Pennsylvania State Parks Near Lock Haven

Located in the heart of Pennsylvania, Bald Eagle State Park provides visitors with a blend of natural beauty and outdoor adventure. The park’s centerpiece is the Foster Joseph Sayers Reservoir, ideal for boating and fishing. With modern campgrounds, picnic areas, and an environmental learning center, the park is a popular destination for families and nature lovers. Its trails and observation areas offer ample opportunities for hiking, birdwatching, and photography.

Located atop a mountain in Clinton County, Hyner View State Park provides one of the most iconic vistas in Pennsylvania. The park’s 6-acre area is centered around a stone overlook built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. Visitors enjoy picnicking, hiking, and watching hang gliders launch from the overlook. The park is also a gateway to the larger Sproul State Forest, offering access to extensive outdoor recreation opportunities.

Ravensburg State Park, established in 1933, is one of Pennsylvania’s smaller state parks, offering a serene environment ideal for day-use recreation. The park is characterized by its deep ravine, lush vegetation, and the clear waters of Rauchtown Run. Facilities include picnic areas, rustic pavilions, and a small camping area. The park is named after the ravens that once nested in the cliffs above the gorge. Its peaceful atmosphere and natural features make it a hidden gem in the Pennsylvania state park system.

Hyner Run State Park serves as a gateway to backcountry adventure in the Pennsylvania Wilds region. While the park itself is small, it provides excellent camping facilities and connections to vast trail networks in surrounding state forests. The nearby Hyner View overlook offers spectacular scenery and is one of the premier hang gliding sites on the East Coast, making this area a destination for both ground-based and aerial outdoor enthusiasts.

Susquehanna State Park encompasses 20 acres along the West Branch Susquehanna River in Williamsport, Pennsylvania. The park is renowned for its riverboat, the Hiawatha Paddlewheel, which offers interpretive cruises. Visitors can enjoy fishing, boating, picnicking, and birdwatching in a peaceful natural environment. The park is open year-round and provides easy access to the river and nearby attractions in Williamsport.

Nestled within the Bald Eagle State Forest, R.B. Winter State Park provides a tranquil retreat with its clear spring-fed lake, extensive picnic areas, and miles of hiking trails. The park is known for its natural beauty, abundant wildlife, and a wide range of recreational activities. Visitors can enjoy swimming, fishing, camping, and winter sports, all set against the backdrop of Pennsylvania’s scenic Ridge and Valley region.

McCall's Dam State Park is a tiny, forested day-use area in central Pennsylvania featuring shaded picnic sites and access to scenic White Deer Creek. It serves as a quiet roadside stop within Bald Eagle State Forest.

Poe Paddy State Park offers a peaceful retreat for outdoor enthusiasts, featuring rustic campsites, access to the scenic Penns Creek, and proximity to extensive forest lands. The park is a favorite destination for anglers, hikers, and campers seeking solitude and natural beauty. Its location along the Mid State Trail makes it a popular stop for backpackers, while the nearby Poe Paddy Tunnel adds a unique historical feature.

Little Pine State Park encompasses over 2,000 acres of forested land in north-central Pennsylvania. The park is known for its picturesque lake, abundant recreational opportunities, and peaceful atmosphere. It serves as a gateway to the Pine Creek Gorge and offers year-round activities including swimming, ice fishing, and cross-country skiing.

Located in Lycoming County, Upper Pine Bottom State Park is one of Pennsylvania's smallest state parks, encompassing just 5 acres. It is situated at the confluence of Upper Pine Bottom Run and Little Pine Creek, offering a picturesque setting for outdoor enthusiasts. The park is unstaffed and primarily used for day-use activities, serving as a rest area for visitors to the surrounding Tiadaghton State Forest and Pine Creek Gorge.

Located in the heart of the Pennsylvania Wilds, Kettle Creek State Park spans over 1,793 acres and is surrounded by the vast Sproul State Forest. The park’s centerpiece is the Kettle Creek Reservoir, which provides ample opportunities for water-based recreation. With modern and rustic camping options, scenic picnic areas, and miles of hiking trails, the park is a haven for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. The remote setting makes it ideal for those seeking peace and solitude.

Established in 1933, Bucktail State Park Natural Area encompasses over 16 miles of pristine forests and waterways in Cameron and Clinton counties. The park is a designated natural area, preserving the wild character of the Sinnemahoning Creek valley. It offers visitors a chance to experience Pennsylvania's unspoiled wilderness, observe native wildlife, and enjoy the tranquility of the region.

Black Moshannon is renowned for its distinctive bog ecosystem and the dark, tea-colored lake that gives the park its name. The 1,992-acre protected bog natural area showcases rare plant species and unique wildlife. The park's trail system includes two boardwalk sections through the Moss-Hanne Trail, allowing visitors to experience the bog ecosystem up close without damage. The 41.5-mile Allegheny Front Trail encircles the park, offering exceptional backpacking opportunities.

Located in Centre County, Poe Valley State Park encompasses 620 acres of forested land centered around the 25-acre Poe Lake. The park provides year-round recreational opportunities, including a modern campground, a sandy beach, picnic areas, and a boat launch. Surrounded by Bald Eagle State Forest, visitors can explore miles of trails and enjoy the natural beauty of the region. The park is a popular spot for fishing, swimming, boating (electric motors only), and wildlife observation.

Penn-Roosevelt State Park provides a rustic outdoor experience in central Pennsylvania. The park features a small campground, a scenic picnic area, and a trout-stocked stream, all set within a remote section of Rothrock State Forest. Visitors can explore miles of nearby hiking and equestrian trails, observe wildlife, and enjoy the quiet beauty of the Seven Mountains region.

Sand Bridge State Park is one of Pennsylvania’s smallest state parks, covering just 3 acres. Located along Pennsylvania Route 192, the park is primarily used for picnicking and serves as a peaceful rest stop for travelers and outdoor enthusiasts. The park features shaded picnic tables, a small stream, and is surrounded by the larger Bald Eagle State Forest, providing access to hiking and wildlife viewing opportunities nearby.

Located in Mifflin County, Reeds Gap State Park is a small but picturesque park that provides visitors with opportunities for picnicking, fishing, wildlife watching, and hiking. The park is surrounded by state forest land, making it a popular spot for those seeking a quiet retreat or a base for exploring the surrounding wilderness.

Two-section park offering both river recreation and spectacular views. The famous overlook sits 360 feet above the confluence of the Susquehanna's two branches, providing panoramic vistas of the river valley. The marina section offers boating and fishing access. Named for the Oneida diplomat who helped maintain peace in colonial Pennsylvania.

A hidden gem in the endless mountains of north-central Pennsylvania, World's End lives up to its name with remote, rugged beauty. The park features stunning rock formations, pristine mountain streams, and some of the state's most challenging hiking.

Located in the heart of Pennsylvania's northern wilderness, Ole Bull State Park provides a peaceful retreat for outdoor enthusiasts. The park features shaded campsites, a swimming area, and access to Kettle Creek for fishing and canoeing. Named after Norwegian violinist Ole Bull, who attempted to establish a colony in the area, the park preserves both natural beauty and cultural history. It is an ideal destination for families and nature lovers seeking relaxation and outdoor recreation.

Known for its spectacular waterfalls and pristine wilderness, Ricketts Glen offers exceptional hiking opportunities through old-growth forest. The park's Falls Trail System showcases 24 named waterfalls, making it one of the most scenic natural areas in Pennsylvania.

One of Pennsylvania's most scenic parks featuring stunning overlooks of the 800-foot deep Pine Creek Gorge. The challenging Turkey Path leads to waterfalls and the canyon floor. A must-visit for anyone exploring north-central Pennsylvania.

The quieter counterpart to Leonard Harrison, offering equally stunning canyon views from the west rim. Features rustic CCC facilities, multiple overlooks, and a more secluded atmosphere for experiencing Pennsylvania's Grand Canyon.

Lyman Run State Park encompasses 595 acres of picturesque forested land and is known for its clear mountain lake, abundant wildlife, and year-round recreational opportunities. The park offers modern and rustic camping, a sandy swimming beach, picnic areas, and access to hiking and snowmobiling trails. Its remote location provides a quiet, natural setting ideal for relaxation and outdoor adventure.

Pennsylvania's premier destination for stargazing, with some of the darkest skies on the East Coast. The park's high elevation and remote location create perfect conditions for viewing the Milky Way, planets, and deep space objects.

Sinnemahoning State Park is renowned as one of Pennsylvania's premier elk viewing destinations. The park is managed cooperatively between DCNR's Bureau of State Parks and the Pennsylvania Game Commission to optimize wildlife habitat and viewing opportunities. The grassy opening near the viewing platform is specifically planted with clover and trefoil to attract elk and other wildlife. The park's remote location and extensive surrounding state forest create excellent habitat for Pennsylvania's largest land mammal.