Susquehanna State Park Campground
Great time with kids
Nice campground had my 6 and 7 year old. The site was pretty private and had bathrooms close. I would definitely go again.
Camping options in Seven Valleys, Pennsylvania are primarily concentrated around established campgrounds within state parks and private facilities. Codorus State Park Campground, located near Hanover, stands as a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts seeking tent, RV, cabin, and even yurt accommodations. Within a 20-mile radius, campers can find additional developed sites at Gifford Pinchot State Park and several family campgrounds like Cedar Lake and Indian Rock. Most campgrounds feature electric hookups, sanitary facilities, and fire rings, with varying levels of privacy between sites. The region contains both wooded areas offering natural shade and more open park-like settings suitable for larger camping gatherings.
Seasonal considerations heavily impact camping availability in the Seven Valleys area, with most state parks operating from early April through October or early November. Year-round options exist at select private campgrounds such as Cedar Lake Family Campground and Indian Rock Campgrounds. The area experiences traditional mid-Atlantic weather patterns, with humid summers and mild to cold winters. During peak summer weekends, advanced reservations are strongly recommended, especially for sites with water and electric hookups. Public swimming is available at designated pools rather than lakes at many parks. A recent visitor noted, "We were surprised to find this nice little spot next to the creek right outside of town. The road noise is kind of annoying but the area is beautiful."
Campers consistently mention the well-maintained facilities as a highlight of the region's campgrounds. The bath houses at Codorus State Park receive particular praise for cleanliness, with one reviewer stating they were "the cleanest bathrooms I've ever experienced while camping." Water activities represent another key attraction, with many campgrounds situated on or near lakes offering boating, fishing, and shoreline recreation. Site privacy varies significantly across the region's campgrounds, with some visitors noting the close proximity between sites in more developed areas. For those seeking more seclusion, primitive tent areas tend to provide greater distance between campsites and are often located closer to natural features like creeks or lake shores. Hiking trails, playgrounds, and outdoor recreation areas complement most developed campgrounds in the region.
$20 - $195 / night
"The trails from Campground are ok for a short walk, not much of a lake view but mostly shaded trail. The pool is conveniently located maybe even walking distance for some. "
"Older State Park just outside of Hanover, PA. Used it as a home base to explore Gettysburg and the surrounding area."
$20 - $89 / night
"We have a small camper and there are some great sites on the lake side to park it where you can get AMAZING sunset views. "
"We had site 108 which is an electric site along the shore and close to the beach, and it was perfect for our needs. "
"It was a VERY dark walk to get to the bathhouse for showers. And the fire pit had no grill, so we ended up having to use the stoves of some RV camping friends for meals."
"Large campground with some good trails. Will definitely return!"
"The bathroom near the pool left a little something to be desired. It wasn’t filthy but also wasn’t sparking clean. It was great being close to the battlefield."
"We were there around Halloween and they had decorated the park so nicely. The sounds of the farm animals all around was fun and amusing for us."
$60 - $100 / night
"Nice lake for fishing. Easy check in. Nice little store. About an hour away from Hershey where we went to the RV show. We will come back if we are in the area again"
"Just takes away from the rural feel. Cabin was clean and perfect. Grounds were very clean. Toilet and showers clean. Golf carts a little dated but overall good. Night time was serene and quite."
"We were surprised to find this nice little spot next to the creek right outside of town. There’s a spot right next to it but was unoccupied while we were there so we were all alone."
"This park is a perfect location if you want to explore Gettysburg National Historical Site as you can literally walk across the street and be in the park or venture½ mile up the road and you come to the"
"Behind the campsite we stayed at, we learned connected to Stangler Farm, which served as a hospital for the wounded."
$45 - $279 / night
"There was a bathhouse and dish sink nearby, as well as the entrance to a nice little nature trail a few sites down. "
"Large and easy to enter/exit sites. Wifi was pretty good. (It helped that the antenna was right beside our site!) Cable TV, too! Everyone we talked to was nice and friendly."
"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!"
"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."
"The wife & I stayed in site 22 for three nights and bicycled 14 miles, some along the Susquehanna, on nearby Enola Low Grade Trail . "












Nice campground had my 6 and 7 year old. The site was pretty private and had bathrooms close. I would definitely go again.
We camp here several times thru out the year. Always an enjoyable stay. Staff is very friendly and accommodating.
Like always we like to begin our camping season with a Easter Weekend Trip, my husband's family is partial to the Lancaster Area, so we headed there to Sun Retreats Lancaster. As we drove up I loved the look and location of the campground. You could see there was a indoor pool setup, arcade, playground, store, ice cream, mini-golf and a huge lake and that was everything we saw from the truck. We pulled up to a gate and a guy came out of the shed next to it to check us in.
The campground looked well maintained, the sports were on both sides of the lake and they offered many different options like woods or open, pull through or back up. We choose a really wooded site. It was tight getting in but I can't complain I don't drive the truck. It seemed like there was a fair amount of seasonal sites but they didn't overwhelm the place. I could see also a lot of cabins there were some shaped like teepees, a frontier cabin, and a caboose. They had a fair amount of open grass to play and enjoy. You can bring your own golfcart or they have on site rentals also.
They had an activity list that would help keep everyone busy, they had a mini golf course that was in great shape, an arcade which was definitely lacking in the game department, I think there was 4 pinball machines, 2 Skee ball, 3 racing games, and the play to you win machine. The playground x2 were both in great condition with a lot to keep kids playing on. I can only comment on the indoor pool which at the time was said to be under construction however still open, the water was on the colder side and the hot tube the same temp as the pool, the ceiling had been ripped off so the iron rusting beams were exposed and rust falling down. The kids still went in the pool unfortunately the air from the open window made them too cold so we didn't stay long. I am hoping it will be finished because the concept of the indoor-outdoor pool area looks so fun.
The staff was extremely helpful and super friendly. The store was fully stocked with everything you could want. The bathrooms were all kept so clean and in working order with hot water. We enjoyed the area we ventured out to see the Choo Choo barn, the green dragon flea market, and kitchen kettle village which are a must if your in the area. We also choose to hike the Welsh Preserve and Money Rock. The lake had a path you could walk completely around and you could choose to fish if that's your thing.
I would definitely return to this campground again, we had 8 sites in total and we all really thought it was a wonderful place and really enjoyed our holiday weekend there. It was very busy but the staff was present but not overbearing. People were very respectful and friendly.
Tucked into the rolling, wooded hills of Pennsylvania Dutch Country, Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country RV Resort offers a unique blend of peaceful countryside and activity-packed camping, all just a stone’s throw from the PA Turnpike.
While my review from a few years ago provides a ton of detail, I thought I would follow up that review with a topline of HIGHLIGHTS and LOWLIGHTS along with a smattering of new photos.
HIGHLIGHTS:(1) Expansive campground with 250+ sites offering full hookups, giving plenty of options for both short stays and longer visits;(2) Resort-style amenities including pool, mini golf, clubhouse, playgrounds, and organized activities that keep families engaged throughout the day;(3) Beautiful wooded setting with dense tree coverage that creates a surprisingly secluded feel despite proximity to major highways;(4) Ideal location for exploring Pennsylvania Dutch Country, with scenic farmland, covered bridges, and charming nearby towns just minutes away; and(5) Strong sense of community with events like bingo, crafts, and family activities that give it that classic ‘summer camp” vibe.
LOWLIGHTS:(1) Sloped terrain throughout much of the campground can make leveling a bit tricky depending on your site;(2) Close proximity to the PA Turnpike may be a concern for some, even though tree coverage helps reduce both noise and visibility;(3) Wi-Fi is not complimentary and can be an added cost, which feels a bit dated for a“resort” experience;(4) Membership requirement through Thousand Trails can be a barrier for first-time or casual campers; and(5) Limited tent site availability compared to the large number of RV sites, making it less flexible for non-RV travelers
Happy Camping!
Set just off I-76 in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch country, Pinch Pond Family Campground& RV Park is a large, all-in-one, family-focused campground with a layout that feels more like a small neighborhood than a traditional woods-only campsite. While its proximity to the highway makes access easy, the property itself is gated, organized into distinct camping zones and packed with amenities that clearly cater to longer stays and families looking for built-in entertainment.
HIGHLIGHTS:(1) Full-service resort-style amenities including pool, playground, arcade, laundry, propane refills, dump stations, sports field, picnic tables and in-ground fire rings throughout the property;(2) Wide variety of lodging options including RV sites with 30/50 amp hookups, water, sewer and cable, primitive tent sites, and multiple on-site cottages for non-campers;(3) Gated entrance and very welcoming, helpful staff at check-in with a well-stocked camp store offering snacks, ice cream, sundries and souvenirs;(4) Strong family appeal with fishing pond, barn, open play areas and space for kids to roam safely; and(5) Excellent location for regional attractions including Hershey Park, Chocolate World, Amish countryside tours and the nearby wolf sanctuary with guided educational tours.
LOWLIGHTS:(1) Immediate proximity to I-76 means persistent highway noise day and night with no real sound buffer;(2) Access is oddly indirect despite being next to the turnpike, requiring a several-mile loop through countryside roads to reach the entrance;(3) Overall layout is wide open with limited natural privacy between many RV sites;(4) Nearby shooting range produces frequent target practice noise, especially noticeable during early morning hours; and(5) Pricing for primitive tent sites feels disproportionately high compared to full-hookup RV rates.
Happy Camping!
Booked this site about a week before just as a spontaneous one night trip towards the end of fall. Was greeted with a nicely stocked firewood hut on the way in, unfortunately most of the wood wasn't dry due to rain the day before and the wood being out from under the hut awning, but we made do with the stacks of dead wood along the outside of the site. Our site had the main area with the picnic table and fire pit and then a large level tent pad a couple of steps below it. I believe we went the last weekend of the season so it wasn't too populated, despite this being a smaller campsite. We did have neighbors on each side of us and across from us, and the sites are a reasonable distance apart. The trees were thinned out by the time we went so there wasn't much privacy, but I can imagine that when they're grown in it adds much more privacy, at least from nextdoor neighbors. Everyone there was considerate and friendly, even the camp host. The bathrooms were clean, functional, and a short walk away from the site. Would recommend if you want a quick getaway without frill.
Small family owed for 50 plus years. They care about their guests and treat everyone like they are part of the family. The only thing about this campground is that it doesn't allow tents. Only RVs and pull behind.
We had a beautiful spot at a stones throw from the beach area. The water was great and clean and a good temperature at this time of year. Our camping site was huge. We had some people come over and hang out with us and they did not feel cramped. The kids had a fantastic time and definitely wanna come back.
The weather wasn’t too great, but the campaign joy could not be hampered. We had a great spot along the creek, which was also a short walk from the lake. The bathroom facilities are fantastic nice and clean couldn’t be happier.
Camping options near Seven Valleys, Pennsylvania include a range of sites across state parks and private facilities within a 20-mile radius. The area sits in the rolling hills of southern Pennsylvania where the terrain varies from 400 to 700 feet in elevation. Fall camping typically features moderate temperatures between 45-65°F with colorful foliage, while spring brings variable conditions with occasional rain that can affect site conditions.
Hiking trails: 8.5 miles of lakeside paths at Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground offer varied terrain for all skill levels. "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," reports one camper who enjoyed the views and wildlife.
Fishing: Stock up on bait before arrival as several lakes offer good catches. "We caught a handful of bass and an absurd amount of bluegill from shore," notes a visitor to Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground.
Historic sites: Visit battlefields within minutes from Artillery Ridge Campground which provides direct access to key locations. "The campground is right next to the battlefields. Clean facilities. If you are into horses, this is the place for you!" writes a camper who appreciated the close proximity to Gettysburg's historic sites.
Creek exploration: Wade through shallow waters during summer months when water levels permit. "We were surprised to find this nice little spot next to the creek right outside of town," shares a visitor who found an unexpected water feature at Indian Rock Campgrounds.
Large private sites: Extra room between neighbors at several campgrounds allows for a more secluded experience. "The sites were of ample size and well spaced. Bathrooms were in good shape," notes a visitor to Otter Creek Campground.
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathhouses receive consistent praise from campers at multiple locations. "The bath house was clean and very nice. The pool was nice, but being that it was the end of June, the water was freezing!" observes a camper at Elizabethtown-Hershey KOA.
Farm animals: Interactive experiences for all ages make Thousand Trails Gettysburg Farm stand out from other options. "Great park and probably still one of our kids favorites after being on the road for over a year this one easily stands out as a must stop!" reports an enthusiastic visitor who enjoyed the unique farm setting.
Lake access: Water activities within walking distance provide recreation options without driving. "Nice sized spots, wooded, paved roads beautiful lake," summarizes a camper at Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground.
Seasonal closures: Most state parks operate limited schedules from April through October with specific opening/closing dates. "We stayed here for 2 nights in July 2017. The site we originally picked was advertised as 'partially shaded' but when we got there we found one small tree per site in a grass field," explains a camper who learned the importance of site selection at Gifford Pinchot.
Road noise: Some sites experience traffic sounds that may affect light sleepers. "The road noise is kind of annoying but the area is beautiful," notes a visitor to Indian Rock Campgrounds.
Cash policies: Bring paper money as some private campgrounds maintain traditional payment systems. "One of the complaints was they work on cash. Yeah, I knows it's not popular because most of us live in a plastic dominated world. I read it in advance and I just made sure we had some with us," advises a camper at Merry Meadows Recreation Farm.
Pet restrictions: Verify animal policies before booking as rules vary significantly. "Nice quiet campground. A little pricey and strict for visitors, they need to leave by 10 and can't bring their pets," cautions a camper at Elizabethtown-Hershey KOA.
Playground access: Request sites near play areas for easier supervision without constant walking. "We had site 114. It has water access and is right next to a small man made beach and playground," recommends a visitor to Gifford Pinchot.
Animal interaction: Schedule morning feeding times at Cedar Lake Family Campground to engage children. "Roads are narrow, but the sites are large and level. The lake is nice and they stock it with trout. The animal area could stand a good cleaning, but my little one enjoyed them," shares a parent who found multiple activities for their child.
Activity planning: Check event schedules as many campgrounds host weekend programs. "Plenty to see and learn. Perfect campground for the family," states a visitor to Thousand Trails Gettysburg Farm who appreciated the educational opportunities.
Swimming options: Bring pool toys during summer when swimming is a primary activity. "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," explains a camper at Codorus State Park.
Site selection: Request specific site numbers based on size requirements and hookup needs. "Large and easy to enter/exit sites. Wifi was pretty good. (It helped that the antenna was right beside our site!) Cable TV, too!" reports an RV camper at Elizabethtown-Hershey KOA.
Electrical service: Check amperage options before arrival as not all sites offer 50-amp service. "We were in a back in site #4. The patio was concrete stone, very pretty. Nice chairs, fire pit, and picnic table," notes a visitor who appreciated the well-designed RV site.
Dump station access: Plan ahead for waste disposal if booking sites without sewer connections. "When I went to leave on Sunday, as I was driving up an incline my trailer became unhitched from my tow vehicle. The whole hitch came off and the trailer was dragging by the chains! The owners husband kindly helped me get it jacked up," shares a camper at Merry Meadows Recreation Farm who experienced unexpected assistance during a mishap.
Leveling requirements: Bring extra blocks for sites on uneven terrain. "This campground was really nice. Large and easy to enter/exit sites," confirms an RVer who found the setup process straightforward.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near Seven Valleys, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Seven Valleys, PA is Codorus State Park Campground with a 4.2-star rating from 40 reviews.
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