Codorus State Park
Codorus State Park is a 3,500-acre park in the rolling hills of southern York County, centered around the expansive 1,275-acre Lake Marburg with 26 miles of shoreline. The park offers comprehensive recreation including boating, fishing, swimming, camping, hiking, and disc golf. Lake Marburg is renowned as an important stopover for migrating waterfowl and shorebirds, making it a premier birdwatching destination. The park features 20 miles of trails for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding through diverse terrain from lake shoreline to wooded hillsides. Modern facilities include a swimming pool, full-service marina, multiple campgrounds, and an environmental learning center. The park's proximity to Baltimore and Harrisburg makes it a popular weekend destination for families and outdoor enthusiasts.
Free
Visiting with Dogs
Keep dogs leashed; welcome on 20 miles of trails and campground; no pool/beach. Trails shared with bikers/horses; water; clean up.
Visitor Tips & Reviews
What Visitors Say
Visitors love Codorus: Lake Marburg recreation, excellent fishing and birdwatching, challenging trails, modern campgrounds, marina, playground, Gettysburg proximity.
Tips from Visitors
- Lake Marburg is a premier birdwatching destination during spring and fall migrations
- The 7-mile Ranger Trail offers the longest continuous hike in the park
- Swimming pool is separate from the lake - no lake swimming allowed
- Disc golf course is one of the best in the region with 18 challenging holes
- Mountain bike trails include technical single-track and multi-use paths
- EV charging station available in upper marina parking area
Amenities
Nearby Attractions
Explore these attractions near Codorus State Park:
- Utz Snack Factory TourFree factory tour of famous potato chip manufacturer in Hanover7 miles away
- Hanover Junction Railroad StationHistoric railroad station where President Lincoln passed through en route to Gettysburg8 miles away
- Gettysburg National Military ParkHistoric Civil War battlefield with museum, monuments, and guided tours15 miles away
Things to Do at Codorus State Park
Camping at Codorus State Park
Codorus State Park camping Apr–Oct; 193 sites, 26 full-hookup, reservations required; hookups, showers, pets allowed, alcohol prohibited; lake activities.
Hiking Trails
Ranger Trail
ModerateLongest trail in the park winding through wooded hillsides and along portions of Lake Marburg shoreline. Yellow-blazed trail with moderate elevation changes and scenic lake views.
Mary Ann Furnace Trail
EasyEasy trail to historic Mary Ann Furnace ruins. Interpretive signs explain the iron furnace history of the area. Gentle terrain suitable for families.
Codorus Mountain Bike Area
ModerateTechnical single-track trail system designed for mountain biking but also open to hiking. Rolling terrain with some challenging features.
Lake Trail
EasyEasy trail along Lake Marburg shoreline with continuous water views. Excellent for wildlife viewing and photography. Mostly flat terrain.
Directions
From York, take PA-216 South for about 8 miles. Turn right onto Smith Station Road and follow signs to the park. From Hanover, take PA-194 North to PA-216 North, then follow signs. From Baltimore, take I-83 North to Exit 4 (PA-851), then follow PA-216 to Smith Station Road.