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Best Campgrounds near Jacobus, PA

1,056 Reviews

The rolling countryside surrounding Jacobus, Pennsylvania provides a mix of camping experiences within an hour's drive. State parks dominate the landscape, with Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground offering 339 sites around Pinchot Lake about 20 miles northeast of Jacobus. This large park features tent sites, RV hookups, cabins, and yurts with lakefront options that campers particularly value. Codorus State Park Campground, located 15 miles southwest near Hanover, provides similar amenities with water recreation opportunities. Private campgrounds like Cedar Lake Family Campground in Dover and Indian Rock Campgrounds in York supplement the state park options with year-round availability and varying levels of amenities from primitive tent sites to full-service RV hookups.

Pennsylvania's seasonal camping patterns heavily influence availability in the Jacobus area. Most state parks operate from April through October, with Gifford Pinchot opening the second Friday in April and closing October 31. Heavy rainfall in spring can affect site conditions, particularly at campgrounds near creeks and rivers. One camper noted at Pequea Creek Campground: "Beautiful picturesque campground with large spots and a lot of trees. Very quiet and close enough to Lancaster for shopping." Reservations become essential during summer weekends and holidays, with lakeside sites at Gifford Pinchot booking months in advance. Winter camping options are limited primarily to year-round private facilities like Cedar Lake.

Waterfront sites consistently receive the highest praise from campers visiting the region. At Gifford Pinchot, sites along the peninsula (particularly site 116) offer prime locations for water access. According to one visitor: "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." Noise levels vary significantly between campgrounds, with some locations near highways or train tracks experiencing disruption. Bathhouse quality differs widely across facilities, with state parks generally maintaining clean but basic amenities. Family-friendly amenities like playgrounds, swimming areas, and hiking trails are common at most established campgrounds, with Gifford Pinchot's beach area and disc golf courses receiving particular praise.

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Best Camping Sites Near Jacobus, Pennsylvania (147)

    1. Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground

    55 Reviews
    Wellsville, PA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 292-4112

    $24 - $89 / night

    "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.  "

    "We had site 108 which is an electric site along the shore and close to the beach, and it was perfect for our needs. "

    2. Codorus State Park Campground

    40 Reviews
    Porters Sideling, PA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 637-2816

    $24 - $280 / night

    "The trails from

    Campground are ok for a short walk, not much of a lake view but mostly shaded trail.  The pool is conveniently located maybe even walking distance for some.  "

    "Older State Park just outside of Hanover, PA. Used it as a home base to explore Gettysburg and the surrounding area."

    3. Merry Meadows Recreation Farm

    18 Reviews
    Freeland, MD
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (410) 329-6636

    "It was a VERY dark walk to get to the bathhouse for showers. And the fire pit had no grill, so we ended up having to use the stoves of some RV camping friends for meals."

    "Large campground with some good trails. 

    Will definitely return!"

    4. Thousand Trails Gettysburg Farm

    9 Reviews
    Wellsville, PA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "The bathroom near the pool left a little something to be desired. It wasn’t filthy but also wasn’t sparking clean. It was great being close to the battlefield."

    "We were there around Halloween and they had decorated the park so nicely. The sounds of the farm animals all around was fun and amusing for us."

    5. Elizabethtown-Hershey KOA

    15 Reviews
    Elizabethtown, PA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 367-7718

    $45 - $279 / night

    "There was a bathhouse and dish sink nearby, as well as the entrance to a nice little nature trail a few sites down. "

    "Large and easy to enter/exit sites. Wifi was pretty good. (It helped that the antenna was right beside our site!) Cable TV, too! Everyone we talked to was nice and friendly."

    6. Cedar Lake Family Campground

    6 Reviews
    Wellsville, PA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 292-2918

    $60 - $100 / night

    "Nice lake for fishing. Easy check in. Nice little store. About an hour away from Hershey where we went to the RV show. We will come back if we are in the area again"

    "Just takes away from the rural feel. Cabin was clean and perfect. Grounds were very clean. Toilet and showers clean. Golf carts a little dated but overall good. Night time was serene and quite."

    7. Indian Rock Campgrounds

    2 Reviews
    Jacobus, PA
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 741-1764

    "We were surprised to find this nice little spot next to the creek right outside of town. There’s a spot right next to it but was unoccupied while we were there so we were all alone."

    8. Pequea Creek Campground

    14 Reviews
    Pequea, PA
    20 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 . "

    9. Otter Creek Campground

    10 Reviews
    Pequea, PA
    18 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!"

    10. Thousand Trails Circle M

    19 Reviews
    Millersville, PA
    22 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."

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Guide to Jacobus

Camping near Jacobus, Pennsylvania, offers a variety of beautiful spots for outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a family-friendly adventure, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking and Biking: Explore the scenic trails at French Creek State Park Campground. One visitor mentioned, "Hiking and biking this park is fun," highlighting the great outdoor activities available.
  • Fishing: Enjoy fishing at Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground. A reviewer noted, "The lake is very nice and it's a very family park!" making it a great spot for families who love fishing.
  • Historical Sites: Visit the Gettysburg area, where you can learn about history while camping at Gettysburg / Battlefield KOA. One camper said, "Just 15-minutes to historic sites, restaurants, and breweries," making it a convenient location for history buffs.

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the restrooms and showers. A visitor at Elk Neck State Park Campground said, "The bathrooms are immaculate," which is a big plus for many.
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds, like Codorus State Park Campground, offer spacious sites. One reviewer mentioned, "Spacious, beautiful, clean, quiet," which sums up the experience well.
  • Family-Friendly Activities: Campgrounds like Cherry Hill Park provide plenty of activities for kids. A camper noted, "There is also plenty to do for the kids, like Tractor Ride through the Campground."

What you should know:

  • Alcohol Policies: Some campgrounds, such as Greenbrier State Park Campground, do not allow alcohol. A visitor pointed out, "NO alcohol allowed," so it's good to check the rules before you go.
  • Site Accessibility: Campers at Owens Creek Campground noted that some sites may not be suitable for larger RVs. One review mentioned, "Up to a 22' RV plus tow vehicle," indicating size limitations.
  • Seasonal Availability: Many campgrounds, like Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground, are only open from April to October. A camper reminded others, "This place is as advertised," emphasizing the importance of checking the season.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Kid-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places like Lums Pond State Park Campground, where one reviewer said, "Great secluded campground, peaceful," making it ideal for families seeking a quiet getaway.
  • Plan Activities: Make sure to plan activities that everyone can enjoy. A family at Gettysburg / Battlefield KOA enjoyed the "mini golf and a few other games," which kept the kids entertained.
  • Pack Essentials: Bring along essentials like snacks and games. A camper at Caledonia State Park Campground mentioned, "Great infrastructure and great sites," which suggests that the campground is well-equipped for families.

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure to check the size of the sites before booking. A reviewer at Codorus State Park Campground noted, "The sites are fairly large and they do have some full hook up sites," which is helpful for RVers.
  • Leveling Your RV: Some sites may not be perfectly level. A camper at Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground mentioned, "A little rough with getting our camper level in the site we selected," so be prepared to adjust.
  • Plan for Amenities: Look for campgrounds with good amenities. A visitor at Cherry Hill Park said, "The campground is well run," which is a good sign for RVers looking for a hassle-free experience.

Camping near Jacobus, Pennsylvania, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. With a variety of campgrounds and activities, you're sure to find the perfect spot for your next outdoor adventure!

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Jacobus, PA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Jacobus, PA is Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground with a 4.2-star rating from 55 reviews.

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