Discover Your Next Adventure: Camping at Codorus State Park in Pennsylvania

For Pennsylvanians seeking an enriching outdoor experience close to home, Codorus State Park Campground stands out as an exceptional destination. Located in the picturesque rolling hills of southern York County, this sprawling state park offers a diverse array of activities and accommodations, making it a perfect spot for individuals, couples, and families looking to connect with nature and enjoy recreational pursuits. From the serene waters of Lake Marburg to miles of scenic trails, Codorus State Park provides a comprehensive escape into the natural beauty of our beloved state.

More than just a place to pitch a tent or park an RV, Codorus State Park Campground is a gateway to adventure. Whether you dream of peaceful mornings by the lake, invigorating hikes through lush forests, or fun-filled afternoons by the pool, this campground serves as an ideal base. Its reputation as a well-maintained and activity-rich environment makes it a highly desirable location for locals looking to maximize their leisure time without venturing too far from home. This overview aims to highlight why Codorus State Park Campground should be at the top of your list for your next Pennsylvania outdoor getaway.

Codorus State Park Campground is conveniently situated in West Manheim Township, PA 17331, USA. Its location in southern York County makes it highly accessible from various points across Pennsylvania. For residents of Harrisburg, York, Lancaster, or even those coming from the Philadelphia or Baltimore metropolitan areas, the drive is manageable, offering a relatively quick escape to the tranquility of the park. The park's well-marked entrances and internal road networks ensure that navigating to your chosen campsite or park amenity is straightforward, even for first-time visitors.

The strategic positioning of Codorus State Park allows for easy access to the numerous attractions within the park itself, as well as nearby towns that offer additional services and dining options. The park is designed to seamlessly integrate various recreational zones, meaning campers can easily transition from their site to the lake, trails, or swimming areas. The convenience of its location translates to more time enjoying the outdoors and less time spent in transit, which is a significant advantage for Pennsylvanians planning a weekend trip or a longer vacation.

Codorus State Park Campground is equipped with a wide range of services designed to enhance your camping experience, catering to various needs from basic tent camping to more comfortable RV stays. The park strives to provide a pleasant and convenient environment for all its visitors.

Services Offered:

Campsites: The campground boasts 193 campsites in a wooded setting next to Lake Marburg. These include approximately 111 sites with electric hookups, 15 tent-only sites, and designated pet-friendly campsites.
Camping Cottages & Yurts: For those seeking a bit more comfort, Codorus State Park offers 3 camping cottages and 2 yurts, providing a step up from traditional tent camping with features like electric heating and outlets. Some yurts also include a cooking stove, countertops, and refrigerator.
Restrooms and Showers: Modern restrooms with flush toilets and hot showers are available throughout the campground, ensuring cleanliness and comfort for all campers.
Drinking Water: Accessible drinking water sources are provided within the campground, a crucial amenity for any camping trip.
Dump Station: A sanitary dump station is available on-site for RVs, facilitating convenient waste disposal.
Camp Host: A dedicated camp host is typically on duty to assist campers with any questions or needs, contributing to a welcoming and well-managed environment.
Picnic Pavilions: Several picnic areas are available, some with grills, and two picnic pavilions near the swimming area can be reserved in advance for gatherings.
Boat Launch & Mooring: For water enthusiasts, there are seven boat launches on Lake Marburg, with options for shoreline mooring and boat storage at the marina.
Boat Rentals: The park marina offers rentals of canoes, kayaks, motorboats, paddleboats, and pontoon boats, making it easy to enjoy Lake Marburg even if you don't own a boat.
Amphitheater: The campground features an amphitheater, often used for environmental education programs and events.
Pet Walking Area: Designated areas are available for walking pets, ensuring a comfortable experience for furry family members.

These comprehensive services highlight the park's commitment to providing a well-rounded and enjoyable camping experience, combining natural beauty with practical conveniences.

Codorus State Park Campground is more than just a place to sleep; it’s a hub for extensive outdoor recreation and unique experiences. Its key features and highlights make it a standout destination for Pennsylvanians.

Features / Highlights:

Lake Marburg: The centerpiece of the park is the impressive 1,275-acre Lake Marburg, boasting 26 miles of shoreline. This large lake is a haven for water activities, including sailing, motorboating (up to 20 hp), canoeing, kayaking, and paddleboarding.
Fishing Paradise: Lake Marburg is a popular warm-water fishery, teeming with species like largemouth bass, crappie, bluegill, muskellunge, northern pike, tiger muskellunge, and yellow perch. Ice fishing is also popular in winter.
Swimming Pool and Sprayground: While swimming is not permitted in Lake Marburg due to fluctuating water levels, the park offers a large swimming pool and sprayground on a bluff overlooking the lake, complete with a seasonal snack bar. This is a huge draw for families during the warmer months.
Extensive Trail System: With 19 miles of trails, Codorus State Park offers diverse opportunities for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. Notable trails include the easy 1.7-mile LaHo Trail and the more challenging 3-mile Mary Ann Furnace Trail. Designated mountain biking areas are also available.
Wildlife Viewing & Birdwatching: The park’s diverse habitats, including forests, fields, and wetlands, attract a variety of wildlife. Lake Marburg is a significant rest stop for migrating waterfowl and shorebirds, and it's possible to spot bald eagles, white-tailed deer, muskrats, and numerous bird species.
Disc Golf Course: For disc golf enthusiasts, Codorus State Park features a 54-hole course, providing a unique recreational challenge within a scenic setting.
Winter Activities: During the colder months, the park transforms into a winter wonderland, offering opportunities for sledding, cross-country skiing, ice skating, and snowmobiling on designated trails and areas.
Pet-Friendly Options: Codorus State Park is genuinely pet-friendly, with designated campsites and even specific cottages and yurts (Crab Apple Cottage and one yurt) where your furry companions are welcome for an additional fee.
Environmental Education Programs: The park frequently hosts ecological and historical walks, talks, and youth programs, enriching visitors' understanding of the natural and cultural environment.

These highlights ensure that no matter the season or your preference, there’s always an engaging activity waiting for you at Codorus State Park, making it a dynamic destination for all ages.

When planning your camping trip to Codorus State Park Campground, it’s beneficial to be aware of any potential promotions or special offers that might be available. As a Pennsylvania State Park campground, specific discounts and pricing structures are typically managed by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR).

Promotions or Special Offers:

While Codorus State Park Campground itself may not run individual, spontaneous promotions in the way a private campground might, there are established discount policies through the Pennsylvania DCNR that benefit many local residents. For instance, seniors (individuals 62 years of age and older) and people with disabilities are eligible for reduced campsite prices upon request. It's important to note that the senior citizen must be the primary occupant and responsible party for the reservation to receive the discount. Additionally, while the base campsite price is set, there are additional charges for amenities like electricity and designated pet sites, so it’s wise to factor these into your budget.

The DCNR website is the authoritative source for the most up-to-date pricing, discounts, and reservation policies. It's always recommended to check their official camping prices page before booking your stay. They also detail maximum stay limits (e.g., 14 consecutive nights from Memorial Day to Labor Day, and 21 consecutive nights during the remainder of the year) and requirements for vacating sites between reservations.

Occasionally, the Pennsylvania Campground Owners Association (PCOA) or other statewide camping organizations might feature special deals from various campgrounds across Pennsylvania. While Codorus State Park, as a public entity, may not participate in these specific private promotions, being aware of state-level discounts and checking the official DCNR reservation portal remains the best approach to finding the most current and advantageous rates for your visit to Codorus State Park Campground.

For those ready to plan their visit or seeking more specific information about Codorus State Park Campground, direct contact is always the best approach. The park office and DCNR website are your primary resources for reservations, inquiries, and detailed park information.

Contact Information:

Address: West Manheim Township, PA 17331, USA (Note: For GPS navigation or direct contact with the park office, a more specific address or GPS coordinates might be helpful. Public information often lists the park office at 2600 Smith Station Rd, Hanover, PA 17331, and general inquiries can be made to the park directly.)
Phone: The general phone number for Codorus State Park is 717-637-2816. This is the best number to call for questions regarding campground availability, specific site details, park hours, and current conditions.
Email: For non-urgent inquiries, you can often find a general park email address (e.g., codorussp@pa.gov) on the official DCNR park page.
Website: The official Pennsylvania DCNR website for Codorus State Park (DCNR.pa.gov) is an invaluable resource for online reservations, detailed maps, activity schedules, and current alerts. It's highly recommended to visit this site for comprehensive planning.

It is always advisable to call ahead or check the official website, especially for reservations, as campsites and cabins can fill up quickly, particularly during peak seasons and holidays. This direct communication will ensure you have the most accurate information for a smooth and enjoyable camping trip to Codorus State Park Campground.

Codorus State Park Campground truly stands out as an ideal destination for locals across Pennsylvania, offering a blend of accessibility, diverse activities, and natural beauty that caters to a wide range of interests. For many Pennsylvanians, the ability to escape to a comprehensive outdoor recreation area without enduring extensive travel is a significant advantage, and Codorus State Park perfectly fulfills this need.

Its location in York County means it's a manageable drive from major population centers like Harrisburg, Lancaster, and even the greater Philadelphia area, making it feasible for weekend trips or longer family vacations. This convenience allows residents to maximize their time enjoying the park's offerings rather than spending it on the road.

The sheer variety of activities available at Codorus State Park ensures that every member of the family, from avid anglers and experienced hikers to young children looking for a splash in the pool, will find something to love. Lake Marburg is a playground for boating, fishing, and simply enjoying the scenic waterfront. The extensive trail system invites exploration on foot, bike, or horseback, catering to different paces and preferences. The presence of a dedicated swimming pool and sprayground is a huge benefit for families, offering a safe and refreshing alternative to lake swimming.

Moreover, the park's commitment to providing a well-maintained and inclusive environment, evident in its clean facilities, diverse campsite options (including pet-friendly sites and cabins/yurts), and accessible amenities, makes it a welcoming place for all. The regular environmental education programs further enhance its appeal, offering opportunities for learning and deeper engagement with the natural world.

In conclusion, Codorus State Park Campground isn't just a place to stay; it's a vibrant outdoor hub that encapsulates the best of Pennsylvania's natural and recreational offerings. Its combination of accessibility, affordability (especially with state park discounts for seniors and those with disabilities), and a vast array of activities makes it an exceptionally suitable and appealing choice for local Pennsylvanians seeking their next adventure, a peaceful retreat, or a fun-filled family getaway right in their own state.