gifford pinchot state park

Lake is ok to swim or fish in Woods full of poison and ticks. Picnic is ok. Grass areas in campground full of poison ivy

Always enjoy going for hikes at Pinchot. The lake is very nice and the trails around the lake are well marked and easy to follow. Not the most rigorous trails, but definitely nice for a Sunday afternoon walk with the dog.

Went canoeing yesterday with two granddaughters - ages 16 & 18. Put in at the Alpine Road launch site. Nice facility to launch from. We paddled in the backwater and then under the bridge and out into the main lake. Had a really good time!

This is a really nice facility. It's clean, well maintained, lots of hot water in the shower house. Many of the sites are close to the water and have their own water access. Lots of trails to hike and places to fish. This was my 2nd time there and will be going again.

Is a great place for people who enjoy the outdoors. I live real close so I visit the park weekly with friends, family.

This might be a good place to go with your RV, but if you prefer old fashioned tent camping, don't come here! Most "tent" spaces are so small that a family sized tent ends up just inches from the road. We had a slightly larger space, but the ground/tent areas there are so poorly cared for that we had to pitch the tent on the paved parking space because it was the only flat surface.Something important when you camp are the bathrooms. Well, here they took new facilities and then cut pennies from the budget at the last minute, so the showers have no shower curtain, which means instead of the water being directed downward into the shower drains, it blasts out of the shower stall and the result is the entire floor for the whole bathroom is always wet, and not just damp - there were large lakes to cross to the get to the toilets or the sinks.Our space was next to the "camp host" who seemed to feel that campground rules and common camping curtesy didn't apply to them. Their TV was blaring until after midnight, and they left enough outdoor lights on all night to guide aircraft. Seriously, they had enough light coming from their campsite for me to be able to read in our tent without turning on the lantern. That's just plain rude.

We were looking forward to a nice weekend camping, but ranger king decided we should go to bed at 9. We were having a conversation around the camp fire, at normal conversational tones, but he said we were being too loud and wrote out a warning. It was about 10 at the time. The camp site next door to us said they couldn't hear us, but some how ranger king could hear us several camp sites down the lane. If you want to have a good time this is not the place to go.

Lot's of fun. Walking the well marked trails. Fishing along the shoreline with the grandchildren. Children activities available. Go to the Ranger's station first. Camp sites and cabins also available. No speed boats allowed. Boat ramps and docking available.

We have used and camped at Pinchot many times over the past 43 years., since it is about 15 minutes from our house. Returned again for a weekend camping getaway in July. Had a lovely site, booked at the last minute. Most of the sites are good, but a few are undesirable. IMO, however, if you get a bad site, it's your own fault, since the descriptions on the website reservation system are very detailed and even have pictures of all the sites. It just takes time to read through them. One thing that needs improvement is the Lakeside Trail marking. If you want to stick close to the lakeside, as the name indicates, you will need to do some bushwhacking. Still, worth the trip. They are still improving the campground, so some areas and bathhouses are closed at this time. Check ahead for conditions.

Gifford Pinchot State Park is definitely off the beaten path. It is amazing because it is so close to Harrisburg, PA, yet it is so quiet and picturesque. The campground is very easy to maneuver and the restrooms are clean. They are going through an updating process. The beach area is small, but fun for the kids. Fishing is good- shoreline and electric motorboats. Kayakers paradise. Just be careful on what site you book, as the sites by the beach area are on the small side. Sites are somewhat private. The 50 amp sites are amazingly roomy. We have camped their twice and would like to go back. Hershey Park, Amish country, Gettysburg are right down the road.

We went hiking here yesterday with our dog. The beaches looked really nice and look like a great place to bring your family to hang out for the day. Facilities looked well maintained with bathrooms and concessions. Can sit in the grass and have a nice picnic and cook out and relax. The trials are another story...like the DCNR website says...portions of the trail have gravel and are nice but MOST of the Lakside Trail (the largest loop, 8.5 miles). Is pretty crappy. We are relatively experienced hikers and were pretty disappointed with the condition of the trail. When they say narrow, they mean less than a foot wide and the trails are also COVERED with poison ivy. The vines are lining the trail and in some places have grown over it. I am just getting over a bad case so I was really disappointed. I would not go again and would definitely want to take my dog again and taking kids would be out of the question. Just a heads up!!Otherwise the park looks lovely!

This State Park is well kept for the most part. Facilities are usually clean and the concession stand has a variety of selections.

We have been here a couple times, and it is always crowded, but respectful. Fishing is fun for kids. Plenty of spots for picnics. We hiked the Lakeside Trail the last time (about 8.5 miles) and it only took about 5.5 hours. Very clearly marked and clean. They rent kayaks, canoes and bikes. Please note: all Pennsylvania state parks are free to residents and non-residents.

Have camped here numerous times in the past 40 years. Always love returning. Besides camping, kayaking is also great. Love bird watching and taking pictures. Have been there summer and fall. Other attractions are near by if you want something more than camping.

We spent Memorial Day weekend at camp site #144. It's tiny, doesn't have a pad for tent, and is basically camping right on the road. The fire pit is literally three feet from the road. The campsites here vary widely. Unfortunately we were stuck with the poorest excuse for a spot.