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.
Top-Rated Campgrounds near Jacobus, PA
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.
Best Camping Sites Near Jacobus, Pennsylvania (150)
1. Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground
57 ReviewsWellsville, PA16 milesWebsite+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 ReviewsPorters Sideling, PA13 milesWebsite+1 (717) 637-2816$24 - $247 / 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
19 ReviewsFreeland, MD13 milesWebsite+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 ReviewsWellsville, PA14 milesWebsite+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 ReviewsElizabethtown, PA18 milesWebsite+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 ReviewsWellsville, PA13 milesWebsite+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 ReviewsJacobus, PA3 milesWebsite+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 ReviewsPequea, PA20 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 . "
9. Otter Creek Campground
10 ReviewsPequea, PA18 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!"
10. Thousand Trails Circle M
19 ReviewsMillersville, PA22 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."
Recent Camping Photos near Jacobus, PA
402 Photos of 150 Jacobus Campgrounds
AdventureStang
Indian Rock Campgrounds
Laure D.
Codorus State Park Campground
Sharon L.
Merry Meadows Recreation Farm
Lee P.
Cedar Lake Family Campground
Ruth .
Thousand Trails Gettysburg Farm
Leslie
Spring-Fed Stream, Creek and Pond
PhiladelphiaKaley R.
Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground
Megan S.
River Rock Recreation
Brit A.
Starry Pond
Jen R.
Otter Creek Campground
Jen V.
Elizabethtown-Hershey KOA
Nicole B.
Pinchot State Park Campground
Recent Reviews near Jacobus, PA
1091 Reviews of 150 Jacobus 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!
Nani C.
TravelerOwens Creek Campground — Catoctin Mountain Park
Nice and Simple Spot!
Booked this site about a week before just as a spontaneous one night trip towards the end of fall. Was greeted with a nicely stocked firewood hut on the way in, unfortunately most of the wood wasn't dry due to rain the day before and the wood being out from under the hut awning, but we made do with the stacks of dead wood along the outside of the site. Our site had the main area with the picnic table and fire pit and then a large level tent pad a couple of steps below it. I believe we went the last weekend of the season so it wasn't too populated, despite this being a smaller campsite. We did have neighbors on each side of us and across from us, and the sites are a reasonable distance apart. The trees were thinned out by the time we went so there wasn't much privacy, but I can imagine that when they're grown in it adds much more privacy, at least from nextdoor neighbors. Everyone there was considerate and friendly, even the camp host. The bathrooms were clean, functional, and a short walk away from the site. Would recommend if you want a quick getaway without frill.
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.
- Etzer D.Guide
Colonel Denning State Park Campground
Great creekside spot
The weather wasn’t too great, but the campaign joy could not be hampered. We had a great spot along the creek, which was also a short walk from the lake. The bathroom facilities are fantastic nice and clean couldn’t be happier.
- Stephen W.Guide
Dutch Cousin Campground
Nice quiet fall get-a-way place
Lots of seasonal parked campers and only a few campers here. Nice peaceful quiet stay. Our site was very spacious. Level side to side. Gravel site with plenty of room for our truck n trailer.
Guide to Jacobus
Campsites near Jacobus, Pennsylvania cater to diverse camping styles within a rural backdrop of rolling farmland and forested areas. The region sits at elevations between 400-800 feet, with summertime temperatures averaging 78-85°F during peak camping season. Fall camping brings cooler temperatures and colorful foliage, while spring often features significant rainfall that affects creek-side camping locations.
What to do
Trail access from camp: At Otter Creek Campground, proximity to multiple trails provides easy hiking options. "The campground's close proximity to the Susquehanna River, Otter Creek, and the Mason Dixon Trail is absolutely ideal!" reports Gerald B. Trails range from easy riverfront paths to more challenging terrain.
Disc golf courses: Enthusiasts can find two complete 18-hole courses at Gifford Pinchot State Park. One camper notes, "Both areas have their own 18 hole disc golf course, but I will say: BEWARE of poison ivy!! We played the first 10 holes around the Conewago day use area and I was shocked at how much poison ivy we had to dodge."
River activities: The Susquehanna River offers kayaking and fishing opportunities at several campgrounds. "The boat launch is in great shape and with the close islands makes it great to put the kayaks in this huge gorgeous river! Then throw in Otter Creek... it's a great adventure paddling up the creek," shares Sean M. about his experience at Otter Creek Campground.
Farm animal interactions: Thousand Trails Gettysburg Farm offers unique farm experiences for campers. "If you love farm animals, that is the spot to be. 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," explains Robert M.
What campers like
Waterfront access: Creek and riverfront sites consistently receive high marks. At Pequea Creek Campground, campers appreciate the natural water features: "We brought our 7 year old and we visited the playgrounds, hiked the trails and explored the creek area. Boat ramp near by, we had site 54 which was nice and private," reports Jessica A.
Private wooded sites: Many campers value separation between sites. "We have camped here several times and love the waterfront sites and the yurts," notes Tom F. about Gifford Pinchot State Park. For tent campers, shaded sites are particularly valuable during summer months.
Weekend activities: Cedar Lake Family Campground receives praise for its organized events. "This campground has it all, friendly staff, activities galore, cleanliness, & fun, fun, fun," writes Laurie D. The campground maintains year-round availability, making it popular for off-season camping.
Site variety: Most campgrounds offer multiple terrain options. As one camper at Codorus State Park Campground describes, "There is a wide variety of sites so finding one that you like should not be difficult, there are some in wide-open park-like settings, and some that are treed."
What you should know
Reservation policies: Many campgrounds have unique site selection methods. At Thousand Trails Circle M, "As with all thousand trails, this campground is first come best site. While the top part of the campground seemed more communal, we chose the lower, Riverside sites and we're glad we did!"
Bathroom facilities: Quality varies significantly between parks. "There was one main bathhouse with flushing toilets, running water and pay showers. It was $0.50 for 6 minutes as per the sign however when I put my quarters in I got 7 minutes on the clock!" reports Jen R. about Otter Creek Campground.
Weather impacts: Spring rainfall affects low-lying campsites significantly. "We first had a 2 point site near the river, but when it rains the sites get flooded with runoff from the campground," warns a camper at Circle M. Consider booking elevated sites during rainy seasons.
Wildlife awareness: Snakes and insects require caution. "This area (central PA in general) tends to have a lot of rattlesnakes, and we spotted one about 20 feet off the trail in a downed wood pile - cool, but a little terrifying!" shares one visitor to the region.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly camping areas: Some loops and sections cater specifically to families. "We took our 3 yo camping for the first time here. He had so much fun. It was clean campground located in a State Park. Easy walk to the lake with a small beach," writes Julie Y. about Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground.
Activity options: Campgrounds with multiple recreation choices keep children engaged. "We have visited 5x this year. Wooded sites, open sites, tent sites. All great!" notes Amy R. about Cedar Lake Family Campground, where fishing in the stocked lake is particularly popular with families.
Swimming options: Not all water features permit swimming. At Codorus State Park, "There is no swimming allowed in the lake but there is a pool located at the park, there is no extra cost to use the pool if you are at the campground," explains Catherine H.
Playground accessibility: For parents wanting easy playground access, site selection matters. "The pool through RV sites are in the centerfield and kind of exposed to the elements but you are right across from the pool and right across from an amazing playground," notes one camper about their experience.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds in the area have terrain variations. "Roads are narrow, but the sites are large and level. The lake is nice and they stock it with trout," reports Nate J. about Cedar Lake Family Campground.
Hookup availability: Electric options vary between parks. "No water but the bath house was close and very clean," reports Kevin M. about Codorus State Park. Most established campgrounds offer at least electric hookups, with full hookups available at select sites.
RV size limitations: Not all campgrounds accommodate larger rigs. Indian Rock Campgrounds has limited space for larger vehicles, while parks like Elizabethtown-Hershey KOA can handle bigger RVs: "Large and easy to enter/exit sites. Wifi was pretty good. (It helped that the antenna was right beside our site!) Cable TV, too!"
Off-season options: Year-round camping opportunities exist primarily at private campgrounds. Cedar Lake operates throughout the year, while most state parks close between late October and April. Winter camping requires preparation for limited water access and potential freezing conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near Jacobus, PA?
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 57 reviews.
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