MBOL 
Scout
ScoutSusquehanna State Park Campground
Great time with kids
Nice campground had my 6 and 7 year old. The site was pretty private and had bathrooms close. I would definitely go again.
Best Campgrounds near Washington Woods, PA
Pennsylvania camping near Washington Woods includes several established campgrounds offering various accommodations. The area features destinations like Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground, which provides tent sites, RV spots, cabins, and yurts around a scenic lake. Thousand Trails Circle M in Lancaster offers similar diversity with RV hookups and cabin options. Most campgrounds in the region maintain seasonal operations, typically running from April through October or November, with a few locations like Old Mill Stream Campground remaining open year-round.
Many campgrounds require reservations, particularly during summer months and holiday weekends. Gifford Pinchot State Park operates from the second Friday in April through October 31, while most private campgrounds have slightly longer seasons. "Beautiful picturesque campground with large spots and a lot of trees. Very quiet and close enough to Lancaster for shopping," noted one visitor about Pequea Creek Campground. Road access throughout the region is generally good with paved routes to most established campgrounds, though some tent sites may require short walks from parking areas. Weather considerations include occasional thunderstorms during summer months and cool temperatures in spring and fall.
Waterfront camping represents a significant draw in the region, with several campgrounds featuring lake or creek access. At Gifford Pinchot State Park, campers particularly value the peninsula sites that offer water views and easy kayak launching. A review highlighted one location as having "a nice path between the two lakes" with "lots of great hikes." Family-friendly amenities appear consistently throughout area campgrounds, with swimming pools, playgrounds, and organized activities common at private establishments. Most campgrounds provide fire rings, picnic tables, and access to bathroom facilities with showers, though cleanliness and maintenance quality varies across locations. Proximity to local attractions like Hershey Park, Lancaster's Amish country, and various historical sites adds to the appeal of camping in this region of Pennsylvania.
Best Camping Sites Near Washington Woods, Pennsylvania (140)
1. Thousand Trails Circle M
19 ReviewsMillersville, PA7 milesWebsite+1 (888) 707-1477"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."
2. Pequea Creek Campground
14 ReviewsPequea, PA9 milesWebsite+1 (717) 284-4587"Covered bridges and road side shopping are close by. Enjoyed river tubing which is close by to this campground. Music bingo on Saturday night was so much fun. Owners are very nice and helpful."
"The wife & I stayed in site 22 for three nights and bicycled 14 miles, some along the Susquehanna, on nearby Enola Low Grade Trail . "
3. Old Mill Stream Campground
17 ReviewsLampeter, PA14 milesWebsite+1 (717) 299-2314"Tent sites are lined up along the water which is great for fishing (especially when you need to stay close to the littles sleeping in the tent). Lots of benches lined up along the water."
"Not to noisy being next to a theme park. The bath house was just remodeled so it's excellent! Good price!"
4. Otter Creek Campground
10 ReviewsPequea, PA9 milesWebsite+1 (717) 862-3628"Just down the road about a mile or so was the Indian Steps Museum which is owned by York Conservation Society."
"Its close proximity to the Susquehanna River, Otter Creek, and the Mason Dixon Trail is absolutely ideal! Sites are spacious and nice! Restrooms clean!"
5. Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground
57 ReviewsWellsville, PA24 milesWebsite+1 (717) 292-4112$20 - $89 / night
"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. "
6. Tucquan Park Family Campground
12 ReviewsHoltwood, PA12 milesWebsite+1 (717) 284-2156"Highly recommend staying here with lots of close hiking trails within driving distance."
"There was a lot of space so walking our dogs was great. The smaller bathroom stalls are pretty small but got the job done. Playground and pool were both nice and clean. Wonderful place for a family."
7. Elizabethtown-Hershey KOA
15 ReviewsElizabethtown, PA14 milesWebsite+1 (717) 367-7718$45 - $279 / night
"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."
8. Pinch Pond Family Campground & RV Park
15 ReviewsMount Gretna, PA16 milesWebsite+1 (717) 665-7640"Set just off I-76 in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch country, Pinch Pond Family Campground& RV Park is a large, all-in-one, family-focused campground with a layout that feels more like a small neighborhood"
"campground so inconveniently located (more on this later) right next to highway I76."
9. Muddy Run Rec Park - PPL
11 ReviewsHoltwood, PA14 milesWebsite+1 (717) 284-4325"The large lake is great for a day of kayaking and fishing with supplies readily available for rent at the boat dock store."
"The observatory is open to public once a month, we recommend you plan your trip around this."
10. Mill Bridge Village & Camp Resort
15 ReviewsConcord, PA16 milesWebsite+1 (717) 687-8181"Great, convenient location. Cost friendly considering the location. Clean grounds & maintained sites. Mix of open & shaded sites, all appear to be pretty level, our site was next to stream."
"The site was right next to the creek. Shade is perfect for our dogs. Office personnel were so very helpful. Office does close at 4 but that is due to staff shortages."
Recent Camping Photos near Washington Woods, PA
394 Photos of 140 Washington Woods Campgrounds
Heather H.
Thousand Trails Circle M
Jen R.
Otter Creek Campground
Danielle C.
Pequea Creek Campground
Meagan J.
Mill Creek Camping Area
Dan A.
Tucquan Park Family Campground
Joshua W.
Old Mill Stream Campground
Nate & Erika L.
Muddy Run Rec Park - PPL
Jen V.
Elizabethtown-Hershey KOA
Jen R.
River Rock Recreation
AdventureStang
Indian Rock Campgrounds
Heidi R.
Hershey Road Campground
Stephen W.
Mill Bridge Village & Camp Resort
Recent Reviews near Washington Woods, PA
1023 Reviews of 140 Washington Woods Campgrounds
Stephen W.
GuideMill Bridge Village & Camp Resort
Great olacevto camp in Lancaster County
We camp here several times thru out the year. Always an enjoyable stay. Staff is very friendly and accommodating.
Nicole S.
LegendLake-In-Wood Campground
Sun Retreats Lancaster County - Easter Weekend
Like always we like to begin our camping season with a Easter Weekend Trip, my husband's family is partial to the Lancaster Area, so we headed there to Sun Retreats Lancaster. As we drove up I loved the look and location of the campground. You could see there was a indoor pool setup, arcade, playground, store, ice cream, mini-golf and a huge lake and that was everything we saw from the truck. We pulled up to a gate and a guy came out of the shed next to it to check us in.
The campground looked well maintained, the sports were on both sides of the lake and they offered many different options like woods or open, pull through or back up. We choose a really wooded site. It was tight getting in but I can't complain I don't drive the truck. It seemed like there was a fair amount of seasonal sites but they didn't overwhelm the place. I could see also a lot of cabins there were some shaped like teepees, a frontier cabin, and a caboose. They had a fair amount of open grass to play and enjoy. You can bring your own golfcart or they have on site rentals also.
They had an activity list that would help keep everyone busy, they had a mini golf course that was in great shape, an arcade which was definitely lacking in the game department, I think there was 4 pinball machines, 2 Skee ball, 3 racing games, and the play to you win machine. The playground x2 were both in great condition with a lot to keep kids playing on. I can only comment on the indoor pool which at the time was said to be under construction however still open, the water was on the colder side and the hot tube the same temp as the pool, the ceiling had been ripped off so the iron rusting beams were exposed and rust falling down. The kids still went in the pool unfortunately the air from the open window made them too cold so we didn't stay long. I am hoping it will be finished because the concept of the indoor-outdoor pool area looks so fun.
The staff was extremely helpful and super friendly. The store was fully stocked with everything you could want. The bathrooms were all kept so clean and in working order with hot water. We enjoyed the area we ventured out to see the Choo Choo barn, the green dragon flea market, and kitchen kettle village which are a must if your in the area. We also choose to hike the Welsh Preserve and Money Rock. The lake had a path you could walk completely around and you could choose to fish if that's your thing.
I would definitely return to this campground again, we had 8 sites in total and we all really thought it was a wonderful place and really enjoyed our holiday weekend there. It was very busy but the staff was present but not overbearing. People were very respectful and friendly.
Stuart K.LegendThousand Trails PA Dutch Country
Amish Country Charm with a Resort Twist
Tucked into the rolling, wooded hills of Pennsylvania Dutch Country, Thousand Trails PA Dutch Country RV Resort offers a unique blend of peaceful countryside and activity-packed camping, all just a stone’s throw from the PA Turnpike.
While my review from a few years ago provides a ton of detail, I thought I would follow up that review with a topline of HIGHLIGHTS and LOWLIGHTS along with a smattering of new photos.
HIGHLIGHTS:(1) Expansive campground with 250+ sites offering full hookups, giving plenty of options for both short stays and longer visits;(2) Resort-style amenities including pool, mini golf, clubhouse, playgrounds, and organized activities that keep families engaged throughout the day;(3) Beautiful wooded setting with dense tree coverage that creates a surprisingly secluded feel despite proximity to major highways;(4) Ideal location for exploring Pennsylvania Dutch Country, with scenic farmland, covered bridges, and charming nearby towns just minutes away; and(5) Strong sense of community with events like bingo, crafts, and family activities that give it that classic ‘summer camp” vibe.
LOWLIGHTS:(1) Sloped terrain throughout much of the campground can make leveling a bit tricky depending on your site;(2) Close proximity to the PA Turnpike may be a concern for some, even though tree coverage helps reduce both noise and visibility;(3) Wi-Fi is not complimentary and can be an added cost, which feels a bit dated for a“resort” experience;(4) Membership requirement through Thousand Trails can be a barrier for first-time or casual campers; and(5) Limited tent site availability compared to the large number of RV sites, making it less flexible for non-RV travelers
Happy Camping!
- Stuart K.Legend
Pinch Pond Family Campground & RV Park
Amenity-Packed Campground in PA Dutch Country
Set just off I-76 in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch country, Pinch Pond Family Campground& RV Park is a large, all-in-one, family-focused campground with a layout that feels more like a small neighborhood than a traditional woods-only campsite. While its proximity to the highway makes access easy, the property itself is gated, organized into distinct camping zones and packed with amenities that clearly cater to longer stays and families looking for built-in entertainment.
HIGHLIGHTS:(1) Full-service resort-style amenities including pool, playground, arcade, laundry, propane refills, dump stations, sports field, picnic tables and in-ground fire rings throughout the property;(2) Wide variety of lodging options including RV sites with 30/50 amp hookups, water, sewer and cable, primitive tent sites, and multiple on-site cottages for non-campers;(3) Gated entrance and very welcoming, helpful staff at check-in with a well-stocked camp store offering snacks, ice cream, sundries and souvenirs;(4) Strong family appeal with fishing pond, barn, open play areas and space for kids to roam safely; and(5) Excellent location for regional attractions including Hershey Park, Chocolate World, Amish countryside tours and the nearby wolf sanctuary with guided educational tours.
LOWLIGHTS:(1) Immediate proximity to I-76 means persistent highway noise day and night with no real sound buffer;(2) Access is oddly indirect despite being next to the turnpike, requiring a several-mile loop through countryside roads to reach the entrance;(3) Overall layout is wide open with limited natural privacy between many RV sites;(4) Nearby shooting range produces frequent target practice noise, especially noticeable during early morning hours; and(5) Pricing for primitive tent sites feels disproportionately high compared to full-hookup RV rates.
Happy Camping!
- RRandy L.Scout
French Creek State Park Campground
French Creek State Park
This is our 3rd time at this park, it is one of our favorites. Well maintained, very quiet. We stay in Loop A (full hookup) pet friendly. Sites are spacious, generally large but they are all back-in sites.
- EEileen D.Guide
Echo Valley Campground
Nice park
Owners are very friendly and helpful. Sites are large and roomy.
Jenni D.ScoutHidden Acres Camping Grounds
Hidden gem
Small family owed for 50 plus years. They care about their guests and treat everyone like they are part of the family. The only thing about this campground is that it doesn't allow tents. Only RVs and pull behind.
Etzer D.GuideGifford Pinchot State Park Campground
Excellent
We had a beautiful spot at a stones throw from the beach area. The water was great and clean and a good temperature at this time of year. Our camping site was huge. We had some people come over and hang out with us and they did not feel cramped. The kids had a fantastic time and definitely wanna come back.
Guide to Washington Woods
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near Washington Woods, PA?
Which is the most popular campground near Washington Woods, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Washington Woods, PA is Thousand Trails Circle M with a 3.9-star rating from 19 reviews.
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