Stephen W.
Guide
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.
Top-Rated Camping Near Emigsville, Pennsylvania
Camping near Emigsville, Pennsylvania ranges from tent and RV campgrounds with full hookups to cabin rentals and glamping options, with several sites within 10 to 15 miles. Gifford Pinchot State Park, located about 10 miles north of Emigsville, features lakeside camping with electric hookups, while Codorus State Park offers similar amenities approximately 15 miles southwest. Several private campgrounds like Thousand Trails Gettysburg Farm in nearby Dover and Cedar Lake Family Campground provide additional options with full hookups for RVs, cabin rentals, and tent sites. The region's camping areas generally operate seasonally, with most developed campgrounds open from April through October or November.
"We love this park….it's one of our favorites! 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," noted one visitor about Gifford Pinchot State Park. Seasonal considerations significantly impact camping experiences in the region, with most state park campgrounds opening the second Friday in April and closing by early November. Summer months bring higher temperatures and increased visitation, particularly at waterfront sites. Reservations are strongly recommended during peak season, especially for weekend stays and holidays. Many campgrounds in the area offer electric hookups, water access, and sanitary facilities, though amenities vary by location. Cell service is generally reliable throughout the region, but coverage may be spotty in more remote areas of the parks.
Campers report high satisfaction with lakeside sites at Gifford Pinchot State Park, where fishing and water activities are popular. The park features a large beach area with amenities like picnic tables, grills, and playgrounds. Several visitors mentioned the park's extensive trail system, including the 8.5-mile Lakeside Trail that circles the lake. At Codorus State Park, the swimming pool is a major draw, though one reviewer noted it's open to the public and can get crowded. For those seeking a more rustic experience, primitive tent sites are available at several campgrounds, though they tend to be limited in number. Proximity to Hershey Park (about 30 minutes from most area campgrounds) makes the region popular with families looking to combine outdoor recreation with amusement park visits. Traffic noise can be an issue at some campgrounds, particularly those near highways or railroad tracks.
Best Camping Sites Near Emigsville, Pennsylvania (153)
1. Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground
57 ReviewsWellsville, PA10 milesWebsite+1 (717) 292-4112$24 - $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. "
2. Codorus State Park Campground
40 ReviewsPorters Sideling, PA19 milesWebsite+1 (717) 637-2816$24 - $247 / night
"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."
3. Elizabethtown-Hershey KOA
15 ReviewsElizabethtown, PA10 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."
4. Hersheypark Camping Resort
30 ReviewsHummelstown, PA19 milesWebsite+1 (833) 936-0949"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."
5. Thousand Trails Gettysburg Farm
9 ReviewsWellsville, PA13 milesWebsite+1 (888) 707-1477"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."
6. River Rock Recreation
5 ReviewsBainbridge, PA8 milesWebsite$75 - $90 / night
"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."
"https://www.riverrockadv.com/#/ I was fortunate enough to find this local gem while browsing“camping near me”. Not only that, my unlucky butt won a 2 night stay there!"
7. Cedar Lake Family Campground
6 ReviewsWellsville, PA11 milesWebsite+1 (717) 292-2918$60 - $100 / night
"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."
8. Thousand Trails Hershey
21 ReviewsMount Gretna, PA21 milesWebsite+1 (888) 707-1477$50 - $60 / night
"The first thing to know is that Thousand Trails sites are a first come, first serve. Meaning you have to arrive early in order to get the best spots. They don't reserve sites for you."
"This is a clean, nice looking campground in a location very close to Hershey park and the outlets. It’s a very nice area."
9. Thousand Trails Circle M
19 ReviewsMillersville, PA21 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."
10. Merry Meadows Recreation Farm
19 ReviewsFreeland, MD22 milesWebsite+1 (410) 329-6636"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!"
Recent Camping Photos near Emigsville, PA
390 Photos of 153 Emigsville Campgrounds
AdventureStang
Indian Rock Campgrounds
Megan S.
River Rock Recreation
Melissa C.
Elizabethtown-Hershey KOA
Heather
Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground
Lee P.
Cedar Lake Family Campground
Ruth .
Thousand Trails Gettysburg Farm
Heidi R.
Hershey Road Campground
Nicole B.
Pinchot State Park Campground
Ray L.
Hersheypark Camping Resort
Ned F.
Codorus State Park Campground
Nate & Erika L.
Otter Creek Campground
Sarah L.
Thousand Trails Hershey
Recent Reviews near Emigsville, PA
1030 Reviews of 153 Emigsville Campgrounds
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!
- EEileen D.Guide
Echo Valley Campground
Nice park
Owners are very friendly and helpful. Sites are large and roomy.
Nani C.
TravelerOwens Creek Campground — Catoctin Mountain Park
Nice and Simple Spot!
Booked this site about a week before just as a spontaneous one night trip towards the end of fall. Was greeted with a nicely stocked firewood hut on the way in, unfortunately most of the wood wasn't dry due to rain the day before and the wood being out from under the hut awning, but we made do with the stacks of dead wood along the outside of the site. Our site had the main area with the picnic table and fire pit and then a large level tent pad a couple of steps below it. I believe we went the last weekend of the season so it wasn't too populated, despite this being a smaller campsite. We did have neighbors on each side of us and across from us, and the sites are a reasonable distance apart. The trees were thinned out by the time we went so there wasn't much privacy, but I can imagine that when they're grown in it adds much more privacy, at least from nextdoor neighbors. Everyone there was considerate and friendly, even the camp host. The bathrooms were clean, functional, and a short walk away from the site. Would recommend if you want a quick getaway without frill.
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.
- Etzer D.Guide
Colonel Denning State Park Campground
Great creekside spot
The weather wasn’t too great, but the campaign joy could not be hampered. We had a great spot along the creek, which was also a short walk from the lake. The bathroom facilities are fantastic nice and clean couldn’t be happier.
Guide to Emigsville
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near Emigsville, PA?
Which is the most popular campground near Emigsville, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Emigsville, PA is Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground with a 4.2-star rating from 57 reviews.
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