One more place to enjoy near York in Pennsylvania
Codorus State Park spans 3,500 acres in the rolling countryside of southern York County, centered around the 1,275-acre Lake Marburg, one of the largest inland lakes in southeastern Pennsylvania. Established in 1966, the park offers a remarkable combination of recreational boating, fishing, swimming, hiking, and camping that draws outdoor enthusiasts from across the Mid-Atlantic region. The park is named after Codorus Creek, the historic waterway that once powered gristmills and iron forges throughout this corner of Pennsylvania. The lake was created by damming Codorus Creek as a water supply reservoir, and its 26 miles of shoreline provide countless opportunities for shoreline fishing, birdwatching, and scenic picnicking. The park is managed by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and remains one of the most visited state parks in the Commonwealth, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors each year to enjoy its diverse landscapes of open meadows, mature woodlands, and wetland habitats.
The land that now makes up Codorus State Park has a history stretching back long before the lake was created. The Codorus Creek Valley was originally inhabited by the Susquehannock people, who established settlements along the waterways of south-central Pennsylvania and relied on the region’s abundant fish, game, and fertile bottomlands for sustenance. The name Codorus is believed to derive from a Native American word for the creek, which European settlers later adopted for the watershed. In the 18th and 19th centuries, the area became part of Pennsylvania’s industrial frontier, with grain mills, sawmills, and iron furnaces operating along Codorus Creek and its tributaries. The Mary Ann Furnace, one of the earliest ironworks in York County, operated near the present-day park boundaries. By the mid-20th century, the growing water needs of the region led to the construction of the Codorus Creek Dam, completed in 1966 by the Glatfelter Paper Company in partnership with state authorities.
Boating and fishing are the undisputed highlights of a visit to Codorus State Park. Lake Marburg welcomes motorboats up to 20 horsepower, sailboats, kayaks, canoes, and paddleboards, with multiple boat launch ramps and a full-service marina that rents watercraft during the warmer months. Anglers cast for largemouth bass, striped bass, muskellunge, crappie, and catfish, and the lake is regularly stocked by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission to maintain a healthy fishery. Ice fishing draws dedicated anglers during winter months when the lake freezes over sufficiently. The park features a swimming pool complex rather than a natural swimming beach, a distinctive amenity that includes a large main pool, a wading pool for children, and a spray park. The pool area offers a bathhouse with showers, lockers, and a concession stand, making it a destination in itself on hot summer afternoons. For those who prefer dry land, the Codorus State Park Disc Golf Course has earned a reputation as one of the finest disc golf courses in Pennsylvania, with 54 holes spread across three distinct courses that weave through wooded hillsides and open fields.
The Lake Marburg shoreline offers striking scenery throughout the year, with the lake’s irregular coves and peninsulas creating a constantly changing backdrop of water, forest, and sky. The Mary Ann Furnace Overlook provides a panoramic view of the lake framed by mature hardwoods that erupt in brilliant color during the autumn months. Wildlife viewing is exceptional throughout the park, with white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, red fox, and bald eagles spotted by observant visitors. The park’s wetland and marsh areas attract a diverse array of waterfowl and migratory birds, making it a popular destination for birders especially during the spring and fall migration seasons. The marina area is a hub of activity on summer weekends, with boats coming and going, families enjoying shoreline picnics, and the sight of colorful sailboats skimming across the open water. The historic Codorus Furnace stack, a remnant of the area’s iron-making past, stands as a quiet monument to the industry that once defined this valley.
The hiking and biking trail system at Codorus State Park includes more than 19 miles of multi-use trails that explore the varied terrain surrounding Lake Marburg. The LaHo Trail, named for the LaMotte and Hokes families who farmed this land, loops through hardwood forests, pine plantations, and open meadows with intermittent views of the lake. The Mary Ann Furnace Trail follows scenic ridgelines and descends into hollows shaded by mature oaks and hickories, offering a more rugged experience for experienced hikers. Mountain biking is permitted on designated trails, and the park’s varied topography challenges riders with rolling terrain, root-covered singletrack, and quick descents. Equestrians can access the Codorus Equestrian Trail, a dedicated path that winds through less-trafficked sections of the park. During winter months, trails become available for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing when conditions permit, offering a serene way to experience the frozen landscape. The park also features picnic areas with charcoal grills, modern playgrounds, and open fields perfect for kite flying and family games.
The three 18-hole disc golf courses are a standout attraction that draws competitors from across the region. Named Red, White, and Blue, they offer a range of difficulty from beginner-friendly to tournament-caliber layouts that challenge even experienced players. The courses host annual tournaments and league play, and the pro shop at the park office sells discs and accessories for those new to the sport. The Lake Marburg Marina serves as the recreational hub of the park, renting pontoon boats, rowboats, canoes, and kayaks by the hour or day. The marina concession stocks bait, tackle, fishing licenses, snacks, and cold drinks, along with fuel for boaters. The East and West boat launches provide free public access for those bringing their own watercraft. The Sinsheim Cove area on the lake’s southern end offers quieter waters favored by kayakers and paddleboarders seeking a more tranquil paddling experience away from motorized boat traffic.
Memorial Day through Labor Day is the peak season at Codorus State Park, when the swimming pool, marina, and boat rentals are in full operation and the park hums with the energy of summer recreation. Weekends in July and August can be particularly busy, with picnickers filling the pavilions and boats dotting Lake Marburg from shore to shore. Early arrivals secure the best picnic spots, and weekday visits offer a noticeably quieter experience with less competition for parking and launch access. September and October bring cooler temperatures and the spectacular fall foliage that transforms the park’s hardwood forests into a tapestry of red, orange, and gold. This is an ideal season for hiking, photography, and disc golf without the summer crowds. April and May see the park awakening with spring wildflowers, migrating songbirds, and the first warm days suitable for boating and shoreline fishing. Winter visits reward the hardy with ice fishing, cross-country skiing, and the stark beauty of the frozen lake set against bare ridgelines, though visitors should check ice conditions and trail status before heading out.
The park is open daily from sunrise to sunset, with the pool and marina operating on seasonal schedules typically from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day. An entrance fee is not charged for day use of Pennsylvania state parks, making Codorus an affordable year-round outdoor destination for York County residents and travelers alike.