The best camping near Gifford Pinchot State Park

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Gifford Pinchot State Park adventure.

Discover the scenic beauty of Gifford Pinchot State Park and its myriad activities.

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Community favorites near Gifford Pinchot State Park

Top-rated campgrounds near Gifford Pinchot State Park

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Christmas Tree Farm with Views

7 sites · RVs, Tents16 acres · Elizabethtown, PA

In 1990, Scott and Sue Miller purchased a 16-acre farm in Elizabethtown, Pa with the intentions of starting a select cut Christmas tree farm. 15,000 trees were purchased and planted on the farm. Six years later, the first tree was sold and since then, the farm has expanded its operations to Bernville, Pa. Camp on our 16 acre Christmas tree farm in an Amish neighbors with horses. Within 30 minute drive to Hershey park, Mt Gretna , Lebanon, Lancaster, Harrisburg, York. Enjoy hiking and biking trails nearby and the many attractions. Great view for star gazing and sunsets. Firewood available for purchase. We have a stone parking lot for RV campers Tent campers can set up in the trees and lanes. An outdoor portable toilet is available and water is available at an outside spigot. We are open January through Mid November. We have 6 sites available with fire pits. You are able to drive and park next to the site. Sites are available first come first served. Four persons per site additional $5 per night fee for extra guests. We sell Miller’s Christmas tree farms stickers.

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Esidarap Mountain

2 sites · RVs, Tents50 acres · Abbottstown, PA

Campsite: We were inspired to make a campsite from having friends camp here with us on a whim. They suggested we have more people come up here to camp. They told us about Hipcamp and we looked into. Since then we have mowed, removed dead standing trees, built a privy, cleared brush, graded the site, cut firewood, and many more projects to enhance the site. We named the camp Esidarap. Can you tell what Esidarap backwoods is. Note: for the winter months we are closed, will reopen in march. The furthest we are open at any given moment is about six months Description of camp: At this camp we only allow one group at a time for privacy. The campsite is a big level hilltop clearing surrounded by acres woods. We have a stone driveway that leads to the site that gets you back into the woods. The driveway is wide enough for trucks, trailers, vans, etc. Since the site is up high it gets a great breeze which helps on warm days and gets good cell service. The campsite gets great sun and has shaded areas along the sides that make for good tent pitching. We have had people set up hammocks, tents, tarps, or camp in their vehicle. We provide a privy (outhouse), an outdoor showerroom/changing room, a charcoal cooking pit, picnic tables, and a metal fire pit with grill rack that you can put in the fire pit if you wish to cook/grill over it. The woods are hilly so biking is not recomended. On the property we have 2+ miles of hiking trails that are marked with fluorescent ribbon. PLEASE feel free to contact us for any questions. Also please look at our pictures for a better idea of what we offer. Nearby Activities: A short drive from here will take you to Gettysburg, York, or Hanover. There are many excellent restaurants and brewpubs nearby, including the award winning Warehouse Gourmet Bistro and Brewpub. For more information read our activities section to find out what other things we provide or have nearby that you can do. Pricing/Offers: *If people do not book the site within a few days of availability we may lower the price. So if you are unsure please click on the days you wish to camp and check the price. Also holidays are priced a little more like 4th of July, Memorial Day, and labor day We have a weeknight discount for the site which is 29 dollars (Sunday-Thurdsay nights). Friday night and Saturday night we charge 35 dollars. Any additional guests after five we charge 9.50 dollars per person. We allow up to 10 guests total. We have some available offers listed on our site that you may purchase when you book the site. These include ice water. For more information on these items please go to our Extras section. Things we ask: Extinguish camp fires that are unattended and to only make them in the designated fire pit/ BBQ pit, no noise past 9 o'clock, discharging of firearms and fireworks are prohibited, do not bring firewood (in order to prevent invasive bug spread), please keep your pets attended/on a leash, clean up after your pets, be respectful of wildlife (take memories leave only footprints), and have fun.

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The Lodge On Saw Mill

2 sites · RVs, Tents6 acres · Messiah College, PA

The Lodge On Saw Mill is a 501c3 nonprofit animal rescue and farm sanctuary. We currently have 21 rescues on our little six acre farm with room to grow for about 100 more. We are always a work in progress but we are proud of what we’ve accomplished so far. Some of our rescues are the sweetest little farm animals you’ll ever meet. We are in a rural setting. The Yellow Breeches is just around the corner.

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Willet Family Farm

5 sites · RVs, Tents12 acres · Westminster, MD

Named “Favorite Hipcamp Site in the State of Maryland" by OUTSIDE MAGAZINE in 2020! The tallest structure on our farm is the windmill, constructed in 1874, and it quickly became the logo for our farm because a windmill is something that harnesses power for a specific purpose. For many generations, the windmill harnessed the power of the wind to grind grain or pump water, but now in the 21st century, Willet Family Farm hopes to harness the power of the outdoors to benefit every guest that comes to visit. The Willet Farm survived many hardships including The Great Depression, the 1999 tornado that destroyed the barn, and cancer that claimed the life of family members too early. In 2006, The farm had to be sold outside of the family, but in an effort to honor past generations and preserve the heritage of what the farm stood for (faith, family and hard work), Jeremy and Kathleen Willet purchased the farm back in 2017. The 13 acre farm is perfectly located in the middle of over 200 acres of farmland owned by parents and cousins. Since that time, we have welcomed over 200 guests from 10 different states and 2 different countries! We raise free-range chickens, board horses and are a Renewable Energy Farm completely powered by the sun through a comprehensive solar design on our barn.

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Circle S Farm Camping

3 sites · RVs, Tents35 acres · Grantville, PA

The camp sites on our farm are dry (for now) but we DO have a toilet that is cleaned regularly right by the sites. We have three leveled gravel RV/Camper spots, which are large compared to most campgrounds. The sites are pull through for most RVs and Trailers. We provide fire rings and campfire wood (assuming we have it available). Our farm is an operational farm with livestock and you will be camping right by our horse pasture. Our location is convenient. We are right off of I-81 and State route 22. Minutes from Hersheypark, Hollywood Casino and Penn National Race Course, The PA Renaissance Faire, as well as Ft. Indiantown Gap and Memorial Lake State Park. If you are a hiker, the Appalachian Trail is minutes from our farm. Our sites are easy access off the main road. We are in a friendly agricultural neighborhood with very little traffic or noise other than the light hum of I-81 in the distance. Wildlife is plentiful in our area and you can hike from our farm to Levitz Community Park (or drive if you prefer) to interact some great nature or have a picnic. Our goal is to be accommodating and provide our guests with the best experience possible while here. Got questions? We can help! Just ask!

Willows Farm

2 sites · RVs, Tents165 acres · Union Bridge, MD

Willows Farm is a beautiful 165 acre, regenerative, cattle farm, raising 100% grass finished beef and high quality hay. We are excited to announce that we have our first 100% grass finished beef ready and waiting (May 2023) for your purchase here at the farm. Give Curtis a call at 301.252.1122 or visit our website https://willowsfarmbeef.com to see what we have to offer. Our farm is family owned and operated and is located in the beautiful rolling hills of northeast Frederick County in Union Bridge Maryland, just off route 75 on a quiet, country road. Please note the farm entrance address is 11935 Simpsons Mill Road, Keymar, MD, but the farm is technically located in Union Bridge. Enjoy the peace and quiet of nature and relax near the campfire with your wood fired dinner. This site has electric and water hookup and firewood is available for a small fee. The campsite is situated at the highest point of Willows Farm, offering tranquil farm views, gorgeous mountain vistas and spectacular sunsets. Soak up the beautiful countryside during your stay on the farm and hike our 25 acres of wooded property and chase a few bunnies and spot a herd of deer. Take a brisk walk to the cattle pastures and chat with our curious and friendly Black Angus heifers, Eleni, Lola and Maggie and say hi to our horse Albe. All of the fencing at Willows Farm is electric to keep our cattle and horse in and you will get shocked if you touch it. Please be mindful of this with your pets and children. If you are fortunate enough to have the timing right, you can even watch an airplane take off and land on our farm grass strip — "Willows Landing", which is just to the north (cardinal direction) of the campsite. Just 30 minutes to Gettysburg battlefields, historical downtown Frederick, and many other exciting places for exploration, Willows Farm is a great location for fun! Spend an evening watching Bull riding and barrel racing at J Bar W Ranch just a few minutes down the street in Johnsville. If vineyards and breweries are your thing we are just 15 - 30 minutes from many fine establishments. A few of our favorites are Black Ankle Vineyards, Linganore Winecellars and Attaboy Beer. Antique shopping abounds in the nearby charming, little town of New Market. So you're hungry and have a hankering for local cuisine? Take a five minute drive to the quaint downtown of Union Bridge and visit one of the three delicious family run restaurants. You can even take a few minutes to give your truck a bath at the Union Bridge Car Wash in the middle of town. Enjoy your stay and please contact us if we can help with anything.

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Chiques Rock Base Camp

2 sites · Tents1 acres · Columbia, PA

Learn more about this land:Rustic tent sites on the Northwest Lancaster River Trail and the Susquehanna River. Close to the towns of Columbia, Marietta, Bainbridge and the River.

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Riverside Farm by the Monocacy

7 sites · Tents30 acres · Walkersville, MD

PLEASE READ THE ENTIRE DESCRIPTION BEFORE BOOKING... 30 acres of mostly reclaimed farmland. We are located where Glade Creek flows into the Monocacy River. There is evidence of civil war activity here and the old river ford is on our property. Creek and river access make this a beautiful, peaceful place that is full of life. The energy here is overwhelmingly positive. Our house was built in the 1850s and the neighboring farm was built shortly after—lots of history on this property. You will be able to camp right next to Glade Creek which is always cool, clean, and refreshing. Our goal with opening the land up for camping is to eventually phase out commercial farming on the property and transform it into woodlands using native plants and trees. We've already started by planting hundreds of native tree species along the creek and river banks. Each camper gets us closer to that goal! Thanks for your support! See our map in the gallery for a complete overview of our property including site locations. Please note that you will need to drive back through the crossing to access the portable toilet. Property occasionally floods. Zero flash floods, just slow river overflow. Check this site for flooding info. https://water.weather.gov/ahps2/hydrograph.php?gage=fdkm2 Flood stage is 15 feet.

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Rustic Escape in the Woods

5 sites · Lodging12 acres · Richfield, PA

The Green Tree Grove is a cabin retreat located in the beautiful hills of Juniata County. This tranquil oasis is the perfect place to unwind and reconnect with nature, offering a variety of activities such as hiking, yoga, and mountain boarding. Experience the beauty and serenity of The Green Tree Grove and leave feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

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Fiddlers Green Farm

3 sites · RVs, Tents107 acres · Taneytown, MD

This historic piece of preserved farmland has been in our family for 5 generations. The property is just over 100 acres with about half in forest conservation. We have two streams that join one another and create an amazing habitat for all kinds of wildlife. Our farm has always been a fun and healing place for our friends and family to gather. We love sharing the peaceful seclusion here with folks who enjoy and respect nature. We are a certified organic farm and we're in the early stages of transforming it to a fully regenerative, permaculture operation. We grow hemp, medicinal herbs, small grains as well as keep bees and a small tribe of goats. When you come here you are experiencing the rebirth of farming in this country while getting to connect with the natural world. We'd love to have you!

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Free Spirit Campground

5 sites · Lodging, Tents66 acres · Landisburg, PA

We're a family campground in south-central Pennsylvania, just 25 minutes from Carlisle. Our relaxed environment and varied recreation offer something for everyone, & we'd be glad to have you as our guest! We offer fun for those of all ages: * Fishing in our stocked lake * Paddle boats and kayaks * Mini golfing * Axe throwing * Live events * A playground for children * Swimming in the pool * Hiking trails * A fully stocked campground store * Weekend live entertainment * Themed weekends/activities * Concerts in the field * Crafts and fun activities * A bath-house with heated showers * Ice sales & propane exchange * Brand-new horse-shoe pits & more!

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Fairview Farms Airfield

17 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents66 acres · Pine Grove, PA

The 66-acre property has been licensed as an airport (PS20) since the 1980s. It is currently an active, private airport. We don't sell fuel or offer services beyond camping so we primarily have only air traffic with few to no landings each year. In other words, it is very quiet here except during the occasional low pass. We are very eager for pilots to fly in and camp out! The beautiful sunsets and stargazing night skies are a real treat for anyone that comes to visit. Lots of deer, birds, and other wildlife can be seen out and about. Bring your telescope and binoculars to view all the property has to offer! Note that we are always working to improve our slice of heaven, thus we do have tools, vehicles, and equipment stored around the farm that if not used now will be one day. We appreciate your understanding that some areas are used for our personal / farm storage. If you're not into looking at our farmware, there are a few nearby campgrounds. The hot tub is located next to the owner's home. Guests are welcome to use this at any time but must reserve and pay for a time slot. * Book this through the Extras * We are within walking distance of Swatara State Park and close to the Appalachian Trail. Short drive to the local winery, bowling alley, pub/diner, and movie theater. Grocery stores and gas are also nearby. Miles of hiking, rail trail, single-track mountain biking, and kayaking are all right here! See our kayak and bike rentals under extras! Hershey Park is approximately a 30-minute drive from our location. Rausch Creek, Anthracite, and Reading off-road areas are also nearby. Note: Monthly rental discounts are available. Work-stay exchange programs are available. We are always looking for good reliable part-time help on the farm! Please ask! Fall leaves colors are looking awesome! Come enjoy the leaves by day and stars by night beside your campfire! Follow us on Instagram: @fairview_farms_airfield

The best camping near Gifford Pinchot State Park guide

Overview

About

Nestled in northern York County, Gifford Pinchot State Park offers a retreat into nature with its 2,338 acres of lush landscapes. Here, adventure awaits with a 340-acre lake ripe for kayaking, two 18-hole disc golf courses, and trails that beckon hikers and wildlife enthusiasts alike. Whether you're casting a line for 'Big Bass' or cozying up in a yurt by the lake, this park is an outdoor haven.

Notable campgrounds

Yurts and Camping Cottages: Enjoy a unique stay with stunning lake views, perfect for those who prefer a touch of comfort in the wild.

Tips for snagging a campsite

Book early: Reservations can be made up to 11 months in advance, so plan ahead to secure your spot.
Off-peak visits: Consider visiting during weekdays or outside of peak summer months for better availability.
Stay flexible: Have alternative dates in mind in case your preferred time is fully booked.
Explore nearby camping options: Look for other local campgrounds if the park is full, ensuring you don't miss out on the region's natural beauty.

When to go

The park's allure shifts with the seasons, offering a pink-hued spring with blooming redbuds and a summer flutter with the giant swallowtail butterfly. While the park is open year-round, the best time to visit is May through September when all facilities are fully operational. Winter offers a serene, frosty landscape, but some amenities may be limited.

Know before you go

Check the weather: Be prepared for changing conditions and dress accordingly.
Park hours: The park is open from 8am to sunset, with day use areas closing at sunset.
ADA accessibility: The park office and certain facilities are ADA accessible, ensuring everyone can enjoy the park.
Electric vehicle charging: An EV charging station is available near the beach concession.
Emergency info: In case of an emergency, call 911 and notify park staff immediately.