I can’t stand it when I hear people complain that there’s nothing to do around here. Don’t get me wrong, you’re not going to find the Grand Canyon, but there’s still plenty to do and see in York County.

Take, for instance, the number of parks scattered across the County. Growing up, it was a summer tradition to pack up the family mini van and tow the pop-up camper down the road to Pinchot State Park. We set up camp for the weekend and, sure, it was 15-20 minutes from home but it felt like we were far removed from our regular life. Sleeping in the pop-up was no easy task–we kids hoped and prayed that we would fall asleep before Dad because if you didn’t, his loud snoring would keep you awake all night.

Breakfast, lunch and dinner were delightfully different. We didn’t just throw something on the stove or pop something in the microwave. Dad built a campfire and we made mountain pies, hobo stew (otherwise known as foil pack dinners) and s’mores, over the fire or on the hot coals.

Whether camping or simply exploring some of the parks around us is in your future, here’s a little sampling of what the county and state parks in our area has to offer.

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