Raymond B Winter State Park sits in a shallow basin surrounded by forested ridges in central Pennsylvania's Bald Eagle State Forest, 15 minutes from Mifflinburg. The campground has 61 sites for tents and RVs plus three cabins, all tucked into oak and pine woods around spring-fed Halfway Lake. Cell service is nearly nonexistent except on the Overlook Trail.
The park accommodates various camping preferences, including tent sites, RV-friendly spots, walk-in sites, and rustic cabins. Group sites are available, and the park also offers camping cottages.
Historical Significance
The Civilian Conservation Corps built the park as a tribute to Raymond B. Winter, a Pennsylvania conservationist. Locals call it Half-Way Dam after the historic spillway that remains a landmark at the lake.Weather and SeasonsSummer brings daytime highs of 75–85°F and nights that drop to 55–65°F. Pack layers. The lake is warmest and fullest for swimming, boating, and fishing from June through August, and trails are clear for hiking and mountain biking. Expect crowds on weekends and holidays. Winter transforms the park into a quiet, snow-covered retreat suited to cold-weather activities and solitude. Spring and fall offer milder visitation and excellent wildlife viewing at dawn and dusk.
ElevationPerched in Pennsylvania's scenic mountain country, the campground offers the perfect vantage point to experience the region's rolling terrain and breathtaking vistas that stretch across the forested ridgelines.
Natural Features and SceneryThe park occupies a geological basin rimmed by rocky ridges clothed in oak and pine. Halfway Lake fills the center, fed by a cold spring that keeps the water clear and bracingly cold even in summer. The campground itself is heavily wooded, with thick tree cover between sites and dramatic ridge views visible from higher trails. Elevation sits at 1,588 feet, and the forested terrain creates a cathedral effect over most campsites.
Geological RegionDiscover the fascinating Ridge and Valley Province of central Pennsylvania, where Raymond B. Winter State Park sits like a hidden gem within the expansive Bald Eagle State Forest. This unique shallow basin, cradled by ancient rocky ridges, tells the story of millions of years of geological history. The surrounding oak and pine forests cloak these weathered ridges, creating a dramatic landscape that showcases the raw beauty of Pennsylvania's diverse terrain.
Scenic ViewsFeatures vistas such as the overlook trail, offering views of valleys and surrounding mountains.
Lodging & AccommodationsLodging includes camping cottages and rustic cabins. Reviews praised the comfort of the accommodations, including a visitor mentioning that a cottage mattress was unexpectedly comfortable.
Programs & ActivitiesAn interdenominational worship service is hosted on Sundays. Additional cultural programs are held periodically, although fewer specifics were shared.