Gifford Pinchot State Park RV & Campground Guide
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The stunning 2,338-acre Gifford Pinchot State Park is located in the northern part of York County, Pennsylvania. Visitors can explore the breathtaking farm fields and rolling wooded hills. One of the major attractions year-round is 340-acre Pinchot Lake, where you can fish, swim and boat. During the winter when the lake freezes over, many locals head out to skate on the natural ice. Explorers interested in learning more about the area can join the Pinchot Lake pontoon boat tour. This state park isn't far from the prominent communities of York and Harrisburg.
Spring 32–73 F
Summer 61–86 F
Fall 35–77 F
Winter 23–44 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Gifford Pinchot State Park
The 289-site campground at Gifford Pinchot State Park sits on the southern edge of the lake. It's one of the largest state park campgrounds in Pennsylvania, and it's open from the beginning of April through the end of October. Every site comes with a large macadam pad that can accommodate both motorhomes and tents. Most of the sites have electric hookups, and a few offer full hookups. Pets are permitted at designated sites. You're welcome to stay for up to 14 consecutive nights between Memorial Day and Labor Day. Outside of this season, you can camp for up to 21 consecutive nights. Other amenities to look forward to include convenient sanitary dumping stations, modern bathhouses and a campground office with responsive staff.
What to Do at
Gifford Pinchot State Park
Check out the concessions building in the Conewago Day Use Area to snag a rowboat, paddleboat, canoe or kayak. You can rent these watercraft by the hour, day or week. Both day-use areas are ADA-accessible and offer perks like tables, barbecue grills, horseshoe pits and drinking water. The west side day-use area boasts a volleyball court, while the one on the east side of the lake has a softball field.
Visit Gifford Pinchot State Park any time of year to enjoy exciting wildlife viewing, disc golfing, horseback riding, hiking and more.
Fishing
Pinchot Lake is a thriving warm-water fishery that's designated as a Big Bass Lake. The most commonly caught species include carp, walleye, catfish, largemouth bass, sunfish and crappie. Be sure to follow all posted regulations concerning the minimum size and creel limits for bass. Ice fishing for crappie, sunfish and muskellunge is also popular in the winter.
Nature Watching
This state park has more than seven species of woodpeckers, and countless migratory birds visit between spring and fall. You may see thrushes, warblers, snow geese, loons, vireos or mallards. The local dragonflies, butterflies and damselflies reach incredible numbers in the summer.
Stargazing
Gifford Pinchot State Park is a great spot for stargazing in York County. Much of the area around the lake is clear, giving you an amazing view of the nighttime sky. The best time for stargazing in Pennsylvania is between fall and spring when the sky is typically the clearest.
Flora and Fauna
During the spring, you can see fields of blooming spring beauties, bluebells and other wildflowers. Younger animals like spotted fawns are often spotted in the summer grazing on the lush vegetation. In the fall, the leaves will change from green to vibrant oranges, reds and yellows. However, the oval-shaped eastern red cedar will keep its sharp green nettles.
Hiking
You'll find 18 miles of marked trails within this park. Those with yellow blazes are meant for hikers only. The short and easy Alpine Trail is a spring favorite ideal for wildflower viewing. The 1.7-mile Quaker Race Trail offers a most difficult hiking experience along with amenities like picnic tables and restrooms.
Boating
The three boat launch areas around Pinchot Lake are open 24 hours a day. You can also rent one of the 286 mooring or canoe spaces between April 1 and Oct. 1. Only boats with electric motors are permitted on the lake, and you must drive at a slow, no-wake speed.
Swimming
The Quaker Race Day Use Area has an accessible beach that allows swimming at your own risk. A snack bar, children's play area and picnic facility are nearby. All forms of smoking are prohibited here. The beach is open from the end of May until mid-September.
Biking
Bicyclists are free to enjoy the 4 miles of multi-use trails. These paths are mostly even and made with packed gravel. They wind through the enchanting woodlands and along the lake. Optimally designed for a slow and leisurely ride, these trails are perfect for family use and most standard bicycles.
How to Get to
Gifford Pinchot State Park
If you're visiting from Harrisburg, you'll take the Lewisberry Exit on I-83 South, then turn onto PA 177 and follow it to the park. From York, drive from PA 74 North to I-83. After taking the Newberrytown Exit, follow PA 382 West to PA 177 South. Harrisburg is 25 minutes away, while downtown York is about a half hour away.
Entering Gifford Pinchot State Park
This state park is open from sunrise to sunset. You'll find several paved, unpaved and horse-trailer-specific parking lots. You're only allowed to park in designated areas, and one vehicle is permitted per campsite.
Admission and parking at Pennsylvania state parks are free. However, there may be fees for some activities like using the picnic pavilions, boat launches, mooring area or swimming beach.
Frequently Asked Questions About Gifford Pinchot State Park
Your family will adore the chance to boat, water ski, swim and picnic during the warm season. If you want to beat the crowds, stop by in the winter for ice skating, ice fishing and ice boating.
Keep a careful eye out for white-tailed deer, eastern cottontails, fox squirrels, gray foxes, shrews and weasels. Birders may see goldfinches, cardinals, ruffed grouses and chickadees.
All the 289 campsites have large pads that can easily fit most RVs. While there are many spots with electric hookups, full hookup sites are limited.
Staying overnight at Gifford Pinchot State Park does require a reservation. You can book your site up to 11 months in advance online or by calling the park office. Each booking will include a nonrefundable $6.50 transaction fee.
Visitors are welcome to bring their pets to the day-use areas and designated campsites. It's a good idea to call ahead to find out exactly which areas are pet-friendly. Your pet must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet when outside your vehicle and may not be left alone inside your vehicle. Your dog must wear a collar with current tags at all times. Pets must always be supervised and cleaned up after.