Camping areas around Jacobus, Pennsylvania center around the rolling foothills of the Susquehanna River valley at elevations between 400-700 feet. The region's temperate climate features distinct seasons with warm, humid summers reaching 85°F and crisp fall camping temperatures in the 50-60°F range. Many campgrounds in this area contain mixed deciduous forest with oak and maple trees that create spectacular fall color displays from late September through October.
What to do
Hiking historic rail trails: Indian Rock Campgrounds offers direct access to the rail trail system with miles of flat, well-maintained paths. "We spent a lot of time on the historic rail trail that you can get to straight from the property," notes one camper at Indian Rock Campgrounds.
Fishing Lake Marburg: Codorus State Park Campground provides lake access for anglers seeking bass and bluegill. "Nice campground. Very clean facilities. We typically stay in the primitive tent loop which is right on the lake," reports Catherine H. who adds "You can bring your own boat (gas allowed) or rent one from their marina."
Visit farm animals: Thousand Trails Gettysburg Farm offers children and adults a unique camping experience with on-site animals. "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. Perfect campground for the family," shares Robert M.
Disc golf courses: Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground features two complete 18-hole disc golf courses. "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," warns Danielle V.
What campers like
Large wooded sites: Campers appreciate the spacious, treed sites at many campgrounds near Jacobus. At Otter Creek Campground, "Sites are spacious and nice!" says Gerald B., while Scott M. describes the location as "secluded and lovely, great campsite right on the Susquehanna!"
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathhouses are consistently mentioned in reviews. At Elizabethtown-Hershey KOA, Melissa C. notes, "Bathrooms are very clean and modern, but a decent walk from tent sites. The facilities are all lovely."
Swimming options: Despite lake restrictions, many campgrounds offer swimming alternatives. At Cedar Lake Family Campground, a reviewer mentions, "This campground has it all, friendly staff, activities galore, cleanliness, & fun, fun, fun," while Mike C. from Codorus State Park Campground appreciates their "very well maintained park" with "paved sites, modern, clean bathrooms."
Campground activities: Many locations feature planned events and recreation facilities. "We have visited 5x this year. Wooded sites, open sites, tent sites. All great!" states Amy R. about Merry Meadows Recreation Farm, where Brian S. adds, "This campground has lots to offer. They have upgraded many of the activities such as miniature golf and the pool area looks great."
What you should know
Site selection considerations: The terrain at various campgrounds presents different experiences. At Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground, Scott B. warns about tent area layout: "When I arrived, someone was in my spot. After working it out and came back I noticed just how crowded it was. Lots literally right on top of each other."
Seasonal variations: Weather patterns affect camping conditions significantly. "We had site 114. It has water access and is right next to a small man made beach and playground," explains a camper at Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground, while at Pequea Creek Campground, a reviewer warns about seasonal river conditions: "Unfortunately, with all the rain we have had here in Pennsylvania this summer the river was brown with mud and tree debris."
Pet restrictions: While many campgrounds are dog friendly near Jacobus, each location maintains specific rules. "The pet friendly sites in open fields lack shade," notes a reviewer, while Melissa F. at Gifford Pinchot observes "It was nice that the pet area is separate from those of us who don't have pets or want quiet from dogs barking."
Advance reservations required: Popular locations fill quickly during peak season. "Advance reservations are a must — this place books up fast!" advises Wendy W. about Merry Meadows Recreation Farm, which offers "tons of things to do there for adults and kids alike."
Tips for camping with families
Playground proximity: Select sites near play areas for convenience with children. At Thousand Trails Circle M, Leanne B. reports, "Lots of events to keep the kids busy. We happened to be there on the weekend a magician came, my kids loved it. They have an indoor and outdoor pool. Nice playground."
Camping lakeside: Waterfront sites offer direct water access for families. Julie Y. from Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground shares, "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."
Budget-friendly options: Some campgrounds charge additional fees for amenities. Bonnie T. notes about Codorus State Park Campground, "It was a shock we had to pay to swim when we camped there," though another camper clarifies, "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."
Holiday weekend activities: Campgrounds often plan special events during holidays. At Merry Meadows Recreation Farm, Melissa E. recalls, "We stayed here this past Easter and they had plenty of activities for kids and adults. Easter egg hunts for kids, adult scavenger hunts for alcohol. Wonderful experience for the whole family."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Terrain varies across campgrounds, affecting setup. At Pequea Creek Campground, J.W. advises, "The wife & I stayed in site 22 for three nights and bicycled 14 miles, some along the Susquehanna, on nearby Enola Low Grade Trail."
Water and electric connections: Access to utilities differs between campgrounds and loops. Kevin M. explains about Codorus State Park Campground, "No water but the bath house was close and very clean," while Victoria G. shares about Elizabethtown-Hershey KOA, "Site was spacious, clean and trees between sites so you don't feel crowded in."
Dump station accessibility: Some campgrounds offer on-site sewage services. At Thousand Trails Gettysburg Farm, Kasey M. notes, "We chose a non-sewage site, the loop is quiet and large and they have the honey wagon 3x a week (free sewage dump service)."
Private entrance roads: Access conditions can affect arrival. At Pequea Creek Campground, a reviewer mentions, "I realize that the private entrance road is long to maintain but patching some of the holes, clearing debris from the dump site deck, and wiping down the bathrooms would have netted a 5th star."