Best Campgrounds near Shrewsbury, PA
Campgrounds near Shrewsbury, Pennsylvania provide a mix of state park and private camping facilities within accessible driving distance. Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground offers a comprehensive camping experience with tent sites, RV hookups, cabins, and yurts around a scenic lake setting approximately 20 miles northwest of Shrewsbury. Codorus State Park Campground, located about 10 miles west of Shrewsbury near Hanover, provides similar accommodation types with electric hookups and organized camping areas. Both parks maintain established campgrounds with fire rings, picnic tables, and access to hiking trails, swimming, and fishing opportunities.
Seasonal camping in the region typically operates from April through October, with most state parks closing for winter. One visitor noted, "We love this park...it's one of our favorites! 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." Road access to most established campgrounds is well-maintained, allowing for standard passenger vehicles and RVs. Reservations are recommended, especially for summer weekends and holidays when campgrounds reach capacity. Several campgrounds in the area enforce alcohol restrictions and quiet hours, with varying pet policies depending on the specific camping location. State park campgrounds typically enforce a 14-day maximum stay limit during peak seasons.
The camping experience around Shrewsbury highlights Pennsylvania's diverse landscapes, from lakeside settings to wooded environments. Private campgrounds like Pequea Creek and Otter Creek supplement the state park system, offering more amenities and often year-round availability. According to reviews, campers particularly value spacious sites with natural separation between camping spots. As one camper described, "Beautiful picturesque campground with large spots and a lot of trees. Very quiet and close enough to Lancaster for shopping." Most established campgrounds provide centralized bathhouses with showers, though cleanliness and maintenance receive mixed reviews. The proximity to attractions like Hershey Park (about 30 miles north) and the Pennsylvania Dutch Country makes this region popular for both weekend getaways and longer vacation stays, offering a combination of outdoor recreation and cultural experiences within an hour's drive.
