Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground spans over 2,300 acres with 339 individual campsites. Located at 400 feet elevation, the park experiences humid summers with temperatures averaging 85°F in July and August. Winter visitors should prepare for occasional snow and freezing temperatures, as the park maintains limited operations during colder months with heated yurts available for reservation.
What to do
Disc golf enthusiasts: Two 18-hole courses available at Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground, one at Conewago day use area and another at Quaker Race area. "The Conewago area is relatively flat, whereas the Quaker Race course is built into the side of the hill leading into the QR day use area, so it is a lot more wooded and hillier," notes one visitor.
Fishing spots: Multiple shore access points around Pinchot Lake with regular trout stocking. "We caught a handful of bass and an absurd amount of bluegill from shore," reports a camper at Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground. Nearby Yellow Breeches creek offers additional options for anglers.
Kayak camping: Put in upstream and float to your campsite at Lower Allen Community Park. "Cute site in a local township park that not many people know about. There actually three total. You just need to call the township to reserve. The sites sit right along the Yellow Breeches creak so you can put in a few miles up and float down to your site."
Historical sites: Within 40 minutes of most glamping accommodations, visitors can explore Amish Country, Boiling Springs historic district, and York Haven Catwalk. Elizabethtown-Hershey KOA serves as a convenient base, with one camper noting, "If you've never visited an Amish community, you should definitely take advantage of this very unique location by exploring Lancaster County."
What campers like
Spacious campsites: Many glamping options feature generous spacing compared to standard campgrounds. At Pinch Pond Family Campground, "Our campsite was very spacious and the ENTIRE campground was extremely clean and tidy," states one reviewer. The campground offers cottage rentals for glamping visitors.
Private waterfront sites: Waterfront glamping opportunities provide direct lake or creek access. "We had site 114. It has water access and is right next to a small man made beach and playground," shares a Gifford Pinchot visitor about their experience.
Year-round options: Unlike seasonal campgrounds, Cedar Lake Family Campground operates throughout winter with heated accommodations. "Tent site near the lake is HUGE," mentions one reviewer, with another adding, "Cedar Creek was amazing and clean. Staff was friendly and courteous. Price is affordable."
Diverse camping accommodations: From primitive tents to upscale glamping structures, most parks offer multiple lodging types. At Codorus State Park, "There is a wide variety of sites so finding one that you like should not be difficult, there are some in wide-open park-like settings, and some that are treed."
What you should know
Shower facilities vary: Quality and availability of shower facilities differs between parks. At Codorus State Park Campground, "Campground bath houses were very clean, nice hot showers with great showerhead that stayed on without pushing a button."
Insect concerns: Poison ivy and biting insects can be problematic in summer months. One Gifford Pinchot visitor warned, "BEWARE of poison ivy!! We played the first 10 holes around the Conewago day use area and I was shocked at how much poison ivy we had to dodge."
Noise factors: Some glamping locations experience noise disruption. At Pinch Pond Family Campground, a reviewer cautions, "There's a shooting range near the property, so at all hours you will hear target practice going on."
Reservation policies: Most glamping units require advance booking, especially during peak season. For River Rock Recreation, "There are three options for pricing. Option 1 is $90/night for three people and that includes 2 hammocks and 1 bundle of wood. Option 2 is $150/night for up to 6 people."
Tips for camping with families
Beach access options: Several parks feature swimming areas ideal for children. At Gifford Pinchot, "The LARGE beach area in the QR day use area is one of the nicest I've ever seen at a PA state park, with tons of picnic tables with grills, a playground, a volleyball court."
Kid-friendly activities: Parks offer structured programming for younger visitors. Cedar Lake Family Campground "has it all, friendly staff, activities galore, cleanliness, & fun, fun, fun," according to a reviewer.
First-timer friendly: Glamping in Lewisberry provides good introduction to outdoor recreation. One parent shared, "We took our 3 yo camping for the first time here. He had so much fun. It was clean campground located in a State Park. Easy walk to the lake with a small beach."
Wildlife viewing opportunities: Animal sightings enhance the family experience. One camper mentions, "If you sit by the river long enough you may see a barn owl fly by in the evening and back again in the morning. My boys spotted the nest while kayaking."
Tips from RVers
Site selection strategies: Research site dimensions before booking. At Hersheypark Camping Resort, one RVer noted, "They had pull through sites which I was looking for. Sites were a bit close where we were but they had other sites that were more spread out."
Seasonal considerations: Winter glamping options limited but available at select parks. A winter visitor to Deer Run Campgrounds shares, "We took a chance in September 2020 and decided to make plans to camp for two nights so we could get some hiking in nearby at the Pine Grove Furnace State Park."
Utility hookups: Electric options range from 20-50 amp service depending on location. At Elizabethtown-Hershey KOA, "If you're looking for trees and privacy, stick to the sites at the bottom of the hill. The sites closer to the entrance of the park near all the amenities were definitely packed in tightly."
Road conditions: Some glamping sites have narrow access roads. One RVer at Cedar Lake Family Campground mentioned, "Roads are narrow, but the sites are large and level. The lake is nice and they stock it with trout."
