Moraine State Park

4.86

41 reviews

225 PLEASANT VALLEY ROAD, PORTERSVILLE, Pennsylvania, 16051, United States

Summer Destination

Featured in:Boating Camping Pennsylvania#1 Hidden Gem Campgrounds Pennsylvania#1 Swimming Camping Pennsylvania#1 +8 more

Quick Facts

1,247 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Moraine State Park site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

1,247 ft

Price

Free

Booking

Reservable

Sites

Varies

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Check Policy

Opens Moraine State Park site

Official Website

Get Directions

Moraine State Park

$0.00 - $77.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Fees for cabins are not explicitly mentioned, though user reviews highlight affordability. Additional fees may apply for facilities or rule...

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

Get Notified When Available

We'll monitor this campground and alert you the moment sites become available.

Free with account · Checks every 2 minutes

150,000+ sites monitored · Email, SMS, or in-app notifications

Share this campground

Reserve America

Provider

7243688811

Help improve this page

See something outdated or incorrect? Let us know!

What Campers Say

4.86

Top-Rated

Based on 41 reviews

26 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanhikinglake

"User reviews overwhelmingly praise the park's modern cabins for their cleanliness, privacy, and beautiful lakefront setting with private docks. Some complaints are noted about the lack of responsiveness from maintenance and the need for guests to bring their own supplies."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

225 PLEASANT VALLEY ROAD, PORTERSVILLE, Pennsylvania, 16051, United States

Moraine State Park

225 PLEASANT VALLEY ROAD, PORTERSVILLE, Pennsylvania, 16051, United States

Driving directionsMoraine State Park is in northwestern Pennsylvania near the crossroads of I-79 and I-80. It is bisected by PA 422 running east/west and PA 528 running north/south. To access the South Shore Recreation Area, take the South Shore Exit off PA 422. To access the North Shore from PA 422 west, take the North Shore Exit. There is no access to the North Shore from PA 422 headed east from I-79, so take the South Shore Exit, get onto PA 422 West and take the North Shore Exit.

The park is accessible from major highways including I-79 and I-80, and is bisected by PA 422 and PA 528. Accessibility may depend on direction traveled on PA 422 and specific entry points to the North or South Shores.

Nearby supplies

Within 10 miles of the cabin area, there is access to a laundromat and a store for supplies.

Best Time to Camp at Moraine State Park

Four distinct seasons paint Moraine State Park in dramatically different palettes throughout the year. Winter transforms the landscape into a crystalline wonderland, with snow blanketing the hills and creating perfect conditions for cross-country skiing and ice fishing on frozen Lake Arthur. As spring awakens the forest floor with wildflowers, temperatures climb into the comfortable 70s, drawing hikers and bird watchers to witness nature's annual rebirth. Summer brings warm days that can reach into the 80s, with morning mists rising off the lake giving way to afternoon thunderstorms that refresh the landscape. The humidity creates that quintessential Pennsylvania summer atmosphere—perfect for swimming and boating, though afternoon showers often provide natural air conditioning. Autumn arrives in spectacular fashion, painting the restored forests in brilliant golds and crimsons that reflect perfectly in the lake's calm waters.

Best

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.5 / 5

Top 15% in PA

Summer reviews highlight boating, biking and easy water access from cabins.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Fall singled out as a great time to visit for quietness and scenic color.

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Spring implied to be attractive for trails and lake renewal though fewer explicit reviews.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.5 / 5

Winter is scenic and quiet per reviewers, but activity options appear more limited.

Planning Tips

Current Alerts: No active alerts mentioned.

About Moraine State Park

Rising from the scars of Pennsylvania's industrial past, Moraine State Park stands as a testament to nature's resilience and human dedication to restoration. Where coal mines once carved deep wounds and oil derricks dotted the landscape, today's visitors discover 16,725 acres of rejuvenated wilderness embracing the shimmering 3,225-acre Lake Arthur. More than a million adventurers annually explore this phoenix-like landscape, where rolling hills meet pristine waters and forests have reclaimed their rightful place. Whether you're paddling across mirror-smooth waters at dawn, cycling winding trails through deciduous forests, or simply breathing in the sweet air of environmental redemption, Moraine offers both outdoor adventure and a powerful story of transformation.

Moraine State Park primarily offers modern cabin lodging with private docks. No traditional campsites or RV sites are mentioned in the source.

Historical SignificanceMoraine State Park tells one of America's most inspiring environmental comeback stories. For decades, this land bore the industrial scars of intensive coal mining and oil extraction—the very activities that powered Pennsylvania's rise but left the earth wounded and waterways polluted. In the 1960s, visionary conservationists saw beyond the degradation to imagine what could be: a restored ecosystem where families could reconnect with nature. Through innovative environmental engineering and unwavering commitment, they transformed abandoned mine shafts and oil-stained soil into thriving habitats. Today, every trail hiked and every fish caught represents triumph over environmental destruction, making Moraine not just a recreational destination but a living monument to conservation success.

Weather and SeasonsFour distinct seasons paint Moraine State Park in dramatically different palettes throughout the year. Winter transforms the landscape into a crystalline wonderland, with snow blanketing the hills and creating perfect conditions for cross-country skiing and ice fishing on frozen Lake Arthur. As spring awakens the forest floor with wildflowers, temperatures climb into the comfortable 70s, drawing hikers and bird watchers to witness nature's annual rebirth. Summer brings warm days that can reach into the 80s, with morning mists rising off the lake giving way to afternoon thunderstorms that refresh the landscape. The humidity creates that quintessential Pennsylvania summer atmosphere—perfect for swimming and boating, though afternoon showers often provide natural air conditioning. Autumn arrives in spectacular fashion, painting the restored forests in brilliant golds and crimsons that reflect perfectly in the lake's calm waters.

Natural Features and SceneryContinental glaciers first sculpted this landscape thousands of years ago, carving gentle valleys and depositing rich soils that would later attract both ancient forests and modern industry. Today's visitors witness nature's artistry in the park's gently rolling hills that seem to flow like green waves toward Lake Arthur's expansive waters. Dense deciduous forests create cathedral-like canopies over hiking trails, where spring ephemeral flowers carpet the forest floor and autumn transforms every vista into a masterpiece. The centerpiece Lake Arthur stretches across the valley like a sapphire jewel, its fingers reaching into hidden coves perfect for exploration by kayak or canoe. Wetlands buzz with life along the shoreline, while meadows bloom with native wildflowers that attract clouds of butterflies—all testament to successful restoration that has created diverse habitats supporting everything from nesting ospreys to prowling bobcats.

Geological RegionBeneath Moraine State Park's verdant surface lies a fascinating geological story written over millions of years. Ancient seas once covered this region, depositing layers of sedimentary rock rich with coal and oil that would later fuel America's industrial revolution. Continental glaciers advanced and retreated multiple times, grinding bedrock into fertile till and carving the undulating topography that gives the park its distinctive character. These glacial deposits, combined with the underlying Pennsylvanian-age rocks, created the mineral wealth that attracted extensive mining operations. Today, those same geological forces that attracted industry have been harnessed for recreation—the impermeable glacial till that once trapped oil now holds back Lake Arthur's waters, while the rolling glacial moraines that challenged farmers now delight mountain bikers and hikers seeking scenic vistas.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

No more than one family unit or five unrelated persons per campsite. Occupant must include at least one person 18 years of age or older.

Guests Allowed Per Site

No more than five unrelated persons per campsite.

Groups

Group site details are not mentioned in the source.

Tents

Tents are not allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are not allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Cancellation PolicyRules and deadlines for canceling a reservation without penalty are not explicitly mentioned.

AccessibilityAccessibility features for campers with disabilities are not mentioned in the source materials.

Site SizeCabins appear spacious and modern based on user reviews.

PrivacyReviews suggest that the cabins offer a high degree of privacy, with each having its own private dock.

Recommended SitesCabins are recommended for their lakefront location and private boat docks.

Amenities available

Dump station

Fire rings

Picnic tables

Lodging and accommodations

Cabin Lodging

Activities you can enjoy

Moraine State Park offers a variety of outdoor activities such as biking, fishing, and swimming. The park also has extensive boating opportunities, and each cabin has its own private dock for easy water access. The park's trails are highly appreciated by users, although details about hiking trail specifics like length and difficulty are missing.

FishingFishing is available within the park, but specific details such as the types of fish or fishing conditions are not provided.

SwimmingSwimming is listed as an activity available at the park, but detailed information about designated swimming areas or related facilities is not provided.

Biking"Love the park and trails!" (Anke PACK, user review); biking trails are close to the cabin area and are praised for their accessibility.

Boating"Each cabin has its own boat dock to put kayaks or boats in the water." (Marianne Kephart, user review); opportunities for kayaking and other boating activities are highlighted.

Beach activities"Beautiful dock by cabins... great beach" (Robyn Accetturo, user review). Specific details about beach quality or activities are not provided.

Winter Activities

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsNo specific hazards mentioned.

Active AlertsNo active alerts mentioned.

Weather at Moraine State Park

Reviews

4.9

41 reviews

Top-Rated

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

User reviews overwhelmingly praise the park's modern cabins for their cleanliness, privacy, and beautiful lakefront setting with private docks. Some complaints are noted about the lack of responsiveness from maintenance and the need for guests to bring their own supplies.

Review Summaries

Based on 41 reviews

What Campers Love

Clean, cozy cabins with modern amenities; private docks for each cabin; beautiful lake views; proximity to biking and hiking trails.

Based on 41 reviews

Common Concerns

Maintenance issues with slow response times (e.g., a refrigerator not being fixed promptly); limited bed sizes in cabins; lack of provided linens, kitchenware, and other basic supplies.

Based on 41 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring your own linens, kitchen supplies, and bathroom essentials as these are not provided. Winter stays offer a unique experience with snowy landscapes. Mid-to-late October is noted to be...

Based on 41 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Fall (October) and winter are highlighted as great times to visit due to the quietness and scenic beauty. Summer reviews emphasize the accessibility of biking and boating activities. Reviewers...

Based on 41 reviews

Camper Quotes

"The modern cabins are super cozy and have their own private docks." (John Chesney); "Each cabin has its own boat dock to put kayaks or boats in the water." (Marianne Kephart); "The baseboard heaters...

Based on 41 reviews