My husband is responsible for finding the campgrounds we visit during our glamping adventures. State Parks can be hit or miss, but Gifford Pinchot was definitely a hit!
First of all, the park is huge and boasts numerous trails, which is something we look forward to since we have a very energetic Goldendoodle.
Gifford Pinchot State Park is a 2,338-acre, full-service park located in northern York County along PA 177 between the towns of Rossville and Lewisberry.
The park comprises rolling farm fields and wooded hillsides, with the 340-acre Pinchot Lake as a key attraction.
WHAT TO DO?
You can swim, fish, boat, or just sit and admire the beautiful lake. There are many trails within the park, as well as in the adjoining towns. If you’re a fan of camping like us, you’ll find the RV sites and tent sites amazing. All the roads are macadam, which is a big plus. We saw people young and old riding around on bikes, ebikes, and scooters. I do not believe golf carts are allowed. Be sure to check out their rules!
Although I am not a tent camper, I was impressed with the tents sites. Check out the video below:
TIPS FOR FUTURE CAMPERS
It is important to verify if your campsite has full hookups. We assumed we would have water and electric, but were surprised to find only electric. Another surprise was the absence of pet-friendly zones. Unfortunately, many full hookup sites do not allow pets, which made it difficult for us to walk our dog in those areas.
While walking around, we took note of some full hookup sites we were interested in for future visits. However, we noticed that availability was very limited. These sites get booked very quickly, so we managed to reserve one of our favorite sites a year in advance.
Additionally, staying at a state park is very inexpensive! With our senior citizen discount, I believe we paid about $120 for 3 nights.
It’s important to note that no alcohol is allowed. The park also offers some nature activities for kids and holds church services on Sundays.
In conclusion, if you’re searching for an affordable camping experience in a well-maintained, quiet state park with a large lake for fishing, swimming, and boating, then you must visit Gifford Pinchot. Just remember to adhere to their rules and restrictions regarding alcohol and pets. Otherwise, visit their website and book your trip!
