Codorus State Park

2600 Smith Station Road
Hanover PA, 17331-8000
717-637-2816

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. Fishing is popular. The lake has good winds for sailing.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Fishing: The 1,275-acre Lake Marburg is a warm-water fishery. Popular species are yellow perch, bluegill, northern pike, crappie, largemouth bass, catfish, muskellunge and tiger muskellunge. Many angler parking lots and areas are available. Bow fishing is permitted in the shallow cove areas.

Codorus Creek is in the Selective Harvest Program. The Pennsylvania Summary of Fishing Regulations and Laws contains all of the information on this program. East Branch Codorus Creek is an approved trout stream. The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission rules and regulations apply.

Swimming Pool: 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.

Horseback Riding: A seven-mile bridle trail network winds through the west side of the park.

Hiking: 5 miles of trails

Mary Ann Furnace Trail - 3.5 miles - Three interconnected loops wind through hardwood forests, pine plantations and wetlands.

LaHo Trail - 1.5 miles - This trail follow the lakeshore through hardwoods and wetlands.

Trail 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.

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.