Dispersed camping near Spring Grove, Pennsylvania is limited, with most overnight stays concentrated at established campgrounds within 20-30 miles of town. The region sits at elevations between 400-800 feet and features rolling hills with mixed hardwood forests. Summer temperatures typically reach 80-90°F during the day with cooler evenings around 60-65°F. Spring and fall camping seasons offer milder temperatures with occasional rain showers.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground offers shoreline fishing access on its 340-acre lake. A camper noted, "We caught a handful of bass and an absurd amount of bluegill from shore" at the park's day-use areas. Pennsylvania fishing license required and actively checked by rangers.
Hiking trails: The 8.5-mile Lakeside Trail at Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground circles the entire lake. One visitor mentioned taking "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."
Disc golf courses: Two 18-hole courses available at Gifford Pinchot. A reviewer warns, "BEWARE of poison ivy!! We played the first 10 holes around the Conewago day use area and I was shocked at how much poison ivy we had to dodge all over the prime walking areas through the course."
Battlefield tours: Artillery Ridge Campground connects directly to historical sites. "Behind the campsite we stayed at, we learned connected to Stangler Farm, which served as a hospital for the wounded. Literally right outside the entrance of the campgrounds is where the battlefield starts."
Watercraft rentals: Many lakes near Spring Grove allow motorized boats. One camper at Codorus State Park mentioned, "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."
What campers like
Privacy levels: Sites at Codorus State Park Campground offer varying degrees of seclusion. A reviewer noted, "We typically stay in the primitive tent loop which is right on the lake. It can get a little busy on the weekends since there is a boat launch at the end of the primitive lane, but some of the sites are secluded/set back enough to be private."
Clean facilities: Consistent reports of well-maintained bathrooms at most area campgrounds. A camper at Artillery Ridge said, "Bathhouse is updated and clean. The RV sites are gravel and pretty level."
Waterside camping: Campground Island offers a unique experience completely surrounded by water. A reviewer described it as "so peaceful. From the tranquil sound of the waterfall to the sounds of the ducks and egrets in the water. You are on an island in Pennsylvania...😲. The creek flows on both sides of the campground surrounding it entirely."
Farm animals: Thousand Trails Gettysburg Farm allows campers to interact with livestock. One visitor mentioned, "We've enjoyed mini-golf, feeding the animals, 'hiking' through the cornfield, fishing, and campfires." Another camper added they "got a kick out of the children playing with the kids (baby goats) pigs, goats, chickens, horses and even lamas."
Swimming options: When lakeside swimming isn't available, many campgrounds offer pools. One camper at Indian Rock Campgrounds mentioned, "We spent a lot of time on the historic rail trail that you can get to straight from the property."
What you should know
Seasonal closures: Most public campgrounds open the second Friday in April and close by November 1st. Cedar Lake Family Campground operates year-round with winter camping options.
Site selection challenges: Several campgrounds use a first-come system for specific sites. At Gettysburg Farm, "The only downside to this campground is the pick your own spot. We got there later in the evening and it was really difficult to find something in the dark."
Varying site privacy: Some campgrounds offer much less privacy than others. A camper at Gettysburg Campground noted, "If you're looking for a backwoods, off-the-beaten-path type of campground, this isn't it. The two drawbacks are that the sites are quite packed together and the noise of traffic– at least in the frontmost sites– can get rather loud at night."
Weather considerations: Spring can bring significant rain that affects campground conditions. One camper at Indian Rock mentioned, "The spots up top are pretty open as far as privacy and no shade," which can be challenging during hot summer days.
Insect activity: Different camping areas have varying bug populations. A reviewer at Gifford Pinchot reported, "I came for a hike and quick one night tent escape... After we pitched in the new spot, all was good. Then I left and woke up with a serious case of chigger bites."
Tips for camping with families
Look for specialized facilities: Merry Meadows Recreation Farm offers extensive child-friendly amenities. A visitor stated, "We spent three days over the Fourth of July holiday. This campground has lots to offer they have upgraded any of the activities such as miniature golf and the pool area looks great."
Consider age-appropriate activities: Plan camping trips that match children's interests. A family at Gifford Pinchot noted, "We took our 3 yo camping for the first time here. He had so much fun. It was clean campground located in a State Park. Easy walk to the lake with a small beach."
Holiday weekend activities: Many campgrounds offer special programming during holiday periods. A camper at Merry Meadows mentioned, "We stayed here this past Easter and they had plenty of activities for kids and adults. Easter egg hunts for kids, adult scavenger hunts for alcohol."
Playgrounds and beach access: Most state parks feature multiple recreational facilities. A visitor to Codorus State Park said, "Perfect for families. Nice campground. Very clean facilities. There is no extra cost to use the pool if you are at the campground."
Consider noise levels: Some campgrounds segregate camping areas by type. As one camper at Gifford Pinchot observed, "It was nice that the pet area is separate from those of us who don't have pets or want quiet from dogs barking."
Tips from RVers
Power reliability: Be prepared for potential outages during storms. A camper at Merry Meadows recalled, "Power outage at a lot of the campground Friday night due to a tree down on the power lines. My section kept power, so I was happy."
Waste disposal options: Many campgrounds offer varying waste services. At Cedar Lake, a visitor mentioned, "Very nice campground nice size sites all have picnic table and fire ring. Lot of full time RV here but many other for people traveling and tent sites also."
Site positioning: Choose sites based on sun exposure needs. At Gettysburg Campground, "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."
Seasonal restrictions: Some campgrounds limit certain RV models. A visitor to Thousand Trails Gettysburg Farm explained, "I have a non-traditional RV, which I informed the campground of when I made the reservation, but the gate security wasn't aware. A manager came by the following day to explain the campgrounds standards."
