Yellow Creek State Park

4.63

201 reviews

170 ROUTE 259 HWY, PENN RUN, Pennsylvania, 15765, United States

Summer Destination

Featured in:Beach Camping Pennsylvania#2 Winter Camping Pennsylvania Family-Friendly Campgrounds Pennsylvania +8 more

Quick Facts

1,325 ft

Price

$25 - $35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Operational periods ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowersWiFi

Opens Yellow Creek State Park site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

1,325 ft

Price

$25 - $35/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Operational periods ...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowersWiFi

Opens Yellow Creek State Park site

Official Website

Get Directions

Yellow Creek State Park

$25.00 - $35.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Maximum fee is $35, minimum fee is $25. Additional fees for cabins, yurts, and camping cottages may apply.

Standard Site Fee$0.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00

Group Site Fee$0.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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Provider

7243577913

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What Campers Say

4.63

Top-Rated

Based on 201 reviews

179 Google reviews

Most mentioned

cleanspaciousstafffriendly

Some mention

noise

"User reviews of Yellow Creek Campground are overwhelmingly positive, with frequent praise for the friendly staff, serene atmosphere, and well-maintained facilities. However, isolated complaints highlight issues such as litter and insufficient responsiveness to incidents."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

170 ROUTE 259 HWY, PENN RUN, Pennsylvania, 15765, United States

Yellow Creek State Park

170 ROUTE 259 HWY, PENN RUN, Pennsylvania, 15765, United States

Driving directionsThe Cottages and Yurts are located at McFeaters Cove. From Route 422, turn south onto South Harmony Road. Go 1/2 mile to stop sign and turn right to stay on South Harmony Road. Travel 1.1 miles and turn left at the McFeaters Cove sign. Yellow Creek State Park Main Entrance is located on Route 259. It is directly off Route 422 and 12 Miles East of Indiana PA.

Accessible directly off Route 422 and 12 miles east of Indiana, PA. Roads appear paved and accessible year-round with no seasonal closures mentioned.

Nearby places

Indiana, PA - 12 miles east

Nearby supplies

Closest supplies are not explicitly mentioned, although the park is in proximity to Indiana, PA, which likely offers grocery and camping resources.

Best Time to Camp at Yellow Creek State Park

Experience the park's dramatic seasonal transformations as winter blankets the landscape in pristine snow, with temperatures dancing between crisp 20°F mornings and mild 37°F afternoons. Weekly snowfalls of up to 3 inches create a winter wonderland perfect for cold-weather adventures. As spring awakens the forest, temperatures climb into the comfortable 50s, eventually warming to delightful summer days that peak around 82°F. Each season paints the park in new colors, from the stark beauty of frozen shores to the lush green canopy of summer, punctuated by gentle rains that keep the landscape vibrant.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 15% in PA

Summer is most popular: beach, boating, rentals and concessions active; many reviews cite summer visits.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall camping is noted for scenic beauty and autumn colors in the woodlands.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.5 / 5

Top 5% in PA

Spring is popular with migrating birds and reopening amenities; many positive spring reviews.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.0 / 5

Winter offers snow-based recreation but fewer amenities and lower visitation; temps given ~20–37°F.

Planning Tips

Operating Season: Operational periods tied to permit conditions but exact seasonal dates are not provided.

About Yellow Creek State Park

Sprawling across nearly 3,000 acres of Pennsylvania wilderness, Yellow Creek State Park beckons adventurers with its shimmering 720-acre lake and pristine sandy beach. This natural sanctuary transforms throughout the seasons, serving as a vital stopover for countless migrating birds while offering visitors endless opportunities for recreation. From tranquil picnic spots nestled among towering trees to winding trails that reveal hidden corners of beauty, the park invites you to create lasting memories through year-round programs and activities.

Yellow Creek State Park accommodates a variety of camping preferences, including tent camping, RV sites, and cabin rentals. Unique options like yurts and camping cottages are also available.

Historical SignificanceStep back in time along the ancient Kittanning Path, where the footsteps of Delaware and Shawnee nations once echoed through these forests. This historic route, now embraced by the park's modern trails, tells stories of indigenous peoples who knew these lands intimately. The park's very name honors this geological and cultural heritage, preserving not just natural beauty but centuries of human history woven into the Pennsylvania landscape.

Weather and SeasonsExperience the park's dramatic seasonal transformations as winter blankets the landscape in pristine snow, with temperatures dancing between crisp 20°F mornings and mild 37°F afternoons. Weekly snowfalls of up to 3 inches create a winter wonderland perfect for cold-weather adventures. As spring awakens the forest, temperatures climb into the comfortable 50s, eventually warming to delightful summer days that peak around 82°F. Each season paints the park in new colors, from the stark beauty of frozen shores to the lush green canopy of summer, punctuated by gentle rains that keep the landscape vibrant.

ElevationThe park's varied terrain creates diverse ecosystems and stunning vantage points throughout the property.

Natural Features and SceneryNamed for the distinctive yellow clay that lines its creek banks, Yellow Creek State Park showcases nature's artistry at every turn. The centerpiece 720-acre lake mirrors the sky and surrounding forest, creating breathtaking vistas that change with each passing cloud. Yellow Creek and Little Yellow Creek wind through the landscape, their banks revealing the golden-hued geological formations that give the park its name. Dense woodlands provide a emerald backdrop for boating adventures, while secluded coves invite anglers to cast their lines. Birdwatchers find paradise here, with binoculars revealing everything from majestic herons to tiny warblers among the branches.

Geological RegionNestled in the rolling hills of Indiana County, the park occupies a fascinating geological crossroads where ancient waterways carved through layers of distinctive yellow clay. This unique formation, visible along the creek banks and lake shores, tells a story millions of years in the making. The historic Kittanning Path winds through this terrain, following natural corridors used for centuries by the Delaware and Shawnee nations. Today, the 720-acre Yellow Creek Lake stands as the crown jewel of this geological wonderland, its waters reflecting both the region's natural beauty and its rich cultural heritage.

Best Campsites

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Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

Camping cottages/yurts cannot accommodate tents, trailers, or RVs.

Guests Allowed Per Site

No more than one family unit or five unrelated persons per campsite for camping cottages/yurts.

Groups

No specific details provided about group site capacities or restrictions.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutCamping cottages and yurts in designated areas. Tent, RV parking, and cabins are described in user reviews as spacious and well-maintained.

Reservation PlatformsReservations likely available via phone (7243577913) or official Pennsylvania State Parks website.

Walk-in AvailabilityNo explicit walk-up site availability mentioned.

Cancellation PolicyPermit conditions specify adherence to state park rules and regulations. Cancellation policy details are not provided.

AccessibilityAccessible facilities are available within the campground, including fishing areas for individuals with disabilities.

Site SizeThe campground features a mix of tent, RV, and cabin sites, with some tent sites described as spacious by users.

PrivacyUser reviews suggest that the campground offers a mix of privacy levels, with some sites being more secluded than others. There is no explicit mention of high-density clusters.

Recommended SitesReviews highlight Brookside Cabin for its amenities and cleanliness. Electric tent sites are recommended for their space and convenience.

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

WiFi

Flush toilets

Fire rings

Activities you can enjoy

Yellow Creek State Park offers a variety of recreational activities catering to diverse interests. Visitors can enjoy hiking, biking, swimming, fishing, boating, and wildlife viewing. The park also offers unique amenities like an observation deck and a waterfowl observatory. Seasonal activities such as sledding and snowmobiling are available in winter.

HikingThe park features mountain bike trails that double as hiking paths, with easy sections and some challenging parts. Trails loop around the park and are marked with intersections.

FishingFishing is a popular activity at the park, particularly in Yellow Creek and the 720-acre Yellow Creek Lake. Species like rainbow trout are commonly caught, and user reviews frequently mention the quality of fishing.

SwimmingSwimming is permitted at the park's sand beach, and seasonal food concessions are available nearby.

BikingMountain bike trails are available on the north and south shores, offering both easy rides and challenging sections with alternative routes.

BoatingBoating facilities include boat rentals and a public boat launch. The lake accommodates various watercraft, and shoreline mooring is available.

Wildlife viewingThe park is an important rest stop for migrating birds, offering opportunities for birdwatching and wildlife viewing. Specific viewing areas include the waterfowl observatory.

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsPossible encounters with black bears and other wildlife mentioned in reviews.

Fire PolicyCampfires permitted in designated rings per user reviews. No explicit restrictions provided.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are enforced from 9 p.m. to 8 a.m.

Emergency ServicesEmergency services include the Ranger Station (phone: 7243577913). Closest hospitals or police stations are not explicitly listed.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are available, but detailed information about their location and schedules is not provided.

Water FeaturesYellow Creek Lake and Yellow Creek run through the park, providing opportunities for fishing, boating, and swimming.

Camp HostStaff and campground owners are frequently praised for their friendliness and helpfulness.

Weather at Yellow Creek State Park

Reviews

4.6

201 reviews

Top-Rated

Yellow Creek State Park is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews of Yellow Creek Campground are overwhelmingly positive, with frequent praise for the friendly staff, serene atmosphere, and well-maintained facilities. However, isolated complaints highlight issues such as litter and insufficient responsiveness to incidents.

Review Summaries

Based on 201 reviews

What Campers Love

Many users commend the campground for its clean and spacious sites, friendly staff, and family-friendly atmosphere. Cabins are described as clean and well-equipped, and the fishing opportunities are...

Based on 201 reviews

Common Concerns

Some users have mentioned concerns about litter at campsites, clogged bathroom stalls, and a lack of action on specific incidents like theft. Certain reviews also highlight seasonal crowding and...

Based on 201 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend booking early to secure desirable sites, bringing personal bedding and cookware for cabin stays, and exploring nearby attractions like Buttermilk Falls. The sand beach and...

Based on 201 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Spring and summer are the most popular seasons, with many activities and amenities available. Fall camping is noted for its scenic beauty, while winter brings opportunities for snow-based recreation.

Based on 201 reviews

Camper Quotes

\"This is the best campground around. Family-owned, and it shows. You will not be disappointed.\" - BR Neal\n\"We rented one of the cabins; it was great. Local fishing was amazing—caught a good...

Based on 201 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Brookside Cabin and Woodview Cabin are highlighted in multiple reviews for their cleanliness and amenities. Tent sites with electrical hookups are also praised for their spaciousness.

Based on 201 reviews