Camping spots near Washington Woods, Pennsylvania sit within York County where the land rises to approximately 400-800 feet above sea level in the rolling Piedmont region. The area experiences four distinct seasons with summer temperatures averaging 70-85°F and winter temperatures frequently dropping below freezing. Most campgrounds in this region operate within 30 miles of the Susquehanna River, providing access to both highland forests and river valley landscapes.
What to do
Kayaking on the Susquehanna: The Susquehanna River offers paddling opportunities with convenient access from several campgrounds. At Otter Creek Campground in Airville, one camper noted, "The river is only a short walk from the campground which is directly across the street at Otter Creek Picnic Area where there are private and public boat docks." Another visitor appreciated that "the boat launch is in great shape and with the close islands makes it great to put the kayaks in this huge gorgeous river! Then throw in Otter Creek... it's a great adventure paddling up the creek."
Disc golf courses: Several parks offer disc golf as a low-cost activity. Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground features two full 18-hole courses with varied terrain. A visitor 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 all over the prime walking areas through the course."
Fishing opportunities: Multiple campgrounds provide fishing access with varying conditions. At Muddy Run Rec Park, the 144-acre park contains a large lake ideal for fishing. A regular visitor mentioned, "The large lake is great for a day of kayaking and fishing with supplies readily available for rent at the boat dock store." Seasonal campers recommend early morning or evening fishing during summer months when water temperatures rise.
What campers like
Spacious, private sites: Many campers value the site spacing at certain campgrounds. At Pequea Creek Campground, a visitor appreciated the "large spots and a lot of trees." Another camper specified that "sites have plenty of room and give you options to be along the creek or tucked back in the trees. We had a huge spot on the end and hardly saw the other campers."
Family-friendly activities: Activities for children rank high on camper satisfaction. Thousand Trails Circle M in Lancaster stands out with its recreational options. One reviewer mentioned, "They have an indoor and outdoor pool. Nice playground. We were down by the river and had a lot of room on our site." Another family noted their kids "enjoyed the indoor pool. Looking forward to coming back in the summer."
Clean facilities: Bathhouse quality significantly impacts camping experiences. A visitor to Tucquan Park Family Campground specifically praised the "Clean bathhouses! Fun activities planned through the season." Another camper elaborated on their experience: "The bathhouses / restrooms are clean... and the campground has a very friendly atmosphere."
What you should know
Seasonal operations: Most campgrounds operate within specific date ranges. Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground runs "from 2nd Friday in April to October 31," while Thousand Trails Circle M has a slightly longer season from "April 7 to November 26." Some private campgrounds like Old Mill Stream Campground remain open year-round.
Reservation requirements: During peak season (Memorial Day through Labor Day), campgrounds fill quickly. Weekend reservations often require booking 3-6 months in advance, particularly for sites with hookups or waterfront locations. Holiday weekends typically book 6-12 months ahead.
Environmental conditions: Weather and terrain can affect camping comfort. At Otter Creek Campground, campers noted river conditions vary with rainfall: "Unfortunately, with all of the rain we have had here in Pennsylvania this summer the river was brown with mud and tree debris." Local campgrounds also experience agricultural impacts. One camper at Old Mill Stream noted the "overwhelming impression of this campground was the smell of cow manure from the nearby dairy farm feedlot."
Tips for camping with families
Swimming options: Several campgrounds provide water recreation beyond just pools. Pinch Pond Family Campground features "a community pool right in front" according to visitors, while Gifford Pinchot has "a LARGE beach area in the QR day use area is one of the nicest I've ever seen at a PA state park, with tons of picnic tables with grills, a playground, a volleyball court, and a special fence solution to keep the stupid geese out of the water in the swimming area."
Playground accessibility: For families with younger children, proximity to play areas matters. At Elizabethtown-Hershey KOA, a visitor mentioned, "Nice playground. We were down by the river and had a lot of room on our site." Another camper specified that this campground has "several pet parks for your own pets, several pet trails, there are people trails, mini golf, playground activities."
Cabin options: For families new to camping or traveling without gear, cabin rentals provide convenience. At Tucquan Park Family Campground, a visitor recalled, "We decided to camp in the fall and did a cabin since it was colder and we had the baby. We loved it! There is a par 3 golf course, indoor pool, mini golf, basketball, and that is in the fall."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: RVers report varying site conditions across campgrounds. At Muddy Run Rec Park, campers noted, "Sites in the 20's are tiny and hanging off a cliff," while others recommended: "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."
Maneuvering considerations: Larger rigs face challenges at some campgrounds. Old Mill Stream Campground received this specific feedback: "We stayed on site 123 with a 40 ft Allegro Bus. Plenty of room to maneuver a big rig. All gravel sites and we had full hookup with 50 Amp."
Utility connections: Hookup placement varies significantly between campgrounds. At Pinch Pond Family Campground, RVers appreciate that "the slots are level and feature small stone surface with all of the typical hook-ups (30/50 electric amp, water, sewage and Cable TV)." However, at other locations, campers note limited access to 50-amp service during peak season.
