Camping sites near Loganville, Pennsylvania range from primitive tent areas to full-service RV parks, with most located within a 20-mile radius of town. The area sits in the rolling hills of York County at approximately 650 feet elevation, with summer temperatures averaging 85°F and dropping to the 40s at night during spring and fall camping seasons. Winter camping options are limited, with most campgrounds closing by early November.
What to do
Kayaking and boating: At Codorus State Park Campground, visitors can bring personal watercraft or rent from the marina. "You can bring your own boat (gas allowed) or rent one from their marina. 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," notes Catherine H.
Hiking nearby trails: The Thousand Trails Gettysburg Farm offers easy access to hiking trails through cornfields and along the river. "It was an easy hike as suggested on the map to circle around and through the cornfield, you get a great view of the farms nearby and the river," shares Mary H.
Mini golf and recreation: Multiple campgrounds feature recreational activities beyond hiking and water sports. "We totally loved our camping trip here! The activities and store weren't outrageous," according to Sharon L., who stayed at Merry Meadows Recreation Farm, which offers mini golf and seasonal events for families.
Creek exploration: Pequea Creek Campground provides creek access for wading and exploration. "We were surprised to find this nice little spot next to the creek right outside of town. The road noise is kind of annoying but the area is beautiful," notes a camper at Indian Rock Campgrounds.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Many campers appreciate the generous spacing between sites. At Otter Creek Campground, "Sites are spacious and nice! Restrooms clean! Showers good; cost 50¢ for 6 min, but that's fine...ensures enough hot water for everyone and no waste," reports Gerald B.
Clean facilities: Bathroom cleanliness varies significantly between campgrounds. "The bath house was clean. It's park is located on a beautiful lake," shares a camper at Codorus State Park. At Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground, "Bathrooms were in good shape. Sites were of ample size and well spaced."
Lake access: Waterfront sites are highly valued by campers. "We liked the dish washing sinks outside of the shower houses. The site was nice with the tent pad backing up to the trees," explains Melissa F. about Gifford Pinchot State Park. Several campgrounds offer fishing opportunities with proximity to waterways.
Wooded sites: Many campers prefer the shade and privacy of wooded sites. "Completely wooded and awesome pool available in summer months," notes Deb H. about Codorus State Park Campground, while another camper explains, "The 'full shade' sites were amazing. Large, fire ring with grate, and nice picnic table."
What you should know
Road noise issues: Some campgrounds have traffic noise despite rural settings. At Indian Rock Campgrounds, a visitor notes, "The road noise is kind of annoying but the area is beautiful."
Seasonal closures: Most campgrounds in the region operate from April through October or early November. Elizabethtown-Hershey KOA lists their season as "Open 5/8/2020 - 11/1/2020," which is typical for the area.
Payment policies: Some campgrounds have strict payment policies. One camper mentioned, "One of the complaints was they work on cash. Yeah, I knows it's not popular because most of us live in a plastic dominated world. I read it in advance and I just made sure we had some with us."
Site selection timing: For campgrounds with first-come site selection, arriving early is recommended. "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!" explains a Thousand Trails camper.
Tips for camping with families
Animal attractions: Farm animals are a big draw for children at some campgrounds. "We happened to be there on the weekend a magician came, my kids loved it. They have an indoor and outdoor pool. Nice playground," shares Leanne B. about Circle M.
Beach and playground access: Thousand Trails Circle M offers multiple kid-friendly amenities. "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 Brian S.
Halloween weekends: Several campgrounds host special Halloween events throughout October. "They had Halloween ever at every weekend of October and we spent Halloween weekend here. The kids loved it!!" shares a camper at Circle M.
Activity schedules: Check for campground schedules before booking. "We've camped here several times and love the waterfront sites and the yurts," explains Tom F. about Gifford Pinchot, where seasonal programming is available for families.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Some campgrounds have uneven terrain that can be challenging for RVs. "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.
Hookup availability: Electrical service varies between campgrounds, with some offering 30-amp and others 50-amp connections. "Nice sized sites, wooded, paved roads beautiful lake. Not a garbage can to be found park wide! Dumpster at either end that's it," reports John K. about Gifford Pinchot.
Primitive vs. serviced sites: Many campgrounds have upgraded their tent sites to include utilities. "They have upgraded the tent sites since last year, no more primitive sites, all the tent sites are now mulch pad with water and electric," explains Melissa C. about Elizabethtown-Hershey KOA.
Site selection considerations: When choosing an RV site, consider proximity to bathhouses and amenities. "We were in site 114. It has water access and is right next to a small man made beach and playground. Bathrooms were in good shape," shares a camper about their experience at Gifford Pinchot State Park.
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