Best Campgrounds near Pequea, PA

Pequea, Pennsylvania offers established campgrounds along the scenic Susquehanna River valley with options ranging from full-hookup RV sites to primitive tent camping. Pequea Creek Campground provides shaded, spacious sites adjacent to the creek, while nearby Muddy Run Recreation Park features waterfront camping and boat access opportunities. Most campgrounds in the area accommodate both tent and RV camping, with several properties like Tucquan Park Family Campground and Circle M RV & Camping Resort also offering cabin rentals for those seeking additional comfort.

Camping seasons in the region typically run from early spring through late fall, with most facilities operating from March or April through October or November. The majority of campgrounds require reservations, particularly during summer weekends and holidays when sites fill quickly. Accessibility varies throughout the area, with some locations featuring steep terrain that affects site levelness and bathroom access. Weather conditions can significantly impact the camping experience, as heavy rains may cause creeks to rise and create muddy conditions in some areas. As one camper noted, "When it rains it really flushes through the grounds. Our site was hard to set up as we arrived during a storm and it was very wet even after the rain died down."

Proximity to water is a defining feature of camping in this region, with many sites offering creek or river access. Campers frequently highlight fishing, tubing, and swimming opportunities along the Pequea Creek and Susquehanna River. Several visitors specifically praise the family-friendly water activities, with one reviewer mentioning they "welcomed grandkids' visit for splashing and floating in Pequea Creek." The area provides a balance of natural scenery and convenience, with Lancaster County attractions like Amish country within easy driving distance. Despite the relatively developed nature of the region, many campgrounds maintain wooded settings that provide shade and a sense of seclusion. Campground amenities typically include fire rings, picnic tables, and clean bathroom facilities, though quality and maintenance standards vary between properties.

Best Camping Sites Near Pequea, Pennsylvania (127)

    1. Pequea Creek Campground

    14 Reviews
    Pequea, PA
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (717) 284-4587

    "The wife & I stayed in site 22 for three nights and bicycled 14 miles, some along the Susquehanna, on nearby Enola Low Grade Trail . "

    "Covered bridges and road side shopping are close by. Enjoyed river tubing which is close by to this campground. Music bingo on Saturday night was so much fun. Owners are very nice and helpful."

    2. Thousand Trails Circle M

    19 Reviews
    Millersville, PA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (888) 707-1477

    "Close to Lancaster for necessities and great proximity to Baltimore and Philadelphia for day trips."

    "I used to stay here all the time with my grandparents when they were around. It was always some of the best times for me."

    3. Tucquan Park Family Campground

    12 Reviews
    Holtwood, PA
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 284-2156

    "Highly recommend staying here with lots of close hiking trails within driving distance."

    "There was a lot of space so walking our dogs was great. The smaller bathroom stalls are pretty small but got the job done. Playground and pool were both nice and clean. Wonderful place for a family."

    4. Otter Creek Campground

    10 Reviews
    Pequea, PA
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (717) 862-3628

    "Just down the road about a mile or so was the Indian Steps Museum which is owned by York Conservation Society."

    "Its close proximity to the Susquehanna River, Otter Creek, and the Mason Dixon Trail is absolutely ideal! Sites are spacious and nice! Restrooms clean!"

    5. Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park at Quarryville

    19 Reviews
    Quarryville, PA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 610-4505

    "We stayed here in November with beautiful weather which meant the large farm behind the campground was spraying manure over their fields. We could smell it."

    "The site was covered and it was cool around 4:30pm when the sun went behind the trees. It didn’t look like all sites had that much cover so be careful."

    6. Muddy Run Rec Park - PPL

    11 Reviews
    Holtwood, PA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 284-4325

    "The large lake is great for a day of kayaking and fishing with supplies readily available for rent at the boat dock store."

    "The observatory is open to public once a month, we recommend you plan your trip around this."

    7. Old Mill Stream Campground

    16 Reviews
    Lampeter, PA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 299-2314

    "Tent sites are lined up along the water which is great for fishing (especially when you need to stay close to the littles sleeping in the tent). Lots of benches lined up along the water."

    "Not to noisy being next to a theme park. The bath house was just remodeled so it's excellent! Good price!"

    8. Mill Bridge Village & Camp Resort

    14 Reviews
    Concord, PA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 687-8181

    "Great, convenient location. Cost friendly considering the location. Clean grounds & maintained sites. Mix of open & shaded sites, all appear to be pretty level, our site was next to stream."

    "The site was right next to the creek. Shade is perfect for our dogs.

    Office personnel were so very helpful. Office does close at 4 but that is due to staff shortages."

    9. Susquehannock State Park Campground

    6 Reviews
    Drumore, PA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 252-1134

    $28 - $72 / night

    "The camping area is small but worth it. a short walk from the scenic overlooks and other hiking trails."

    "Some walk in tent sites. There are lots of long scenic hiking trails down to Deer creek and to the Susquehanna River."

    10. Muddy Run Recreation Park

    5 Reviews
    Holtwood, PA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 284-2538

    $35 / night

    "First the positives

    • The free splash pad is perfect for younger kids and felt great on a hot summer day.
    • Boat rentals were cheap and perfectly adequate."

    "Massive lake with rentals, so many hikes available. Events available near by if not in."

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Recent Reviews near Pequea, PA

975 Reviews of 127 Pequea Campgrounds


  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 13, 2025

    Brandywine Creek Campground

    Brandywine

    We are on the third week of a four week trip. Campground is well maintained, quiet. This was our home while exploring Philadelphia. Uber to Downgrown, Septa or Amtrak to town. Reverse to camp. Very enjoyable. Hickory nut tree beside camper shared at times.

  • Marcandpatti B.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 11, 2025

    Gettysburg Campground

    Good spot for Gettysburg, a bit spendy.

    We stayed here mid-week in September so it was very quiet. There was a bit of road noise as our site was close to the entrance. Host was super friendly. They have a bunch of things going on with groups that stay here; next group is quilters with vintage trailers, sorry to miss that. All of the utilities worked just fine. Sites re a bit close to each other, not a lot of foliage between sites.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 9, 2025

    Artillery Ridge Campground

    Great location and friendly staff

    We have a motorhome with no additional vehicle and two dogs, and this site couldn’t have been more perfect for us. A dog park, walking distance to most everything we wanted to see. The national park is mostly dog friendly. My husband caught a fish first day in the pond behind our site. The staff was super friendly and welcoming.

  • p
    Sep. 8, 2025

    Artillery Ridge Campground

    Rv stay

    Site and bathrooms clean. Activities provided free each day. Food trucks in park. Close to museum and battleground sites.

  • Peyton S.
    Sep. 8, 2025

    French Creek State Park Campground

    Wonderful, Easy, Quick trip from Philly

    It’s about an hour away from Philadelphia. We tent camped in loop B. The site was wonderful. Just know it is a gravel site, not grass. The fire pit has a grill attachment and wood was easy to find. Water and bathrooms were close. We hiked around the lake and there were plenty of trails and even rentable kayaks and paddle boards! Would definitely recommend if looking for a quick overnight stay outside of the city.

  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 7, 2025

    Round Top Campground

    Better than OK

    Stayed for 2 days while passing through from FL to NH. Off-season so not crowded. Pool was clean and quite good sized, had it to ourselves due to season. Did laundry while here, ample laundry room. On-site extras include food-truck restaurant and small country goods vendor during our stay. Office staff did ok. Sites have reasonable spacing with gravel pads, mostly level. Trees between sites with sloping hills , not just a big open field. It’s a corporate site so automated web-based reservation system was finicky so we had to verify reservation went through. Tried to book 2 nights but system only set us up for 1. Phone call to help line easily resolved the issue. Quiet and no spotlights on all night.

  • Stephen W.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 7, 2025

    Hersheypark Camping Resort

    Very clean campground friendly staff

    We stay here once a year in September. Stone surface. Not to bad for leveling. Our site was spacious.

  • TThe Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground

    Peace and quiet !

    Great spot! We had site 114 . It has water access and is right next to a small man made beach and playground. Bathrooms were in good shape. Sites were of ample size and well spaced.

  • Werner S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 1, 2025

    Old Mill Stream Campground

    In Amish area, next to an amusement park

    Our kids where happy with the small playground and with a few dollars they could have some fun in the small arcade/gameroom. In the area you have Lancaster, Amish area and an amusement park (that is a bit outdated). The camping has a bit over 100 spots. They are just oké.


Guide to Pequea

Camping near Pequea, Pennsylvania, offers a variety of experiences for outdoor lovers. From scenic parks to family-friendly campgrounds, there’s something for everyone in this beautiful region.

What to do

  • Hiking and Trails: Explore the beautiful trails at Elk Neck State Park Campground. One reviewer mentioned, "Great trails and great staff," making it a perfect spot for nature walks.
  • Fishing and Water Activities: The Codorus State Park Campground is great for fishing. A visitor shared, "The lake is great! Lovely areas to relax and explore."
  • Family Fun: At Hersheypark Camping Resort, families can enjoy a shuttle to Hershey Park. One family noted, "The trolley was a great addition to getting to and from the Hershey attractions."

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate cleanliness, especially at Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground. A reviewer said, "The restrooms... are clean and pretty much in good order."
  • Spacious Sites: Many enjoy the spacious sites at Codorus State Park Campground. One camper mentioned, "The trailer sites in loop C are spacious enough with plenty of shade and trees."
  • Pet-Friendly Options: Campgrounds like Merry Meadows Recreation Farm allow pets, which is a big plus for many visitors. A guest noted, "They have a lot to do but half is only open on the weekends."

What you should know

  • Alcohol Policies: Some campgrounds, like Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground, do not allow alcohol. A camper pointed out, "NO alcohol allowed" as a key feature.
  • Busy Weekends: Expect crowds on weekends, especially at Susquehanna State Park Campground. One visitor said, "Stayed here recently for 2 nights... Lots and lots of family and multi-family groups."
  • Site Conditions: Some sites may be uneven or tight, as noted by a camper at Circle M RV and Camping Resort, who mentioned, "The place was packed, the lots were cramped up."

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose the Right Campground: Look for family-friendly spots like Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park at Quarryville. A reviewer said, "This place is awesome for kids and families!"
  • Plan Activities: Make sure to check for activities at the campground. One family at Lake-In-Wood Campground enjoyed, "Plenty for all ages to do."
  • Safety First: Keep an eye on kids, especially near water. A camper at Codorus State Park Campground mentioned, "The swimming/beach area was very nice to have."

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure to verify site sizes before booking. An RV traveler at Circle M RV and Camping Resort noted, "None of them were big enough or accessible."
  • Leveling Blocks: Bring leveling blocks as some sites can be uneven. A visitor at Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground mentioned, "Some weren’t level front to back."
  • Plan for Amenities: Check what amenities are available. One camper at Hersheypark Camping Resort appreciated, "The bathrooms were clean and large."

Camping near Pequea, Pennsylvania, offers a mix of outdoor fun and family-friendly activities. Whether you're looking for a quiet getaway or a place to make memories with loved ones, this area has something to fit your needs.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Pequea Campground located and how do I get there?

Pequea Creek Campground is situated along the picturesque Susquehanna River in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania. The campground is conveniently located near Lancaster, making it accessible for shopping trips and exploring local attractions. To get there, follow routes to the southeastern Pennsylvania countryside. The location offers easy access to the Enola Low Grade Trail for cycling enthusiasts, with parts of the trail running along the Susquehanna River. The area features beautiful scenery including covered bridges and is within driving distance of roadside shops typical of the region.

What amenities and facilities are available at Pequea Creek Campground?

Pequea Creek Campground offers spacious, tree-covered sites with plenty of shade. The campground features access to Pequea Creek, perfect for splashing, floating, and water recreation. Some sites (like site 24) have steps leading down to the water. The grounds are quiet and peaceful, ideal for relaxation. On Saturdays, they host social activities like music bingo for campers to enjoy. The owners are friendly and attentive. For those seeking additional amenities nearby, Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country in the same region offers more resort-style facilities while maintaining the charm of Amish country surroundings.

Which is the most popular campground near Pequea, PA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Pequea, PA is Pequea Creek Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 14 reviews.