Pennsylvania State Parks Near Shippensburg

Kings Gap Environmental Education Center offers year-round opportunities for outdoor recreation and learning. The park is dedicated to environmental education for people of all ages and features a wide range of programs, workshops, and events. Visitors can explore extensive hiking trails, enjoy birdwatching, picnic in scenic areas, or tour the Cameron-Masland Mansion. The park's diverse habitats, including woodlands, meadows, and wetlands, provide excellent opportunities for nature study and wildlife observation.

A small but scenic mountain park in the narrow Doubling Gap valley. The park serves as a major access point for the Tuscarora Trail long-distance hiking route. The steep climb to Flat Rock rewards hikers with outstanding views of the Cumberland Valley. Despite its small size, the park offers 18 miles of trails and a refreshing mountain lake.

Sits at the exact midpoint of the Appalachian Trail and preserves important iron-making history. Features two beautiful lakes, historic structures, and serves as a significant stop for AT through-hikers.

Cowans Gap State Park combines a tranquil mountain lake setting with access to challenging backcountry trails. The park's CCC-era structures add historical character, while the connection to the Tuscarora Trail provides opportunities for both day hikes and extended backpacking adventures through the mountains. The 42-acre lake offers fishing and non-powered boating in a peaceful mountain valley.

Rich in Civil War history and industrial heritage, Caledonia offers diverse recreation from Appalachian Trail hiking to summer stock theater. Set in the beautiful South Mountain, the park combines history, culture, and outdoor adventure.

Named for Pennsylvania's conservation pioneer Gifford Pinchot, this park exemplifies sustainable recreation and environmental stewardship. The 340-acre lake offers boating and fishing, while 18+ miles of interconnecting trails provide excellent hiking and biking. The environmental learning center offers year-round educational programs.

Big Spring State Park covers 45 acres in Perry County and is managed by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources. The park is a popular spot for picnicking, wildlife watching, and exploring the remnants of the Newport and Shermans Valley Railroad. Its rustic stone picnic pavilion, built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s, is a highlight for visitors. The park is surrounded by the vast Tuscarora State Forest, offering access to additional outdoor recreation opportunities.

Located in the heart of Perry County, Fowlers Hollow State Park provides a serene setting for outdoor enthusiasts. The park features rustic campsites, a picturesque picnic area along Fowler Hollow Run, and serves as a gateway to the extensive trail network of Tuscarora State Forest. Its small size and remote location make it ideal for those seeking solitude and a close connection with nature.

Little Buffalo State Park preserves an important piece of Pennsylvania's agricultural and industrial heritage while providing quality outdoor recreation. The restored Shoaff's Mill operates during the summer season, grinding grain just as it did for over a century. The park's trails explore varied habitats from lakeside paths to ridge-top forests, while Holman Lake offers tranquil fishing and winter ice sports.

A comprehensive recreation park in southern York County featuring the massive Lake Marburg spanning 1,275 acres. With 20 miles of trails, a swimming pool, full marina, and excellent fishing and birding, Codorus offers something for every outdoor interest. The lake's 26 miles of shoreline create diverse habitats attracting migrating waterfowl.

Memorial Lake State Park serves as both a living memorial to Pennsylvania's military heritage and an accessible recreation destination. The park's flat, wide trails accommodate visitors of all abilities, while the 85-acre lake provides quality fishing. The unique setting within Fort Indiantown Gap adds historical context and maintains the park's memorial character.

Samuel S. Lewis State Park encompasses 85 acres atop Mount Pisgah, offering visitors stunning vistas of the Susquehanna River Valley and surrounding farmland. The park features open fields ideal for kite flying, shaded picnic areas, and several short hiking trails. Its elevated location makes it a popular spot for observing migratory birds and enjoying sunsets.