The best camping in Susquehannock State Park, PA

Pennsylvania’s Susquehannock State Park spans 224 acres of forest on a plateau overlooking the Susquehannock River. Five miles of hiking and equestrian trails run through deciduous woods, while at the park’s Hawk Point Overlook, you can peer through optical viewers and see eagles, vultures, osprey, and Mount Johnson Island, the first bald eagle sanctuary in the world. Conowingo Reservoir, a stunning example of hydroelectric power, is also worth a visit, as are the Norman Wood Bridge and Holton Dam. At just 30 minutes from Lancaster and 90 minutes from Philadelphia, Susquehannock State Park makes an easy nature getaway or fall foliage destination in southeastern Pennsylvania. The park’s Organized Group Campground is the only camping option.

• The park’s four organized group campsites are for qualified youth and adult groups only (think school groups, scouting groups, clubs, etc). For more details, contact the PA park system at (888) 727-2757.
• Of the four campsites, two require a minimum of 10 people, while the others require 20 and 40 people.
• Reservations can be made up to 11 months in advance online or by calling (888) 727-2757.

Susquehannock State Park is open year-round. During spring and summer, the flora is full of verdant greens with bright splashes of wildflower colors. Come October, the park’s deciduous tree leaves burst into bright reds, oranges, and golds. Winters bring freezing temperatures and snow—but also two miles of trails dedicated to cross country skiing. During extended periods of cold, sections of the Susquehannock River may freeze.

• If you aren’t part of an organized group, there are many solid alternative camping options near Susquehannock State Park, including Hipcamps, cabins, and RV resorts with full hookups and wifi.
• Maryland also has a Susquehannock State Park about 40 minutes south of here. The Maryland park has individual and family campsites with picnic tables, fire pits, and restrooms.
• Susquehannock State Park is surrounded by other parks and nature attractions. Visitors may also want to check out the Shenks Ferry Wildflower Preserve, Kellys Run Nature Preserve, and the Muddy Run Recreation Park.