Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground

For those living in or visiting south-central Pennsylvania, Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground serves as a cornerstone of outdoor recreation. Nestled in the rolling hills of northern York County, this 2,338-acre full-service park is a favorite for locals from Harrisburg, York, and Lancaster seeking a quick escape into nature. The park is centered around the impressive 340-acre Pinchot Lake, providing a scenic backdrop for everything from morning coffee at a waterfront campsite to late-afternoon kayaking sessions. Whether you are a seasoned RVer or a family looking for your first tent-camping experience, this state park offers a diverse range of environments to suit your needs.

As a local destination, Gifford Pinchot is deeply tied to the community's seasonal rhythms. In the summer, the air is filled with the sounds of families enjoying the swimming beach and the laughter of children at the playgrounds. As the leaves turn in the fall, the park becomes a quiet retreat for those looking to enjoy the crisp Pennsylvania air and the vibrant foliage reflected on the lake's surface. The campground operates with a friendly, professional standard typical of the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), ensuring that the natural beauty of the region is preserved for every visitor who passes through the gates.

Location and accessibility are two of the primary reasons Gifford Pinchot remains a top choice for regional travelers. Located at 800 E Camping Area Rd in Wellsville, PA, the park is easily reached from several major highways. From Harrisburg, a short drive south on I-83 or US 15 leads you right to the park's doorstep. Residents of York can reach the grounds in less than 20 minutes via PA 74. This proximity makes it an ideal spot for "one-nighters" or weekend getaways where you want to spend more time at your site and less time on the road.

The campground is designed to be inclusive, offering features that cater to all guests regardless of mobility needs. Accessibility is a priority here, with designated wheelchair-accessible entrances, parking lots, and restrooms. The park management has worked to ensure that the beauty of the Pennsylvania outdoors is reachable, providing ADA-compliant campsites that allow everyone to participate in the camping tradition. The roads within the park are well-marked and paved, making navigation simple for large RV rigs and family minivans alike.

The services offered at Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground are tailored to provide a comfortable stay while maintaining the authentic feel of the Great Outdoors. Modern campers will find all the essentials for a successful trip, whether they are bringing a high-tech motorhome or a simple pop-up tent. Key services include:

• Full-service RV hookups, including electric (30 and 50 amp), water, and sewer connections for maximum convenience.
• Traditional tent sites for those who prefer a more primitive connection with nature.
• On-site sanitary dump stations for RV maintenance and waste management.
• Convenient payment options, accepting major credit cards, debit cards, and Pennsylvania State Park gift cards.
• A staffed campground office to assist with check-ins, local information, and safety guidelines.
• Seasonal availability of firewood and ice for purchase directly within the campground area.
• Specialized accommodations including camping cottages and yurts for those seeking a roof over their heads.

What sets this campground apart are the numerous features and highlights that encourage guests to get active and stay engaged with their surroundings. From the water to the woods, the park is a playground for all ages. Some of the most notable highlights include:

• Direct access to Pinchot Lake for boating (electric motors only), canoeing, and kayaking.
• An extensive network of 18 miles of hiking trails, ranging from kid-friendly nature walks like the Alpine Trail to more rugged paths.
• A dedicated swimming beach area exclusively for overnight guests, providing a private spot to cool off during peak summer months.
• Well-maintained playgrounds, swings, and slides that make the park exceptionally good for kids.
• Recreational facilities including a volleyball court, horseshoe pits, and an 18-hole disc golf course.
• Picnic-ready amenities such as barbecue grills, picnic tables, and group pavilions.
• Pet-friendly policies that allow you to bring your dogs along to designated "pet-camping" loops.
• An amphitheater that often hosts environmental education programs and weekend evening presentations.

If you are planning your next trip or have questions regarding site availability, you can reach the park office directly. It is often recommended to call ahead, especially during the busy summer season or for holiday weekends when sites fill up quickly. Many locals also use the online Pennsylvania State Parks reservation system for easy booking.

Address: 800 E Camping Area Rd, Wellsville, PA 17365, USA

Phone: (717) 292-4112

Mobile Phone: +1 717-292-4112

Choosing Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground means choosing a versatile experience that reflects the best of Pennsylvania's outdoor heritage. For families, it is worth choosing for the safety and the variety of "kid-approved" activities like the beach and playgrounds. For anglers, the lake is a premier destination for warm-water fishing, regularly stocked and known for its bass and sunfish. Even if you aren't an avid hiker, the sunset views over the water are reason enough to book a lakeside site in the "A" loop.

Beyond the park borders, choosing this location places you in the heart of historic York County. You are just a short drive from the brick-lined sidewalks of Wellsville, the holiday "pickle drop" in Dillsburg, and the world-class factory tours in York. For those looking to extend their Pennsylvania adventure, the historic battlefields of Gettysburg and the sweet attractions of Hershey are both within a 30-mile radius. Gifford Pinchot serves as the perfect home base—a place that is quiet enough to hear the owls at night, but close enough to the action to keep your itinerary full.

While the park is an older facility and some bathhouses reflect that history, the management has planned significant modern renovations beginning in late 2026 to ensure the restrooms and showers match the high quality of the campsites themselves. Even with its older facilities, the park maintains a high level of cleanliness and a "good neighbor" atmosphere that keeps Pennsylvania residents coming back year after year. Whether you're here to kayak the 340-acre lake or simply sit by a campfire under the stars, Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground offers an authentic, accessible, and affordable way to experience the beauty of our state.