$15 - $130 / night

Camper submitted image from Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground - 1

Camper submitted image from Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground - 2

Nature

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People

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Camping

Camper submitted image from Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground - 5

Activities

Established Camping

Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground

53 Reviews

About

State Park

Welcome to Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground, nestled near Wellsville, PA. This spot is a favorite among campers for its serene environment and variety of accommodations, including tent sites, RV spots, cabins, glamping options, and even yurts. The campground operates from the second Friday in April through October 31, making it a great seasonal getaway.

One of the standout features here is the beautiful lakeside views. Some campers have raved about the stunning sunsets you can catch right from your site. If you're into water activities, you'll love the easy access to the lake for kayaking and fishing. The park is also pet-friendly, so feel free to bring your furry friends along.

The campground offers essential amenities like drinking water, electric hookups, showers, and toilets. Firewood is available for those cozy campfires, and you can enjoy a meal at your picnic table. For those with larger rigs, the campground is big-rig friendly and has sewer hookups and a sanitary dump station.

Visitors have noted the peaceful atmosphere, with the sounds of birds and owls adding to the natural charm. The restrooms, while older, are generally clean and functional. Families will appreciate the kid-friendly environment, with plenty of space for children to play and explore.

Nearby, you'll find some local gems like Forry's Drive-In for a tasty ice cream treat. The park itself offers plenty of trails and scenic spots to explore, though some trails might be a bit overgrown. Overall, Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground is a solid choice for a relaxing and enjoyable camping experience.

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Location

Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground is located in Pennsylvania

Directions

The 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.

Address

2200 Rosstown Rd.
Wellsville, PA 17365

Coordinates

40.05400027 N
76.91000081 W

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Access

Drive-In
Park next to your site
Walk-In
Park in a lot, walk to your site.
Hike-In
Backcountry sites.
Boat-In
Sites accessible by watercraft.

Stay Connected

WiFi
Available
Verizon
Good
AT&T
Good
T-Mobile
Unknown

Site Types

Tent Sites
RV Sites
Standard (Tent/RV)
Group
Cabins
Yurts

Features

For Campers

ADA Access
Trash
Picnic Table
Firewood Available
Phone Service
Reservable
Showers
Drinking Water
Electric Hookups
Toilets
Pets
Fires

For Vehicles

Sanitary Dump
Sewer Hookups
Water Hookups
Big Rig Friendly

$15 - $130

/ night

For information regarding reservations, contact this campground directly.

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Contact

General Info

Reservations

(717) 432-5011

Norman A.

Scout

Reviewed May. 4, 2024

Nice and quiet.

We camped in a tent. It was nice and quiet. Lots of birds singing, and owls at night. The bathroom is older, but ok.

Site138

Month of VisitJune

Sharon L.

Ranger

Reviewed Feb. 18, 2024

Wonderful park!

We love this park….it's one of our favorites! We have a small camper and there are some great sites on the lake side to park it where you can get AMAZING sunset views. The restrooms at this park, while they are older, they are clean and pretty much in good order. The lake is very nice and it's a very family park! There are some neat places around and markets are close by. Forry's drive in is great for an evening ice cream!

SiteA23

Month of VisitJuly

(6) View All

Laure D.

Legend

Reviewed May. 9, 2023

Great place to get away

This was our second trip to Gifford Pinchot. This time we stayed in full hook up. Our site was long and narrow but backed up to a field. It’s a quiet campground. The bathhouse was fairly close and clean. Though it was rainy and chilly, we had fun hanging out at our site and our relatives site next to us. There is privacy at the sites because you sit at the back of a long campsite away from the road. Sites were gravel and some weren’t level front to back so adjustments needed to be made to level camper.

Site242

Month of VisitOctober

(10) View All

Casey L.

Legend

Reviewed Nov. 7, 2022

Lot of traffic

So we went with friends of ours and we all have kids. We had to write in large letter with chalk on the road for people to slow down. Everyone was driving way over posted speed limits and the kids could hardly play.

Sites were close together, some more level than others. Swimming/beach area was very nice to have but water was a bit stagnant.

Site216

Month of VisitAugust

(5) View All

Brie A.

Traveler

Reviewed Sep. 21, 2022

Autumn Camping

Went camping here for a the first time with a group of friends and was very impressed with the cleanliness of the campground, privacy from other campers and the amenities they offered. Beautiful scenery as well! Would highly recommend!

Site118

Month of VisitNovember

Alex S.

Traveler

Reviewed Jul. 31, 2022

Nice State park

Well maintained. A great weekend gateway to camp.

Site159

Month of VisitAugust

Gina I.

Ranger

Reviewed Jul. 11, 2022

Outdated bathrooms

I liked our site but I didn’t liked the bathrooms ( outdated and not very clean). We had phone signal & internet connection ( Tmobil-2or3bars) The campground beach is small with cloudy water and a lot of aquatic plants. Crowded in weekends. The trails are not very well maintained. We tried to access the beach on the other side using Lakeside trail , but we gave up. The part that starts close to entrance/park office, was inaccessible with overgrown shrubs and very tall plants. During the week was a lot better,nice and quiet. I’ve seen a lot of bunnies in this campground 🐰

Site11

Month of VisitAugust

(16) View All

Carrie

Scout

Reviewed Jul. 10, 2022

Ok, but not great

Noisy. Listed as wifi, not available. Only one dumpster for trash. Couple got into an aggressive verbal altercation screaming obscenities, leaving, coming back, slamming car doors. Noise ordinance clearly not enforced because the rangers, who literally circulated like every 15 min, did nothing about it.

Month of VisitAugust

Kirsten H.

Scout

Reviewed Jun. 28, 2022

Nice water view, but a little cramped and noisy

The campground was okay, but I wouldn't go out of my way to stay again. The sites were packed too closely together to get any feeling of seclusion or privacy, which to me as a tent or hammock camper is really important.

On one side, my neighboring campers were shielded by some vegetation. Thankfully the site on the other side was not occupied, or it would have been seriously awkward. Our picnic tables were maybe 6 feet apart, with absolutely no vegetation between us.

I got a site right on the water, so the view was nice and at least I had one direction where I could look out and see nobody except some quiet boaters. My favorite thing was being able to put my kayak in the water without having to leave my site. I paddled for hours there, and saw several herons (green and great blue), lots of redwing blackbirds, plus about 100 ducklings.

I don't know what the "quiet hours" are supposed to be, but I was woken at 6 AM not by birds but rather by 5 kids having a grand ol' time chasing each other around and yelling at the tops of their lungs.

In the women's restroom, at least 2 stalls had no toilet paper. I didn't try the showers.

Site117

Month of VisitJuly

michelle

Traveler

Reviewed Jun. 19, 2022

Family friendly

Lots to do, nice wooded sites. A lot to do within walking distance of your site. When we went the swimming beach was kind of gross but they’ve done some repairs over the past year. Lots of fishing spots. Our friends stayed at a modern cabin and they were really nice too. Enjoyed the outdoor church service that they offer Memorial Day thru Labor Day. And for any homeschoolers there’s a great used bookstore a couple miles away (pa curriculum exchange)

Site296

Month of VisitAugust

Jeffrey W.

Traveler

Reviewed Sep. 27, 2021

Flat, large with lots to do

We have been to GP state park many times. It's one of our favorites as it's nearer home and has lots to do.

We usually stay in the B loop at non electric sites. Most recently site 161 which was great. Large and private.

There are several play grounds, a beach and hiking trails. It's a great campground for kids.

Site161

Month of VisitOctober

Laure D.

Legend

Reviewed Jul. 25, 2021

Perfect setting to relax

We stayed in July on site 235. When we arrived, our first thought was “Wow, these sites are narrow!” Fortunately, backing in was fairly easy. Some sites would’ve been more difficult. Site pads are 25’-55’. Most sites had room for just one vehicle. Overflow parking was in the front of the campground. We had an electric site. The entire campground has non-electric, electric, and full hookup mixed throughout the campground. There are ADA sites in B loop that were a bit close to neighbors and directly across from bathhouse but in direct sunshine. There are designated dog sites in B loop/area. Some sites do have a lake view and possible access, it was hard to tell. The non electric sites had a parking pad and then for many you walked into the woods to the tent and fire pit area. There were cabins and yurts available too. The dump station had 2 dumps and was wide open when we left on a Sunday at 12:00. Surprisingly! Check out time is 3:00pm. Bathhouses had 3-4 shower stalls and 2-3 stalls. Good water pressure and temperature and clean. There are several spread around the loops. There was a Sunday service that was packed full. Check in was easy, there was none. Just drive to your site. Swimming was prohibited due to low water level but kayaks and canoes were allowed. No fishing also due to low water level in the lake. The beach area was very nice with a concession building and large bathhouse. It wasn’t open due to no swimming right now. There was another beach area at a boat launch in one of the loops. There are a lot of boat launches around the lake, which is large. There are several hiking trails; Lakeside, Oak, and Old Farm Trails go through the camp area. They are multi-use (ski, hike, & bike). There is a playground and volleyball pit area. You can also find group camping areas. This campground is open mid-April to late October. We had a great short trip here but are planning to return in the fall months.

Site235

Month of VisitAugust

(21) View All

Heather

Scout

Reviewed Jul. 23, 2021

Bad weekend great location

We got there and it was amazing the location is great the only downside of our experience was that it rained the entire weekend. But everything else was great!

Siteloop A site 13

Month of VisitAugust

Suzanne

Scout

Reviewed Jul. 11, 2021

Quiet

Excellent place to kayak Nice sites

Month of VisitAugust

Megan B.

Guide

Reviewed Jul. 9, 2021

Crowded and just ok

The campground and park are ok. Nothing to write home about. A lake for kayaking and a beach in the summer.

Month of VisitNovember

Eliza D.

Scout

Reviewed Jul. 8, 2021

Great campgrounds

We loved staying here. The campgrounds were very nice and clean. All camp workers were extremely friendly! We had just a slight problem with our lot. A huge rock was at the front of our lot that when we opened the door, it was in our way and we couldn’t put our carpet there. But we had a great time anyway! To avoid the rock, don’t choose loop B, lot 218. If not for the huge rock, I would’ve given 5 stars. The lake was also extremely low because apparently there was a problem with the dam, but that didn’t stop us from finding great fishing spots. I wish they would’ve let us know about the lake being so low before we actually stayed there. A quick email would’ve been appreciated, but…The groundskeeper said it would be up to normal levels on our next visit! We loved it so much that we already have reservations for the same time next year!

SiteLoop B - lot 218

Month of VisitJune

Brian C.

Guide

Reviewed Jul. 7, 2021

nice park lots to do

this is a great park. the lake is great for swimming, boating, and fishing. bathhouse are ok.

sites carry. this one was a little smaller than most at the park, but it still worked fine there are full hookups available as well.

Site285

Month of VisitJune

John K.

Ranger

Reviewed May. 15, 2021

1 stop of the season

Nice sized spots,wooded,paved roads beautiful lake. Not a garbage can to be found park wide! Dumpster at either end that's it. Camp sink says to not leave food in sink, where exactly are you supposed to throw it away?!?!

Site227

Month of VisitJune

Dulce Y.

Scout

Reviewed May. 3, 2021

Clean and Quiet

Campground was clean!! Bathrooms were decent and was quiet.

Site115

Month of VisitJune

Bri G.

Scout

Reviewed Apr. 8, 2021

I go back every year

This campground is always a great place to stay. I've been coming almost annually for years and I always recommend it to anyone local. They offer reasonable prices for cabins and campground spots, and the local town of Dillsburg is perfect for getting late supplies or going to a drive in movie!

Month of VisitJune

Jeni N.

Guide

Reviewed Sep. 14, 2020

More of an RV camping spot

My friends and I booked a spot at this campground after visiting Harrisburg, PA. When we arrived, our expectations were let down by the quality of the campsite simply because of its proximity to its neighbors, the site setup and the limited space for our tents. I give it 4 stars because I am sure all of the problems we experienced would not been a huge deal if we were in an RV. Seemed like a great spot for kids/families especially because it had access to a swimming spot.

Christopher E.

Traveler

Reviewed Sep. 10, 2020

Solid State Park Campground

This place is best if you're into fishing but it has the basics covered. Good bathrooms, a beach, and some hiking around the lake. It's also pretty convenient to Harrisburg, Gettysburg, and Hershey if you want things to do. It also has some nice birding.

Nick E.

Traveler

Reviewed Sep. 7, 2020

A nice family site

Definitely not as spread out as we had originally thought BUT it’s a really nice site if you’re looking to get your kids into camping there’s plenty for them to do and see. Now if you’re looking for more of a private place to camp this probably isn’t the place for you as the sites are pretty much on top of each other! That being said definitely worth the money especially if you’re really only there for a night

(4) View All

Cait B.

Scout

Reviewed Aug. 30, 2020

One of my favorites

We spend a few weekends a year here. Nice campground, great Halloween weekend. We stay in A loop

Scott B.

Scout

Reviewed Jul. 19, 2020

Crowded Tent area and chiggers

I came for a hike and quick one night tent escape. I had never been and reserved a tent site online. When I arrived, someone was in my spot. After working it out and came back I noticed just how crowded it was. Lots literally right on top of each other. Felt like everyone there was in the same group but we obviously weren’t. Went to front gate and got a much more isolated tent spot (front gate said they were ALL the same size and privacy and I can tell you he was very wrong). After we pitched in the new spot, all was good. Then I left and woke up with a serious case of chigger bites. Not the best experience to say the least

Louisa B.

Scout

Reviewed Jun. 19, 2020

Plenty of water views, well maintained, busy

Highly utilized state park - only detractor though, just a lot of people! Cleared out Monday though. Very nicely kept. Friendly staff and hosts. Boats for rent and plenty of launches for your own. Clean bathhouses and plentiful.

Site280 - incredible site, water view. Partial shade @ boat launch so busy area

Month of VisitJuly

J K.

Legend

Reviewed Oct. 9, 2019

Something for everyone!

We love this campground!! The area is absolutely beautiful. The lake is large and gorgeous. There are a lot of lake side campsites which are amazing. The hosts are all very friendly. We had a problem with our site and our weekend was saved thanks to the wonderful rangers. We are so thankful. My one and only reason for 4 out of 5 stars are the bathhouses. I wish they would update like Cowan's Gap. I have health issues and am always afraid I'll fall because the floors are so wet. Otherwise, they are kept cleaned up. Honestly, one of my favorite places to visit and we camp at as lot of parks. I hope they'll add more cottages too! There are lots of nice basic (non-electric) sites that are wooded, well shaded and private. There are nice, shaded electric sites. However, if you request electric and water you automatically get sewer too. This raises the price per site, per night by$13 and gives you a site with very little shade. We will return but we will choose an electric only site and fill our A-frame's water tank in order to get a wooded site. This campground is 100% reservable which means that you must select a site when you make your reservation. If you do not live in the area, that is difficult

(10) View All

Craig F.

Guide

Reviewed Jul. 1, 2019

Fun Camping and Lake Activities

We had a wonderful stay at Gifford Pinchot State Park!

The camping area at GP is separated into A loop and B loops with approximately 300 sites. All sites had a paved pad, varying in size depending on the location, with tent site being smaller. Most sites have electric and there are 22 full hookup sites in the camping area. Both loops are peninsulas into the lake, which is convenient to launching boats directly from many sites. Loop A is closer to the designated swimming area with a sandy beach and playground. B loop is closer to many of the hiking trails and also several boat launch areas. It is nice that the camping area and amenities are separated from the public day use area. At the entrance to the camping area there are three dump stations.

During our stay we were at a full hookup site which was very spacious and often hard to find in PA State Parks. Our site was#299 and for some reason the entire site was paved/blacktop, which was different than all the other sites where the pad was paved and the picnic table area was gravel/grass. While this site made it easy to level our camper, it became quite hot in the afternoon/evening after the sun had baked it all day.

Overall, we thoroughly enjoyed GP and couldn’t believe we hadn’t visited before because it is a great state park. Wood is available for purchase at the campground hosts’ sites and ice at the park office. As with most PA state parks, quiet hours are at 9:00PM, which is a bit early, and there is no alcohol allowed in the park. We look forward to returning to GP in the future.

Site299

Month of VisitJuly

Annalie N.

Traveler

Reviewed Jun. 24, 2019

Will camp here again

Rv sites were a bit tight, but there are plenty of trees between you and your neighbors. Bathrooms are clean and in working order.

Joe B.

Guide

Reviewed Jun. 20, 2019

Nice place

Nothing to complain about

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does it cost to camp at Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground?

Camping at Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground can cost between $15.00 and $130.00 depending on the site.

Does Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground have RV hookups?

According to TheDyrt.com, Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground has water hookups and sewer hookups.

Are fires allowed at Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground?

Yes, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, fires are allowed at Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground, although make sure to check current fire restrictions in the area.

Does Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground have wifi?

No, according to campers on TheDyrt.com, Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground does not have wifi.

Is there cell phone reception at Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground?

According to campers on TheDyrt.com, Verizon signal is good, AT&T is good, and T-Mobile is unknown.