Lancaster County camping options around Quarryville sit between 400-700 feet in elevation, with warm summers averaging 80-85°F and moderate rainfall. The region features rolling hills dotted with working farms and smaller waterways like Pequea Creek, creating varied terrain for campers. Most campgrounds in this rural pocket of Pennsylvania remain open from April through November, with limited winter availability.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: 3-mile access: At Tucquan Park Family Campground, visitors can fish in the on-site pond or access nearby waterways. "They have a nice little pond you can fish. They also have a nice little paddle boat you can take any time you want on their little lake on site," notes a camper. The campground provides easy access to local streams for additional fishing opportunities.
Guided Amish tours: 2-hour excursions: Several campgrounds offer connections to local Amish cultural experiences. "Ask about the special and free Amish tour linked to the campground," mentions a visitor at Country Acres Campground. These tours typically last 1-2 hours and provide insights into the local farming practices and crafts.
Water activities: Multiple options: The Old Mill Stream Campground features creek access for casual water play. "There is a small, slow flowing river that runs along the front of the park which some people play in and float down in inner tubes," one camper observed. Water activities typically run from late May through early September when temperatures are warmest.
What campers like
Rural farm views: Panoramic scenery: Glamping in Quarryville, Pennsylvania often includes views of working farms. The Lancaster-New Holland KOA offers "unobstructed views of the Amish farmland" according to one reviewer who added, "Great view of the valley and Amish farms." Many sites include viewing areas of farmers working with traditional horse-drawn equipment.
Clean facilities: Modern amenities: Campers consistently praise the maintenance standards at area campgrounds. "The bathhouse was just remodeled so it's excellent! Good price!" notes a reviewer at Old Mill Stream Campground. Another camper at Country Acres Campground mentioned, "The new bathhouse has better restrooms than my own home!"
Seasonal activities: Halloween events: Fall camping offers special programmed activities. A camper at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park shared, "I have taken my kids to the Quarryville location on multiple occasion for their Halloween events. Absolutely amazing!" Most Halloween programming runs weekends in October with decorated sites and trick-or-treating.
What you should know
Farm proximity effects: Several campgrounds border working farms, creating unique conditions. "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," reported one camper at Old Mill Stream Campground. Farm smells typically intensify in spring and after rainfall.
Campsite variables: Layout considerations: Site quality varies significantly across the region. "We were originally supposed to be in the woods — which FYI is far out of the way of the main activities, and also has a pretty steep incline. But the site was too uneven for our taste so we moved down in the main area," shared a visitor at Tucquan Park Family Campground. Research specific site numbers when booking.
Age-appropriate planning: Activities target specific age groups at many campgrounds. "We had stayed in this campground about 5 years ago and we loved it. We returned this year with my 12 and 14 year olds and a 12 year old friend. The kids were bored," noted one reviewer at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park. Teen-focused amenities are limited at most locations.
Tips for camping with families
Pool facilities: Temperature considerations: Swimming pools are common but vary in quality. At Country Acres Campground, one parent reported, "The pool is new and has a sloped entrance so my two year old could play by himself and loved it." Most pools operate from Memorial Day through Labor Day, weather permitting.
Kid-specific activities: Varied programming: Thousand Trails Circle M offers dedicated children's activities. "Lots of events to keep the kids busy. We happened to be there on the weekend a magician came, my kids loved it. They have an indoor and outdoor pool. Nice playground," shared a camper. Most organized activities run on weekends during peak season.
Playground access: Equipment quality: Playground equipment differs significantly between locations. One camper at Tucquan Park Family Campground stated, "Our 3 young kids enjoyed the playground the most — there were lots of fun things for the kids on the playground." Consider campgrounds with recently updated equipment for younger children.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Pad variations: Concrete pads are rare but highly valued when available. "We got pretty lucky and were assigned one of the concrete pads that was pretty level," mentioned a visitor at Thousand Trails Circle M. Most sites feature gravel surfaces that may require leveling blocks.
Navigation challenges: Entrance confusion: First-time visitors often face arrival difficulties. At Old Mill Stream Campground, one RVer noted, "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." Several area campgrounds have complex entrances requiring careful navigation.
Large rig limitations: Site selection critical: Bigger rigs face specific challenges at certain campgrounds. "There wasn't much room on our site to do anything else. The fire ring was about all the room allowed," reported a camper at Lake-In-Wood Campground. Most campgrounds accommodate up to 40-foot rigs, but sites for larger units are limited.
