Stephen W.
Guide
GuideMill Bridge Village & Camp Resort
Great olacevto camp in Lancaster County
We camp here several times thru out the year. Always an enjoyable stay. Staff is very friendly and accommodating.
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 (121)
1. Pequea Creek Campground
14 ReviewsPequea, PA5 milesWebsite+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. Jellystone Park™ Quarryville
19 ReviewsQuarryville, PA11 milesWebsite+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 ReviewsHoltwood, PA2 milesWebsite+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 ReviewsHoltwood, PA3 milesWebsite+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 ReviewsPequea, PA4 milesWebsite+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 ReviewsMillersville, PA12 milesWebsite+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. Susquehanna State Park Campground
24 ReviewsDarlington, MD17 milesWebsite+1 (410) 557-7994$21 - $50 / night
"I was a walk-up with no reservation and since it was a weekday the ranger gave me a great rundown of the best spots in the camp and let me drive through to check them out before going back with my decision"
"Has access to Susquehanna River, nice hiking trails. Can picnic on Deer Creek and go tubing. Close to Connowingo Damn for fishing and birdwatching. Havre de Grace sits near Chesapeake Bay."
8. Old Mill Stream Campground
17 ReviewsLampeter, PA15 milesWebsite+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!"
9. Susquehannock State Park Campground
6 ReviewsDrumore, PA3 milesWebsite+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."
10. Muddy Run Recreation Park
5 ReviewsHoltwood, PA3 milesWebsite+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."
Recent Camping Photos near Holtwood, PA
331 Photos of 121 Holtwood Campgrounds
Dan A.
Tucquan Park Family Campground
Nate & Erika L.
Muddy Run Rec Park - PPL
Nate & Erika L.
Otter Creek Campground
J W.
Pequea Creek Campground
Kasey M.
Thousand Trails Circle M
Christopher
White Oak Campground
Meagan J.
Mill Creek Camping Area
Joshua W.
Old Mill Stream Campground
Stephen W.
Mill Bridge Village & Camp Resort
Leslie
Spring-Fed Stream, Creek and Pond
Megan T.
Country Acres Campground
Gene T.
The Loose Caboose Campground
Recent Reviews near Holtwood, PA
975 Reviews of 121 Holtwood Campgrounds
Nicole S.
LegendLake-In-Wood Campground
Sun Retreats Lancaster County - Easter Weekend
Like always we like to begin our camping season with a Easter Weekend Trip, my husband's family is partial to the Lancaster Area, so we headed there to Sun Retreats Lancaster. As we drove up I loved the look and location of the campground. You could see there was a indoor pool setup, arcade, playground, store, ice cream, mini-golf and a huge lake and that was everything we saw from the truck. We pulled up to a gate and a guy came out of the shed next to it to check us in.
The campground looked well maintained, the sports were on both sides of the lake and they offered many different options like woods or open, pull through or back up. We choose a really wooded site. It was tight getting in but I can't complain I don't drive the truck. It seemed like there was a fair amount of seasonal sites but they didn't overwhelm the place. I could see also a lot of cabins there were some shaped like teepees, a frontier cabin, and a caboose. They had a fair amount of open grass to play and enjoy. You can bring your own golfcart or they have on site rentals also.
They had an activity list that would help keep everyone busy, they had a mini golf course that was in great shape, an arcade which was definitely lacking in the game department, I think there was 4 pinball machines, 2 Skee ball, 3 racing games, and the play to you win machine. The playground x2 were both in great condition with a lot to keep kids playing on. I can only comment on the indoor pool which at the time was said to be under construction however still open, the water was on the colder side and the hot tube the same temp as the pool, the ceiling had been ripped off so the iron rusting beams were exposed and rust falling down. The kids still went in the pool unfortunately the air from the open window made them too cold so we didn't stay long. I am hoping it will be finished because the concept of the indoor-outdoor pool area looks so fun.
The staff was extremely helpful and super friendly. The store was fully stocked with everything you could want. The bathrooms were all kept so clean and in working order with hot water. We enjoyed the area we ventured out to see the Choo Choo barn, the green dragon flea market, and kitchen kettle village which are a must if your in the area. We also choose to hike the Welsh Preserve and Money Rock. The lake had a path you could walk completely around and you could choose to fish if that's your thing.
I would definitely return to this campground again, we had 8 sites in total and we all really thought it was a wonderful place and really enjoyed our holiday weekend there. It was very busy but the staff was present but not overbearing. People were very respectful and friendly.
Stuart K.LegendThousand Trails PA Dutch Country
Amish Country Charm with a Resort Twist
Tucked into the rolling, wooded hills of Pennsylvania Dutch Country, Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country RV Resort offers a unique blend of peaceful countryside and activity-packed camping, all just a stone’s throw from the PA Turnpike.
While my review from a few years ago provides a ton of detail, I thought I would follow up that review with a topline of HIGHLIGHTS and LOWLIGHTS along with a smattering of new photos.
HIGHLIGHTS:(1) Expansive campground with 250+ sites offering full hookups, giving plenty of options for both short stays and longer visits;(2) Resort-style amenities including pool, mini golf, clubhouse, playgrounds, and organized activities that keep families engaged throughout the day;(3) Beautiful wooded setting with dense tree coverage that creates a surprisingly secluded feel despite proximity to major highways;(4) Ideal location for exploring Pennsylvania Dutch Country, with scenic farmland, covered bridges, and charming nearby towns just minutes away; and(5) Strong sense of community with events like bingo, crafts, and family activities that give it that classic ‘summer camp” vibe.
LOWLIGHTS:(1) Sloped terrain throughout much of the campground can make leveling a bit tricky depending on your site;(2) Close proximity to the PA Turnpike may be a concern for some, even though tree coverage helps reduce both noise and visibility;(3) Wi-Fi is not complimentary and can be an added cost, which feels a bit dated for a“resort” experience;(4) Membership requirement through Thousand Trails can be a barrier for first-time or casual campers; and(5) Limited tent site availability compared to the large number of RV sites, making it less flexible for non-RV travelers
Happy Camping!
- Stuart K.Legend
Pinch Pond Family Campground & RV Park
Amenity-Packed Campground in PA Dutch Country
Set just off I-76 in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch country, Pinch Pond Family Campground& RV Park is a large, all-in-one, family-focused campground with a layout that feels more like a small neighborhood than a traditional woods-only campsite. While its proximity to the highway makes access easy, the property itself is gated, organized into distinct camping zones and packed with amenities that clearly cater to longer stays and families looking for built-in entertainment.
HIGHLIGHTS:(1) Full-service resort-style amenities including pool, playground, arcade, laundry, propane refills, dump stations, sports field, picnic tables and in-ground fire rings throughout the property;(2) Wide variety of lodging options including RV sites with 30/50 amp hookups, water, sewer and cable, primitive tent sites, and multiple on-site cottages for non-campers;(3) Gated entrance and very welcoming, helpful staff at check-in with a well-stocked camp store offering snacks, ice cream, sundries and souvenirs;(4) Strong family appeal with fishing pond, barn, open play areas and space for kids to roam safely; and(5) Excellent location for regional attractions including Hershey Park, Chocolate World, Amish countryside tours and the nearby wolf sanctuary with guided educational tours.
LOWLIGHTS:(1) Immediate proximity to I-76 means persistent highway noise day and night with no real sound buffer;(2) Access is oddly indirect despite being next to the turnpike, requiring a several-mile loop through countryside roads to reach the entrance;(3) Overall layout is wide open with limited natural privacy between many RV sites;(4) Nearby shooting range produces frequent target practice noise, especially noticeable during early morning hours; and(5) Pricing for primitive tent sites feels disproportionately high compared to full-hookup RV rates.
Happy Camping!
- RRandy L.
ScoutFrench Creek State Park Campground
French Creek State Park
This is our 3rd time at this park, it is one of our favorites. Well maintained, very quiet. We stay in Loop A (full hookup) pet friendly. Sites are spacious, generally large but they are all back-in sites.
- CCatherine M.
TravelerLums Pond State Park Campground
You want peace ??
This is the most quietest campground. Perfect when you need to go somewhere to think. The people here are very nice. The wildlife is amazing
- DDeanie S.Scout
Delaware Motel and RV Park
Thoughts
Okay so I haven't actually been here yet I am looking for somewhere to put my rv long term. I guess I was just wondering why the other person made this place sound so horrible. Is it because of the people who can only afford to survive long term at this campsite or was this another time that stigma took over instead of knowledge or is the place a real dangerous dump. I guess I need to check this place out for myself.
Jenni D.ScoutHidden Acres Camping Grounds
Hidden gem
Small family owed for 50 plus years. They care about their guests and treat everyone like they are part of the family. The only thing about this campground is that it doesn't allow tents. Only RVs and pull behind.
Etzer D.GuideGifford Pinchot State Park Campground
Excellent
We had a beautiful spot at a stones throw from the beach area. The water was great and clean and a good temperature at this time of year. Our camping site was huge. We had some people come over and hang out with us and they did not feel cramped. The kids had a fantastic time and definitely wanna come back.
Guide to Holtwood
Holtwood, Pennsylvania camping experiences revolve around the Susquehanna River region, which features rolling hills with elevations ranging from 250-500 feet above sea level. The area's network of tributaries and mixed hardwood forests create distinct microclimates where summer temperatures can be 5-10 degrees cooler near water sources. Most campsites in this region sit on former agricultural land, with soil that drains quickly after rainfall but can become dusty during dry periods.
What to do
Water recreation on Muddy Run Recreation Park's 100-acre lake: Visitors can rent kayaks, paddle boats, canoes, and rowboats with electric motors for $20 per 1.5-hour session. "The snack shop had burgers and shakes that were very reasonably priced!" notes a visitor to Muddy Run Recreation Park.
Hiking the Mason Dixon Trail: This historic trail system connects with several campgrounds in the Holtwood area and offers varied terrain for day hikers. "There is a hiking trail that will take you all around the parameter of the large 144 acre park with plenty of wildlife to be seen as well as small trails easily marked near the campground," explains a reviewer at Muddy Run.
Disc golf in natural settings: Several campgrounds maintain disc golf courses through wooded areas. "I did not get to try the disc golf course, but a few holes look particularly fun," mentions a camper at Muddy Run Recreation Park.
Fishing the tributaries: The smaller waterways flowing into the Susquehanna often provide better fishing conditions than the main river. At Tucquan Park Family Campground, "They also have a nice little pond you can fish."
What campers like
Spacious, creekside sites: Many campsites positioned along smaller waterways offer both privacy and easy water access. "Our 3 young kids enjoyed the playground the most — there were lots of fun things for the kids on the playground. There was also a nice pond — it looked pretty full of fish," explains a visitor to Tucquan Park Family Campground.
Wildlife viewing opportunities: The region supports diverse animal populations that campers frequently observe. "My favorite evening activities (besides enjoying a campfire) are dusk deer-watching! There are hundreds of deer in this protected park," shares a reviewer at Muddy Run Rec Park - PPL.
Free or low-cost water amenities: Several parks offer water features without additional charges. At Muddy Run Recreation Center, there's "a splash pad (free!) for water fun open 10-7 daily but shuts down Sept 6."
Family-oriented activities with minimal commercialization: Unlike busier tourist areas, Holtwood campgrounds maintain a low-key atmosphere. "This campground is really nice. It's quaint, not overly swamped with an itinerary for kids, but just enough to keep them busy. It's very relaxing!" notes a Muddy Run Recreation Center visitor.
What you should know
Steep terrain at some campgrounds: Sites positioned on hillsides can present challenges. At Pequea Creek Campground, "Bath house is located at top of steep hill and bathrooms were not very clean. So if you don't have a camper to use, you might not like the bath house situation."
Agricultural impacts: Nearby farms can affect camping experiences. "The overwhelming impression of this campground was the smell of cow manure from the nearby dairy farm feedlot," reports a visitor to Old Mill Stream Campground.
Water hookup logistics: Some sites require additional equipment. "Bring 50 ft of hose for water hook up and an extension cord with a converter. The water hook ups are randomly placed, ours was 2 sites away," advises a camper at Muddy Run Rec Park.
Site selection importance: Location within campgrounds significantly affects experience. "Look at the map when selecting a site. The sites in the center are like a parking lot. Small, no shade and wide open. We prefer the creek side sites," suggests a visitor to Mill Bridge Village & Camp Resort.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly water activities: Multiple swimming alternatives exist beyond the Susquehanna. "The free splash pad is perfect for younger kids and felt great on a hot summer day," notes a visitor to Muddy Run Recreation Center.
Playgrounds with shade coverage: The best playgrounds in the area provide relief from summer heat. "Our 3 young kids enjoyed the playground the most — there were lots of fun things for the kids on the playground," mentions a Tucquan Park visitor.
Proximity to Lancaster County attractions: Many Holtwood area campgrounds offer convenient access to additional family activities. At Old Mill Stream Campground, "Family cabins available, tent sites are small. Clean parks with a small stream. Next to Dutch Wonderland, showers are nice, laundry facilities available."
Multiple bathroom facilities: Campgrounds with distributed bathroom access better accommodate families. "There are two moderate size bath houses within the campground spaced out so that they are accessible no matter which site you stay on by a short walk," explains a Muddy Run Recreation Park visitor.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds feature uneven terrain requiring adjustment. "The site was too uneven for our taste so we moved down in the main area, which was better for us," notes a camper at Tucquan Park.
Interior road conditions: Access roads within campgrounds vary significantly in quality. "The only downside I could find is the amount of permanent sites makes it seem more like your staying in a trailer park then a campground which leads to a lot of traffic in and out," shares an RVer at Tucquan Park Family Campground.
Hookup distances: Water and electric connections often require longer-than-standard equipment. "Water pumps were spaced pretty far and we needed at least a 100 ft hose to reach," advises a visitor to Muddy Run.
Dump station accessibility: Not all campgrounds offer on-site sewage disposal. Several campgrounds provide dump stations but their locations can require challenging maneuvering for larger rigs at peak checkout times.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near Holtwood, PA?
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.
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