Camping options near Shrewsbury, Pennsylvania include several established sites within 20-30 miles of town. The area sits along the eastern edge of the Piedmont region with elevations ranging from 400-900 feet above sea level, creating varied terrain for camping experiences. Summer temperatures typically reach 80-90°F with moderate humidity, while spring and fall bring cooler conditions ideal for outdoor activities.
What to do
Hiking trails: Access the Mason Dixon Trail directly from Otter Creek Campground, which connects to scenic woodland paths following the Susquehanna. "Great hiking in the area, which was the reason we went out there in the first place!" notes a visitor who stayed in 2023.
Water recreation: At Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground, rent kayaks or canoes to explore the 340-acre Pinchot Lake. "Nice sized spots, wooded, paved roads, beautiful lake," reports a 2025 camper who enjoyed site 114 with direct water access near a small beach area.
Disc golf courses: Gifford Pinchot offers two 18-hole disc golf courses with different difficulty levels. One camper 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."
Fishing opportunities: Multiple stocked waterways provide good angling near campsites. "There was also a nice pond — it looked pretty full of fish," mentions a visitor to Tucquan Park Family Campground in 2021, though they'd forgotten their fishing gear.
Cycling routes: The Enola Low Grade Trail offers paved surfaces for biking near campgrounds. A 2025 camper at Pequea Creek noted: "The wife & I stayed in site 22 for three nights and bicycled 14 miles, some along the Susquehanna, on nearby Enola Low Grade Trail."
What campers like
Spacious, private sites: Pequea Creek Campground receives consistent praise for generously sized sites with natural separation. "I'd definitely stay here again due to the beauty and quietness of the camp sites," wrote a 2024 visitor who enjoyed their extended 4th of July weekend.
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain well-kept bathhouses and common areas. A 2020 reviewer at Codorus State Park Campground appreciated the "Paved sites, modern, clean bathrooms," giving the park 5 stars.
Waterfront access: Sites with direct water views or access remain highly sought after. One Codorus camper shared: "We camped at Codorus State Park for the first time a few years ago while out east. We really love this Campground! There is a wide variety of sites... we think the site we got was the best one in the park. We were in 132, which was huge."
Family-oriented activities: Most campgrounds program regular events for children. A 2021 Merry Meadows visitor explained: "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. Wonderful experience for the whole family."
Wildlife viewing: The natural setting attracts diverse wildlife. Muddy Run Rec Park campers noted: "My favorite evening activities (besides enjoying a campfire) are dusk deer-watching! There are hundreds of deer in this protected park."
What you should know
Seasonal availability: Most campgrounds operate April through October with limited winter camping options. Gifford Pinchot State Park operates from "2nd Friday April to October 31," while Codorus State Park runs from "2nd Friday April to November 1."
Reservation requirements: Sites fill quickly, especially for summer weekends and holidays. Book 3-6 months in advance for prime locations and dates at popular campgrounds.
Cash-only policies: Some privately-owned campgrounds operate primarily with cash. One 2025 Merry Meadows camper observed: "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."
Extended hookup hoses needed: Several campgrounds require longer-than-standard equipment. A Muddy Run visitor advised: "Make sure you have a long hose for water hookup. Water pumps were spaced pretty far and we needed at least a 100 ft hose to reach."
Variable cell service: Connectivity differs significantly between locations. A 2018 camper at Thousand Trails Gettysburg Farm noted little to no cell service in some camping areas, while others reported sufficient coverage for basic needs.
Tips for camping with families
Pool access: Several campgrounds offer swimming pools for children, though policies vary. A Codorus State Park visitor advised: "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."
Playground proximity: Request sites near play areas for convenience with young children. "We had site 114. It has water access and is right next to a small man made beach and playground," reported a Gifford Pinchot camper in 2025.
Kid-friendly creek exploration: Shallow waterways provide safe play areas. "We welcomed grandkids' visit for splashing and floating in Pequea Creek," shared a 2025 visitor, noting that "site 24 had steps down the 'levee' affording easier access to the creek."
Farm animal experiences: Animal interaction opportunities engage children at specialized campgrounds. "We loved all the animals. Original reservation was Fri-Sun, but they were calling for 60 mph wind gusts Friday, and no one was in my spot so I went in a day ahead," commented a Merry Meadows camper who appreciated the staff flexibility.
Tent site selection: Families with tents should check site leveling before setting up. A 2020 Gifford Pinchot camper warned: "I came for a hike and quick one night tent escape... noticed just how crowded it was. Lots literally right on top of each other... Went to front gate and got a much more isolated tent spot."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling considerations: Many campgrounds feature sloped terrain requiring blocking. "We got pretty lucky and were assigned one of the concrete pads that was pretty level," reported a Thousand Trails Circle M visitor in 2025.
Storm drainage issues: Lower elevation sites may flood during heavy rain. A Thousand Trails Circle M camper shared: "We first had a 2 point site near the river, but when it rains the sites get flooded with runoff from the campground."
Arrival timing: Early arrival improves site selection at first-come campgrounds. "As with all thousand trails, this campground is first come best site. While the top part of the campground seemed more communal, we chose the lower, Riverside sites and we're glad we did!" advised a Circle M visitor.
Hookup locations: Utilities aren't always conveniently placed at some campgrounds. A Muddy Run camper warned: "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."
Campground navigation: Large facilities can be confusing after dark. One Gettysburg Farm visitor noted: "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."
