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Campgrounds near York, Pennsylvania provide a mix of state park facilities and private camping resorts within a short drive of the city. Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground, located about 15 miles north of York, features over 300 campsites with options for tent camping, RV hookups, cabins, yurts, and even glamping accommodations. Codorus State Park Campground, situated southwest of York near Hanover, offers similar mixed-use camping facilities with waterfront access. The region includes several privately operated campgrounds like Indian Rock Campgrounds and Cedar Lake Family Campground that cater to both short-term visitors and seasonal campers.
Most campgrounds in the York area operate seasonally, typically opening in April and closing in late October or early November. Reservations are strongly recommended, especially for weekend stays during summer months when waterfront sites fill quickly. A camper noted, "Beautiful picturesque campground with large spots and a lot of trees. Very quiet and close enough to Lancaster for shopping." The terrain throughout the region is generally rolling hills with moderate elevation changes, making most campgrounds accessible without specialized vehicles. Weather conditions remain relatively mild through the camping season, though summer thunderstorms can occur suddenly. Cell service is generally reliable throughout the area, with most campgrounds offering Wi-Fi access for an additional fee.
Campers consistently highlight the natural beauty and recreational opportunities available at campgrounds near York. Water activities prove particularly popular, with fishing, swimming, and boating available at both Gifford Pinchot and Codorus State Parks. One visitor described Gifford Pinchot as having "a nice beach area within the campground loop" and mentioned that "the state park itself has a LOT to offer." Family-friendly amenities appear as common features across most campgrounds, with playgrounds, game rooms, and organized activities frequently mentioned in reviews. The proximity to historical attractions like Gettysburg and the Amish countryside of Lancaster County makes York an appealing base camp for exploring south-central Pennsylvania's cultural and natural landscapes.
"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. "
from $20 - $89 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $20 - $249 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $45 - $279 / night
Check Availability"This campground has a little something for everyone, from full hook up sites neatly stacked next to each other, to quiet patches of grass next to the river."
"They don’t sell alcohol but there is a shopping center within walking distance with restaurants and liquor stores! Even a supermarket. There is shuttle service to the park."
"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."
"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."
from $60 - $100 / night
Check Availability"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!"
"There is no on site running water or electric but they did leave us with a 5 gallon water jug and a 5 gallon shower bag to use in the outside shower."
"You pull back a stone road past the Northwest Lancaster Trail and just before the river there is a green cattle gate on your right."
from $75 - $90 / night
Check Availability"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."
"Close to Lancaster for necessities and great proximity to Baltimore and Philadelphia for day trips."
"I used to stay here all the time with my grandparents when they were around. It was always some of the best times for me."
ScoutWe stayed only one night in primitive tent site which was massive with a turnaround. It was great. There are fire pits and picnic tables and level ground. Very serene. We walked down to the river, breathtaking. Not sure of other amenities as we didn’t use them.
ScoutFrome the moment you drive up the women at the gate is about as welcoming ( as my Pops would say ) "A fart in church.," Great way to start your vacation. Didn't get much better in the office. The one guy that worked there did at least smile at us....
ScoutWhere do I start?
We came to this campground to connect with family who was hiking the AT. We left after one miserable night. Here are some reasons:
A giant confederate flag near the entrance
Highway noise and not one but two train tracks
One Filthy “bathroom”
No shade at our campsite- despite other available sites with some shade
A trail of poison ivy on the narrow path to the river
Cigarette butts everywhere
And a creepy man on a bike who declared he was a local and wouldn’t leave our site while I was alone and insisted on talking to me about the strip club down the street, where to buy condoms and how my tent’s mesh shelf is perfect for drying out my wet panties.
ScoutWe called ahead of time to reserve two sites for two nights for a bunch of people from out of state and some hikers from the AT. They said it was $35 per site per night. When we arrived we were told that we had to pay for three nights because it was a holiday weekend AND that the price was per tent. The porta potties were gross and hadn’t been serviced in a while. It was difficult to use them. During a heat wave we were given a site with little shade when several sites further along with plenty of trees were empty. The plumbed bathroom was dirty and had no soap. The shop did not in fact sell love bait, which cramped our fishing style. There is a loud rail road with constant trains on one side and a very busy highway with loud trucks on the other. The river front was lovely, but with detritus from previous campers on the rocks. We left after one night.
ScoutWell maintained campgrounds with thoughtful touches. Staff very friendly and responsive.
ScoutIts such a beautiful campground and very quite and clean showers and bathrooms
LegendWe spent 4 nights at Gettysburg Campground to attend the AIM Club Rally(Lincoln’s Legacy- Gettysburg 250), and it served as base camp for the event.
WHAT I LIKED:
Location, Location, Location: This park is an absolute winner for convenience—just 5 minutes from the Gettysburg battlefields, museums, and the heart of town.
The Atmosphere: The staff gave us a warm reception at check-in, and the site itself was clean, well-maintained, and spacious enough to back up to a running creek. Lots of mature trees offer lots of shade and character.
Big-Rig Friendly: Navigating a 45-foot motorhome with a toad can sometimes be stressful, but this park was easy to maneuver.
WHAT I DIDN’T LIKE SO MUCH:
Late-Night Power Struggles: On our final night, the campground experienced grid strain. Our Hughes Watchdog Power Center saved the day—but it had to shut off our power 7 different times due to low voltage. Aside from losing a few hours of sleep to the chorus of appliances cycling off and on, no harm was done. I recommend using a surge protector/voltage regulator if you stay here.
WOULD WE COME BACK?
ScoutFlat grounds, level campsites, nice pool, kids have tons of fun!
ScoutThe grounds are poorly kept. It is mostly occupied by what appears to be abandoned seasonal sites. There is no WiFi. Service is spotty. Management seems inconsistent on enforcing rules and tends to be less favorable to campers visiting for a weekend.
Campgrounds near York, Pennsylvania range from riverside settings to full-service RV resorts within a 30-mile radius of the city. The region sits at approximately 400 feet elevation with a humid continental climate featuring four distinct seasons. Summer camping temperatures typically range from 65-85°F with occasional thunderstorms, while spring and fall offer more moderate conditions with nighttime temperatures that can drop significantly.
Fishing opportunities: The Susquehanna River provides excellent fishing access at several campgrounds. At Thousand Trails Gettysburg Farm, a camper noted they enjoyed "going fishing" with "nice playground and open fields" nearby. The campground sits along the riverbank with multiple fishing spots accessible directly from camping areas.
Disc golf courses: Two full 18-hole courses can be found at Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground, located about 15 miles north of York. A reviewer described, "Both areas have their own 18 hole disc golf course, but I will say: 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."
Hiking trails: Multiple trail options exist for different ability levels. At Codorus State Park, a camper mentioned, "There is a wide variety of sites so finding one that you like should not be difficult...The lake is beautiful and the trail around the lake is nice." For more adventurous hikers, consider White Rocks Trail a few miles outside Boiling Springs, described as having "cool rock scrambles."
Farm animal experiences: Children can interact with farm animals at some campgrounds in the area. A visitor to Thousand Trails Gettysburg Farm shared, "Got a kick out of the children playing with the kids (baby goats) pigs, goats, chickens, horses and even lamas. Plenty to see and learn. Perfect campground for the family."
Waterfront sites: Lakeside camping options are highly rated by visitors. A camper at Codorus State Park Campground mentioned, "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: Many campgrounds in the York area maintain well-kept bathhouses and common areas. At Elizabethtown-Hershey KOA, a visitor reported, "Bathrooms are very clean and modern, but a decent walk from tent sites. The facilities are all lovely, staff in the camp store are kind and helpful."
Private camping experiences: For those seeking solitude, River Rock Recreation offers a unique option where you rent the entire campground. "This is a single campsite that you rent, no other campers on site unless you are bringing them with you! You can camp with up to 10 people and there is certainly plenty of room for everyone to spread out," explained one camper.
Swimming options: Several campgrounds offer dedicated swimming areas. One reviewer at Codorus State Park noted, "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." Cedar Lake Family Campground features a lake for swimming with a designated beach area.
Train noise: Some campgrounds experience significant railroad noise. At Hersheypark Camping Resort, a camper warned, "Nice camp ground but super loud bc of the trains. Bath houses are nice and clean. I would suggest making sure you aren't close to the tracks bc the trains run all night long!"
Seasonal operations: Most campgrounds around York operate from April through October or early November. Specific opening dates vary, with Gifford Pinchot State Park opening the second Friday in April and Codorus State Park following the same schedule. Some private campgrounds like Indian Rock remain open year-round but with limited amenities during winter months.
Reservation requirements: Weekend bookings fill quickly, especially for waterfront sites during summer. Many campgrounds allow reservations up to 11 months in advance. Cedar Lake Family Campground has 195 sites but maintains a high percentage of seasonal campers, limiting availability for short-term stays.
Tent camping surfaces: Tent pads vary across the region. At Elizabethtown-Hershey KOA, a camper observed, "They have upgraded the tent sites since last year, no more primitive sites, all the tent sites are now mulch pad with water and electric." River Rock Recreation offers wooden platforms for tents: "They have 3 wood tent platforms. 2 small ones are right near the river and one very large one is set back in the trees."
Playground accessibility: Choose sites near play areas for convenience with young children. At Thousand Trails Circle M, a visitor noted, "Lots of events to keep the kids busy. We happened to be there on the weekend a magician came, my kids loved it. They have an indoor and outdoor pool. Nice playground."
First-time camping spots: Codorus State Park provides an accessible introduction to camping. One visitor shared, "Very nice, easy going campground. Definitely family oriented and a good place to start camping if you're a novice." The park offers relatively level sites and clean facilities without overwhelming technical challenges.
Halloween celebrations: October camping offers special family activities. At Thousand Trails Circle M, a camper reported, "They had Halloween ever at every weekend of October and we spent Halloween weekend here. The kids loved it!!" Gettysburg Farm similarly decorates extensively for the holiday season.
Nature education: Several campgrounds offer opportunities for wildlife observation and learning. At Gettysburg Farm, one parent shared, "If you love farm animals, that is the spot to be. Got a kick out of the children playing with the kids (baby goats)...Plenty to see and learn. Perfect campground for the family."
Site selection strategy: RV campers recommend researching specific site areas within larger campgrounds. At Merry Meadows Recreation Farm, a reviewer advised, "If you're looking for trees and privacy, stick to the sites at the bottom of the hill(top of the CG map). The sites closer to the entrance of the park near all the amenities were definitely packed in tightly."
Leveling considerations: Terrain throughout the region features rolling hills requiring leveling equipment. A visitor at Hersheypark Camping Resort noted, "Stone surface. Not too bad for leveling. Our site was spacious." Circle M reportedly has concrete pads in certain sections that provide level surfaces.
Hookup variations: Not all campgrounds provide full hookups at every site. Indian Rock Campgrounds provides "the basics are here for RV sites but no water available for primitive tent camping." At Thousand Trails locations, hookup options vary by site section, so early arrival is recommended for best site selection.
Storm preparation: The region experiences sudden summer thunderstorms. A River Rock Recreation camper shared, "A 1:00 AM thunder storm reminded me to never forget to use ALL the tie downs." Proper awning management and secure outdoor setups are essential during summer months when afternoon storms can develop quickly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there tent-only camping sites available near York, PA?
Yes, there are several tent-camping options near York. Pequea Creek Campground offers beautiful tent sites with plenty of trees for shade and privacy. This picturesque campground provides a quiet experience with large spots perfect for tent setup. Patapsco Valley State Park-Hilton Area, though slightly further away, offers well-maintained tent sites surrounded by forest with clean bathroom facilities. While not exclusively tent-only, these parks have designated tent areas that provide a more traditional camping experience. For those seeking a true back-to-nature experience, some sections of Codorus State Park also offer walk-in tent sites that provide more seclusion from RVs and larger camping setups.
What are the best campgrounds near York, PA?
For a top-rated camping experience near York, check out Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground, a local favorite with excellent sites for campers of all types. Another excellent option is Pine Grove Furnace State Park Campground, which offers updated bathrooms, electric sites, and great hiking trails. It's located at the midpoint of the Appalachian Trail, making it perfect for outdoor enthusiasts. Both parks provide a peaceful nature setting while remaining accessible to York's amenities. Other notable options include Indian Rock Campgrounds and Codorus State Park Campground, both offering various amenities and recreational opportunities for campers seeking the perfect getaway in the York area.
Where can I find RV-friendly campgrounds around York, PA?
RV campers have several excellent options near York. Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country offers a full-service RV experience in Amish country with resort-style amenities. Pinch Pond Family Campground & RV Park provides convenient RV sites with good highway access, making it ideal for travelers passing through the area. Additionally, Elizabethtown-Hershey KOA accommodates RVs with full hookups and big-rig friendly sites. For those needing just overnight parking, The Home Depot in Lower Paxton and Cracker Barrel in Mechanicsburg both offer spacious lots suitable for temporary RV parking. Most RV parks in the region provide water hookups, dump stations, and electrical connections ranging from 30 to 50 amp service.
What waterfront camping options exist near York, Pennsylvania?
Otter Creek Campground offers excellent waterfront camping directly alongside the Susquehanna River and Otter Creek in York County. This location is ideal for boaters, anglers, and water enthusiasts. For a truly unique experience, Campground Island provides camping on an actual island with water completely surrounding the campground. You'll enjoy the peaceful sounds of waterfalls and wildlife while fishing in the deep creek waters. Other waterfront options include River Rock Recreation, which offers both drive-in and boat-in access, and Codorus State Park Campground near Lake Marburg, providing swimming and boating opportunities from late spring through early fall.
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