Good for kids 9 and 6 near York/Harrisburg/Gettysburg

[lordnorth]

We are new to the RV scene and are getting ready for our first multi-night trip (did an overnighter to the local state park last weekend...)

I am looking for something in the York/Harrisburg/Gettysburg PA area that would be good for kids. We have a 35' Class A and don't have a toad (yet) so we are limited by distance that we can travel easily.

Would LOVE to find somewhere that has horse trail rides at/near the campground, but a place for the kids to play/fish/ride their bikes etc would be great too.

Thanks!

[Crowe]

Love Artillery Ridge. Have you considered renting a car? It might be a worthwhile expense so you don't feel trapped at the campground.

[lordnorth]

RGar,

Thanks for the suggestions. As it is October, I think we will pass on those swimming beaches though.

For others reading this... Dutch Wonderland is an okay place if your kids are young. Once they reach 7 or 8 they will really appreciate Hersheypark much more.

[RGar974417]

Your kids would love Dutch Wonderland which is right next to Old Mill Stream Campground.You can walk to the park. We also like Pine Grove Furnace State Park.Nice campground with brand new bath houses.They have 2 lakes with swimming beaches with new snack bar and bathrooms.There is also some history as it was a former iron furnace.The park is also the half way point on the Appalachian Trail.Through hikers celebrate by eating a half gallon of ice cream from the camp store.

[lordnorth]

Rainy,

Thanks for the info. We actually did Pinchot last weekend for our first one-nighter. As big as Pinchot is, I figured I wouldn't need a reservation. Was I wrong... fortunately, there was a cancellation and I was able to get a spot in the Pet section with Electric. They really need a larger pet section as there were LOADS of non-pet spaces, but every pet space was full.

Have to give Codorus a try one of these times. Right now we don't have any boats or anything of our own, so we really need a place that has "built-in" activities for the kids.

Wish we were a horse family. Would be so great to take your horses camping!

Thanks!

[rainy029]

I'm from Thomasville, being from York you know how close that is. Our local go to campground is Codorus or Pinchot State Park. Only electric hook ups. Dump Station is on your way out. We only stay at Pinchot when Codorus is full. Don't go to either without reservations, been filling up fast, especially if have a pet. Season ends soon also, but not sure when. But they both have fishing lakes. Check outboard regulations if have a boat. If no pet, Pinchot has campsites right along the water. Can fish right in your own campsite. Also has a small beach area. Codorus has kayak/boat/canoe rentals. I have also seen flyers at the bathhouse for trail riding. But do not know how close it is or when it closes for the season. Rangers have nature trail walks also. Both have miles of walking trails. Codorus has Halloween in the Park the weekend of the 23rd. So most of the campground is already booked.

[Drbolasky]

mikhen wrote:
Twin Grove (1 of our favorites)isn't far from Harrisburg and is great for kids. Doesn't have horseback riding or fishing at the campground, but Swatara Creek is close by.

Agree - your kids would love it there.

Haven't been to Appalachian in well over 15 years, so can't comment. Robin Hill lost our business when the corporate zombies took over. While it is still a "kid-friendly
campground, it is not as well-managed nor well-kept as when the Krick family had it. JMHO

[mikhen]

Twin Grove (1 of our favorites)isn't far from Harrisburg and is great for kids. Doesn't have horseback riding or fishing at the campground, but Swatara Creek is close by.
If you want to head east to Shartlesville, exit 23 off rt 78, there is Robin Hill and Appalachian (another one of our favorites). Both offer plenty for kids and great pond fishing.

[lordnorth]

Looked at Artillery Ridge. We are from York, so we are really looking for on-site camping rather than a place to homebase.

We are going to give this place a try: http://dogwoodcamping.com/

Good reviews and the owner replied to an email very quickly and was helpful on the phone. Thanks for the suggestion!

Chris

[esyers]

You might want to look into Artillery Ridge in Gettysburg. I know they have trail rides through the battlefield right from the campground.

Artillery Ridge

The campgrounds at Hershey Park or Dutch Wonderland would appeal to the kids also, but there hours are very limited this time of year.