Yurt camping near Mount Wolf, Pennsylvania offers diverse outdoor opportunities across the northeastern woodland terrain. Located in York County at approximately 400 feet above sea level, this area features rolling hills, mixed hardwood forests, and proximity to the Susquehanna River with its rocky shores and gentle currents. Summer temperatures typically reach 85-90°F with moderate humidity, while spring and fall provide more comfortable camping conditions in the 60-75°F range.
What to do
Disc golf adventures: Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground features two distinct 18-hole disc golf courses with different terrain challenges. "I took an early morning hike on the 8.5 mile Lakeside Trail that goes around the lake and it was really awesome to see the lake from all different angles. I also hiked / jogged the Quaker Race Trail and that was nice, too," notes one visitor.
Lakeside fishing: Codorus State Park Campground offers excellent lake fishing opportunities with boat rentals available. "Nice campground. Very clean facilities. We typically stay in the primitive tent loop which is right on the lake. You can bring your own boat (gas allowed) or rent one from their marina," shares a camper.
River kayaking: Experience direct river access at River Rock Recreation, where you can launch your watercraft just steps from your campsite. "We spent our time fishing the river banks right outside our tents and kayaking on the Susquehanna to fish the warm waters. We caught a ton of catfish and carp using live bait," reports one visitor.
Explore historic sites: Visit nearby Amish communities from Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country. "This campground will put your mind at ease and let you uncover the lost culture of this unique community. I remember going to the market and learning about culture that I was not necessarily familiar with before," shares a reviewer.
What campers like
Private riverside camping: River Rock Recreation provides a unique experience where you rent the entire campsite. "This is a single campsite that you rent, no other campers on site unless you are bringing them with you! They have 3 wood tent platforms. The outdoor shower was spacious with shelves to stash your stuff and a hook for the shower bag."
Clean, well-maintained facilities: Elizabethtown-Hershey KOA maintains excellent standards. "Our site was very nice! We were in a back in site #4. The patio was concrete stone, very pretty. Nice chairs, fire pit, and picnic table. The bath house was extremely clean and very nice," notes a visitor.
Family-oriented activities: Cedar Lake Family Campground offers numerous planned events. "This campground has it all, friendly staff, activities galore, cleanliness, & fun, fun, fun," says one camper. Another mentions "Cedar Creek was amazing and clean. Staff was friendly and courteous. Price is affordable."
Wooded privacy: Many campers appreciate the natural separation at certain campgrounds. "I was pleasantly surprised when we drove in. The campground is huge but you're not stacked on top of your neighbor like others. We chose a pull thru for its ease and the extra space it had being on the end," reports a Thousand Trails visitor.
What you should know
Weather considerations: Prepare for variable conditions when yurt camping in Mount Wolf, Pennsylvania. Summer storms can arrive suddenly with significant wind. "A 1:00 AM thunderstorm reminded me to never forget to use ALL the tie downs," warns a River Rock camper.
Site selection strategy: At Pinch Pond Family Campground, choosing the right location matters. "IMHO the best campsite locations are actually the ones designated for primitive tents as they are all located in the rear of the property and therefore quieter and more removed from the rest of the somewhat crowded campground."
Noise considerations: Some campgrounds have unexpected noise sources. "The only negative I have is there is a railroad nearby. During the day you kind of don't notice it but you may hear it at night if you are a light sleeper. Just bring earplugs," advises a Merry Meadows visitor. Another camper notes: "Nice campground except there is a shooting range right next door. It is pretty consistent from lunch to dinner."
Seasonal availability: Many campgrounds operate with limited seasons. Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground runs "2nd Fri April to October 31," while Circle M operates "April 7 to November 26," making advance planning essential for yurt stays.
Tips for camping with families
Lake access for kids: Thousand Trails Circle M offers excellent water activities. "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. There was also a beach location on the state park side vs campground side of the lake," shares a parent.
Multiple swimming options: Several campgrounds feature pools and natural swimming areas. "Nice indoor and outdoor pools! I'll definitely be back!" reports a Circle M visitor, while another notes, "the pool was nice, but being that it was the end of June, the water was freezing! I couldn't get in!"
Budget-friendly activities: Many campgrounds offer free or low-cost entertainment. "Their game room has tickets. This is the one and only campground we have ever visited that gave tickets for playing games and my kids LOVED IT! It was like camping and going to chuckie cheese at the same time," shares a Pinch Pond visitor.
Dedicated pet areas: For families traveling with animals, note that many campgrounds have designated pet sections. "Some of the groups can get rather loud especially when there are a bunch of teens. It was nice that the pet area is separate from those of us who don't have pets or want quiet from dogs barking."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Prepare for uneven terrain at several campgrounds. "Campground loses a star because the sites are pretty uneven. Not just the one we're on but others as well. The campground is pretty hilly and they don't seem to want to level out the sites. We had to go out and get more blocks and we're still not very level front to back."
Hookup positioning: At some campgrounds, utility connections may require extra preparation. "Water pressure is pretty low and the sewer pipe is a little high but all around a really solid experience," reports one RVer at Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country.
Seasonal upgrades: Hersheypark Camping Resort regularly improves their facilities. "It is a nice camp ground but super loud bc of the trains. Bath houses are nice and clean. I would suggest making sure you aren't close to the tracks bc the trains run all night long!"
Size restrictions: Some campgrounds limit site assignments based on RV specifications. "Depending on your rig size you're only available certain sites. They won't give you a 50 amp site unless your 50 amp or 40', they save them for larger campers," explains a visitor to Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country.
