Camping near Emigsville, Pennsylvania ranges from primitive tent sites to full-service RV campgrounds across York and Lancaster counties. The region sits within the rolling hills of the lower Susquehanna River watershed at elevations of 300-600 feet. Summer temperatures typically reach 85-90°F with frequent afternoon thunderstorms, while spring and fall camping seasons offer milder conditions with temperatures between 55-75°F.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground, anglers report productive shoreline fishing without needing a boat. "We caught a handful of bass and an absurd amount of bluegill from shore," notes one visitor who appreciated the easy lake access from both day use areas.
Disc golf courses: Gifford Pinchot State Park offers two distinct 18-hole courses with different terrain challenges. "The course in the Conewago area is relatively flat, whereas the Quaker Race course is built into the side of the hill leading into the QR day use area, so it is a lot more wooded and hillier," explains a camper who enjoyed both courses.
Trail exploration: The River Rock Recreation campsite connects directly to the Northwest Lancaster Trail system. "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," reports a Gifford Pinchot visitor who appreciated the varying perspectives of the park's landscape.
Animal interactions: Family campers enjoy the farm animal experiences at Thousand Trails Gettysburg Farm. "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. Prefect campground for the family," shares one camper who visited the working farm.
What campers like
Waterfront sites: Lakeside camping at Gifford Pinchot receives consistent praise for the views and easy water access. "Peace and quiet! Great spot! We had site 114. It has water access and is right next to a small man made beach and playground," reports a recent visitor who enjoyed the convenience of shoreline amenities.
Clean facilities: Codorus State Park Campground maintains well-kept bathrooms according to multiple reviews. "Very well maintained park. Paved sites, modern, clean bathrooms," notes one camper, while others specifically mention the quality of shower facilities across multiple campgrounds in the region.
Private camping options: For groups seeking seclusion, River Rock Recreation offers exclusive use of their riverside property. "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," explains a family who appreciated the privacy.
Spacious sites: Several campgrounds offer larger-than-average campsites. "Sites were of ample size and well spaced. Night time was serene and quite. Perfect for relaxing," reports a Gifford Pinchot visitor, echoing sentiments shared about several area campgrounds.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most campgrounds in the area require advance booking, especially for weekend stays. At Elizabethtown-Hershey KOA, site selection procedures vary from other parks: "This campground was really nice. Large and easy to enter/exit sites. Wifi was pretty good. (It helped that the antenna was right beside our site!)" notes a satisfied camper.
Noise considerations: Train tracks near several campgrounds create periodic noise disruptions. "Nice campground 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!" advises a camper at Hersheypark Camping Resort.
Site conditions: Not all tent sites are created equal, as one Gifford Pinchot camper discovered: "I came for a hike and quick one night tent escape. I had never been and reserved a tent site online. When I arrived, someone was in my spot. After working it out and came back I noticed just how crowded it was. Lots literally right on top of each other."
Seasonal operations: Most campgrounds in the area operate from mid-April through late October or early November, with limited winter camping options. River Rock Recreation's season runs May through September only, while Cedar Lake Family Campground remains open year-round.
Tips for camping with families
Pool access details: Hersheypark Camping Resort offers a well-maintained pool facility. "Nice facilities, clean campground. We camped right up against the lazy River, the campground was pretty open because it was a weekday. It had really nice bathrooms and showers," reports a family who enjoyed the water amenities.
Budget-friendly activities: Multiple campgrounds offer free or low-cost recreation. "We've enjoyed mini-golf, feeding the animals, 'hiking' through the cornfield, fishing, and campfires. There is also a pool, hopscotch, a swing set, and a playground open as well," details a family staying at Thousand Trails Gettysburg Farm.
First-timer friendly options: For families new to camping, several campgrounds offer guided experiences. "We took our 3 yo camping for the first time here. He had so much fun. It was clean campground located in a State Park. Easy walk to the lake with a small beach," reports a parent whose child enjoyed their introduction to camping at Gifford Pinchot.
Educational opportunities: Working farms and nature programs provide learning experiences. "The sounds of the farm animals all around was fun and amusing for us. It was an easy hike as suggested on the map to circle around and through the cornfield, you get a great view of the farms nearby and the river," notes a family who appreciated the agricultural setting at Gettysburg Farm.
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategies: Experienced RVers recommend arriving early at Thousand Trails properties. "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!" advises an RVer at Circle M.
Hookup variations: Different campgrounds offer varying levels of service. "I stay here for my first camp out with my new camper. No water but the bath house was close and very clean," reports an RVer at Codorus State Park, highlighting the importance of checking specific amenities before arrival.
Leveling challenges: Site grading varies considerably across campgrounds. "We got pretty lucky and were assigned one of the concrete pads that was pretty level," notes a Circle M camper, while others mention bringing leveling blocks for less developed sites.
Dump station logistics: Not all campgrounds offer sewer connections at each site. "We chose a non-sewage site, the loop is quiet and large and they have the honey wagon 3x a week (free sewage dump service)," explains a Gettysburg Farm camper who appreciated the included service.
