RV Rental Gifford Pinchot State Park, PA

Pretty Pinchot Lake is the centerpiece of Gifford Pinchot State Park, and much of the daily activity in the park takes place on, in, or near this scenic body of water. On a hot summer’s day, you’ll jump at the opportunity to cool off in the lake. A big, ADA-accessible beach is found in the Quaker Race Day Use Area and is open from late May through until the middle of September. There’s also a snack bar and a children’s play area nearby to keep the whole family happy.

If you’d like to take a boat out on the water, you’ll find three boat launching areas plus 286 mooring and canoe rack spaces available for rent. Electric motors are allowed on the lake, and if you don’t have your own craft, you can visit the boating concession to rent a canoe, kayak, paddleboat, or rowboat.

While you’re exploring the lake, you might be tempted to throw a line or two in the water. Largemouth bass, hybrid striped bass, muskellunge, walleye, and several other species are found in the lake’s waters, while a pier and ADA-accessible fishing pads are also provided.

When you need a break from all those water sports, why not set out on foot to traverse some (or all) of the park’s 18-mile trail network. The half-mile Alpine Trail is short and easy, but is particularly spectacular in April and May when the wildflowers are in full bloom. Of course, if you’re keen to tackle more of a physical challenge, the eight-and-a-half-mile Lakeside Trail will be right up your alley.

Want to go RV camping in Gifford Pinchot State Park? Book an RV in York County and then reserve a site in the park’s 289-site campground. Located at the southern end of the lake, the campground is open from mid-April until the end of October. It can get quite busy during peak periods, so it’s not the place to visit if you’re hoping for a secluded RV camping experience, but it's a clean and comfortable place to spend a few nights. There are 22 full-hookup sites and 119 electric sites available, which can accommodate rigs up to 50 feet long. Most of the non-electric sites welcome rigs up to 30 feet long, though a handful of sites fit 45-foot campers.

Other campground features include an ADA-accessible beach, outdoor amphitheater, flushing toilets and hot showers, a boat launching and mooring area, and RV dump stations. And if you’re traveling with your dog, leashed pets are permitted on designated campsites. Cabins, yurts, and camping cottages equipped with all the creature comforts are also available for visitors who won’t be staying in an RV.

When your Gifford Pinchot State Park RV camping vacation draws to a close, you don’t need to head for home straight away. There are plenty of other attractions worth visiting nearby, so be prepared to add a few extra stops to your itinerary. Top up the gas tank at one of the many gas stations strung along nearby I-83 and choose your adventure.

For example, if you fancy yourself a history buff, Gettysburg National Military Park, located just over half an hour away, is a must-visit. If you prefer natural scenery, Codorus State Park is home to a 1,275-acre lake and well worth a visit.

And if you’d rather head for the bright lights of a major city, you can steer your campervan rental east and be in Philadelphia within a couple of hours. While you’re there, you’ll no doubt want to take some time exploring the famed Philadelphia Museum of Art.

When you rent a motorhome near Gifford Pinchot State Park, you open yourself up to a wide range of travel opportunities. With so much to explore and enjoy, you might find that your quick getaway turns into a much bigger adventure.