Your Ultimate Guide To State Parks In Pennsylvania
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Beth Price-Williams
Author
Exploring Pennsylvania doesn’t have to cost a fortune or anything at all, especially if we enjoy getting outdoors and experiencing nature. With 124 state parks in Pennsylvania, all of which are free admission, we’re never too far from our next adventure. From breathtaking waterfalls to old-growth trees, Pennsylvania’s state parks promise something for everyone, from the casual explorer to the die-hard hiker. When you’re mulling over where your next adventure will take you, consider making your way to one of the following best state parks in Pennsylvania.
Most Popular State Parks In Pennsylvania
Every state park in Pennsylvania has that one defining feature, whether it’s a waterfall or awe-inspiring views. The most popular state parks in Pennsylvania boast some pretty impressive features, making them a must-add to the ol’ bucket list.
1. Ricketts Glen State Park – Benton
Ricketts Glen State Park, 695 PA-487, Benton, PA 17814, USA
If you love waterfalls, you must add Ricketts Glen State Park to your bucket list. One of the best things to do at Ricketts Glen State Park is chase waterfalls. The popular state park is home to 22 named waterfalls, and you can see 21 of them, including the tallest Ganoga Falls, along the 7.2-mile Falls Trail. The trail is considered moderate to difficult, so be prepared for a challenge when you set off. While the waterfalls are undeniably the masterpieces of this Pennsylvania state park, it's also home to a sandy beach, hiking trails, wildlife, and camping.
2. Ohiopyle State Park – Ohiopyle
Ohiopyle State Park, 124 Main St, Ohiopyle, PA 15470, USA
From slipping down natural waterslides in the summer to hiking along scenic trails any time of the year, you'll find so many things to do at Ohiopyle State Park, about 70 miles from Pittsburgh, that you might not fit it all into a single day. Short paths lead to Ohiopyle Falls and Cucumber Falls, which are about a mile apart, and Johnathan Run Falls sits along a nearly four-mile trail. While simply beautiful in any season, Ohiopyle State Park in Pennsylvania in fall is absolutely striking with the fall foliage. Popular activities at one of the most popular PA state parks include hiking, biking, rock climbing, horseback riding, rafting, and kayaking.
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3. Kinzua Bridge State Park – Mt. Jewett
Kinzua Bridge State Park, 296 Viaduct Rd, Mt Jewett, PA 16740, USA
Rather compact at just over 300 acres, Kinzua Bridge State Park predominately attracts visitors for one reason - the views. A walk along the Kinzua Bride skywalk is one of the most spectacular things to do in Kinzua Bridge State Park. Hiking, picnicking, and wildlife watching are also popular.
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Best State Parks In Pennsylvania To Camp
The best state parks in Pennsylvania to camp have something for everyone, whether you’re up for a primitive experience or you want to try glamping. Before you head to your favorite state park in Pennsylvania, though, make sure you reserve a camping site.
4. Yellow Creek State Park – Penn Run
Yellow Creek State Park, 170 PA-259, Penn Run, PA 15765, USA
You'll find so many things to do at Yellow Creek State Park - from hiking and swimming to boating and fishing - that you'll likely need more than a day to see and do everything you want. Why not reserve a yurt for a unique glamping adventure? With room for up to five guests, each yurt comes equipped with a fridge, stove, microwave, heat, and electrical outlets. One yurt is dog-friendly. You can also reserve one of six camping cottages at this popular state park in Pennsylvania.
5. Keystone State Park – Derry
Keystone State Park, 1150 Keystone Park Rd, Derry, PA 15627, USA
Whether you like roughing it or prefer glamping, you'll find the perfect campsite at Keystone State Park. The Western Pennsylvania state park features two campgrounds - Lakeside overlooks the lake and Hillside is relatively secluded. Park your RV, or pitch a tent for an old-school experience. Yurts, camping cottages, and modern cabins are also available for rent. Modern cabins are available all year. If you're looking for fun things to do at Keystone State Park, you'll find a ton - hiking, boating, picnicking, and fishing. During the summer, throw down a beach towel, soak up the sun on the sandy beach, and cool off in the lake.
6. Black Moshannon State Park – Philipsburg
Black Moshannon State Park, 4216 Beaver Rd, Philipsburg, PA 16866, USA
A day simply won't do with all the things to do at Black Moshannon State Park. From hiking and boating to swimming and ice skating, the park has something for everyone in all seasons. If you're planning to spend the night - or a few - you'll have quite a few choices. Some of the 73 tent and trailer campsites are ADA-accessible and pet-friendly. Year-round modern cabins are perfect if you want all of the conveniences of home. An eight-person ski lodge is also available to rent.
Best State Parks In Pennsylvania To RV
Oftentimes, a day at one of the best state parks in Pennsylvania simply isn’t enough time to soak up all it has to offer. Camping in an RV in Pennsylvania is an idyllic way to spend the night. If you don’t have an RV of your own, you can rent one from RVShare.
7. Kettle Creek State Park – Renovo
Kettle Creek State Park, 97 Kettle Creek Park Ln, Renovo, PA 17764, USA
Nestled in the most remote town in Pennsylvania, Kettle Creek State Park promises the kind of tranquility that, once you experience it, you're going to have trouble leaving. Some of the best things to do in Kettle Creek State Park include hiking, mountain biking, boating, horseback riding, and picnicking. At the end of the day, cozy up in your RV at this remote Pennsylvania state park. Each camping site has a fire ring and a picnic table while some also have electric hook-ups.
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8. Parker Dam State Park – Penfield
Parker Dam State Park, 28 Fairview Rd, Penfield, PA 15849, USA
Escape for a getaway at Parker Dam State Park, where you can pitch a tent or park your RV for a camping adventure. Campers will find that shaded sites are available, and most campsites feature electric hookups. You can also reserve a space with a full hookup, which includes sewer, water, and electricity. While you're not stargazing or cozying up in your RV, get out and explore. You'll find a full menu of things to do at Parker Dam State Park. Explore some of the 13.1 miles of hiking trails; soak up the sun on the sandy beach, and go boating.
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9. Little Pine State Park – Waterville
Little Pine State Park, 4205 Little Pine Creek Rd, Waterville, PA 17776, USA
Tucked in the tiny town of Waterville, Little Pine State Park promises an idyllic backdrop when you want to get away from it all. The seasonal campground, which is open from April through mid-December, features 83 RV campsites. All sites have a fire ring and a picnic table. Some are pet-friendly. Camping cottages and yurts are also available. Spend your days exploring the many things to do at Little Pine State Park. Popular activities include hiking, boating, fishing, and picnicking. The hidden Pennsylvania state park also has a sandy beach.
Best State Parks In Pennsylvania For Hiking
One of the best ways to get to know Pennsylvania is to go hiking. Hiking allows us to experience the landscape in a way that we can’t any other way, like when we’re driving. With more than 600 hiking trails in Pennsylvania, there’s something for everyone, from the first-timers to the most seasoned adventurers. Be sure to add these hiking trails in Pennsylvania to your to-do list.
10. Leonard Harrison State Park – Wellsboro
Leonard Harrison State Park Visitor Center or Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania, 4797 PA-660, Wellsboro, PA 16901, USA
Gear up for a challenge when you head to Leonard Harrison State Park, which is home to nearly five miles of hiking trails. Turkey Path Trail and Overlook Trail both earn a hard rating, but each boasts breathtaking views of Pine Creek Gorge, often called the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania. One mile of the 62-mile Pine Creek Rail Trail also meanders through the park; it's an easy trek. While hiking is one of the most popular things to do in Leonard Harrison State Park, you can also fish, spot wildlife, picnic, take in the views from scenic vistas, and camp.
11. Cook Forest State Park – Cooksburg
Cook Forest State Park Office, 100 PA-36, Cooksburg, PA 16217, USA
Explore some of the 47 miles of trails that meander through Cook Forest State Park. Consider starting by exploring one of the hiking trails in the Forest Cathedral Natural Area, a protected natural landmark. If you don't have a lot of time, follow the short, sweet, and easy .08-mile Toms Run Trail that features a swinging bridge. You'll find a full menu of things to do in Cook Forest State Park, including biking, horseback riding, kayaking, wildlife watching, and camping.
12. Salt Springs State Park – Montrose
Salt Springs State Park, 2305 Salt Springs Rd, Montrose, PA 18801, USA
One of the best things to do at Salt Springs State Park, hiking promises a unique opportunity to see such beauty as waterfalls, 300-year-old hemlock trees, and wooden boardwalks. Of the nearly 15 miles of trails, the shortest and easiest is the .02-mile Gorge Spur Trail. Picnicking, wildlife watching, and camping are also popular at the park.
Best Little-Known State Parks In Pennsylvania
With 124 state parks in Pennsylvania, it’s easy to overlook one (or a few). When you want to go off the beaten path and discover a (new-to-you) state park, pack up your gear for a day or an overnight at these lesser-known state parks in Pennsylvania.
13. Caledonia State Park – Fayetteville
Caledonia State Park, 101 Pine Grove Rd, Fayetteville, PA 17222, USA
101 Pine Grove Rd, Fayetteville, PA 17222, USA
At just over 1,100 acres, the lesser-known Caledonia State Park is a little different than many of Pennsylvania's other state parks. It doesn't have a lake, but it does have a pool and a stream. You'll find plenty of things to do at Caledonia State Park, including hiking, fishing, golfing, picnicking, and camping. With a swimming pool and a snack bar, it's one of the best state parks in Pennsylvania in summer.
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14. Gifford Pinchot State Park – Lewisberry
Gifford Pinchot State Park, 2200 Rosstown Rd, Lewisberry, PA 17339, USA
With cross-country skiing and ice skating, Gifford Pinchot State Park is one of the best state parks in Pennsylvania in winter. That's just the start, though, of the many things to do at Gifford Pinchot State Park. Explore one of the hiking trails; go horseback riding or biking, or play a round or two of disc golf. Boating is popular, and soak up the sun on the seasonal sandy beach.
15. Prompton State Park – Prompton
Prompton State Park, PA-170, Prompton, PA 18742, USA
At 2,000 acres, there are countless things to do at Prompton State Park. The 18-hole disc golf course might be just the most unique. Mountain biking on the bike trails, hiking, picnicking, and boating are all popular, too. One of the best state parks in Pennsylvania in spring, Prompton State Park also boasts lush greenery and wildflowers.
If you’ve ever wondered, “How many state parks in Pennsylvania,” you now know that we’ve got 124 amazing state parks, including a few that may be among the best in America. These are just a few of the best state parks in Pennsylvania that provide the perfect launching point for getting out and exploring. You might also want to check out Pymatuning State Park, Moraine State Park, and Worlds End State Park.
Before you head out on your next adventure, though, make sure you check out OIYS’ ultimate hiking packing list.
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