Best 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 (149)

    1. Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground

    56 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 - $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 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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Recent Reviews near Jacobus, PA

1071 Reviews of 149 Jacobus Campgrounds


  • Marcandpatti B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 11, 2025

    Gettysburg Campground

    Good spot for Gettysburg, a bit spendy.

    We stayed here mid-week in September so it was very quiet. There was a bit of road noise as our site was close to the entrance. Host was super friendly. They have a bunch of things going on with groups that stay here; next group is quilters with vintage trailers, sorry to miss that. All of the utilities worked just fine. Sites re a bit close to each other, not a lot of foliage between sites.

  • 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.

  • 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 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?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Jacobus, PA is Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground with a 4.2-star rating from 56 reviews.