Camping is available at several of the 19 state-run parks and centers in the region, in addition to a number of private campgrounds. Codorus State Park is home to 1,275-acre Lake Marburg. This warmwater fishery offers up yellow perch, bluegills, northern pike, crappies, largemouth bass, catfish, muskellunge and tiger muskellunge.

The 198-site campground has spots suitable for tents or recreational vehicles up to 50 feet in length. Thirteen walk-in sites are available for tents only. The park has more than six miles of mountain bike trails, a seven-mile bridle trail system and a 36-hole golf course.

French Creek State Park has two lakes -- Hopewell and Scotts Run. A variety of warmwater species swim the depths of Hopewell, including northern pike, chain pickerel, bass, walleyes, muskellunge and panfish. This lake is designated as a Big Bass Lake and special regulations apply. For coldwater species, head to Scotts Run, where trout are stocked several times each year. The park has 201 campsites and several cabins available. There are 40 miles of hiking trails, a swimming pool and two disc golf courses at the park.

If that doesn't keep the family busy, how about some world-class lessons in the ways of map and compass? French Creek has developed a permanent self-guided orienteering course for use by visitors of all ages and experience levels. The objective is to locate markers in the park with the aid of a map and a compass. The park is reputed to be the "Orienteering Capital of North America."

Colonel Denning State Park is in Doubling Gap, so named by the "S" turn where Blue Mountain doubles back on itself. For views, visit the Doubling Gap Vista in adjacent Tuscarora State Forest. The park has 273 acres of woodland and a 3.5-acre lake that is full of trout.

The campground offers 52 tent and trailer sites. The hiking trails are what set this park apart. The Flat Rock Trail leads to beautiful views of the Cumberland Valley. Hikers will enjoy the one-mile, self-guided Doubling Gap Trail.

The Hiking and Nature Trail Guide is available at the park office and features a map and detailed description of the hiking trails in the park and surrounding forestlands. In addition to the 18 miles of hiking trails, the park is a trailhead for the 105-mile Tuscarora Trail.

A visit to this region would not be complete without seeing some of its many attractions. For a serenely unique experience, visit Berks and Lancaster counties, where thousands of Amish and Mennonites reside. Steam past their farming communities on the Strasburg Railroad, or share the road with horse and buggy. Drive the 20-mile stretch known as the "Antiques Highway" or visit the Quilt and Textile Museum in Lancaster.

Reading, known as "The Original Outlet Capital of the World," is a shopper's paradise. Designer and brand-name outlets offer clothing, home accessories and sporting goods. Nearby Hamburg is home to Cabela's, where outdoor enthusiasts will find 250,000 square feet of sporting goods showroom.

For a history lesson, visit the National Civil War Museum in Harrisburg or drive the 26 miles of park roads that pass 1,400 monuments at the site of a pivotal Civil War battle in Gettysburg.

Visit Hershey, where the air smells of chocolate all day long. The chocolate factory here, the world's largest, produces more than 1 billion pounds of candy each year. Take a free tour at Hershey's Chocolate World, complete with free samples. Later, relax at Hersheypark, where you can spin and splash through a number of amusement park rides.

For more information about things to do in this region, contact the Convention and Visitor's Bureau in Gettysburg at (800) 337-5015, in Hershey at (717) 231-2985, or the Pennsylvania Dutch region at (800) PADUTCH.