Camping sites near Windsor, Pennsylvania range from basic tent camping to developed cabins across the surrounding limestone-rich ridges and valleys. The region receives significant rainfall, averaging 42 inches annually, creating occasional challenges for campers during spring and fall seasons. Most Windsor area campgrounds operate at elevations between 400-800 feet, offering moderate temperatures even during summer camping periods.
What to do
Disc golf adventures: Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground offers two complete 18-hole disc golf courses, each with distinctive terrain. "The Conewago day use area on the south side of the lake and the Quaker Race day use area on the north side of the lake. Both areas have their own 18 hole disc golf course. The course in the Conewago area is relatively flat, whereas the Quaker Race course is built into the side of the hill leading into the QR day use area, so it is a lot more wooded and hillier."
Paddle creek excursions: Rent kayaks or canoes at Otter Creek Campground for direct river access. "The boat launch is in great shape and with the close islands makes it great to put the kayaks in this huge gorgeous river! Then throw in Otter Creek... it's a great adventure paddling up the creek."
Amish country day trips: Several campgrounds including Old Mill Stream Campground serve as convenient bases for exploring nearby Amish communities. "The campground is in a good location to Lancaster and other quaint Amish towns like Bird-In-Hand, Paradise, and Intercourse. Just a little bit north of the campground is the beautiful town of Lititz which is definitely worth a visit."
What campers like
Waterfront camping options: Pequea Creek Campground offers creek-side sites popular with summer campers. "We got site 24 which had steps down the 'levee' affording easier access to the creek. We enjoyed the birds singing in the mornings and welcomed grandkids' visit for splashing and floating in Pequea Creek."
Family-oriented activities: Most Windsor area campgrounds schedule regular weekend activities. "The campground had a lot of events that people participated in like candy bar and regular bingo, corn hole and horse shoe tournaments and a dj. There was a lot of space so walking our dogs was great."
Privacy at select sites: Despite being developed campgrounds, several offer secluded options. "The primitive tent sites are back in the woods which kept us nice and cool on hot July nights. The location also kept us fairly bug free. The campground hiking trail was wonderful and being between Lancaster and Gettysburg makes both places easy to access."
What you should know
Seasonal operation limitations: Most campgrounds close completely between November and April. At Codorus State Park Campground, "You can bring your own boat (gas allowed) or rent one from their marina. There is no swimming allowed in the lake but there is a pool located at the park, there is no extra cost to use the pool if you are at the campground."
River conditions fluctuate: Water activities depend heavily on recent rainfall amounts. "Unfortunately, with all the rain we have had here in Pennsylvania this summer the river was brown with mud and tree debris. The ground aside of the river was also so saturated from flooding it was difficult to walk though without sinking into the ground."
Hot shower costs: Pay showers remain common at state parks and private campgrounds. "There was one main bathhouse with flushing toilets, running water and pay showers. It was $0.50 for 6 minutes as per the sign however when I put my quarters in I got 7 minutes on the clock!"
Tips for camping with families
Playground proximity: Select sites near play areas for convenience. "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."
Water recreation options: Tucquan Park Family Campground features both swimming and fishing opportunities. "The playground and pool were both nice and clean. Wonderful place for a family. They also have a nice little pond you can fish. They offer a small paddle boat to take any time you want on their little lake on site."
Group sites availability: Several campgrounds offer dedicated group camping areas. "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. It's tucked back in a corner, you don't even see a neighbor!"
Tips from RVers
Site selection guidance: Look for pull-through sites or recently upgraded areas when traveling with larger RVs. "We got pretty lucky and were assigned one of the concrete pads that was pretty level. It is absolutely beautiful out. The grounds are well-kept. Excellent cell and gateway service. Cell is AT&T and our gateway is T-Mobile."
Hookup placement challenges: Water and electric connections may require extended hoses or cords. "Bring 50 ft of hose for water hook up and an extension cord with a converter. The water hook ups are randomly placed, ours was 2 sites away."
Leveling requirements: Many Windsor area RV sites require substantial leveling blocks. "We chose site 302 which was at the far end of the campground away from the amusement park. Our campsite was perfectly level and had a large gravel patio area and a large shade tree behind us. The site was plenty long for our 45' RV and tow car."
