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.

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Gifford Pinchot State Park

Top-rated campgrounds near Gifford Pinchot State Park

98%

(671)

Fairview Farms Airfield

15 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

99%

(47)

Beespoke Farms

11 sites · Lodging25 acres · Sabillasville, MD

A small, startup farm focused on regenerative agriculture and producing environmentally friendly products through environmentally friendly processes. With roughly 15 acres of grazing and forested space, and another 9 acres developing projects and orchard planting, we're located along the Blue Ridge Mountains. There is both A-frame camping and 'pitch your own tent' camping space available.

100%

(412)

Fiddlers Green Farm

3 sites · RVs, Tents107 acres · Taneytown, MD

When you come here you are experiencing the rebirth of farming in this country while getting to connect with the natural world. 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 in the early stages of transforming it into a fully regenerative, permaculture operation. We grow hemp, medicinal herbs, and small grains as well as keep bees and a small tribe of goats. We'd love to have you!

99%

(108)

Views of woods, pond, and sunrise

2 sites · RVs, Tents139 acres · Westminster, MD

Welcome to our fifth generation, mini-valley, woodland, and rolling hills. Empty Cupboard Farm has been family owned since 1918. It is presently planted in soy and corn. Wildlife abounds, including deer, small mammals, and geese. Bald eagles and Heron even take a pond dip periodically. Woodland trails are accessible and new tree plantings can be observed. We welcome RVs under 30'. It will be too hilly for anything longer. (Be aware: inclement weather is not your friend here if your vehicle can't handle potentially slippery conditions.) Enjoy the following activities: Mountain biking, pedal onlyPond fishing. (Sorry, no swimming in the pond; but an "An open to the public", private pool is 13 miles/20min. As is the Y. Lawn games and a fire pit are available. So are the stars at night; cloud permitting. Consider the free star gazing app, SkyView Lite, even in the day and under clouds. Don't miss our stunning sunsets at the "Red Door," our entrance. Historical towns within 10 miles any direction are reached over rolling countryside. Gettysburg is less than 20 miles. Baltimore is less than an hours ride by open highway. Blue Ridge mountains 18 miles. Taneytown, 1836, has an extraordinary antique store that is a delight to browse; as well as fine dining, drive through, an open air beer garden and close by grocery stores. Homemade ice cream is found at Baugher's and Hoffmans in Westminster. Baugher's Orchard has "pick your own" available. There is a mini farm animal petting zoo at the orchard. Additional things to see: Boating in Carroll County Maryland. Local wineries Ski Liberty Carroll is a full service county whatever your needs. Check out carrollcountytourism.org to learn more No lions, tigers, and Oh my! However, be aware that small critters may try to steal your food. No recent bear sightings. Geese visit occasionally. Coyotes are seen periodically. All hunting rights are reserved for long term clientele; therefore, hiking on the farm may be curtailed if they are present during hunting season. (November- January) Consider using Sky View Lite on line to watch the sky.

98%

(189)

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.

95%

(20)

Solace Cabinette

1 site · Lodging15 acres · Lebanon, PA

The rustic Cabinette is nestled on 15 acres, a comfortable walking distance to the beautiful Berry Patch bnb main house. Truly unplug from the crazies and experience quiet and solitude, surrounded by nature, while enjoying the view outside or thru the skylight ceiling inside the cabin. Camp cook over the fire pit or order a hot breakfast from the main house kitchen. Currently there are no outdoor amenities but those can be found in the main bnb house as well. Explore nearby parks, riding/walking trails or if you are feeling more like tourists, Hershey, Lancaster, and Lititz provide plenty of options to consider.

99%

(94)

Wilbur's Shed

1 site · RV, Tent60 acres · Blairs Mills, PA

Let your children and dogs roam free without a leash. This property is remote and private. There are no neighbors nearby. This location is; twenty minutes north of I-76 Turnpike Willow Hill Exit forty-five minutes from Raystown Lake one hour and thirty minutes north of Gettysburg one hour and thirty minutes south of PSU three hours east of Pittsburgh three hours west of Philadelphia five hours west of NYC There is some cell service, but it is limited. Can you hear me now? Be sure to save site information on your phone before you leave, in case you lose cell-service. This is not Alaska, but it is not a KOA campground, either. We recommend you print of bring a paper map. Your GPS will not bring you to the exact driveway location. You need to be personally observant. This is the top of a mountain ridge. The access lane is steep, rocky, and has water erosion ditches you must drive over. Do not attempt this if you have a low profile car or a new/fragile camper. 4WD/AWD is highly recommended. Low profile and fancy cars are not recommended. This is not Alaska, but it is not a paved KOA campground, either. This camping site is for those who want to live ruggedly like Lewis & Clark, or Teddy Roosevelt. It is NOT for those who like their campground to be like The Villages of Florida where everything is flat, paved over, and you drive golf carts. This location is in a mix of farmland and mountain Appalachia. You will see common species such as chipmunks, squirrels turkey and deer. Many bird species. There are also porcupines, skunks, and black snakes around. You may also see black bear - it is rare, but possible. You are visiting wildlife species in their natural habitat. Please be self-aware of your own level comfort with wildlife. Once again, this is not an RVs park where you will socialize with a hundred other campers. This is primitive and isolated. This is an ideal camping spot if you want to escape from people. Nearby is the Tuscarora Creek which is excellent for trout fishing. The Tuscarora has a small but lovely window for kayaking from mid-March through the end of May. Please contact the host if you would like help to plan some paddle logistics. Twenty minutes south is Big Spring State Park which has an abandoned RR tunnel form the late 1800s. Forty-five minutes away is the 1,000 steps near Mt. Union which is part of the Standing Stone Trail that runs from Cowan’s Gap State Park to PSU. The Steps provides and amazing view of the Juniata River, and is a strenuous heart work-out. If you are interested in historic trains, East Broad Top Railroad is in Mt. Union. If members of your party would like a more pampered camping experience that includes real beds and hot showers, there is an adjoining property for rent on air b and b. Google search for The Crowe's Lounge.

92%

(187)

Private Farm Near Gettysburg

5 sites · RVs, Tents14 acres · Littlestown, PA

This property existed as a farm prior to the Civil War. The house building is stone and the old horse barns are a little worn. Clean, friendly and very secure site. The stone building has an old school bell on top and may have been a school at one time. Otherwise the history has been lost ...The property has nice open and shaded places to wander. Access to small pond and creek. There are fossils in the limestone by the pond. Feel free to collect!Learn more about this land:The site offers a quiet, secure and private location for your campsite. It is currently only one private campsite site offering an electric hook-up. The farm is located one block off the main road and is 12 minutes from the Gettysburg Battlefield and Visitor Center. There are two old barns next to the site and a pre-Civil War stone house.Site is a few minutes from amenities such as gas stations, restaurants, fast food, supermarket, etc.

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.

Killinger Creek Kustoms

5 sites · RVs, Tents52 acres · Annville, PA

We have a 52 acre farm with goats , chicken and other animals. We are located close to lots of attractions , 10 mins to Hershey park. 30mins to lancater. There is a small creek running through our property. We offer electric hook up and can fill your water tank. Unfortunately we do not have a place to dump your camper at this time. We have a fire pit if you like to sit , relax and enjoy nature.

92%

(32)

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.

99%

(243)

Fawn View Farm, Pond & Fields

3 sites · RVs, Tents150 acres · Pylesville, MD

Our farm is right on the Mason Dixon line. The area has a wonderful community and a lot of open space which we love and have placed into land preservation so it can remain that way forever. We host private events, educational farm tours, have dairy cows across the road and cheese & eggs available on site to sell. Lots of hiking options within a 10 min drive, 3 breweries within 10 minutes, 2 vineyards within 20 minutes and a handful of local restaurants and eclectic find stores within a 10 min drive.

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.