Gifford Pinchot State Park
- Status
- Open (per official listing)Daily 8 a.m. – sunset
- Entrance fee
- Not posted
- Day-use reservations
- None mentioned
- Dogs
- Dogs allowed
- Camping
- 289 campsitesAlso cabins, yurts
- Official site
- pa.gov(717) 432-5011
Official page last checked Oct 30, 2026. Details last changed Oct 29, 2026. How we keep this current
Current alerts 1
Partial closure 2027 Campground Closure: Gifford Pinchot State ParkBeginning in 2027, the campground at Gifford Pinchot State Park will undergo a phased closure for a shower house upgrade project. The project… (more)
Beginning in 2027, the campground at Gifford Pinchot State Park will undergo a phased closure for a shower house upgrade project. The project includes major renovations, as DCNR replaces outdated shower and restroom facilities with new, modern, and accessible amenities. Construction is expected to continue through 2029. During this time, portions of the campground will be temporarily closed while other areas remain open as work is completed in phases. Contractors will be working with machinery Monday through Friday. Campers are encouraged to plan their trips accordingly. We apologize for any inconvenience. Day use areas will remain open to visitors. Alternate overnight locations: • Pine Grove Furnace State Park • Codorus State Park
Posted by the park 2025-11-03T10:55:00.000-05:00. Official alert
Overview
In York County, about 10 miles south of New Cumberland, Gifford Pinchot State Park covers about 2,173 acres.
Popular activities here are snorkeling and diving, cross-country skiing, golf, horseback riding, and winter sports. Its trail network totals roughly 18 miles, according to the park. Facilities for water recreation include a swimming beach, a boat ramp, a fishing pier, and boat or kayak rentals. Overnight options include 289 campsites across 2 camping areas, with RV sites with electric hookups, tent sites, and group camping. There are also cabins and yurts for rent.
Hours
Park, gate, office and facility hours are listed separately because they often differ. Alerts above override normal hours.
| Facility | Days | Hours | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Park | Daily | 8 a.m. – sunset | — |
Official wording
The park is open every day of the year, 8:00 A.M. to sunset. Day use areas close at sunset. The park office is open specific hours. The beach, overnight areas, and other areas are open specific seasons and hours. Contact the park office for facility seasons and hours.
Source: official park page, checked Oct 30, 2026. Times are local to the park (America/New York).
Reservations
- Day use
- No day-use reservation requirement mentioned
- Booking system
- ReserveAmerica (Aspira), Pennsylvania State Parks contract
- Phone
- 888-PA-PARKS (888-727-2757)
We link to the official booking system rather than showing live availability, which changes minute to minute.
Pets
Dogs allowed
Pets are permitted on designated campsites.
Service animals are generally permitted where pets are not. Check with the park for specific areas.
Camping
| Campground or site type | Sites | Hookups / features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Camping Season: The campground opens in mid-April and closes in late October. Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground Map (PDF)
♿ With 289 campsites at the southern end of the lake, this park provides one of the largest state park campgrounds in the commonwealth. The campground opens in mid-April and closes in late October.
All of the sites have macadam pads and can accommodate virtually any piece of camping equipment from a large motor home to the smallest tent. Many sites have electric hook-ups. Some sites have full service hook up, which includes:
• Sewer
• Water
• Electricity
Pets are permitted on designated campsites.
Campers may stay in a state park campground up to | 289 | Many sites have electric hook-ups. • Electricity Campers may camp up to 21 consecutive nights during the remainder of the camping season.Showers | — |
| Organized Group Tenting The six sites, which can hold up to 250 people, are in the campground. This modern area is for scout, church, or other organized groups that wish to camp together. Advance reservations are required. | — | This modern area is for scout, church, or other organized groups that wish to camp together. | — |
Camping details from the park
Camping
Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground Map (PDF)
♿ With 289 campsites at the southern end of the lake, this park provides one of the largest state park campgrounds in the commonwealth. The campground opens in mid-April and closes in late October.
All of the sites have macadam pads and can accommodate virtually any piece of camping equipment from a large motor home to the smallest tent. Many sites have electric hook-ups. Some sites have full service hook up, which includes:
- Sewer
- Water
- Electricity
Pets are permitted on designated campsites.
Campers may stay in a state park campground up to 14 consecutive nights from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Campers may camp up to 21 consecutive nights during the remainder of the camping season. Campers must vacate the campground for a minimum of 48 hours after a stay of 14 or 21 consecutive days.
The campground has:
- An ADA accessible swimming beach
- Outdoor amphitheater
- Some ADA accessible campsites
- Hiking trails
- Boat launching and mooring area
- Sanitary dumping stations
- Staffed campground office
- Modern bathhouses with flush toilets and showers
Organized Group Tenting
The six sites, which can hold up to 250 people, are in the campground. This modern area is for scout, church, or other organized groups that wish to camp together. Advance reservations are required.
From the official park page, checked Oct 30, 2026. Site counts and prices can change; confirm when booking.
Cabins and lodging
- Modern Cabins: 10 units
- Yurts: 1 unit
- Camping Cottages: 3 units
Modern Cabins
♿ Ten modern cabins can be rented year-round. Cabins are furnished and have:
- A living area
- Kitchen/dining area
- Toilet/shower room
- Two or three bedrooms
- Heat and air conditioning
Renters provide their own:
- Bed linens
- Bathroom articles
- Kitchenware and eating utensils
Cabins also have boat mooring areas on the lakeshore.
One cabin is ADA accessible.
Yurts
♿ These round, canvas, and wood walled tents have a wooden deck and sleep five people in bunk beds. Yurts are adjacent to potable water and restrooms with showers and have:
- Cooking stove, refrigerator, and countertop
- Electric heat and outlets
- Fire ring and picnic table
One yurt is ADA accessible.
Camping Cottages
♿ Three cottages sleep five people in bunk beds. Cottages are adjacent to potable water and restrooms with showers and have:
- Wooden floors
- Windows
- Electric heat, lights, and outlets
- Porch, picnic table, and fire ring
One cottage is ADA accessible.
Things to do
BikingSnorkeling and scubaPicnickingWinter sportsCross-country skiingGolfDisc golfSwimmingHikingBoatingFishingHorseback ridingHuntingCampingCanoeing and kayaking
Trails
| Trail | Length | Difficulty | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alpine Trail | 0.5 mi | Easiest | Recreations permitted: hiking, biking Trailhead amenities: modern restrooms, picnic tables This wide, flat trail has a gravel surface. Alpine Trail has an outstanding crop of wildflowers in April and May, with bluebells and marsh marigolds. The trail begins on the east side of Conewago Day Use Area.HikingBiking |
| Beaver Creek Trail | 1.5 mi | Most difficult | Recreations permitted: hiking Trailhead amenities: none This trail runs between a small parking area off Squire Gratz Road and Mooring Area # 1 in the northwestern corner of the park. The trail meanders through low lying wooded terrain and can be muddy in wet weather. Sections of the trail can also be rocky. Many habitats, including wetlands, can be seen in this undeveloped section of the park.Hiking |
| Equestrian Trail | 2.33 mi | Easiest | Recreations permitted: hiking, equestrian Trailhead amenities: none This trail has it's own separate equestrian parking area off of Alpine Road. The trail offers a variety of loops and connects to Rosstown Road and Lakeside Trail.HikingEquestrian |
| Fern Trail | 0.15 mi | More difficult | Recreations permitted: hiking Trailhead amenities: none This short trail off Lakeside Trail can be reached from near Boat Mooring Area 3. Fern Trail has dirt and rock surfaces and steeper slopes, and winds through the most mature forests in the park. There are many wildflowers under the large oak, hickory, and tulip poplar trees.Hiking |
| Gravel Trail | 1.2 mi | Easiest | Recreations permitted: hiking, biking, cross-country skiing recommended Trailhead amenities: modern restrooms, potable water This wide trail follows an old road and has a gravel surface. A loop can be made by using part of Lakeside Trail, making a nice trail for hiking, jogging, cross-country skiing, and bicycling. Concrete supports from an old toboggan run can be seen along this trail.HikingBikingCross-country skiing recommended |
| Lakeside Trail | 8.5 mi | Most difficult | Recreations permitted: hiking, biking on designated sections Trailhead amenities: modern restrooms, potable water, picnic tables, benches The longest and most scenic trail in the park, Lakeside Trail may be accessed from all major use areas of the park. Walking time is five to six hours. Many parts of the trail are easy walking with gravel surfaces, but some of the remote sections are often wet. Many hikers combine portions of this trail with other trails like Alpine, Gravel, Oak, and Quaker Race to make shorter loops.HikingBiking on designated sections |
| Mason-Dixon Trail (National Recreation Trail) | 6.8 mi | Most difficult | Recreations permitted: hiking, backpacking Trailhead amenities: none This 200-mile trail system runs through Delaware, Maryland, and Pennsylvania. The trail has blue blazes and follows portions of Lakeside, Alpine, Pinchot, Ridge, and Beaver Creek trails as it traverses the length of Gifford Pinchot State Park. The trail enters the park along Conley Road in the east and Squire Gratz Road in the northwest. Through-hikers may only camp at the park campground. Many hikers combine portions of this trail with other trails like Alpine, Gravel, Oak, and Quaker Race to make shorter loops.HikingBackpacking |
| Midland Trail | 0.25 mi | More difficult | Recreations permitted: hiking Trailhead amenities: none This small trail off Lakeside Trail can be reached from near Boat Mooring Area 3. Midland Trail has dirt and rock surfaces and steeper slopes, and winds through the most mature forests in the park. There are many wildflowers under the large oak, hickory, and tulip poplar trees.Hiking |
| Oak Trail | 0.4 mi | Easiest | Recreations permitted: hiking, biking Trailhead amenities: modern restroom, potable water, picnic tables, benches This short trail connects the campground to the Environmental Learning Center at the western end of the Conewago Day Use Area. The trail is gently rolling and wide with a gravel surface. The trail passes through a maturing oak and hickory forest and past a large diabase rock outcropping near the Environmental Learning Center. This trail connects with Gravel and Lakeside trails.HikingBiking |
| Old Farm Trail | 1 mi | Easiest | Recreations permitted: hiking, biking Trailhead amenities: none This trail runs along the northeastern border of the campground and is a connector between Lakeside, Oak, and Ridge trails. Old Farm Trail follows an old farm road to the top of Straight Hill.HikingBiking |
| Pinchot Trail | 1.4 mi | Most difficult | Recreations permitted: hiking, biking Trailhead amenities: none Wear good shoes on this trail because the surface can be rocky and wet. The trail begins at the Environmental Learning Center and climbs past a large diabase rock outcropping that once formed the beginning of the long abandoned toboggan run. The trail then crosses Gravel Trail and eventually splits into two branches that connect along the top of Straight Hill to form a loop. The habitat is mostly maturing oak and hickory forest. A number of old stone walls provide reminders of long abandoned efforts at farming.HikingBiking |
| Quaker Race Trail | 1.7 mi | More difficult | Recreations permitted: hiking Trailhead amenities: modern restrooms, picnic tables, benches This trail is best accessed from the Quaker Race Day Use Area or from the cabin colony for cabin occupants. This trail has a dirt or rocky surface, uneven terrain and one steep but short hill. This trail connects to Lakeside Trail at its end to form a three-mile loop that passes through diverse habitats.Hiking |
| Ridge Trail | 1.2 mi | More difficult | Recreations permitted: hiking, biking Trailhead amenities: potable water This trail begins near the campground entrance where it intersects Lakeside Trail, then meanders through old overgrown pasture, then climbs into a maturing oak and hickory forest along the top of Straight Hill. The trail surface is dirt and can be rocky and there are some wet areas near the campground entrance. Butterflies often congregate near the openings in the forest.HikingBiking |
Trail descriptions from the park
18 miles of trails
There are more than 18 miles of marked and maintained trails at Gifford Pinchot State Park. Most trails interconnect to allow hikers to tailor their outing to meet their individual desires.
The park is open to hunting. Information on hunting seasons is available at the park office. For your safety, wear orange.
Gifford Pinchot State Park Map
Trail Blaze Colors
- Yellow blazes mark hiking only trails
- Red blazes mark hiking trails that are shared-use trails with mountain bike riding or horseback riding
- Mason Dixon Trail is marked with a blue blaze
Swimming
♿ A large, ADA accessible beach in the Quaker Race Day Use Area is open from late-May to mid-September, 8:00 A.M. to sunset.
Near the swimming beach are:
- Boat rental
- Picnic facilities
- Snack bar
- Children’s play area
Swim at your own risk. Please read and follow posted rules.
Smoke-Free Beach
Smoking is prohibited on the beach and in the swimming area. For visitors who smoke and still want to use the beach, designated areas adjacent to the beach are provided. The restriction includes:
- Cigarettes
- Pipes
- Cigars
- E-cigarettes
- Other handheld, lighted smoking devices
Amenities
Facilities
- Picnic areas
- Picnic shelters
- Amphitheater
- Group facilities
Water
- Swimming beach
- Boat ramp
- Marina or boat slips
- Boat, canoe or kayak rentals
- Fishing pier
Camping
- Tent camping
- RV camping
- Electric hookups
- Group camping
Lodging
- Cabins
- Yurts
Recreation
- Golf course
- Disc golf
- Horse trails
✓ listed by the park · ✕ the park says it is not available. Anything not shown here isn’t mentioned by the official source — that means unknown, not unavailable.
Accessibility
Gifford Pinchot State Park offers a range of accessibility accommodations to ensure all visitors can enjoy its natural beauty and recreational opportunities.
Loop A - Site 20
Site 20 in Loop A is a modern electric site with 50-amp service and a paved driveway with a slight grade and back-in entry. The driveway is 40 feet long and can accommodate vehicles up to 40 feet in length.
Loop A - Site 21
Site 21 in Loop A is a modern electric site with 30-amp service and a paved driveway with a slight grade and back-in entry. The driveway is 45 feet long and can accommodate vehicles up to 45 feet in length.
Loop A - Site 111
Site 111 in Loop A is a modern electric site with 50-amp service and a paved driveway with a slight grade and back-in entry. The driveway is 60 feet long and can accommodate vehicles up to 60 feet in length.
Read more from the park
Loop A - Site 112
Site 112 in Loop A is a modern electric site with 50-amp service and a paved driveway with a slight grade and back-in entry. The driveway is 60 feet long and can accommodate vehicles up to 60 feet in length.
Loop A - Site 113
Site 113 in Loop A is a modern electric site with 50-amp service and a paved driveway with a slight grade and back-in entry. The driveway is 25 feet long and can accommodate vehicles up to 25 feet in length.
Loop B - Site 227
Site 227 in Loop B is a modern electric site with 50-amp service and a paved driveway with a slight grade and back-in entry. The driveway is 55 feet long, accommodates vehicles up to 55 feet, and allows domestic pets.
Loop B - Site 269
Site 269 in Loop B is a full hook-up site with 50-amp service and a paved driveway with a slight grade and back-in entry. The driveway is 65 feet long, accommodates vehicles up to 65 feet, and allows domestic pets.
Loop B - Site 270
Site 270 in Loop B is a full hook-up site with 50-amp service and a paved driveway with a slight grade and back-in entry. The driveway is 65 feet long, accommodates vehicles up to 65 feet, and allows domestic pets.
Loop B - Site 299
Site 299 in Loop B is a full hook-up site with 50-amp service and a paved driveway with a slight grade and back-in entry. The driveway is 75 feet long, accommodates vehicles up to 75 feet.
Modern Cabin 1
Modern Cabin 1 has a capacity of 6 people on one double bed and two bunk beds. Visitors must bring their own bed linens, towels, dishes, pots and pans.
Quaker Day Use Area - Accessible Picnic Tables
There are ADA accessible picnic tables located at the Quaker Day Use Area on the west side of the lake.
Lakeside Pavilion
Lakeside Pavilion in the Quaker Day Use Area provides ADA access with 10 picnic tables and an 80 person seating capacity. There is electric at this pavilion and domestic pets are allowed.
Shadyside Pavilion
The Shadyside Pavilion in the Conewago Day Use Area is ADA accessible with 10 picnic tables and a seating capacity of 80 people. There is electric at this pavilion, and domestic pets are allowed.
Fishing Access
Quaker Race Day Use Area - ADA fishing pier and access.
Boat Launch #2 - ADA accessible fishing pad.
Conewago Day Use Area - ADA fishing pier and access.
Hunting
This park offers accessible hunting options. Visitors holding a DCNR Mobility Device Permit can contact the park office for more information about accessible hunting locations within the park.
DCNR permits visitors with a DCNR Mobility Device Permit to use powered mobility devices on designated state park and forest lands, including administrative roads and trails not normally open to standard motorized vehicles.
Visitors interested in a DCNR Mobility Device Permit can fill out an application and submit it at any state park or forest office.
Swimming and Beaches
A large, ADA accessible beach in the Quaker Race Day Use Area is open from late-May to mid-September, 8:00 A.M. to sunset.
Swim at your own risk. Please read and follow posted rules.
An ADA accessible beach ramp is available at the campground swimming beach.
Theaters and Amphitheaters
An accessible amphitheater is located in the campground near bathhouse 5. There is a paved trail to access from the parking lot.
Official accessibility information
Conditions change. Contact the park to confirm specific accessible features before your visit.
Getting there
- Address
- 2200 Rosstown Road
Lewisberry, PA 17339-9787 - Nearest town
- New Cumberland — about 10 mi south (straight line)
- Coordinates
- 40.0870, -76.8880
- Phone
- (717) 432-5011
- giffordpinchotsp@pa.gov
Google Maps directionsApple MapsOfficial park map (PDF)
Directions from the park
The park is near the metropolitan areas of York and Harrisburg. From Harrisburg, take 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. GPS DD: Lat. 40.087 Long. -76.888
Nearby state parks
Sources and freshness
- Pennsylvania State Parks — park page — last checked Oct 30, 2026; page says updated Sep 3, 2026
- DCNR Find a Park: content-fragment JSON feed used by the pa.gov park finder
- Wikidata
- USGS PAD-US 4.1 (boundary and acreage)
- Photo: Gifford Pinchot State Park.jpg — CC0 1.0 (public domain dedication), JNolt
“Last checked” is when our system last read the official source. “Last changed” (Oct 29, 2026) is when the information shown here last differed from the previous check. Hours, fees and rules can change without notice — confirm with the park before you go. Methodology