Codorus State Park Campground offers diverse camping options spanning tent sites to cabins within 195 acres of Pennsylvania countryside. Sites vary from wooded to open field, with waterfront and secluded options available. The campground maintains an extensive trail system suitable for hiking, biking and horseback riding, with minimal elevation gain across most paths.
What to do
Lake recreation at Pinchot Lake: The 340-acre lake at Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground provides fishing, boating and beach access. "A great place to get away to nature but also be close enough to stores and things," notes camper Ben W. The park maintains rental boats for those without their own watercraft.
Creek exploration for kids: Pequea Creek Campground offers creek-side sites where children can splash and float during summer months. One visitor shared, "We welcomed grandkids' visit for splashing and floating in Pequea Creek. Nearby site 24 had steps down the 'levee' affording easier access to the creek," making it ideal for families with young children.
Heritage Trail cycling: Multiple campgrounds provide direct access to the Heritage Rail Trail, a converted rail bed with crushed limestone surface and minimal grade changes. "We bicycled 14 miles, some along the Susquehanna, on nearby Enola Low Grade Trail," reports one Pequea Creek camper, highlighting the accessible nature of these routes for riders of varying experience levels.
What campers like
Modern facilities: Campers consistently rate the bathroom facilities highly at Otter Creek Campground, with one noting, "Restrooms clean! Showers good; cost 50¢ for 6 min, but that's fine...ensures enough hot water for everyone and no waste." The campground also features dish washing stations outside shower houses.
Spacious, wooded sites: Cedar Lake Family Campground earns praise for its generous campsites. "Everything was on point here! The staff run the place like a resort or a cruise ship. Tent site near the lake is HUGE," reports Lee P. The campground's 195 sites include options for both seasonal and short-term campers.
Family activities: "Great time camping. 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," reports Julie Y. about Gifford Pinchot. Most dog friendly campgrounds near Loganville offer dedicated recreation areas for children alongside pet exercise zones.
What you should know
Seasonal fluctuations: Water levels and quality vary significantly throughout camping season. "Due to my father passing, me and my daughter stayed there 3 nights. I will be back another time to actually enjoy the lake," notes Melissa F. about Gifford Pinchot, highlighting how weather patterns affect recreation options.
Limited cell service: Many woodland sites around Loganville experience spotty cell coverage. "Verizon cell service is weak but useable," reports a camper at Thousand Trails Circle M, a common situation at pet-friendly campgrounds throughout the area.
Flood potential at riverside sites: River-adjacent camping requires weather awareness. "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 Circle M visitor. Campsites along creeks and rivers typically offer the most access to swimming spots for pets but carry higher weather risks.
Tips for camping with families
Check camp store supplies: Elizabethtown-Hershey KOA maintains a well-stocked store for essentials. "Clean bathrooms, small store. Sites are large and well maintained," confirms Kathie M. This helps families avoid lengthy drives for forgotten items, particularly important when camping with pets.
Consider holiday weekend policies: Most dog friendly campgrounds near Loganville have specific visitor rules during peak times. One camper notes, "Nice quiet campground. A little pricey and strict for visitors, they need to leave by 10 and can't bring their pets." Understanding these restrictions before booking prevents disappointment.
Look for mixed terrain sites: For families with both sun-seekers and shade-lovers, Gifford Pinchot offers varied options. "I was pleasantly surprised by the amount of trees and separation between many sites. If you're looking for trees and privacy, stick to the sites at the bottom of the hill," advises Jen V.
Tips from RVers
Water access considerations: RVers should note varying hookup options. "Our site was a back in site #4. The patio was concrete stone, very pretty. Nice chairs, fire pit, and picnic table," shares an Elizabethtown-Hershey KOA visitor, illustrating the premium sites available at some locations near Loganville.
Road conditions: Access roads vary significantly between campgrounds. One camper at Pequea Creek observed, "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." Many pet-friendly locations with creek access have challenging approach roads.
Site leveling challenges: "Roads are narrow, but the sites are large and level. The lake is nice and they stock it with trout," notes Nate J. about Cedar Lake Family Campground. Proper leveling equipment remains essential at most dog friendly campgrounds around Loganville, especially during spring months when ground may be soft from seasonal precipitation.