Pennsylvania State Parks Near State College

Whipple Dam State Park provides a peaceful retreat for outdoor enthusiasts, with opportunities for swimming, boating, fishing, picnicking, and wildlife observation. The park's facilities include a sandy beach, picnic pavilions, boat rentals, and a playground. Its proximity to State College and the Rothrock State Forest makes it a popular destination for families, students, and nature lovers.

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.

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.

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 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.

Greenwood Furnace State Park offers a blend of history and outdoor adventure in the heart of Pennsylvania’s Rothrock State Forest. The park preserves the site of a 19th-century ironmaking village and provides opportunities for swimming, boating, hiking, camping, and wildlife viewing. With its rich heritage and natural beauty, Greenwood Furnace is a popular destination for families, history buffs, and nature lovers.

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.

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.

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.

Canoe Creek State Park offers a blend of natural beauty and recreational amenities. The park’s centerpiece, Canoe Lake, is popular for fishing, boating, and swimming. The park also features extensive picnic areas, a modern campground, and several historic limestone kilns. Its limestone caves provide important bat habitat, making it a unique destination for wildlife enthusiasts. Year-round activities include hiking, birdwatching, cross-country skiing, and educational programs.

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.

One of Pennsylvania's largest and most complete state parks, featuring the expansive Glendale Lake spanning 1,635 acres. Over 32 miles of trails explore diverse forest habitats. Full marina services, modern camping and cabins, swimming beach, and excellent fishing make this a destination for extended outdoor vacations. Named for a Russian prince who became a Catholic missionary in Pennsylvania.

A hidden gem in Huntingdon County featuring spectacular natural rock formations and waterfalls. Challenging trails through a scenic gorge reward hikers with unique geological features and beautiful creek views.

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.

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.

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.

Nestled in the heart of Pennsylvania’s wilds, S.B. Elliott State Park spans over 300 acres of mature forests and rolling hills. The park is named after Simon B. Elliott, a prominent conservationist, and features several structures built by the CCC in the 1930s. Visitors can enjoy rustic camping, scenic picnic areas, and easy access to hiking and wildlife viewing. Its proximity to Interstate 80 makes it a convenient stop for travelers seeking a tranquil outdoor experience.

Nestled in the rolling hills of Bedford County, Warriors Path State Park is a popular destination for outdoor enthusiasts. The park features a boat launch, picnic areas, and a network of hiking trails. Its tranquil river setting provides excellent opportunities for fishing and wildlife watching. The park is open year-round and is a favorite spot for family gatherings and nature lovers.

Milton State Park is a small island park in the Susquehanna River featuring picnic areas, river access, and natural woodlands for low-impact recreation. It serves as a convenient green space for nearby communities in central Pennsylvania.

Parker Dam State Park features a 20-acre lake, historic Civilian Conservation Corps architecture, and easy access to the surrounding Moshannon State Forest. It is a popular destination for camping, fishing, hiking, and winter sports in north-central Pennsylvania.

Blue Knob State Park combines wilderness adventure with developed ski facilities at Pennsylvania's highest elevation ski resort. The mountain's 3,146-foot summit provides exceptional views and cool summer temperatures. The extensive trail network accommodates multiple uses while challenging terrain rewards experienced outdoor enthusiasts. The park's elevation and location in the Allegheny Mountains create distinctive mountain ecosystems.

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 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Boyd Big Tree Preserve Conservation Area was established to protect one of the largest contiguous forests in the region. The area is managed for conservation and passive recreation, with a focus on preserving native flora and fauna. The preserve offers over 12 miles of hiking trails, picnic areas, and interpretive programs. Its proximity to Harrisburg makes it a popular destination for nature enthusiasts seeking a quiet retreat.