Camping opportunities near Windsor, Pennsylvania center around the Susquehanna River valley where elevations range from 300-500 feet above sea level. The area experiences humid continental climate with warm summers and cold winters, with camping season typically running April through October. Tent sites, RV spots, and yurt camping in Windsor, Pennsylvania and surrounding areas offer varied terrain from riverfront locations to wooded settings.
What to do
Hiking trails: Gifford Pinchot State Park features multiple trail options including the 8.5-mile Lakeside Trail. "I took an early morning hike on the 8.5 mile Lakeside Trail that goes around the lake and it was really awesome to see the lake from all different angles. I also hiked / jogged the Quaker Race Trail and that was nice, too," explains a Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground visitor.
Fishing opportunities: Cast your line at multiple locations including the private fishing pond at Merry Meadows. "We spent our time fishing the river banks right outside our tents and kayaking on the Susquehanna to fish the warm waters. We caught a ton of catfish and carp using live bait," shares a camper from River Rock Recreation.
Disc golf courses: Play one of the two 18-hole courses at Gifford Pinchot State Park. "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."
What campers like
Private tent sites: Find secluded camping spots away from crowds at several area campgrounds. "The primitive sites are back in the woods which kept us nice and cool on hot July nights. The location also kept us fairly bug free," notes a visitor at Tucquan Park Family Campground.
Clean facilities: Most campgrounds maintain well-kept bathrooms and showers. "Site Details: I forget our site#, but we were in the wooded area farthest from the central "hub". Our site was level, shaded and quite large. Almost every site in this section was similarly large and wooded, with an impressive amount of space between sites for a KOA," mentions a camper at Elizabethtown-Hershey KOA.
River recreation: Access to the Susquehanna River provides boating and paddling options. "Staying right on the river was both fun and relaxing for us. We even booked a second trip for this July. One of my favorite features other than staying right on the river was the kitchen area," shares a River Rock Recreation visitor.
What you should know
Noise considerations: Be aware of potential noise sources at certain campgrounds. "The only negative I have is there is a railroad nearby. During the day you kind of don't notice it but you may hear it at night if you are a light sleeper. Just bring earplugs, all the other positives surely outweigh this one negative."
Wildlife encounters: Prepare for various wildlife including insects. "This area (central PA in general) tends to have a lot of rattlesnakes, and we spotted one about 20 feet off the trail in a downed wood pile - cool, but a little terrifying!" warns a Gifford Pinchot visitor.
Seasonal variations: Campground amenities may change with seasons. "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 so finding one that you like should not be difficult," notes a visitor at Codorus State Park Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Playground options: Choose campgrounds with kid-friendly features. "The sites were a little close together but still plenty of room. The pool and playground were very clean and well taken care of. There was a huge wood pile and it was only $10 per wheelbarrow full," mentions a Tucquan Park visitor.
Swimming facilities: Look for campgrounds with pools for warm weather camping. "The pool through RV sites are in the centerfield and kind of exposed to the elements but you are right across from the pool and right across from an amazing playground," reports a Merry Meadows Recreation Farm camper.
First-time yurt camping: For families wanting to try yurt camping near Windsor, Pennsylvania without full camping gear, consider rental options. "We have camped here several times and love the waterfront sites and the yurts," shares a Gifford Pinchot visitor, offering a good alternative for those not ready to invest in camping equipment.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategy: Research site dimensions before booking. "Lots literally right on top of each other. Felt like everyone there was in the same group but we obviously weren't. Went to front gate and got a much more isolated tent spot," advises a Gifford Pinchot camper.
Seasonal site availability: Book well in advance for preferred sites, especially for yurt camping in Windsor, Pennsylvania area. "I would rather sleep in a tent any night over a motel room but this time was different. Due to my father passing, me and my daughter stayed there 3 nights. I will be back another time to actually enjoy the lake."
Entrance navigation: Some campgrounds have complex access points. "The entrance in off the main road turns you into the theme park. Fear not. Turn in and follow the road to the right and into the campground. We stayed on site 123 with a 40 ft Allegro Bus. Plenty of room to maneuver a big rig," explains a visitor at Old Mill Stream Campground.
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