Campsites near Hanover, Pennsylvania offer diverse overnight options in the rural landscapes of south-central Pennsylvania. The area sits at approximately 600 feet above sea level and experiences four distinct seasons, with summer temperatures averaging in the 80s F and winter nighttime temperatures often below freezing. Most camping locations remain open from April through October, with limited winter camping options available at select year-round facilities.
What to do
Hiking trails and battlefields: Explore the extensive trail system at Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground where campers can access an 8.5-mile lakeside trail. "I took an early morning hike on the Lakeside Trail that goes around the lake and it was really awesome to see the lake from all different angles," shares one visitor. The park also connects to other regional trails for extended hiking options.
Horseback tours: Experience Gettysburg's history from horseback at Artillery Ridge Campground which features on-site horses. "You can take guided tours of the battlefield on horseback," notes a camper. The campground's location places visitors adjacent to historic battle sites without the need for additional transportation.
Farm animal interactions: Feed and visit farm animals at Thousand Trails Gettysburg Farm. "We enjoyed mini-golf, feeding the animals, 'hiking' through the cornfield, fishing, and campfires," reports one family. Children can interact with various animals including goats, pigs, chickens, horses and llamas during scheduled feeding times.
What campers like
Waterfront sites: Camp alongside water at Codorus State Park Campground where some loops feature lakeside access. "We typically stay in the primitive tent loop which is right on the lake," writes one regular visitor. These waterfront sites provide direct access for fishing and morning lake views.
Swimming options: Facilities at several campgrounds include swimming pools and splash pads. "The park has a lot that you can do or just relax by the fire. Perfect for families," notes a Codorus visitor. At Gettysburg Battlefield KOA, "They have plenty of activities for the entire family from swimming, mini golf, and a scavenger hunt!"
Spacious wooded sites: Tree cover provides shade and privacy at select campgrounds. "The 'full shade' sites were amazing. Large, fire ring with grate, and nice picnic table," reports a camper at Gettysburg Campground. Many campers mention the value of wooded sites during summer months when temperatures can reach the 90s.
What you should know
Varied terrain: Prepare for potentially unlevel sites at certain campgrounds. "You need to bring your leveling blocks, some sites do have a slope to them of 3-4 inches," advises a visitor to Gettysburg Battlefield Resorts. Proper equipment for leveling is essential, especially for RV campers.
Seasonal operation: Most campgrounds close during winter months. Codorus operates from "2nd Friday April to November 1" while Gifford Pinchot runs from "2nd Friday April to October 31." Cedar Lake Family Campground stands as one of the few year-round operations in the region.
Reservation requirements: Book well in advance for summer weekends. "We would definitely visit this campground again. Advance reservations are strongly recommended, especially for summer weekends," states a camper. Holiday weekends often sell out 6-12 months in advance at popular locations.
Tips for camping with families
Animal encounters: Merry Meadows Recreation Farm provides farm animal interactions for children. "The animal area could stand a good cleaning, but my little one enjoyed them. Lots of activities and the staff was very friendly," notes a parent. Kids can feed and interact with various farm animals throughout the day.
Halloween camping: Many campgrounds offer special Halloween-themed weekends in September and October. "We came with the kids again being older, we all had a greater appreciation of the sacrifice of this 3-day battle," shares a visitor to Artillery Ridge during their Halloween weekend. Activities often include trick-or-treating, costume contests, and decorated campsites.
Playground access: Consider site location relative to playground facilities. "We were in spots 86, 85, 89 for a month long stay... The only complaint we had was people walking through our sites due us being close to the playground and the noise level on the playground," reports one long-term visitor to Merry Meadows. Request sites away from playgrounds for quieter camping experiences.
Tips from RVers
Utility placement: Check sewer connection placement before booking. "The biggest complaint about our site was that the sewer hookup was inconveniently placed about six inches above the ground which meant that it would not drain properly," notes one RVer at Drummer Boy Camping Resort. Many campgrounds have varied utility layouts that can affect hookup functionality.
Turn radius considerations: Larger rigs may face challenges at older campgrounds. "We stayed in site 55. Big site but hard to get into. There are a couple of pull-thru sites that are much easier," advises an RVer at Gettysburg Battlefield KOA. When traveling with units over 30 feet, request specific information about site access and turning radius requirements.
Seasonal sites: Long-term camping options exist at several facilities. "Gettysburg Farm RV Campground provides year-round and seasonal camping options north of Hanover," notes a reviewer. These seasonal arrangements typically require contracts of 3-7 months and often include storage options during off-seasons.
