Best Campgrounds near Holtwood, PA

Camping options around Holtwood, Pennsylvania center around the Susquehanna River and its tributaries, with several developed campgrounds situated along waterways. Tucquan Park Family Campground in Holtwood provides tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin rentals directly on the river, while Muddy Run Recreation Park offers similar accommodations with electric hookups and water access. These campgrounds feature varying levels of amenities, from primitive tent sites to full-service RV pads with 50-amp service. Most established campgrounds in the area operate seasonally, typically from early spring through late fall, with Pequea Creek Campground running from early March to late November.

Road access to campgrounds near Holtwood requires navigating rural roads that can be steep and winding in places, particularly when approaching riverfront locations. Several campsites are positioned on sloping terrain, requiring careful positioning for RVs and trailers. Most developed campgrounds in this region maintain bath facilities, though their condition and accessibility vary significantly between properties. Water access represents a major draw for many visitors, with opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and tubing along the Susquehanna River and its tributaries. As one camper noted, "Beautiful picturesque campground with large spots and a lot of trees. Very quiet and close enough to Lancaster for shopping. Enjoyed river tubing which is close by to this campground."

The area's mixed-use campgrounds tend to balance natural settings with convenient amenities. Campers report high satisfaction with waterfront sites that offer shade from mature trees while providing views of the Susquehanna River. The region's proximity to Lancaster County allows campers to explore Amish country and covered bridges between outdoor activities. Several campgrounds feature family-friendly amenities like playgrounds and recreation areas, though they maintain a more relaxed atmosphere than the busier facilities near Hershey. A visitor to Pequea Creek mentioned appreciating "the beauty and quietness of the camp sites" while noting that "bath house is located at top of steep hill." Most campground reviews highlight the peaceful setting and large, shaded sites as key advantages of camping in this part of Pennsylvania.

Best Camping Sites Near Holtwood, Pennsylvania (118)

    1. Pequea Creek Campground

    14 Reviews
    Pequea, PA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 284-4587

    "Covered bridges and road side shopping are close by. Enjoyed river tubing which is close by to this campground. Music bingo on Saturday night was so much fun. Owners are very nice and helpful."

    "The wife & I stayed in site 22 for three nights and bicycled 14 miles, some along the Susquehanna, on nearby Enola Low Grade Trail . "

    2. Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park at Quarryville

    19 Reviews
    Quarryville, PA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 610-4505

    "We stayed here in November with beautiful weather which meant the large farm behind the campground was spraying manure over their fields. We could smell it."

    "The site was covered and it was cool around 4:30pm when the sun went behind the trees. It didn’t look like all sites had that much cover so be careful."

    3. Tucquan Park Family Campground

    12 Reviews
    Holtwood, PA
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 284-2156

    "Highly recommend staying here with lots of close hiking trails within driving distance."

    "There was a lot of space so walking our dogs was great. The smaller bathroom stalls are pretty small but got the job done. Playground and pool were both nice and clean. Wonderful place for a family."

    4. Muddy Run Rec Park - PPL

    11 Reviews
    Holtwood, PA
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 284-4325

    "The large lake is great for a day of kayaking and fishing with supplies readily available for rent at the boat dock store."

    "The observatory is open to public once a month, we recommend you plan your trip around this."

    5. Otter Creek Campground

    10 Reviews
    Pequea, PA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 862-3628

    "Just down the road about a mile or so was the Indian Steps Museum which is owned by York Conservation Society."

    "Its close proximity to the Susquehanna River, Otter Creek, and the Mason Dixon Trail is absolutely ideal! Sites are spacious and nice! Restrooms clean!"

    6. Thousand Trails Circle M

    19 Reviews
    Millersville, PA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "Close to Lancaster for necessities and great proximity to Baltimore and Philadelphia for day trips."

    "I used to stay here all the time with my grandparents when they were around. It was always some of the best times for me."

    7. Old Mill Stream Campground

    16 Reviews
    Lampeter, PA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 299-2314

    "Tent sites are lined up along the water which is great for fishing (especially when you need to stay close to the littles sleeping in the tent). Lots of benches lined up along the water."

    "Not to noisy being next to a theme park. The bath house was just remodeled so it's excellent! Good price!"

    8. Susquehannock State Park Campground

    6 Reviews
    Drumore, PA
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 252-1134

    $28 - $72 / night

    "The camping area is small but worth it. a short walk from the scenic overlooks and other hiking trails."

    "Some walk in tent sites. There are lots of long scenic hiking trails down to Deer creek and to the Susquehanna River."

    9. Muddy Run Recreation Park

    5 Reviews
    Holtwood, PA
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 284-2538

    $35 / night

    "First the positives

    • The free splash pad is perfect for younger kids and felt great on a hot summer day.
    • Boat rentals were cheap and perfectly adequate."

    "Massive lake with rentals, so many hikes available. Events available near by if not in."

    10. Mill Bridge Village & Camp Resort

    14 Reviews
    Concord, PA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 687-8181

    "Great, convenient location. Cost friendly considering the location. Clean grounds & maintained sites. Mix of open & shaded sites, all appear to be pretty level, our site was next to stream."

    "The site was right next to the creek. Shade is perfect for our dogs.

    Office personnel were so very helpful. Office does close at 4 but that is due to staff shortages."

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Recent Reviews near Holtwood, PA

955 Reviews of 118 Holtwood Campgrounds


  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 9, 2025

    Artillery Ridge Campground

    Great location and friendly staff

    We have a motorhome with no additional vehicle and two dogs, and this site couldn’t have been more perfect for us. A dog park, walking distance to most everything we wanted to see. The national park is mostly dog friendly. My husband caught a fish first day in the pond behind our site. The staff was super friendly and welcoming.

  • p
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Artillery Ridge Campground

    Rv stay

    Site and bathrooms clean. Activities provided free each day. Food trucks in park. Close to museum and battleground sites.

  • Peyton S.
    Sep. 8, 2025

    French Creek State Park Campground

    Wonderful, Easy, Quick trip from Philly

    It’s about an hour away from Philadelphia. We tent camped in loop B. The site was wonderful. Just know it is a gravel site, not grass. The fire pit has a grill attachment and wood was easy to find. Water and bathrooms were close. We hiked around the lake and there were plenty of trails and even rentable kayaks and paddle boards! Would definitely recommend if looking for a quick overnight stay outside of the city.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 7, 2025

    Round Top Campground

    Better than OK

    Stayed for 2 days while passing through from FL to NH. Off-season so not crowded. Pool was clean and quite good sized, had it to ourselves due to season. Did laundry while here, ample laundry room. On-site extras include food-truck restaurant and small country goods vendor during our stay. Office staff did ok. Sites have reasonable spacing with gravel pads, mostly level. Trees between sites with sloping hills , not just a big open field. It’s a corporate site so automated web-based reservation system was finicky so we had to verify reservation went through. Tried to book 2 nights but system only set us up for 1. Phone call to help line easily resolved the issue. Quiet and no spotlights on all night.

  • Stephen W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 7, 2025

    Hersheypark Camping Resort

    Very clean campground friendly staff

    We stay here once a year in September. Stone surface. Not to bad for leveling. Our site was spacious.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground

    Peace and quiet !

    Great spot! We had site 114 . It has water access and is right next to a small man made beach and playground. Bathrooms were in good shape. Sites were of ample size and well spaced.

  • Werner S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Old Mill Stream Campground

    In Amish area, next to an amusement park

    Our kids where happy with the small playground and with a few dollars they could have some fun in the small arcade/gameroom. In the area you have Lancaster, Amish area and an amusement park (that is a bit outdated). The camping has a bit over 100 spots. They are just oké.

  • Werner S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Elk Neck State Park Campground

    More than correct stay for a pass through or short period

    Check in at the store (without reservation), went very smooth. Only the north east loop was open because it was calm. All spots are full hook up, all fine. There was a small play area for the kids and the restrooms/ shower where clean. No complaints.

  • Scott J.
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Sun Valley Campground

    My Happy Place

    My wife and I have been seasonal camper for 4 years and love it. We had visited numerous campgrounds and found Sun Valley to be the atmosphere there beyond our expectations. The minute you walk into the office you get that" aha" moment. The office greets you with a smile and " Welcome to Sun Valley, how can I help you ". That alone told us these folks are here to make your stay enjoyable. They go above and beyond any campground we have ever been to. The activities go above and beyond. The Saturday night bands are concert worthy. We have enjoyed our stay more than you ever imagined. For the past 4 years it has been our "Happy Place"


Guide to Holtwood

Camping near Holtwood, Pennsylvania, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking to relax by the water or explore nature trails, there’s something for every type of camper.

What to do

  • Hiking and Trails: There are great hiking options nearby. One camper mentioned, “There is a hiking trail right off Acorn loop which was nice, with options for easy or difficult” at Susquehanna State Park Campground.
  • Fishing: The Susquehanna River is perfect for fishing. A review noted, “Great hiking and fishing throughout the area” at Elk Neck State Park Campground.
  • Water Activities: If you enjoy boating, check out the lake at Codorus State Park Campground. One visitor said, “The lake is great! Lovely areas to relax and explore.”

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate cleanliness. A review for Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground stated, “The restrooms at this park, while they are older, they are clean and pretty much in good order.”
  • Spacious Sites: Many enjoy the spacious sites. One camper at Codorus State Park Campground mentioned, “The trailer sites in loop C are spacious enough with plenty of shades and trees.”
  • Family-Friendly Activities: Families love the activities available. A review for Hersheypark Camping Resort highlighted, “The campground had two pools and a child’s pool.”

What you should know

  • Busy Weekends: Expect crowds on weekends. A visitor at Susquehanna State Park Campground noted, “Stayed here recently for 2 nights... Lots and lots of family and multi-family groups.”
  • Site Conditions: Some sites can be uneven. A camper at Circle M RV and Camping Resort mentioned, “The sites are uneven. Must have leveling blocks.”
  • Limited Cell Service: Be prepared for spotty cell service. A review for Merry Meadows Recreation Farm stated, “Had to walk up the hill to get any cell service.”

Tips for camping with families

  • Playgrounds and Activities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds. One family enjoyed, “Our site was directly in front of a small playground with a slide, swings, and monkey bars” at Elk Neck State Park Campground.
  • Plan for Crowds: If you’re camping on weekends, arrive early to secure a good spot. A camper at Hersheypark Camping Resort mentioned, “The spots are a little small, at least in the section where we stayed.”
  • Bring Outdoor Games: Keep kids entertained with outdoor games. A visitor at Lake-In-Wood Campground said, “There is a kiddie pool, as well as an indoor/outdoor pool.”

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure to check site sizes before booking. A review for Thousand Trails Hershey noted, “The sites came with full hookups, picnic table, and fire pit.”
  • Be Ready for Tight Spaces: Some campgrounds have tight spaces. A camper at Circle M RV and Camping Resort mentioned, “The place was packed, the lots were cramped up.”
  • Plan for Amenities: Look for campgrounds with good amenities. A review for Lake-In-Wood Campground stated, “The campground is very well maintained, and the staff is very nice.”

Camping near Holtwood, Pennsylvania, offers a variety of experiences, from family-friendly activities to serene nature spots. Whether you're in an RV or tent, there's something for everyone to enjoy!

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Holtwood, PA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Holtwood, PA is Pequea Creek Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 14 reviews.