Timberdoodle Camping Area

For generations of Pennsylvania residents, the rolling hills and picturesque waterways of Codorus State Park have been synonymous with the ideal outdoor getaway. Within this expansive and activity-rich environment lies the **Timberdoodle Camping Area**, the premier destination for overnight stays. Situated in the southern reaches of York County, near the historic town of Hanover, this campground provides a welcoming and well-equipped base camp for exploring the 3,500-acre state park, centered around the massive 1,275-acre Lake Marburg.

The Timberdoodle Camping Area, which is the main camping facility within Codorus State Park, offers a classic Pennsylvania State Park camping experience. It strikes a perfect balance between rugged nature and necessary convenience, ensuring that campers, whether in a tent or a large RV, can find a comfortable and memorable spot. The atmosphere is family-friendly and community-oriented, often featuring special events and a strong commitment from park staff and hosts to keeping the area pristine. It’s a popular spot for weekend warriors and those seeking a longer retreat into the Commonwealth’s natural beauty, providing ample opportunity for activities like fishing, boating, and hiking without ever having to leave the park boundaries.

Named for the rustic trails and the natural environment it occupies, the camping area is divided into multiple loops, offering a choice between more wooded, shaded sites and open, sunny areas. The variety of accommodations, from traditional tent sites to modern yurts and cottages, speaks to the park’s dedication to making the Pennsylvania outdoors accessible to everyone. Local users consistently appreciate the clean facilities and the sense of peace that descends over the campground once quiet hours begin, even when the sites are fully booked during the peak season.

***

Location and Accessibility

The Timberdoodle Camping Area is located directly within Codorus State Park, a jewel of the Pennsylvania park system, which is easily accessible from south-central Pennsylvania's major roadways.

**Address:** Codorus State Park, Hanover, PA 17331, USA

The physical location of the park is 2600 Smith Station Road, Hanover, PA 17331-8000, which serves as the main entry point to the overall park facilities, including the campground.

For residents driving from the east or west, the park is conveniently located just three miles from the borough of Hanover. Travelers using Interstate 83 (I-83) can take Exit 8 and travel approximately 18 miles west on PA Route 216 directly to the park entrance. This proximity to major routes makes it a manageable drive from cities like York and Harrisburg.

Within the park, the Timberdoodle Camping Area is positioned to provide excellent access to the main attractions, particularly Lake Marburg. Its centralized location ensures that campers are only a short distance from the pool, playground, disc golf course, and the main boat launches, minimizing the need for extensive travel once inside the park. The internal roads are generally well-maintained to accommodate both RVs up to 50 feet and smaller vehicles. Parking is available at the individual campsites, with additional parking nearby for second vehicles (often requiring an extra fee).

***

Services Offered

The Timberdoodle Camping Area is classified as a modern campground, meaning it offers more than just a place to pitch a tent. The comprehensive services are designed to maximize comfort and convenience for all types of campers, from rugged tent enthusiasts to large RV groups.

• **Diverse Campsite Types:** Approximately 180-193 sites are available, accommodating tents or RVs up to 50 feet in length. This includes designated **Tent-Only Sites** (about 15 sites) for a more traditional experience, and sites across Loops A, B, C, and D.
• **Utility Hookups:** A significant portion of the sites offer essential amenities, including **Electric Hookups** (30 and 50 amp service available in many loops). Some sites even offer **Full Hookups** (electric, water, and sewer), which is a major convenience for RV users.
• **Modern Restroom Facilities:** The campground features **Flush Toilets** and well-maintained bathhouses with **Warm Showers** (free of charge), a highly praised amenity by visitors.
• **Pet-Friendly Camping:** Pets are welcome on designated sites for a small nightly fee, allowing Pennsylvania families to bring their canine companions along for the adventure.
• **Sanitary Dump Station:** A dedicated **Sanitary Dump Station** is provided for the convenience of RV and trailer campers upon arrival and departure.
• **Alternative Lodging:** For those seeking an upgrade from tent camping, the park offers **Camping Cottages**, **Yurts** (some pet-friendly), and the large **Black Rock Lodge**, all featuring amenities like electric heat and outlets.
• **Campground Host and Store:** A dedicated Camp Host is often on-site to assist guests. A small, on-site store or honor system shed usually provides essentials like **Firewood** and ice for purchase.

***

Features / Highlights

The Timberdoodle Camping Area is highly regarded among local Pennsylvania users for its extensive on-site and park-wide features that offer an abundance of recreational opportunities for all ages.

• **Lake Marburg Access:** The campground's location within Codorus State Park provides direct access to the 1,275-acre Lake Marburg, a hub for water activities, including **Boating** (seven launch ramps), **Fishing** (warmwater species like bass and crappie), **Canoeing**, and **Kayaking**. Mooring spaces are also available to rent seasonally.
• **Family-Centric Recreation:** An in-park, seasonal **Swimming Pool** and **Splash Pad** (available for a separate fee) are a huge draw for families during the summer, offering a refreshing break from the summer heat, as lake swimming is generally not permitted.
• **Extensive Trail System:** The park boasts approximately 19 miles of trails for **Hiking**, with multi-use trails accommodating **Mountain Biking** and **Horseback Riding** (on the 7-mile horse trail). The 3.5-mile Mary Ann Furnace Trail is a local favorite for a scenic hike.
• **Disc Golf Courses:** Codorus State Park is a recognized destination for disc golf enthusiasts, featuring two challenging 18-hole courses and additional smaller courses, adding a unique, engaging feature for campers.
• **Seasonal Activities:** The park is known for hosting special family-friendly events, such as the popular annual Halloween "Trick-or-Treat" weekend in the camping loops, and various environmental education programs, including campfires and nature walks. Winter sports like **Ice Fishing**, **Ice Skating**, and **Sledding** are also popular when conditions allow.
• **Peaceful Environment:** Despite its popularity, the campground maintains a reputation for being quiet and relaxing, especially after the 9:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. quiet hours, allowing visitors to truly enjoy the sounds of nature.

***

Contact Information

For all inquiries, reservations, and official information regarding the Timberdoodle Camping Area, contact the main office of Codorus State Park, which is managed by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR).

**Address:** 2600 Smith Station Road, Hanover, PA 17331-8000, USA

**Park Office Phone:** (717) 637-2816

**Reservations:** Reservations are highly recommended and can be made online through the official Pennsylvania State Parks reservation system or by calling the toll-free reservation line.

**Reservation Toll-Free Number:** 888-PA-PARKS (888-727-2757)

The camping season generally runs from mid-April through late October or early November. Given the high demand for electric and full-hookup sites, especially during the summer and for themed weekends, Pennsylvania residents should book well in advance—reservations are typically open up to 11 months prior to the arrival date.

***

What is Worth Choosing Timberdoodle Camping Area

For Pennsylvania families and outdoor enthusiasts, choosing the Timberdoodle Camping Area at Codorus State Park is an excellent choice that guarantees a blend of relaxation, outdoor activity, and modern convenience. It is particularly worth choosing this location because of its unparalleled standing as a premier, well-rounded state park facility in Southern Pennsylvania.

The single biggest draw is the **Water-Centric Recreation** on Lake Marburg. Unlike many other campgrounds, Codorus gives you access to a massive lake perfect for sailing, motor boating, and excellent warmwater fishing. If your idea of camping involves getting out on the water, whether in your own boat or a rental kayak, Timberdoodle is the perfect launch point. This feature alone elevates the experience far beyond a simple forest campground.

Furthermore, the campground offers exceptional **Value and Variety**. Being a state park, the base camping fees are budget-friendly for residents, and the site options are incredibly flexible. You can opt for a truly rustic, non-electric tent site, a spacious, pet-friendly RV site with 50-amp power, or even upgrade to a comfortable yurt or cottage. This variety ensures that every budget and comfort level can enjoy the beautiful setting. The availability of clean, modern, and free hot showers is a critical factor that consistently receives high marks from visitors, providing a significant boost to the overall camping comfort.

Finally, its **Proximity to Local Attractions**—being a short drive from Hanover and historically significant Gettysburg—makes it a perfect combination trip. You can spend your day hiking or fishing and your evening exploring the historic Civil War battlefields or enjoying local Pennsylvania Dutch treats. The Timberdoodle Camping Area is more than just a place to sleep; it’s an integrated vacation experience, offering the best of Pennsylvania's natural resources and historical significance in one highly accessible and meticulously maintained location.

Timberdoodle Camping Area

Codorus State Park, Hanover, PA 17331, USA