Gifford Pinchot State Park

Star4.38
594 reviews
2200 ROSSTOWN ROAD, LEWISBERRY, Pennsylvania, 17339, United States
Summer Destination

Quick Facts

640 ft

Price

$32 - $200/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

300 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers
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Gifford Pinchot State Park
$32.00 - $200.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Basic camping starts at $32 per night. Modern RV sites with full hookups can go up to $200. Yurts, cabins, and cottages have specific fees depending...
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Standard Site Fee$32.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider
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What Campers Say

4.38

Recommended

Based on 594 reviews

654 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewslake

"Reviews of Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground are highly polarized. Many campers appreciate the park's natural beauty, lake access, and spacious sites, particularly for kayaking and wildlife viewing. However, recurring complaints about restroom cleanliness, ranger behavior, and maintenance detract from the overall experience."

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Campground Map

2200 ROSSTOWN ROAD, LEWISBERRY, Pennsylvania, 17339, United States

Gifford Pinchot State Park

2200 ROSSTOWN ROAD, LEWISBERRY, Pennsylvania, 17339, United States

Driving directionsThe park is near the metropolitan areas of York and Harrisburg. It is reached from Harrisburg via the Lewisberry Exit (35) of I-83 south, then PA 177 south; or by US 15 south to Dillsburg, then to PA 74 south. From York, take PA 74 north or I-83 north. From I-83, take the Newberrytown Exit (32), PA 382 west to PA 177 south.
Accessible via major highways and routes such as I-83, PA 177, and PA 74. Roads are well-maintained, but navigation can be challenging for large rigs due to site layouts.
Nearby places
Harrisburg (approximately 20 miles)
York (approximately 15 miles)
Gettysburg (approximately 32 miles southwest)
Hershey (approximately 30 miles northeast).
Nearby supplies
Local stores for supplies include grocery stores and camping supply shops in Harrisburg and York. Firewood and ice are available for purchase at the campground.

Best Time to Camp at Gifford Pinchot State Park

Experience the park's dramatic seasonal transformations as winter's crystalline frost gives way to spring's gentle warmth. Summer brings perfect conditions for water activities and lakeside picnics, while autumn paints the surrounding hillsides in brilliant golds and crimsons. Each season offers its own unique charm, from cozy winter hikes through snow-dusted trails to perfect fall days when comfortable temperatures make every outdoor activity a pleasure.

Summer(Jun-Aug)
4.0 / 5

Peak season for water activities and beaches; some complaints about mosquitoes and maintenance.

Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.5 / 5

Many campers highlight vibrant fall foliage and scenic views in autumn.

Spring(Mar-May)
4.0 / 5

Spring brings wildflowers, warmer weather and good paddling/fishing opportunities.

Winter(Dec-Feb)
3.0 / 5

Open year-round and appreciated by winter campers, but lake/amenities may be limited.

Planning Tips
  • Peak Season: Typically summer months and holidays; exact date ranges not specified.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
  • Operating Season: Open year-round, but some amenities like the lake may be closed seasonally due to conditions such as algae blooms.
  • Current Alerts: Lake closures due to algae blooms and water main issues have been reported.

About Gifford Pinchot State Park

Nestled in the heart of Pennsylvania, Gifford Pinchot State Park beckons outdoor enthusiasts with its sparkling 340-acre lake and diverse recreational offerings. Whether you're launching a kayak at dawn, casting a line from the shoreline, or navigating the disc golf course through wooded hillsides, this versatile park delivers year-round adventure. Modern restroom bathhouses and well-maintained facilities ensure comfort while you explore miles of hiking trails or spend lazy afternoons on the water.
The campground provides a range of accommodations, including primitive camping, RV sites, tent sites, group camping areas, and unique stays like yurts and cabins.
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Check-in
Not specified.
Check-out
Not specified.
Stay Limit
Maximum stay limit of 14 nights.

Amenities available

Showers
Potable water
Electricity hookups
Flush toilets
Dump station
Fire rings

Activities you can enjoy

Gifford Pinchot State Park offers a multitude of activities suitable for all seasons. Campers can enjoy popular recreational activities like boating, fishing, hiking, disc golfing, swimming, and wildlife viewing. The park also supports winter activities such as ice fishing, ice skating, and cross-country skiing.
HikingNumerous trails are available, including ones that circle the lake. Trails are easily accessible from campsites and cater to various skill levels.
FishingThe 340-acre Pinchot Lake is popular for fishing, with several species available. Campers frequently highlight its suitability for kayaking and fishing.
SwimmingThere is a designated swimming area for campground guests. However, reviews frequently mention closures due to algae or low water levels.
BikingBiking trails are available around the park, providing scenic routes through woodlands and near the lake.
BoatingThe park features a boat launch for campers and supports various boating activities, including kayaking and canoeing.
Wildlife viewingWildlife viewing opportunities include spotting bald eagles, ospreys, and various other species. Trails and lake areas are highlighted as good vantage points.
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Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPotential hazards include toxic algae blooms in the lake, poisonous plants like poison ivy, and black snakes.
Active AlertsLake closures due to algae blooms and water main issues have been reported.

Weather at Gifford Pinchot State Park

Reviews

4.4
594 reviews
Recommended
Recommended
Gifford Pinchot State Park is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews
Reviews of Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground are highly polarized. Many campers appreciate the park's natural beauty, lake access, and spacious sites, particularly for kayaking and wildlife viewing. However, recurring complaints about restroom cleanliness, ranger behavior, and maintenance detract from the overall experience.
Review Summaries
Based on 594 reviews

What Campers Love

Positive reviews often mention the park's scenic lake, excellent kayaking opportunities, variety of camping options, and the presence of numerous trails. Wildlife viewing, including bald eagles and...
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Based on 594 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include dirty and outdated restrooms, lack of enforcement of quiet hours, and unfriendly or overly strict staff. Some campers cited issues with campsite maintenance, including...
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Based on 594 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend scouting sites before booking, especially for RVs, as site conditions may not match online descriptions. Bringing your own firewood and wearing shower shoes are also frequent tips.
Based on 594 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The park is noted for its beauty during the fall, with many campers highlighting the vibrant foliage. Summer sees more complaints about mosquitoes and maintenance issues. Winter campers appreciate...
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Based on 594 reviews

Camper Quotes

"Kayaking on the lake is a must!" - Joshua Hicklin. "Bathrooms need an upgrade and cleaning." - Christi LaPrairie. "The staff was extremely helpful." - April Williams.
Based on 594 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Site 195 in Loop B was criticized for being rocky and overgrown. Site 191 was noted for its lack of water hookup. Site 319, a lakeside site, was praised for its privacy and space.
Based on 594 reviews

Accessibility Features

ADA-accessible sites are available, and campers with disabilities have noted the ease of access to some facilities.
Based on 594 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

The campground has a designated pet camping area. However, some campers noted that pet-friendly sites are limited and not near the water.
Based on 594 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026
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