Tent, RV, and cabin options surround Spring Grove, Pennsylvania, a community nestled between the Susquehanna River and South Mountain foothills. The region receives moderate rainfall averaging 42 inches annually, with summer temperatures typically reaching 80-85°F. Most campgrounds within 20 miles of Spring Grove remain open from April through October, with a handful offering year-round accommodations.
What to do
Hiking trails: Gifford Pinchot State Park offers extensive trail options including the 8.5-mile Lakeside Trail. "I took 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," notes one visitor at Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple parks offer fishing access with required licenses. At Codorus State Park, "The lake is beautiful and the trail around the lake is nice," according to a camper. The park restricts swimming in the lake but offers boat rentals from their marina.
Historic sites: Gettysburg National Battlefield sits approximately 30 minutes from Spring Grove. One visitor at Artillery Ridge Campground shared: "The sites were very clean, no trash, and pretty level. The staff were very helpful. Clean restrooms. Nice little fishing pond."
Mini golf and playgrounds: Many campgrounds feature recreational facilities for families. A camper at Gettysburg Campground mentioned it's "a wonderful place to have Kids. Tons of things for them to do. We were in tent sites which felt bigger than most and were right by river."
What campers like
Waterfront sites: Several campgrounds offer prime locations along water features. "We had site 114. It has water access and is right next to a small man made beach and playground," notes a guest at Gifford Pinchot State Park about their lakefront accommodations.
Clean facilities: Consistently mentioned across reviews is the cleanliness of bathhouses and grounds. A visitor at Codorus State Park Campground commented: "Paved sites, modern, clean bathrooms."
Wooded privacy: Many campers appreciate the natural separation between sites. "The non-electric sites are in the primitive tent loop which is right on the lake. Some of the sites are secluded/set back enough to be private," shared a Codorus visitor.
Seasonal activities: Campgrounds organize special events throughout their operating seasons. One camper at Gettysburg Battlefield Resorts mentioned: "We stayed in October so there were plenty of activities for kids from crafts, games, dancing, to trick or treating. The resort ensured safety for the kids during trick or treating and closed all vehicle traffic for 2 hours."
What you should know
Reservation timing: Most campgrounds fill quickly, especially during summer and special events. "We have camped here several times and love the waterfront sites and the yurts," commented a regular visitor about Gifford Pinchot.
Train noise: Some campgrounds have nearby train tracks. A camper at Hersheypark Camping Resort advised: "Nice camp ground but super loud because of the trains. Bath houses are nice and clean. I would suggest making sure you aren't close to the tracks because the trains run all night long!"
Primitive options: Not all sites offer full hookups. "I stay here for my first camp out with my new camper. No water but the bath house was close and very clean," noted a Codorus State Park visitor about their experience.
Seasonal limitations: Operating seasons vary by campground. "This park has a lot that you can do or just relax by the fire. Perfect for families," mentioned a Codorus visitor while noting the park operates from "2nd Friday April to November 1."
Tips for camping with families
Pool access: Several campgrounds feature swimming pools as alternatives to natural water features. At Merry Meadows Recreation Farm, "The pool area looks great. Miss Lorraine at the front desk is friendly and helpful as are all the employees."
Playground accessibility: Consider proximity to play areas when selecting sites. "We were right across from the pool and right across from an amazing playground," noted a visitor at Merry Meadows.
Activity programming: Many campgrounds organize family events. "We spent a weekend at Gettysburg. Our site was close to the bath, a trail head, and field where we lay in the sun and played frisbee," shared a Gifford Pinchot visitor.
Site selection: Request sites away from common areas if seeking quiet. "We had site 108 which is an electric site along the shore and close to the beach, and it was perfect for our needs," mentioned a Gifford Pinchot camper.
Tips from RVers
Leveling requirements: Many sites require adjustment for comfortable placement. At Codorus, "For the most part we didn't notice any that really seem to be right on top of each other, but we think the site we got was the best one in the park."
Dump station access: Not all sites feature sewer hookups. "Make sure to bring your leveling blocks, some sites do have a slope to them of 3-4 inches," advised a visitor at Gettysburg Battlefield Resorts.
Site dimensions: Check size limitations before booking. "Very nice pull through site for our 21ft popup. Site was pretty level," shared an Artillery Ridge camper.
Electric options: Verify amperage availability for your equipment. "All sites have water and electric, but not all are 50 amp sites. About half the sites have sewer, but there are two dump stations that are centrally located and easy to get to," noted a Gettysburg Battlefield Resorts visitor.
