Best Campgrounds near Hanover, PA
State parks and private campgrounds surround Hanover, Pennsylvania, creating a diverse camping landscape within a short drive of town. Codorus State Park Campground, just outside Hanover, serves as a popular base for exploring both local attractions and nearby Gettysburg. The park features multiple camping loops with a mix of wooded and open sites, many with electric hookups suitable for RVs and tent campers alike. Within a 30-minute drive, additional options include Gettysburg-area campgrounds like Artillery Ridge, Gettysburg Battlefield KOA, and Drummer Boy Camping Resort, which cater to history enthusiasts visiting the battlefield sites. Cedar Lake Family Campground and Thousand Trails Gettysburg Farm provide year-round and seasonal camping options north of Hanover.
Most campgrounds in the region operate from April through October, with state parks typically opening the second Friday in April and closing by early November. Campers report varying site conditions at Codorus, with some mentioning unlevel terrain. "Our site was in an open area in Loop D, but plenty of electric wooded sites available as well," notes one visitor. "Easy access to fresh water on the way in as well as various spigots inside the park." Cell service can be spotty, with Verizon signal described as "not great for streaming, but adequate for all else." Advance reservations are strongly recommended, especially for summer weekends and during fall foliage season when the area draws significant tourism.
Water recreation features prominently in camper experiences at Codorus State Park, with Lake Marburg offering fishing and boating opportunities. "The lake has lots of game fish," reports one visitor. "There's lots of places to fish from the shore, and boat rentals if you want to fish it deeper." Families appreciate the swimming pool, splash pad, and disc golf course available at the park. Many campers mention using the area as a hub for regional attractions, including the Utz potato chip factory tours in Hanover and the historic sites of Gettysburg. Site spaciousness varies considerably between campgrounds, with state park sites generally offering more room than private facilities. Bathroom and shower facilities receive mixed reviews, with cleanliness and maintenance varying by location and season.