Camping near Marietta, Pennsylvania centers around the Susquehanna River, which forms a series of horseshoe bends through Lancaster County. Situated at approximately 400 feet elevation, this region experiences milder winters than surrounding highlands, with camping season extending from mid-April through October in most locations. River sites often flood during spring snowmelt, making late summer the most reliable time for waterfront camping.
What to Do
Kayaking the Susquehanna: Launch directly from River Rock Recreation, where you can rent kayaks and access the river. "My family of 4, kids ages 21 and 17, loved our 3 night stay at River Rock Adventures. We stayed Sun-Wed and rented 2 kayaks from River Rock for 1 of the days."
Disc golf courses: Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground maintains two 18-hole courses with different difficulty levels. "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 all over the prime walking areas through the course."
Fishing for multiple species: Many campgrounds offer fishing access, with bluegill and bass being common catches. "We caught a handful of bass and an absurd amount of bluegill from shore."
Exploring Amish country: Several campgrounds provide convenient access to Lancaster County's cultural attractions. "From a foodie standpoint, take my word for it, there is VERY little around these parts and what you can find nearby are local joints, which we loved BTW."
What Campers Like
Spacious sites away from crowds: Pequea Creek Campground offers larger campsites with natural separation. "Beautiful picturesque campground with large spots and a lot of trees. Very quiet and close enough to Lancaster for shopping. Covered bridges and road side shopping are close by."
Private river access: Some campgrounds offer exclusive water access. "We had site 22 for three nights and bicycled 14 miles, some along the Susquehanna, on nearby Enola Low Grade Trail. We enjoyed the birds singing in the mornings and welcomed grandkids' visit for splashing and floating in Pequea Creek."
Clean facilities: Pinch Pond Family Campground maintains high standards for their amenities. "Clean bathrooms and showers. The bathhouses are nice and are designated shelters in case of severe weather."
Outdoor cooking areas: Dedicated cooking spaces enhance the camping experience. "One of my favorite features other than staying right on the river was the kitchen area. There is a stone floor, covered roof, and wrap around wood countertop space complete with an outdoor sink."
What You Should Know
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds require advance booking, especially on weekends. "If you are thinking about staying here during the Renaissance Faire, which apparently is a VERY BIG thing in these parts, you are going to want to book your spot as soon as possible."
Environmental conditions: Local farms can impact the camping experience. "The overwhelming impression of this campground was the smell of cow manure from the nearby dairy farm feedlot. The smell was not present the first day or so we were there and we enjoyed sitting outside in the afternoon, but when the wind shifted the horrid smell drove us inside during the rest of our visit."
Shooting range proximity: Some campgrounds experience noise from nearby ranges. "Next, and I really wished someone had let us know this before we agreed to stay, but there's a shooting range near the property, so at all hours you will hear target practice going on, especially in the wee early hours."
Site selection importance: At Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country, sites vary significantly in quality and levelness. "The campground is huge but you're not stacked on top of your neighbor like the others. They have 4 different sections to stay in, we were in D. We were also able to pick which site we wanted. We chose a pull thru for its ease and the extra space it had being on the end."
Tips for Camping with Families
Kid-friendly water activities: Multiple campgrounds feature water access appropriate for children. "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."
Indoor options for bad weather: Elizabethtown-Hershey KOA provides weather alternatives. "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. Bathrooms are very clean and modern, but a decent walk from tent sites. The facilities are all lovely, staff in the camp store are kind and helpful."
Group camping opportunities: Some sites cater specifically to family gatherings. "This is one of our favorite camp grounds. We always book their group site, it's huge! The sleeping area and cooking/hanging out area are way spread out so if you have kids you don't have to worry about noise at night."
Consider site location: Choose sites strategically based on amenities needed. "If you have one and only complaint it's the pool, it could use an upgrade and I wish they had actual lounge chairs rather than just plastic chairs to sit. However, unlike most campgrounds, the pool stayed open pretty late so that was a huge bonus for me."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds in the region require significant leveling equipment. "Sites are very close together. Fire rings are very close to campers. Water was rusty in our row came out brown at first then was tan after running through our filter for the entire stay. The site on either side was the same rusty. Unlevel is an understatement."
Utilities and hookups: Water pressure varies significantly between campgrounds. "Definitely got lucky with site F03 for Starlink. The rest of the campground has a lot of tree cover. Beautiful grounds and clean. Site is gravel and pretty level. Water pressure is pretty low and the sewer pipe is a little high but all around a really solid experience."
Access considerations: Hersheypark Camping Resort requires careful site selection for larger rigs. "It is a nice camp ground but the lower drive threw spots are packed together. Our 32' with slides just fit the sight and we had zero room for the truck. They have other spots up on the hill but would have been more of a challenge with our rig."
Seasonal weather impacts: Weather patterns affect site conditions. "The entrance in off the main road turns you into the theme park. Fear not. Turn in and follow the road to the right and into the campground. We stayed on site 123 with a 40 ft Allegro Bus. Plenty of room to maneuver a big rig. All gravel sites and we had full hookup with 50 Amp."
