited primarily to sites with heated facilities, while most state parks close their campgrounds from November through mid-April.
What to do
Hiking near lake access: Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground offers access to the 8.5-mile Lakeside Trail that encircles Pinchot Lake. "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. I also hiked/jogged the Quaker Race Trail and that was nice, too," notes one visitor to Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground.
Paddling opportunities: Multiple campgrounds provide water access for canoes and kayaks. "The lake is large and fun to explore in the boat," writes a camper who visited Codorus State Park Campground. Another reviewer adds, "You can bring your own boat (gas allowed) or rent one from their marina."
Historical exploration: The Gettysburg battlefield is easily accessible from several camping locations. "This campground is approximately a 3 minute drive from everything in the town of Gettysburg. The battlefields are very close as well," reports a visitor to Artillery Ridge Campground. Some campgrounds even have historical connections, with one camper noting, "Behind the campsite we stayed at, we learned connected to Stangler Farm, which served as a hospital for the wounded."
What campers like
Water-based sites: Waterfront camping options are consistently rated highly by visitors. At Pequea Creek Campground, one camper shared, "We had site 22 for three nights and bicycled 14 miles, some along the Susquehanna, on nearby Enola Low Grade Trail. We enjoyed the birds singing in the mornings and welcomed grandkids' visit for splashing and floating in Pequea Creek."
Farm atmosphere: Several campgrounds integrate farm elements that campers enjoy. "What's better than hanging out camping on a working farm? 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," writes a visitor to Thousand Trails Gettysburg Farm.
Kid-friendly amenities: Many campgrounds offer specific facilities for children. Cedar Lake Family Campground receives consistent praise for its family focus, with one visitor noting, "Amazing campground! The staff run the place like a resort or a cruise ship. So many activities for kids and adults and a huge family atmosphere with staff and campers!"
What you should know
Site privacy varies significantly: Some campgrounds offer more secluded options than others. At Otter Creek Campground, a camper reported, "Our site was very large and there was a wooded area between both sites aside of us." In contrast, tent areas can sometimes feel crowded, with one camper noting at Gifford Pinchot, "I noticed just how crowded it was. Lots literally right on top of each other."
Seasonal considerations: Many campgrounds have limited operating seasons. Codorus State Park operates from "2nd Friday April to November 1" while Gifford Pinchot runs from "2nd Friday April to October 31." Several private campgrounds remain open year-round with varying levels of service.
Bathroom facilities: Quality and maintenance of bathroom facilities varies widely between locations. Some campers report issues like, "The shower is an annoying push button that only stays on for a few seconds" at Indian Rock Campgrounds, while others praise facilities, noting "Bathrooms were nice. The shower is decent" at other locations.
Tips for camping with families
Look for accessible water features: Shallow water access points are popular for families with younger children. "We camped at site 114. It has water access and is right next to a small man-made beach and playground," reports a visitor to Gifford Pinchot State Park.
Consider campground-organized activities: Many private campgrounds schedule regular activities for children. "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," shared one camper at Merry Meadows Recreation Farm.
Check playground proximity: Site location relative to playgrounds matters for families. "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," notes a camper at Codorus State Park.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: Consider timing and location when choosing RV sites. One visitor to Tucquan Park Family Campground advised, "We were originally supposed to be in the woods — which FYI is far out of the way of the main activities, and also has a pretty steep incline. But the site was too uneven for our taste so we moved down in the main area, which was better for us."
Road conditions: Access roads vary in quality throughout the region. "The only complaint we had was people walking through our sites due us being close to the playground," reported one camper, highlighting the importance of site location relative to common paths.
Hookup availability: Water, electric, and sewer connections vary between campgrounds. Most state parks offer electric hookups but limited sewer connections. Private campgrounds typically provide full hookups, though specific amp services differ, with most offering 30-amp connections and some providing 50-amp service.
