Located close to Hanover, Pennsylvania, Lake Marburg is a breathtaking 1,300-acre reservoir that blends recreational and industrial uses. A special partnership between the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania and the P.H. Glatfelter Paper Corporation produced this picturesque lake, Codorus Lake. While the community and the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources sought a recreational area, the company required a consistent source of water. This lovely body of water was created in 1966 as a result of the damming of Codorus Creek. It is encircled by the vast 3,452-acre Codorus State Park.
Lake Marburg is a well-known fishing spot. Among the many fish that can be found there are largemouth bass, yellow perch, crappie, muskellunge, catfish, northern pike, and bluegill. The east branch of Codorus Creek offers cold-water rainbow and brown trout fishing that complements the lake’s warm-water fishery. As part of the Big Bass Program, largemouth and smallmouth bass must be at least 15 inches long to be harvested, with a daily limit of four fish. Despite recent challenges from the unauthorized planting of white perch, the lake remains a favored spot for fishing enthusiasts.
Boating is a major activity on Lake Marburg, with all types of watercraft permitted, subject to a 20-horsepower speed limit. Seven boat launch ramps provide easy access to the water, and a marina concession offers rentals of canoes, kayaks, pedal boats, fishing boats, pontoons, party barges, and bass boats. Sailing is particularly popular, and boat storage facilities cater to various needs, from canoe and kayak racks to large marina slips for boats up to 26 feet long. Scuba diving is also allowed in one designated cove, with appropriate registration.
Due to Lake Marburg’s role in water supply for the paper industry, water levels can drop by as much as 22 feet in the summer, preventing the creation of beach areas. Instead, visitors can enjoy a swimming pool with a handicap-accessible ramp, while a spray park delights younger visitors. The park has three picnic areas with covered pavilions, grills, tables, and restrooms. A seasonal snack bar offers a variety of hot and cold foods and beverages.
Two 19-hole disc golf courses and two additional 9-hole courses—one of which is a cross-country course—are located in the park. Additionally, 19 miles of trails are available for hiking, mountain biking, and horseback riding, with two trails reserved for hiking only. Visitors are encouraged to wear fluorescent orange vests for safety during hunting season.
Codorus State Park remains active throughout the winter, offering cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and snowmobiling on designated trails. A downhill sledding slope and a 10-acre lighted ice skating area are popular winter attractions. The campground, open from April to November, features nearly 200 campsites, including some handicapped-accessible sites.
The park hosts various events year-round, organized by the Friends of Codorus State Park, an association of volunteers. These events include a fishing symposium, family fishing days, children’s activities, an Easter egg hunt, a Halloween party, ‘Breakfast With Santa,’ musical productions, and more.
Lake Marburg is a popular weekend destination located just three miles from historic Hanover. Although private housing is unavailable along the shoreline, nearby developments offer scenic views of the lake and wooded areas. Hanover provides a wealth of amenities, including quaint shops, artisan galleries, restaurants, and farmers’ markets. The town is steeped in Civil War history, with the Gettysburg Battlefield nearby and a self-guided walking tour commemorating the Battle of Hanover.
Visitors can also explore the Hanover Fire Museum, featuring antique fire equipment dating back to 1770, and the UnCork York Wine Trail. Lodging options in Hanover include hotels, inns, bed-and-breakfasts, and guest facilities, providing full-service accommodations for those not inclined to camping.