The 3,500-acre Codorus State Park is in the rolling hills of southern York County.
The 1,275-acre Lake Marburg has 26 miles of shoreline and is a rest stop for migrating waterfowl and shorebirds. The lake is also popular with sailboaters and motorboaters.
Anglers love the lake for warmwater fishing and can also fish Codorus Creek for trout.
Picnicking, swimming in the pool, and camping are popular activities.
Hiking at Codorus State Park
19 miles of trails
Although the park only has two “hiking only” trails, many miles of equestrian and mountain biking trails can also be hiked.
All trails are in hunting areas so visitors should wear fluorescent orange during hunting seasons.
Mary Ann Furnace Trail
3.5 miles, more difficult hiking
From the trailhead along Black Rock Road, the trail begins on a boardwalk through the wetlands of Black Rock Flats then climbs through a tall deciduous forest that borders old farm fields and comes to a Y.
The left trail eventually follows the shoreline of the lake. The right trail climbs to the top of the hill and gives a view of the campground. Both trails interconnect and connect to a spur that leads to the campground.
LaHo Trail
1.5 miles, easiest hiking
This trail follows the shoreline of Wildasin Flats.
The trail is primarily a single-track path that hugs the hillside, although a few trail sections ascend steep terrain and portions of the trail can be muddy.
The wetlands make this an excellent area for birding year round.
On a grassy knoll in the eastern part of the trail is Wildasin Cemetery, which has a tombstone dated 1722.
Picnicking at Codorus State Park
There are three picnic areas in the park. Restrooms and some charcoal grills are in each area.
Swimming Pool Day Use Area
This area is near the pool and boat rental. Many tables are in the shade of the forest.
There are also 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.
Marina Day Use Area
This grassy picnic area overlooks Lake Marburg and is near the marina, boat mooring, and disc golf.
Main Launch Day Use Area
This grassy picnic area is near the band shell, equestrian trails, and the Main Boat Launch.
Stay the Night at Codorus State Park
Camping
Flush toilets, warm showers, electric hook-ups
The campground opens the second Friday in April and closes November 1.
There are about 190 campsites suitable for tents or recreational vehicles up to 50 feet in length. Many campsites have electric hookups.
Fifteen sites are available for tents only.
This activity or structure is ADA accessible. Seven campsites with electricity can accommodate people with disabilities.
Pets are permitted on designated sites for a fee.
Available within the campground are:
Warm showers
Flush toilets
Boat launch
Shoreline mooring
Sanitary dump station
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.
Swimming at Codorus State Park
The swimming pool and sprayground sit on a bluff overlooking Lake Marburg.
This activity or structure is ADA accessible. The pool has a ramp for people with disabilities.
Summer hours are 11:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M. A fee is charged for pool use. Season passes are available at the park office.
The pool is very popular and reaches capacity on holidays and many weekends. Mid-week swimming is often less crowded.
A seasonal snack bar has hot and cold foods and beverages.
Due to the extreme water level fluctuations of Lake Marburg, it is impossible to maintain a swimming beach. Swimming in the lake is prohibited.
Wildlife Watching at Codorus State Park
Codorus State Park's many different habitats, like forests, fields, wetlands, and a large lake, make it a great place to see wildlife.
Lake Marburg
Lake Marburg at Codorus State Park is a magnet for birds, especially migrating waterfowl and shorebirds.
During the spring and fall, ruddy ducks, mergansers, and scaups often float in large flotillas in the middle of the lake.
Near the edges of the lake are grebes, coots, and wigeon.
Yellowlegs, dunlins, and sandpipers frequent the mudflats of the lake to rest and refuel.
Osprey frequent the lake and can be seen diving into the water to catch fish.
An active bald eagle nest near the lake can be viewed from the classroom building overlook.
Boating at Codorus State Park
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 current boat registration. Non-powered boats must display one of the following:
Fishing at Codorus State Park
The 1,275-acre Lake Marburg is a warmwater fishery. Popular species are:
Bluegill
Catfish
Crappie
Largemouth bass
Muskellunge
Northern pike
Tiger muskellunge
Yellow perch
Bow fishing is permitted in the shallow cove areas.
Lake Marburg is in the Big Bass Program. Large and smallmouth bass must be a minimum of 15 inches long to be harvested and the daily limit is four fish of either species, combined.
East Branch Codorus Creek, along Park Road, is an approved trout stocking stream.
This activity or structure is ADA accessible. A fishing pier for people with disabilities is near 1st Bridge.
Ice Fishing
Except for the ice skating area, all of the 1,275-acre Lake Marburg is open for ice fishing.
Popular species caught through the ice are:
Bluegill
Catfish
Crappie
Largemouth bass
Muskellunge
Northern pike
Tiger muskellunge
Yellow perch
Hunting at Codorus State Park
During established seasons, about 2,800 acres are open to:
Hunting
Trapping
Training of dogs
Common game species are:
Deer
Pheasant
Rabbit
Squirrel
Waterfowl
Hunting is limited to the use of three types of short-range weapons during the appropriate hunting seasons:
Shotgun
Muzzleloader
Bow
Waterfowl hunting is popular and 15 duck blinds are awarded by lottery on the third Saturday in August. Hunting waterfowl is prohibited until the day after Labor Day.
Hunting woodchucks, also known as groundhogs, is prohibited. Dog training is only permitted from the day following Labor Day through March 31 in designated hunting areas.
Mountain Biking at Codorus State Park
6.5 miles of trails
The designated 195-acre Mountain Biking Area is on the northern shore of the park.
The trails crisscross forests and climb short hills.
During hunting seasons, bikers should wear fluorescent orange for safety.
Please respect other trail users.
Horseback Riding at Codorus State Park
8 miles of trails
Ranger Trail travels over rolling hills, through forests and fields, crosses streams, and passes near Lake Marburg.
There are many views of the lake, including Ranger Overlook, which has benches and hitching posts.
A parking lot off of the Main Launch Day Use Area entrance road can hold 40 trailers.
Disc Golfing at Codorus State Park
The site of the 2005 state championships, Codorus Disc Golf Course is rated one of the most challenging courses in Pennsylvania.
The course is just inside of the entrance to the Marina Day Use Area and affords views of the lake.
The 54 holes have paved tees and are spread through fields and forests.
On the west side of Marina Road is a nine-hole, mini disc golf course for children.
During the summer, golf discs can be purchased at the marina concession building.
Sledding at Codorus State Park
A 500-foot sledding slope is at the upper end of Chapel Cove, just off of PA 216. Park in Chapel Cove and walk along PA 216 to the park entrance sign and the trail to the slope.
This slope is steep and too much speed can be a problem. Ramps are prohibited.
Pigeon Hill in the Marina Day Use Area is a gentler slope. Park in the Pigeon Hills Monument lot and sled toward the lake.
Cross-country Skiing at Codorus State Park
There are 6.5 miles of trails in the 195-acre Mountain Biking Area on Bankert Road. Skiers may also use the fields of the marina, Main Launch, and the campground.
Please wear fluorescent orange during hunting seasons.
Ice Skating at Codorus State Park
When conditions allow, a 10-acre area in Chapel Cove, near the restrooms, is available for ice skating. When conditions are good, lights are provided to extend the skating time until 7:30 P.M.
Skating is only permitted when the ice is posted as safe.
Snowmobiling at Codorus State Park
Registered snowmobiles may use 6.5 miles of trails in the 195-acre Mountain Biking Area on Bankert Road.
Snowmobiling is permitted only after antlered deer season in late December. Please wear fluorescent orange during hunting seasons.
