Campground Loop A

Are you a Pennsylvania resident seeking a genuine outdoor escape, a place where you can truly immerse yourself in nature without venturing too far from home? Campground Loop A within the beautiful Codorus State Park in Hanover, PA, offers an authentic camping experience, particularly appealing to those who cherish the traditional feel of pitching a tent amidst a wooded setting. This loop provides a peaceful, often more secluded atmosphere, serving as an excellent base for exploring the rich recreational tapestry of southern York County. It's an opportunity to unplug, unwind, and reconnect with the natural world, all within a well-maintained state park environment.

Codorus State Park is a beloved natural asset in the Pennsylvania State Parks system, celebrated for its expansive 1,275-acre Lake Marburg and its diverse ecological landscape. Campground Loop A stands out within the park's larger Timberdoodle Camping Area for its unique characteristics. While the overall campground accommodates a mix of RVs, camping cottages, and yurts, Loop A is specifically known for its more traditional, often tent-focused sites. Many of these sites are nestled under the shade of mature trees, offering a sense of privacy and a classic camping ambiance that is highly sought after by those looking for a more immersive outdoor experience.

What makes Campground Loop A especially suitable for local Pennsylvanians is its ability to deliver a genuine "camping" feel while still providing access to all the modern conveniences and extensive activities offered by a top-tier state park. While its sites might offer more natural seclusion, campers in Loop A are still just a short walk or drive from clean, modern bathhouses, access points to Lake Marburg, and various recreational facilities. The consistent positive feedback regarding the cleanliness and overall management of Codorus State Park's camping areas suggests that even in a more rustic-feeling loop like A, visitors can expect a comfortable and well-supported stay. This blend of traditional camping charm and convenient park amenities makes Campground Loop A a compelling choice for a memorable and accessible outdoor adventure for anyone living in Pennsylvania.

Campground Loop A is strategically located within the expansive and beautiful Codorus State Park, with its primary address listed as Codorus State Park, Hanover, PA 17331, USA. This places it in the scenic southern part of York County, offering an accessible natural retreat for residents across Pennsylvania.

Reaching Codorus State Park is straightforward via Pennsylvania's well-developed road network. Major routes such as Interstate 83 or US Route 15 provide easy access to the Hanover area. From I-83, visitors typically take Exit 8 (Glen Rock/Shrewsbury) and follow Route 216 South towards Hanover. Clear signage along these routes and once you enter the Hanover vicinity will direct you to the main park entrance. Once inside Codorus State Park, a well-marked internal road system guides campers to the Timberdoodle Camping Area, where specific signs will then point you towards "Loop A." While some internal park roads might have gentle curves or slight inclines, they are generally well-maintained and easily navigable for all vehicle types.

The key advantage of Loop A's location is its integration within the larger Codorus State Park. This means campers have immediate access to the park's vast 1,275-acre Lake Marburg and its extensive 26 miles of shoreline, without needing to travel far from their campsite. Whether you're looking to launch a boat, find a fishing spot, or access hiking trails, all park amenities are conveniently within reach. This seamless connectivity between your camping spot and the park's natural features and recreational offerings makes Campground Loop A a highly convenient and desirable choice for Pennsylvanians seeking a local outdoor escape. Its proximity to towns like Hanover also means that essential services, grocery stores, and local attractions are just a short drive away, balancing the tranquility of nature with practical conveniences.

Campground Loop A, as a dedicated section of the Timberdoodle Camping Area within Codorus State Park, provides a range of essential services and facilities designed to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable camping experience. While it is particularly noted for its tent-only sites, it also offers amenities catering to various camping styles within the broader park campground.

• Campsite Options:

  • Tent-Only Sites: Loop A is specifically known for its 15 dedicated tent-only sites. These sites typically offer a more traditional camping experience, often nestled in wooded areas, providing a sense of seclusion and natural ambiance. Each site includes a picnic table and a fire ring.

  • Electric Hook-up Sites: While Loop A has a strong focus on tent camping, the overall Codorus State Park campground offers approximately 111 sites with electric hookups (30 & 50 amp service available) that can accommodate RVs and pop-up campers. These sites are available in other loops within the Timberdoodle Camping Area.

  • Pet-Friendly Sites: Designated pet-friendly campsites are available within the Codorus State Park campground (it's advisable to confirm if specific pet-friendly sites are in Loop A during booking). These sites allow furry family members to join for a small fee.

• Essential Campground Facilities (Accessible from Loop A):

  • Modern Bathhouses: Clean and well-maintained bathhouses with flush toilets and hot showers are conveniently located throughout the Timberdoodle Camping Area, accessible to campers in Loop A. These facilities are regularly cleaned.

  • Sanitary Dump Station: A central dump station for RV waste is available within the main campground area, easily accessible for all campers.

  • Potable Water Stations: Access to potable drinking water is available through various spigots and water points located within the campground loops.

  • Camp Store/Firewood & Ice Sales: A camp store is situated near the main campground entrance, offering essential camping supplies, bundles of firewood for campfires, and bags of ice for purchase.

  • Camp Host: A dedicated camp host is often present within the Timberdoodle Camping Area to provide assistance, answer questions, and help ensure a pleasant stay for all visitors.

  • Recycling Bins: Designated recycling stations are provided within the campground for responsible waste disposal, in line with state park environmental initiatives.

• Lake Access & Recreational Support:

  • Boat Launch Access: Campers in Loop A have convenient access to various boat launches on Lake Marburg, enabling easy put-in and take-out of personal watercraft.

  • Trail Connectivity: Several hiking and walking trails are accessible directly from or in close proximity to the campground loops, allowing for immediate exploration of the park's natural beauty.

These services collectively ensure that campers in Campground Loop A have all the necessary amenities for a comfortable and authentic outdoor experience within Codorus State Park.

Campground Loop A, nestled within the picturesque Codorus State Park, offers a distinct set of features and highlights that cater to a memorable camping experience, especially for those seeking a traditional outdoor feel.

• Wooded & Secluded Tent Sites: Loop A is primarily known for its dedicated tent-only sites (15 in total), many of which are situated in more wooded and shaded areas. This provides a sense of natural seclusion and a traditional camping ambiance, often preferred by tent enthusiasts.

• Proximity to Lake Marburg: A significant highlight for all campers at Codorus State Park, including those in Loop A, is the immediate and convenient access to the sprawling 1,275-acre Lake Marburg. This impressive lake serves as a hub for a variety of water-based activities:

  • Boating: Lake Marburg is a popular destination for sailboaters, motorboaters (with a 10 HP limit), kayakers, and canoeists. Multiple boat launches are easily accessible from the campground area.

  • Fishing: The lake is well-regarded for its warm-water fishing, with abundant species such as largemouth bass, crappie, walleye, and tiger muskellunge, providing excellent angling opportunities.

  • Swimming Pool: While not directly on the lake, a large, modern swimming pool (typically open from Memorial Day to Labor Day) is available within the park for cooling off and family fun.

• Premier Disc Golf Destination: Codorus State Park is widely recognized as a top-tier disc golf location, boasting multiple challenging courses. This is a significant draw for disc golf enthusiasts and offers a unique recreational activity within the park.

• Extensive Trail System: The park features over 26 miles of diverse trails suitable for hiking, walking, and mountain biking. These trails offer scenic views of the lake and the surrounding natural landscapes, appealing to all levels of outdoor adventurers.

• Abundant Wildlife Observation Opportunities: Codorus State Park is an excellent spot for observing local wildlife, particularly birds. Lake Marburg is a crucial rest stop for migrating waterfowl, and the park is famously home to an active bald eagle nest, which often provides incredible viewing opportunities from various park locations.

• Family-Friendly Environment: Beyond individual campsites, the park offers playgrounds for children, designated picnic areas with grills, and often hosts scheduled interpretive programs and activities during peak seasons, making it an ideal destination for family vacations.

• Pet-Friendly Options: With designated pet-friendly campsites available within the broader campground, Loop A provides an opportunity for the entire family, including furry companions, to enjoy the outdoor adventure together, with specified pet walking areas available.

• Well-Maintained Facilities: Consistent feedback from campers highlights the cleanliness of the modern bathhouses and the overall high standard of park maintenance throughout the campground, ensuring a pleasant and comfortable stay.

• Seasonal Events: The park frequently hosts special events throughout the year, such as popular Halloween-themed camping weekends where campers decorate their sites, adding a unique and festive dimension to the experience.

These combined features make Campground Loop A at Codorus State Park a versatile and highly appealing choice for anyone seeking a comprehensive and enjoyable outdoor experience in Pennsylvania, especially those preferring a traditional tent camping setup.

Promotions or Special Offers

As Campground Loop A is an integral part of Codorus State Park and operates under the Pennsylvania State Parks system, "promotions" and "special offers" are generally structured within the state's standardized pricing and reservation policies rather than being frequent, individual commercial discounts. These benefits are consistently available and offer particular value to Pennsylvania residents.

• Pennsylvania Resident Rates: A significant advantage for locals is the preferential pricing offered to Pennsylvania residents for campsites. Rates for residents are consistently lower than those for non-residents, providing an inherent discount. For example, a base campsite might cost approximately $16.00 per night for residents, while non-residents might pay $21.00 per night, resulting in noticeable savings over the course of a stay.

• Weekly Discounts: For those planning an extended stay, Pennsylvania State Parks often provide a weekly discount. This means that reserving a campsite for seven consecutive nights typically results in a reduced overall cost compared to booking seven individual nights. An example could be a $15.00 discount for every 7 days camped for residents.

• Senior & Disability Discounts: Pennsylvania residents aged 62 and over, as well as individuals with disabilities, are often eligible for specific nightly rate reductions (e.g., $4.50 off per night). Valid identification is required at check-in to claim these discounts.

• Off-Peak Season Value: While specific monetary discounts may not apply, camping during the shoulder seasons (spring and fall) or the designated off-season (winter, subject to weather conditions) often provides a more tranquil experience with fewer crowds. This enhanced peace and quiet can be considered a significant value-add, particularly for those seeking a more serene natural escape.

• Camping Cottages & Yurts: While separate lodging options within the broader Codorus State Park campground (accessible from Loop A), the availability of these unique units offers a comfortable and often cost-effective alternative for those without traditional camping gear. They are priced competitively for short stays, though often with minimum night requirements (e.g., two nights).

• Volunteer Campground Host Program: For those considering a very long-term stay, individuals can apply to serve as a volunteer campground host at Codorus State Park. In exchange for performing certain duties, hosts typically receive a complimentary campsite for the duration of their service, representing a substantial "promotion" for qualifying individuals.

To obtain the most accurate and up-to-date information on rates, availability, and specific discounts applicable to Campground Loop A, it is highly recommended to visit the official Pennsylvania DCNR (Department of Conservation and Natural Resources) website for Codorus State Park or utilize the state's online reservation system (pennsylvaniastateparks.reserveamerica.com).

Contact Information

For reservations, detailed information about Campground Loop A, or general inquiries regarding Codorus State Park, please use the following contact points:

• Address: Codorus State Park, Hanover, PA 17331, USA (This is the overarching address for the park where Campground Loop A is located).

• Park Office Phone: (717) 637-2816 (This is the main phone number for the Codorus State Park office, where staff can assist with general park information, including campground details and specific questions about Loop A).

• Pennsylvania State Parks Reservation Center: 888-PA-PARKS (888-727-2757) (This is the statewide toll-free number for making reservations at all Pennsylvania State Parks, including sites in Campground Loop A at Codorus).

• Website: Reservations and comprehensive park information can be found online through the official Pennsylvania State Parks reservation system (pennsylvaniastateparks.reserveamerica.com). The dedicated Codorus State Park page on the PA DCNR website also provides detailed park specifics.

It is always advisable to consult the official website or call ahead for the most current information regarding operating seasons, specific loop availability, and any updated park regulations before planning your visit.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For residents across Pennsylvania, Campground Loop A within Codorus State Park in Hanover offers an exceptionally suitable and uniquely appealing option for a local outdoor retreat. Its convenient location in southern York County ensures minimal travel time, allowing families and individuals to maximize their leisure hours enjoying the outdoors rather than enduring long journeys. This accessibility makes it ideal for quick weekend getaways or even spontaneous mid-week breaks, providing a much-needed escape from daily routines right here in the Commonwealth.

What truly sets Loop A apart for locals, especially those who appreciate traditional camping, is its emphasis on tent-only sites often nestled in wooded areas. This creates a more secluded and authentic outdoor ambiance, allowing for a deeper connection with nature and a true escape from the clamor of everyday life. Despite this rustic charm, campers in Loop A still benefit from the full spectrum of activities available within Codorus State Park. The expansive Lake Marburg is a major draw, providing endless opportunities for boating, fishing, and cooling off in the park's swimming pool. For active pursuits, the extensive network of hiking and biking trails, coupled with the acclaimed disc golf courses, ensures there's always something engaging for every interest and energy level. The chance to observe diverse wildlife, including the renowned bald eagles, adds a unique and enriching natural highlight that connects campers with Pennsylvania's rich biodiversity.

Furthermore, as part of the well-managed Pennsylvania State Parks system, Campground Loop A benefits from a strong commitment to maintaining clean, safe, and well-equipped facilities. Modern bathhouses and the presence of dedicated park staff and camp hosts contribute to a hassle-free and enjoyable stay. The state park's pricing structure, which includes advantageous rates for Pennsylvania residents, makes a quality outdoor experience both accessible and economical. For those seeking a blend of peaceful natural beauty, abundant recreational pursuits, and convenient proximity, Campground Loop A at Codorus State Park stands out as an ideal local gem, perfectly poised to help Pennsylvanians create lasting outdoor memories right within their home state.