Gifford Pinchot State Park
Gifford Pinchot State Park offers 2,338 acres with the 340-acre Pinchot Lake for swimming, boating, and fishing, plus 18 miles of hiking trails and disc golf. About an hour from Pine Ridge in northern York County.
55 minutes drive from Pine Ridge Campground
Why Pine Ridge Campers Love It
Getting There
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Gifford Pinchot State Park
2200 Rosstown Road, Lewisberry, PA 17339
Directions from Pine Ridge
From Pine Ridge, head east on Route 34 to Route 15 North. Take the Lewisberry Exit (35) of I-83 south, then PA 177 south to the park.
All distances measured from Pine Ridge Campground, 2635 Shippensburg Rd, Biglerville, PA
About Gifford Pinchot State Park
Gifford Pinchot State Park is a full-service recreation destination in northern York County, offering 2,338 acres of wooded hillsides and reverting farmland centered on the beautiful 340-acre Pinchot Lake. For Pine Ridge campers looking for a lake day with beach swimming, this park delivers about an hour from your campsite.
Pinchot Lake is the park's centerpiece, offering a sandy beach swimming area, three boat launch areas (electric motors only), and excellent fishing. The lake's no-gas-motor policy keeps the water calm and quiet — ideal for kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddleboarding. The beach area is a popular summer destination with lifeguards on duty during the swim season.
On land, 18 miles of hiking trails wind through the park's diverse terrain, and 4 miles of trails are designated for mountain biking. A disc golf course provides a different kind of outdoor challenge. The park also offers horseback riding areas, hunting in season, and pontoon boat tours of the lake from spring through fall — a unique way to see the shoreline and learn about the park's ecology.
Pine Ridge seasonal campers will appreciate the park's variety. It's a different environment than the mountain forests closer to camp, with rolling farmland hills and a warm, sheltered lake. Wildlife watching is rewarding, and the park runs educational programs year-round. For closer water activities, Long Pine Reservoir offers fishing just minutes from your campsite.
What to Expect
- Pinchot Lake: The 340-acre lake features a sandy beach for swimming, three boat launch areas for electric-motor boats, and excellent warm-water fishing in a calm, no-gas-motor environment.
- Trail System: Eighteen miles of hiking trails and 4 miles of mountain biking trails wind through wooded hillsides and reverting farm fields, offering variety for all skill levels.
- Pontoon Boat Tours: Guided pontoon boat tours of the lake run spring through fall, providing a unique perspective on the park's ecology, wildlife, and shoreline scenery.
- Year-Round Recreation: Beyond summer swimming and boating, the park offers disc golf, horseback riding, hunting in season, and winter activities including ice fishing when conditions allow.
Insider Tips from Pine Ridge Campers
- 1Arrive early on summer weekends — beach parking fills quickly
- 2Electric motors only on the lake — plan accordingly for boating
- 3Book pontoon boat tours in advance during peak season
- 4The EV charging station near the beach concession is free to use
- 5Download the park map before visiting — cell service is spotty
Visitor Information
Hours
Park grounds: 8 AM to sunset, year-round. Beach, pool, and other facilities have seasonal hours.
Cost
Free park entry. Beach swimming and boat rental fees apply seasonally.
Phone
(717) 432-5011Website
Visit Official SiteSeasonal Notes
Beach swimming Memorial Day through Labor Day. Pontoon boat tours spring through fall. Note: campgrounds closed September 2026 through early 2028 for renovations — day-use areas remain open.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a gas-powered boat on Pinchot Lake?
No, only electric motors are permitted on Pinchot Lake. This keeps the water calm and quiet, making it ideal for kayaking, canoeing, paddleboarding, and fishing.
Is there a beach for swimming?
Yes, Pinchot Lake has a sandy beach swimming area with lifeguards on duty from Memorial Day through Labor Day. The beach area includes deck space and a nearby concession stand.
Are the campgrounds open?
The campgrounds are closing in September 2026 for major renovations and are expected to reopen in early 2028. All day-use areas, trails, and the lake remain open during construction.
How far is Gifford Pinchot from Pine Ridge?
The park is about 42 miles from Pine Ridge Campground, roughly a 55-minute drive through Harrisburg's outskirts into northern York County.
Back at Pine Ridge
After visiting Gifford Pinchot State Park, enjoy these campground amenities:
More Nearby Attractions
Long Pine Run Reservoir
Crystal-clear mountain reservoir perfect for kayaking, canoeing, and fishing.
6 miles awayRoundtop Mountain Summer Adventures
Mountain adventure park with ropes courses, rock climbing, kayaking, archery, and summer camps.
30 miles awayCodorus State Park
3,500-acre park centered on the 1,275-acre Lake Marburg with 26 miles of shoreline.
45 miles awayYour Adventure Base Camp Awaits
With Gifford Pinchot State Park just 55 minutes away, Pine Ridge Campground is the perfect base for your next adventure. Explore all day, then return to the comfort of your seasonal site.