Gifford Pinchot State Park

Gifford Pinchot State Park, a 2,338-acre full service park, is in northern York County along PA 177 between the towns of Rossville and Lewisberry. The park consists of reverting farm fields and wooded hillsides with the 340-acre Pinchot Lake serving as a prime attraction. Gifford Pinchot State Park is featured in a 30-minute video created in partnership with the Pennsylvania Cable Network, which is available for purchase at their Web site. www.pcntv.com/stateparks.html

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Directions - Weather  - Recreation  - Stay the Night  - Trails  - Winter Activities  - Winter Report  - Environmental Education  - Calendar of Events  - Accessibility  - History  - Wildlife Watching  - Nearby Attractions  - Volunteers  - Rules and Regs  - In an Emergency  - Contact Us  - Downloadables and Maps

Park Advisories

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. DMS: 40o5’13.908” N 76o53’16.506” W DD: 40.087 N 76.888 W On the Downloadables and Maps page is a directions map.

Recreational Opportunities

Trails  - Biking  - Horseback Riding  - Picnicking  - Swimming  - Boating  - Fishing  - Hunting  - Disc Golf  - Wildlife Watching  - Cross-country Skiing  - Ice Fishing  - Ice Skating  - Iceboating  - Organized Group Tenting  - Yurts  - Cabins  - Camping Cottages  - Camping

Boating: electric motors only
The 340-acre Pinchot Lake has three launch areas available 24 hours a day. There are 286 shoreline mooring and canoe rack spaces that may be rented from April 1st to November 1st. Mooring areas include a number of larger spaces designed to accommodate the increasingly popular day sailors and catamarans, while rack spaces accommodate sailboards and smaller sailboats. There are several types of boats and electric trolling motors for rent at the boat rental from late spring through early autumn each year.

Motorboats must display a boat registration from any state. Non-powered boats must display one of the following: boat registration from any state; launching permit or mooring permit from Pennsylvania State Parks that are available at most state park offices; launch use permit from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission.

For complete information on boating rules and regulations in Pennsylvania, visit the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission Web site.

Trails: There are more than 20 miles of marked and maintained trail at Gifford Pinchot State Park. The longer through trails are marked with 3" by 5" rectangular white blazes. Shorter trails are marked with white, double bar blazes. Most trails interconnect to allow hikers to tailor their outing to meet their individual desires. Explore trails for complete trail descriptions.

Hunting and Firearms: About 1,780 acres are open to hunting, trapping and the training of dogs from fall archery season through the end of the traditional winter seasons. Common game species are deer, rabbit, squirrel and waterfowl. Because of the adjacent residential development and the many non-hunting visitors, special regulations apply to all hunting in the park. Hunting weapons are restricted to bows and arrows until the general small game season in late fall when shotgun and muzzleloader use are also permitted. Center fire rifles and handguns cannot be used in the park at any time. Hunting is prohibited during spring and summer and dog training is only permitted from the day following Labor Day to March 31 in designated hunting areas.

To help protect the safety of hunters, non-hunting visitors and nearby residents, signs designating hunting areas, no hunting areas and safety zones are posted throughout the park. Hunters should be especially alert for other park visitors who may not be familiar with hunting and for safety zones near park buildings and private residences in and around the park. The Bureau of State Parks reserves the right to participate in or conduct special hunts at other times if necessary to adequately control specific wildlife populations or to conserve park resources. Please contact the park office if you have any questions or need more specific information. Hunting woodchucks, also known as groundhogs, is prohibited. The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the Pennsylvania Game Commission rules and regulations apply. Contact the park office for accessible hunting information.

Hunting woodchucks, also known as groundhogs, is prohibited. Dog training is only permitted from the day following Labor Day through March 31 in designated hunting areas. The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the Pennsylvania Game Commission rules and regulations apply. Contact the park office for ADA accessible hunting information.

Use extreme caution with firearms at all times. Other visitors use the park during hunting seasons. Firearms and archery equipment used for hunting may be uncased and ready for use only in authorized hunting areas during hunting seasons. In areas not open to hunting or during non-hunting seasons, firearms and archery equipment shall be kept in the owner's car, trailer or leased campsite. The only exception is that law enforcement officers and individuals with a valid Pennsylvania License to Carry Firearms may carry said firearm concealed on their person while they are within the park.

For complete information on hunting rules and regulations in Pennsylvania, visit the Pennsylvania Game Commission Web site.

Swimming: A large, ADA accessible beach in the Quaker Race Day Use Area is open from late-May to mid-September, 8 a.m. to sunset. Swim at your own risk. Please read and follow posted rules for swimming. Boat rental, picnic facilities, snack bar and children’s play area are near the swimming beach.

Picnicking: The ADA accessible Quaker Race Day Use Area is on the west side of the lake and the Conewago Day Use Area is on the east side of the lake. Picnic tables, charcoal grills, convenient parking lots, drinking water, modern restrooms and horseshoe pits are throughout the areas. The Quaker Race area has a volleyball court. The Conewago area has a softball field. Four ADA accessible picnic pavilions may be reserved up to 11 months in advance for a fee. Unreserved picnic pavilions are free on a first-come, first-served basis.

Make a reservation

Horseback Riding: In the northeast section of the park is an area set aside for horseback riding. This area includes several miles of wide, mowed, interconnecting trails that wind through reverting farm fields, pine plantations and deciduous woodlands. There is a large, gravel parking area off of Alpine Road, a short distance south of the intersection with PA 177. There are no horse rentals.

Fishing: The 340-acre Pinchot Lake has largemouth bass, hybrid striped bass, muskellunge, catfish, carp, walleye, crappie and sunfish. Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission laws apply. Pinchot Lake is designated a big bass lake. Special regulations cover the minimum size and creel limits for all species of bass. For complete information on fishing rules and regulations in Pennsylvania, visit the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission Web site.

Disc Golf: There is an 18-hole disc golf course on the east and west sides of the park. In the Conewago Day Use Area, Boulder Woods is a fairly level course that is great for families. In the Quaker Race Day Use Area, Quaker’s Challenge Course has recreation and pro tees in a challenging, hilly course.

Biking: The trails between the campground and the Conewago Day Use Area are for joint-use by hikers, cross-country skiers and bicycles. The Multipurpose Trail network consists of a 3.5-mile outer loop with a number of internal connectors. The trail surface is packed gravel and the terrain is mostly flat with a few gentle hills. The trail is suitable for family use and most bicycles. Please be considerate of other trail users; ride to the right and signal when passing. The trail winds through woodlands and along the lakeshore and is designed for a slow, leisurely ride. Fast and reckless riding is prohibited. Trail access for the general public is from the Conewago Day Use Area. Campers can access the trails directly from the campground. A seasonal bike rental is in the Conewago Day Use Area.

Stay the Night

Camping: modern sites, some with electricity With 339 campsites at the southern end of the lake, this park provides one of the largest state park campgrounds in the Commonwealth. The campground opens on the second Friday in April and closes by the end of 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. The campground has an accessible swimming beach, outdoor amphitheater, some accessible campsites, hiking trails, boat launching and mooring area, sanitary dumping stations, staffed campground office, and modern bathhouses with flush toilets and showers. Pets are permitted on designated sites.

Explore the campground map.

Explore camping for more information.

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Camping Cottages: Three cottages sleep five people in single bunks and double/single bunks, and have wooden floors, windows, electric heat, porch, picnic table, fire ring, electric lights and outlets. Nearby Bathhouse Seven provides toilets, showers, drinking water and a dishwashing station.

Make a reservation

Yurts: These Mongolian-style tents are round, on a wooden deck and sleep six people in single bunks and double/single bunks. Yurts have a cooking stove, refrigerator, countertop, table, chairs, electric lights, electric heat, outlets, fire ring, and picnic table. Nearby Bathhouse 7 provides toilets, showers, drinking water and a dishwashing station.

Organized Group Tenting: The 50 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.

Explore organized group tenting for more information.

Cabins: Ten modern cabins can be rented year-round. Cabins are furnished and have a living area, kitchen/dining area, toilet/shower room and two or three bedrooms. 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.

Explore cabins for more information.

Make a reservation

Winter Activities

Explore the Winter Report for the current snow and ice depths.

Ice conditions should be carefully assessed before participating in all ice related activities.

Ice Fishing: When conditions permit, ice fishing is a popular attraction at the park. Ice fishermen most often catch largemouth bass. Occasionally, walleye, muskellunge, crappies and sunfish may be caught through the ice.

For complete information on fishing rules and regulations in Pennsylvania, visit the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission Web site.

Ice Skating and Iceboating: When lake ice conditions permit, ice skating and iceboating are enjoyed by many visitors. Iceboats must display a current state park launch permit.

Cross-country Skiing: When adequate snow cover is available, many of the hiking trails provide an excellent opportunity for cross-country skiing. The best trails are accessed from the Conewago Day Use Area or the special parking area at the campground entrance. These trails are marked for bicycling and include portions of Lakeside, Alpine, Oak and Gravel trails. Other good trails are the network of spur roads and trails in the interior of the park campground, which are closed to camping and vehicle use during the winter season.

Environmental Education

The park offers a wide variety of environmental education and interpretive programs. Through hands-on activities, guided walks and evening programs, participants gain appreciation, understanding and develop a sense of stewardship toward natural and cultural resources. Pontoon boat tours of the lake are offered spring through fall.

Programs are offered early spring through late fall. For more detailed information contact the park office.

A park-operated nature center in the Conewago Day Use Area is open during the summer. Wayside exhibits and informative brochures help visitors learn more about the park’s natural environment.

Curriculum-based environmental education programs are available to schools and youth groups. Teacher workshops are available. Group programs must be arranged in advance and may be scheduled by calling the park office.

Explore the Calendar of Events for a listing of events from today forward.

Explore environmental education and interpretation for more information.

Access for People with Disabilities

The park office is a completely accessible building.

If you need an accommodation to participate in park activities due to a disability, please contact the park you plan to visit.

Friends of Pinchot State Park

The Friends of Pinchot State Park (FOPSP) is a chapter of the Pennsylvania Parks and Forests Foundation and qualifies as a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. The mission of the FOPSP is to preserve, protect and enhance the natural and recreational resources of Gifford Pinchot State Park for present and future generations. www.friendsofpinchot.org

Nearby Attractions

For information on nearby attractions, contact: York County Convention and Visitors Bureau, 888-858-YORK, www.yorkpa.org.

The State Capitol, Hershey, Gettysburg National Historical Park and Lancaster County’s Amish Country are nearby.

In an Emergency

Contact a park employee or dial 911.
For directions to the nearest hospital, look on bulletin boards or at the park office.

Nearest Hospital:
Harrisburg Hospital
111 South Front Street
Harrisburg, PA 17101
717-782-3131

For More Information Contact

Gifford Pinchot State Park
2200 Rosstown Rd.
Lewisberry, PA 17339-9787
Campground Office: 717-292-4112
Park Office: 717-432-5011
Manager: Bill Rosevear

E-mail: giffordpinchotsp@state.pa.us
An equal opportunity employer

Make online reservations or call toll-free 888-PA-PARKS, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Saturday, for state park information and reservations.