Pennsylvania is a wonderful place for outdoor recreation and adventure, any time of year. Our state parks are some of the best in the country, offering loads of fun in all corners of the state — any time of year! With regard to Pittsburgh, outdoor lovers, nature enthusiasts, and hikers have plenty to keep them busy just with the many state parks spread throughout western Pennsylvania. Here are 10 under-appreciated state parks near Pittsburgh you’ll definitely want to visit.

Note: Pennsylvania state parks are generally open all year around from sunrise to sunset.

1. Yellow Creek State Park –170 PA-259, Penn Run, PA, 15765
Facebook/Yellow Creek State Park
Spanning 2,981 acres in Indiana County, Yellow Creek State Park boasts a 720-acre lake, a sandy beach, and plenty of activities, including swimming, boating, fishing... and a yurt village! Hike the five miles of trails or explore 18 miles of trails on your mountain bike. Yellow Creek State Park also has camping cottages available to rent, too.
2. Kooser State Park – 943 Glades Pike, Somerset, PA, 15501
Kooser State Park, 943 Glades Pike, Somerset, PA 15501, USA
Jon Dawson/Flickr
Kooser State Park is a lesser-known little park hidden in Somerset, and it attracts Pennsylvanians all year around with its many summer and winter activities. Spend long summer days hiking the 1.5 miles of trails or fishing for trout in the four acre Kooser Lake. Pitch a tent or rent a rustic cabin for a camping adventure.
3. Hillman State Park – Burgettstown, PA 15021
Wikimedia Commons/Clint
Travel just 25 miles west of Pittsburgh to discover the sprawling 3,600 acre Hillman State Park. The park features a model airplane field for flying enthusiasts. Visitors can also hit the hiking trails or go hunting for wild turkey and deer.
4. Raccoon Creek State Park – 3000 PA-18, Hookstown, PA 15050
Facebook/Raccoon Creek State Park
Escape the madness of city life by trekking 30 miles from Pittsburgh to Raccoon Creek State Park. Spanning more than 7,500 acres, the park offers a full menu of things to do. Visit the Wildflower Reserve where you can view 700 species of plants. Relax on the sandy beach. Or, go hiking, horseback riding, mountain biking, or fishing.
5. Linn Run State Park – 770 Linn Run Road, Rector, PA, 15677
Linn Run State Park, 770 Linn Run Rd, Stahlstown, PA 15687, USA
John Brighenti/Flickr
Embrace nature's tranquility at Linn Run State Park. The 612-acre state park features hiking and horseback riding trails, fishing, and hunting. Or, simply pack lunch for a delightful picnic at one of the park's many picnic tables. Spend a week (if you're visiting in the summer) camping in one of the rustic cabins or book the lone modern cabin well in advance.

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6. Laurel Hill State Park – 1454 Laurel Hill Park Road, Somerset, PA, 15501
Laurel Hill State Park, 1454 Laurel Hill Park Rd, Somerset, PA 15501, USA
Flickr/Shannon
Stretched across nearly 4,000 acres, Laurel Hill State Park features mountain terrain and a stunning 64 acre lake. Throw your beach towel on the sandy beach - open from late May to mid-September each year - before swimming, boating, or fishing in the picturesque lake. Climb aboard your mountain bike and take on the 15 miles of trails or opt to hike. Camping is also available at the park.
7. Ryerson Station State Park – 361 Bristoria Road, Graysville, PA, 15337
361 Bristoria Rd, Graysville, PA 15337, USA
Flickr/Chris Collins
Not far from the West Virginia border, the 1,164 Ryerson Station State Park features plenty to do year-round. Go swimming in the park's pool from Memorial Day to Labor Day. Hike the more than 13 miles of trails or enjoy a peaceful picnic at one of the many picnic tables. Extend your stay by camping out in one of the cottages in the park.
8. Oil Creek State Park – 305 State Park Road, Oil City, PA, 16301
Oil Creek State Park Trail, Titusville, PA, USA
Facebook/Oil Creek State Park
Uncover the rich history of Oil Creek State Park, the home of the first commercial oil well in the world. Stop by the Train Visitor Center - open from noon to 5 p.m. on weekends - or check out the three historic tableaus. You'll also find plenty of outdoor activities available, including hiking, hunting, picnicking, canoeing, kayaking, and fishing.
9. Shawnee State Park – 132 State Park Road, Schellsburg, PA, 15559
Shawnee State Park, 4404 OH-125, West Portsmouth, OH 45663, USA
Flickr/George Barner
Boasting nearly 4,000 acres, Shawnee State Park's main attraction is, arguably, the 451 acre lake that allows for swimming, boating, and fishing. Hit the biking or the hiking trails or start a game of disc golfing at the state park. Spend the night, the weekend, or longer by camping out in one of the camping cottages or yurts.
10. Laurel Summit State Park – Linn Run Road, Somerset, PA, 15501
Laurel Summit State Park, Linn Run Rd, Somerset, PA 15501, USA
Jon Dawson/Flickr
Spend a relaxing and quiet few hours at the coziest of all Pennsylvania state parks. At only six acres, Laurel Summit State Park is the perfect spot for a tranquil picnic or to go horseback riding, hiking, or mountain biking.

How many of these under-appreciated state parks near Pittsburgh have you visited before? What are your favorite state parks to visit near Pittsburgh, PA? We’re also lucky to be within easy driving distance of some of Pennsylvania’s most popular state parks, including the always amazing Moraine State Park.

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More to Explore

State parks to visit near Pittsburgh

Sarah M. | February 15, 2022

What's the best state park to visit in Pennsylvania?

With 121 state parks dotted across the state, identifying the best one in the Keystone State is nearly impossible, and we simply couldn't choose just one! Luckily, the editors at Travel & Leisure did the choosing for us, when they came out with their list of the best state park in each state. You probably won’t be too surprised to learn that Ohiopyle State Park came out on top for Pennsylvania; if you’ve been there, you understand why it earned a nod. If you haven’t, you’ll definitely want to plan a visit... here's why!

What are some state parks near Pittsburgh where I can camp year-round?

As we mentioned above, Pennsylvania's state parks are amazing destinations in any season, and there are many parks that remain open for camping year round! One of our favorite state parks to camp is Laurel Hill State Park. The sprawling state park's Copper Kettle Lodge and Huffman Lodge, both of which require advanced reservations, welcome guests all year around. Another camping favorite is Raccoon Creek State Park, which boasts a full menu of activities - from hiking and biking to horseback riding and swimming in the summer. Not into camping? This state park has some particularly cozy cabins available to rent!

What are some great parks for hiking near Pittsburgh?

Pittsburgh’s a bustling city with something going on all of the time, but the good news is, it's also a place with lots of green spaces and hidden parks perfect for escaping the hustle and bustle. This lovely loop trail is one of our favorites. Located in Schenley Park, a 456-acre park that feels worlds away from the city, the Schenley Park Double Loop Trail is a five-mile trek that's the Goldilocks of hikes: not too short and not too long. While the trail can get busy, hikers praise it for offering peace, quiet, and that feeling of being far from the noise of the city. It's the perfect, *just right* hike for when you just need to get away for a few hours!

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Featured Addresses
943 Glades Pike, Somerset, PA 15501
1454 Laurel Hill Park Road, Somerset, PA 15501
3000 PA-18, Hookstown, PA 15050
361 Bristoria Road, Graysville, PA 15337
770 Linn Run Road, Rector, PA 15677
305 State Park Road, Oil City, PA 16301
132 State Park Road, Schellsburg, PA 15559
170 PA-259, Penn Run, PA 15765