Lake Marburg was created specifically for water supply and flood control before being repurposed for public recreation.
The park is a significant nesting site for several species of waterfowl and is recognized as a birdwatching destination.
The Marburg Dam, which forms the lake, stands approximately 107 feet tall.
The park land was originally farmland and forest prior to the dam construction in the 1960s.
There are over 20 miles of trails available for multi-purpose use including mountain biking and horseback riding.
The park hosts an outdoor swimming pool that utilizes a unique natural filtration system design.
Codorus State Park is centered around the 1,275-acre Lake Marburg, a reservoir created by the construction of the Marburg Dam. The park encompasses 3,500 acres of rolling hills and woodlands in York County. It serves as a regional hub for water-based recreation, including boating, fishing, and swimming in the park pool. The landscape features diverse habitats, including wetlands and meadows that support migratory waterfowl. Recreational facilities include 198 modern campsites and multiple picnic areas dispersed throughout the grounds. Several miles of trails are available for hiking and equestrian use, weaving through varying terrain. The park's varied elevation offers distinct vistas of the lake and the surrounding countryside.
The elevated view overlooking the Marburg Dam spillway and the expansive lake basin.
Bring a polarising filter for your camera to manage glare on Lake Marburg's surface.
Check the Pennsylvania DCNR website for water quality alerts or seasonal blue-green algae warnings before swimming.
Utilize the boat launch areas early in the day during weekends to secure parking spaces near the water.
Attempting to swim in Lake Marburg outside of the designated pool area, as swimming in the reservoir itself is prohibited.
The park pool is open seasonally, typically from late May through early September; some campgrounds close during winter months.
Leashed pets are permitted in designated areas; pack out all trash to adhere to 'Leave No Trace' policies.
