Did you know there are a total of 124 state parks in Pennsylvania? They come in a wide range of sizes and activities that they offer. You can do anything from camping, fishing, boating, rock climbing, hiking, and so much more.
You can find a state park in 62 of the 67 counties that make up Pennsylvania. Only California and Alaska have more park land than PA. That’s pretty amazing when you consider Pennsylvania is only the 33rd largest state.
The state parks in Pennsylvania make for a great escape from the fast paced lives we all are living. From a night out camping under the stars in one of the darkest skies on the East Coast. To witness something that was once the tallest and longest in the world. If you want to do it, chances are you can find a PA state park where you can.
Camping
You can go camping at more than 60 of the 124 state parks. Many of the state parks have spaces for tent camping as well as spaces for Rvs. Some of the state parks even have cabins and Yurts to rent.
Most of the campsites are open from April to October. Some stay open through December. Very few of the campgrounds are open year round.
With over 7,000 available sites, chances are you will be open to find an open spot to camp for a night or weekend. Of course, holiday weekends should be booked well in advance.
Some of the most popular state parks to camp in are Promise Land, Ricketts Glen, Cherry Springs, Hickey Run, Parker Dam, Caledonia, Gifford Pinchot, and Ohiopyle.
Most of the campgrounds at Pennsylvania State Parks have modern bathrooms with hot showers and flushing toilets. Many of them also have full hookups available for RVs or at the very least electrical hook ups. The cost to stay at one of the State Park campgrounds is around half of what it would cost at a private campground.
Things to do
Many of the state parks located in the northern part of the state are great places for stargazing. Cherry Springs State Park is known to have some of the darkest skies east of the Mississippi River. Nearby Lyman Run State Park is another great location to visit for dark skies.
Kinzua Bridge State Park is home to what was once the highest railway bridge in the world. The bridge is now in ruins after a tornado destroyed the bridge in 2003. You can, however, go out onto the bridge and look over at the ruins on the valley floor below.
Beltzville, Codorus, Nockamixon, Presque Island, Promised Land, and Pymatuning are home to some spectacular lakes. Go fishing, boating, or swimming. Spending the day at one of these state parks is never a bad idea in the hot summer months. Just don’t forget the life jacket.
Currently Pennsylvania doesn’t have a National Park. However, Ricketts Glen almost became one before funds were redirected due to World War II. Ricketts Glen is a National Natural Landmark and you can find 24 named waterfalls.
Leonard Harrison and Colton Point state parks are located along Pine Creek Gorge. Pine Creek Gorge is known as the Grand Canyon of Pennsylvania.
Hyner View state park is a popular location for guests who want to hang gliding. To be honest, I didn’t even know that was a thing you could do in PA. This park does offer a pretty amazing view of the river and valley below.
Archbald Pothole state park is home to one of the largest potholes in the world. It is 38 feet deep.
If you like history, Fort Washington State Park is the place for you. This is where General George Washington camped during the Revolutionary War.
Ohiopyle State Park is home to many waterfalls but that isn’t the main draw here. This state park is one of the most popular locations on the east coast for white water rafting.
With hundreds of hiking trails to explore you can find one that fits anyone’s fitness level. They even have some trails (although very short) that people in wheel chairs can access. Part of the Appalachian Trail even goes through some of the Pennsylvania State Parks.
Check out Bear Walk Trail, Boulder Field Trail, Hawk Falls Trail, Shades of Death Trail, Betty Knox Trail, and many others. Many of the trails you can also mountain bike on or snow ski. Some of the trails are even used by horses. Just check out the state park you are planning on visiting and seeing what hiking trails are available.
Don’t forget to bring the fishing rod with you. Many of the State Parks have lakes or streams that are excellent locations to go fishing in.
Many of the major lakes and streams are stocked with trout in early spring. Come summer time bass fishing is a great time throughout PA. Spending a day along the creek or at the lake is the highlight of many weekends in those warm summer months.
Only 17 of the 124 state parks come in at under 50 acres. The smallest, Sand Bridge State Park, is only 3 acres. The largest, Pymatuning State Parks, comes in at a whopping 21,122 acres.
It would take you over 2 months to visit all the Pennsylvania state parks if you were to visit two a day. Most of these amazing state parks you would want to spend at least a day or two at. With so many different things to do, you won’t know what to do first.
Do you have a favorite PA State Park? Have you ever visited any of them? Have you visited all of them? Let us know in the comments below.
