Campground Loop A

For Pennsylvanians who cherish the traditional, back-to-nature feel of a true camping trip, but still appreciate the convenience of modern facilities, Campground Loop A at Codorus State Park offers the ideal balance. Located within the scenic rolling hills of Southern York County, this loop is renowned for providing a more rustic, wooded experience compared to the park's electrically-hooked-up sections. It’s the perfect setting for pitching a tent or setting up a small pop-up trailer for a truly immersive outdoor escape near the magnificent 1,275-acre Lake Marburg.

Codorus State Park, a cherished gem in the Commonwealth's park system, offers an abundance of recreational opportunities, and Loop A serves as a quiet, shaded refuge amidst the excitement. Here, the emphasis is placed on the simplicity of camping—listening to the sounds of nature, cooking over a campfire, and enjoying the company of fellow outdoor enthusiasts. While you will be embracing the non-electric environment, the most vital amenities, such as modern bathhouses with hot showers, remain conveniently accessible, ensuring your camping adventure is both authentic and comfortable.

The entire campground operates seasonally, typically welcoming guests from mid-April through November 1st, coinciding with the best weather for exploring the park’s 3,500 acres of forests, fields, and wetlands. Whether you are a dedicated tent camper or an RV user who prefers to go without hookups for a night or two, Loop A provides a distinctly private and often more spacious setting than the busier RV-centric loops, making it a highly desirable choice for those prioritizing seclusion and shade.

Campground Loop A is an integral part of the main camping area at Codorus State Park. The physical address for the park, which guides you to the general location, is Codorus State Park, Hanover, PA 17331, USA. Situated in south-central Pennsylvania, the park is a popular destination easily reached from major metropolitan areas like Harrisburg, Lancaster, and Baltimore via Interstate 83. Visitors should take Exit 8 from I-83 and follow State Route 216 west for approximately 18 miles to the park entrance. If approaching from Hanover, PA, a short drive on PA 216 will bring you to the destination.

Once inside the park, the campground entrance is well-marked. Loop A is generally distinguished from the other loops (B, C, and D) by its heavily wooded setting and its dedication to non-electric camping. This positioning contributes to its more secluded feel. While its sites do not feature individual electrical hookups, the location is still highly accessible to the park’s network of roads and the main service buildings. Campers in Loop A find that the trails to the communal facilities, such as the restrooms and water spigots, are easily navigable, though some sites may require a short walk. Furthermore, Loop A is conveniently close to the numerous activities offered by the park, from the hiking trails that connect near the campground to the main boat launches on Lake Marburg.

The park is maintained by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), ensuring that all access roads and trails leading to and within the loop are regularly managed for visitor safety and convenience throughout the camping season. The proximity to Lake Marburg—with its 26 miles of shoreline—means that Loop A is never far from the water-based recreation that defines the Codorus State Park experience.

Despite being a non-electric loop, Campground Loop A is supported by a comprehensive suite of modern amenities shared by the entire Codorus State Park campground. These essential services ensure a comfortable stay while maintaining the rustic spirit of tent and simple trailer camping. Key services available to campers in Loop A include:

• Modern Restrooms and Showers: Clean, regularly-maintained bathhouses are strategically located within the campground area. They offer flush toilets and hot, soothing showers, which are an essential comfort after a long day of outdoor activity.
• Water Access: Potable drinking water spigots are distributed throughout the loop and surrounding campground facilities, making it easy to replenish supplies.
• Sanitary Dump Station: A central sanitary dump station is available within the park campground for RV and trailer campers, even for those without electrical hookups in Loop A.
• Camp Store and Firewood: A camp store, typically located near the park office or visitor center, stocks necessary supplies like ice, snacks, and locally sourced firewood, which must be used instead of bringing outside wood to protect the forest from invasive species.
• Reservations: Overnight stays in Loop A can be secured via the official Pennsylvania State Parks reservation system, allowing for bookings up to 11 months in advance.
• Pet Policy: The Codorus State Park campground does offer designated pet-friendly sites in specific loops. While Loop A may include some of these sites, campers should confirm availability and adhere to the two-pet maximum and nightly fee for bringing dogs.

The greatest feature of Campground Loop A is its inherent character—it offers a deeply relaxing, wooded atmosphere that truly feels like an escape. Furthermore, the entire Codorus State Park is an outdoor playground easily accessed by Loop A campers. The highlights that make this destination truly special for Pennsylvania residents include:

• Ideal for Tent Camping: Loop A is often cited by campers as the best area for a traditional tent camping experience, featuring heavily wooded sites that provide superior shade and a more natural ground surface than the mostly paved RV sites. Some sites are reportedly well-spaced, enhancing privacy.
• Lake Marburg Access: The loop is just a short drive or walk from the 1,275-acre Lake Marburg, where visitors can enjoy boating (canoes, kayaks, motorboats up to 20 HP), sailing, and fishing for popular warm water fish. Seven boat launches and mooring options are available.
• Extensive Trail Network: Campers have access to over 19 miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding. The trails, such as the Mary Ann Furnace Trail, offer picturesque views of the park's diverse habitats.
• Swimming Pool Complex: A public swimming pool and sprayground, located on a bluff overlooking the lake, provide a perfect option for cooling off during the summer, especially since swimming is not permitted in the lake itself. A separate fee applies.
• Disc Golf: The park is home to a dedicated disc golf course, a fun recreational feature popular with campers of all skill levels.
• Wildlife and Nature Viewing: The park is a known rest stop for migrating waterfowl and is home to diverse wildlife, including nesting eagles and osprey, offering fantastic opportunities for birdwatching.

To ensure a smooth camping trip to Campground Loop A, it is always recommended to contact the main park office for the most current information, especially regarding site availability, seasonal operating hours, and specific park rules.

Park Office Address (for GPS and Correspondence):2600 Smith Station Road, Hanover, PA 17331-8000

Park Office Phone:717-637-2816

Reservations (State-wide toll-free):888-PA-PARKS (888-727-2757) or via the official Pennsylvania State Parks online reservation portal.

For the local Pennsylvania resident, Campground Loop A is worth choosing for one main reason: it offers the most authentic, classic camping feel within Codorus State Park's excellent infrastructure. If your ideal vacation involves setting up a tent under a canopy of trees and enjoying a quiet evening by a crackling fire without the noise of generators or the lights of neighboring RVs, Loop A is specifically tailored to your preferences. Its non-electric designation draws a different type of camper, fostering a peaceful and secluded environment that can be harder to find in the park's more developed areas.

Moreover, choosing Loop A does not mean sacrificing access to fun or essential comforts. The loop's proximity to all the major recreational points—the lake, the trails, and the bathhouses—means you get the best of both worlds: a serene, natural campsite by night and a bustling, activity-filled state park by day. It provides a deeper connection to the natural landscape of York County while giving you the security and support of a well-run state park facility. Loop A is a top-tier choice for those who believe the best way to experience the Pennsylvania wilderness is right from the ground up.

Campground Loop A

Codorus State Park, Hanover, PA 17331, USA