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Pennsylvania
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Pennsylvania State Parks

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USA Parks
Pennsylvania
South-Central Region
Codorus State Park
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Codorus State Park © Lisa Rosad
Codorus State Park © Lisa Rosad
Codorus State Park © Lisa Rosad
Codorus State Park © Lisa Rosad
Codorus State Park © Lisa Rosad
Codorus State Park © Lisa Rosad
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CODORUS STATE PARK
CODORUS STATE PARK
2600 Smith Station Road
Hanover, Pennsylvania   17331

Phone: 717-637-2816
Toll Free: 888-727-2757
Reservations: 888-727-2757
Email: park email button icon
The 3,329-acre Codorus State Park is in the southwest corner of York County, about three miles southeast of Hanover, Pennsylvania, along PA 216. A prime attraction of the park is the 1,275-acre Lake Marburg, which has 26 miles of shoreline.
History of the Area
The impoundment of Codorus Creek is the result of a cooperative project between the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the P. H. Glatfelter Paper Company of Spring Grove, Pennsylvania. This undertaking is the first of its kind in the Commonwealth and is designed to serve the water supply needs of a private industry and the town of Spring Grove, and to provide a public recreation area.

The P. H. Glatfelter Company paid approximately $5.5 million to construct an earth fill dam, 109 feet high, 1,690 feet long and 750 feet thick. The dam itself is on Glatfelter property and is not owned by the park. The gates at the dam were closed to impound water in December 1966. The Commonwealth acquired the park land under the ?Project 70? land acquisition program during 1965-1966. Originally the park was known as Codorus Creek State Park. Lake Marburg is named for the small community of Marburg that is covered by the lake.

The design and construction of the park facilities were funded by the ?Project 500? bond program and the federal government?s Land and Water Conservation Fund.

The main launching area, off of Sinsheim Road, was the first project in Pennsylvania completed for public use under the ?Project 500? Program. This lighted facility, open 24 hours a day, year-round, was dedicated for use on May 9, 1970.
Camping
Camping: modern sites, some with electricity

The 198-site campground opens the second Friday in April and closes the third Sunday in October. The sites are suitable for tents or recreational vehicles up to 50 feet in length. Thirteen walk-in sites are available for tents only. Hot showers, flush toilets and a sanitary dump station are available. Many campsites have electric hookups. Eight campsites with electricity can accommodate people with disabilities. From Memorial Day to Labor Day the maximum stay in the campground is 14 consecutive nights. All camping equipment must be removed from the park for 48 hours before returning.
Nearby Accommodations
businesss listing main photo
The Brickhouse Inn - Gettysburg, PA
BBs / Inns
Gracious accommodations and in-town convenience are the perfect combination for your stay in Gettysbug. 1898 brick Victorian in historic district. Walk to battlefield, restaurants, shops.
16 miles from park*
Swimming
A large swimming pool is open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day, unless posted otherwise. The pool has a ramp for people with disabilities. A seasonal snack bar has hot and cold foods and beverages. Fee charged for pool use.
Boating
Boating Activities up to 20 hp motors permitted:

The 1,275-acre Lake Marburg has seven boat launch ramps around the lake. All are open to the public, but the campground launch is only for the use of registered campers.

Motorboats must display a boat registration from any state. Non-powered boats must display one of the following: boat registration from any state; launching permit or mooring permit from Pennsylvania State Parks that are available at most state park offices; launch use permit from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission.

Mooring spaces may be rented from April 1 to October 31:

18 canoe rack spaces

42 sailboat rack spaces

146 sailboat dry storage spaces

108 marina slips for boats up to 16 feet long

272 marina slips for boats up to 24 feet long
Fishing
Enjoy fishing in a 1,275-acre lake with options for shoreline or boat angling. Species include bass, trout and perch. Ice fishing is also popular during winter months when conditions allow it.

Lake Marburg's warm water attracts catfish while its cold-water tributaries are home to rainbow and brown trout.

The park offers two ADA accessible piers providing opportunities for everyone to enjoy this pastime activity.

Remember that all anglers aged 16 years old and above must have the appropriate licenses before they can fish here.


Location
Codorus State Park is located near Dallastown, Gettysburg and Hampstead

Picnicking
There are many picnic tables scattered throughout the park and two picnic pavilions which each hold 70 people. Picnic pavilions may be reserved up to 11 months in advance for a fee. Unreserved picnic pavilions are free on a first-come, first-served basis.
Bicycling
Biking enthusiasts can explore a 3.5-mile trail, but be aware it's shared with hikers and horseback riders.

The terrain is moderately challenging due to hills and occasional rough patches; beginners should proceed carefully.

Riders must stick to designated trails only - biking off-trail or on park roads isn't permitted for safety reasons.

Ensure you have the right gear: helmets are mandatory under state law for cyclists aged below 12 years old.

Remember that all bikers need to yield the right of way when encountering pedestrians or equestrians on mixed-use paths.

Check weather conditions before heading out as some parts of the trail may become slippery after rainfalls.

Be mindful about wildlife encounters while cycling through forested areas within this recreational area in Pennsylvania.

Always carry water along during your ride since there aren't many refill stations available throughout these routes.
Trails
Mountain Biking: There are 6.5 miles of trails in the designated 195-acre Cross-country Skiing and Snowmobile Area on the northern shore of the park. During hunting seasons, the trails are open on Sundays only.

Snowmobiling: Registered snowmobiles may use 6.5 miles of trails in the designated 195-acre Cross-country Skiing and Snowmobile Area on the northern shore of the park daily after the end of deer season in late December.

Cross-country Skiing: There are 6.5 miles of trails in the designated 195-acre Cross-country Skiing and Snowmobile Area on the northern shore of the park. During hunting seasons, skiers should wear fluorescent orange.
Nature Programs
The park provides programs from May to October. Programs include ecological and historical walks and talks, audiovisual presentations, camp fires, school environmental education activities and youth programs. There are nature trails and a bird viewing station.
Birding
Birdwatchers can enjoy over 200 species of birds, including waterfowl and raptors. There are designated bird watching areas available for visitors to use. The park's diverse habitats attract a variety of migratory and resident birds throughout the year.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
October 26 a great park to go to with your family by crystal
park review stars; one to five my husband me and my daughtre love to go camping at codorus it is a very clean safe place to take your family
June 10 Wonderland by Karm
park review stars; one to five Codorus is a veritable wonderland from the hiking trails and beautiful lakeside picnicking areas to the water-park style pool. I have camped frequently in this State Park and visited Codorus on daytrips many times. The disc golf course is really fun. My niece loves the horseback riding, and my own children love fishing and riding their bikes throughout the campus of the park. Whether you are looking for a nice place to spend the day or even looking for an economical family vacation, this place is fantastic.
February 21 favorite weekend getaway by the washingtons from maryland
park review stars; one to five we started coming to codorus twenty years ago.the park is clean and peaceful. the fishing is great.the staff knows you by name and are very friendly and helpful.
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Area Campgrounds
Cedar Lake Campground
5051 Pine Hill Road
Dover, PA
717-292-2918
Drummer Boy Camping Resort
1300 Hanover Road
Gettysburg, PA
Conewago Isle Campground
6220 Big Mount Road
Dover, PA
717-292-1461
Outdoor World - Gettysburg Farm
6200 Big Mount Road
Dover, PA
717-292-7191
Indian Rock Campground
436 Indian Rock Dam Road
York, PA
717-741-1764
Ben Franklin RV Park
1350 Woodberry Road
York, PA
717-744-8237
Area Fishing Related Businesses
Dug Hill Rod & Gun Club
4100 Wine Rd
Westminster, MD
(410) 848-8646
Area Cabins and Lodges
Glatco Lodge
1341 Glatco Lodge Rd
Hanover, PA
(717) 632-6173
Nearby Hotels
Booking.com

Directions
From I-83, take Exit 8. Go 18 miles west on PA 216 to the park. From PA 116, go through Hanover. Turn right onto PA 216 east and go three miles to the park.

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Pennsylvania
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Pennsylvania State Parks

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