Explore Gifford Pinchot State Park - Section A in 360°
This campground has a full virtual tour with interactive campsite markers. Walk through every loop, inspect individual sites, and see the views before you book.
Launch Virtual Tour →What campers say
Large state park centered on a pleasant lake, popular for paddling, fishing, hiking and wildlife viewing. Family-friendly campsites, playgrounds and an accessible ramp into the water are highlighted, and visible ranger presence makes many visitors feel safe. Trails and lake loops offer good hiking but can be muddy, overgrown in spots, and include nearby hunting areas — plan accordingly. Facility upkeep reports are mixed: some praise park cleanliness and volunteer efforts, while others note dated or occasionally closed restrooms and showers that could use updating. A solid choice for outdoor activities if you accept those tradeoffs.
Our summary of 3,641 traveler reviews.
✅ Amenities & Features
📖 About This Campground
- Campsites: The park offers 289 campsites at the southern end of the lake, making it one of the largest state park campgrounds in Pennsylvania. Each site is equipped with a picnic table and fire ring. The campground operates from the second Friday in April through the end of October.
- Cottages: Three cottages are available, each accommodating up to five people. Amenities include wooden floors, electric heat, a porch, picnic table, fire ring, electric lights, and outlets. Nearby Bathhouse Seven provides toilets, showers, drinking water, and a dishwashing station.
- Restrooms and Showers: Restroom bathhouses with wash sinks are within walking distance of campsites. Communal water hydrants are available throughout the campground. A dump station is accessible for an additional fee.
- Swimming: A designated swimming area is available for overnight guests when the beach is open for swimming.
- Recreational Facilities: The park features a playground, volleyball court, and horseshoe pits.
- Hiking: The park offers more than 18 miles of marked and maintained trails, including the Lakeside Trail, which provides scenic views of the lake.
- Boating and Fishing: Pinchot Lake is popular for boating, fishing, and other water sports. A boat launch is available for overnight guests.
- Horseback Riding: In the northeast section of the park, there is an area set aside for horseback riding, featuring several miles of wide, mowed, interconnecting trails.