Are you the owner for this park? Make it a featured listing and be seen in the top search results!
Gifford Pinchot
Overview
Gifford Pinchot State Park serves as a sprawling 2,338-acre retreat in the heart of York County. Named after the first Chief of the United States Forest Service, this destination is centered around the scenic 340-acre Pinchot Lake. It offers a classic state park experience where the emphasis is placed on preserving the natural landscape while providing modern conveniences for travelers. Whether you are looking for a weekend getaway or a longer stay, the park provides a peaceful environment defined by dense woodlands and tranquil waters.
Location & Surroundings
Situated in Wellsville, PA, the park is conveniently located between the metropolitan hubs of Harrisburg and York. The surrounding region is characterized by rolling hills and rural farmland, offering a quiet escape from the bustle of the interstate. Its position in south-central Pennsylvania makes it an accessible destination for those traveling through the Mid-Atlantic region. The park’s secluded feel is balanced by its proximity to major highways, allowing for easy navigation for larger recreational vehicles.
Amenities & Park Features
The campground at Gifford Pinchot is one of the largest in the state system, featuring over 280 sites. RVers will appreciate the selection of electric hookups and full-hookup sites that cater to modern rigs. Most sites offer either gravel or paved camping pads, along with a fire ring and picnic table. The facility includes well-maintained bathhouses with hot showers, a sanitary dump station, and a seasonal camp store. The layout provides a mix of shaded wooded spots and more open areas near the lake.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Outdoor recreation is the primary draw, with boating and fishing on Pinchot Lake being highly popular. The lake is a prime spot for catching largemouth bass and sunfish. Land-based activities include exploring 18 miles of trails, including a portion of the Mason-Dixon Trail. For those seeking a unique challenge, the park hosts two renowned disc golf courses. Beyond the park boundaries, visitors are a short drive from the historic battlefields of Gettysburg and the state capital’s museums in Harrisburg.
Who This Park Is Best For
This park is an ideal fit for families and nature-focused RVers who prefer a quiet, rustic atmosphere over a commercial resort vibe. It is particularly well-suited for paddlers and anglers who want immediate access to the water. Because of its spacious sites and hookup options, it also serves as an excellent base camp for travelers exploring the historic landmarks of the region. It is best for those who value scenic views and outdoor activity over high-speed amenities and organized activities.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Sarah Tilley
Great little campground! Wasn’t super busy during our stay, bathrooms were clean and sites are convenient. Beautiful views, and access to trails is nice. There is a race track in close proximity that you can hear and many planes fly directly overhead, so it’s not the quietest campsite.
Brian Hoffman
Bath houses need updated!! I would hive a 3.5 if possible because of the bath houses. This is the second time I've stayed at Gifford Pinchot State Park in early Fall. I have stayed in the "A" area in electric sites that back up to the water. The lake is large and I've kayaked on it. There is a trail around the lake but hiking is not that interesting at the park. We have stayed here to venture to Gettysburg and other parks in the area. The men's section of the bath house has showers with no private place to change. You have to stand out in the hall with direct view of the door. One of the bathroom stalls had its door broken off and there is a shower curtain covering with a large gap. The urinals appear to leak and there is an odor. Other state parks have much better facilities. Other than that, we have liked our campsite. Not all sites are created equal. I prefer electric when possible. If I go back again, we will need to find other things to do in the area.
Tom Cooke
Overall, this looks like a nice, family friendly campground. I didn't have a lot of time to explore, so my feedback is pretty basic. The section I was in was close to the lake, but it is not in view due to tree growth. In site #304, which was a little small for the RV, and most of the sites in that section were 'not overly large'. This particular site had a slight slope for parking, and the area between parking and the picnic table didn't drain well, so was muddy. 30amp service at the site, which was good, as it was hot and humid and the a/c was nice. Lots of play areas, easy access to the lake for canoes and such. Looks like a great spots for kids and nature!
Charles J
There are about 280 campsites at Gifford Pinchot State Park. The campground has its own very nice beach with parking. There is a range of sites including many with electricity and some pet friendly areas. There are showers and restrooms and a sanitary dump area. Hiking and a mountain bike trail pass through the campground.
Colleen Neidrauer
The campsite was not near as nice as pictured on the park website. It has standing water and mud everywhere. Just this site. It's odd. We toured around the campground and found most of the sites were small and very close together. We came here because we have stayed in the cabins here before and they are beautiful. Well stocked, clean. We expected a bit more from the campground. Also the bathrooms are very old and not well maintained. We are staying a week, hopefully some of this water dries up.