Ryerson Station State Park

4.21

19 reviews

361 BRISTORIA ROAD, WIND RIDGE, Pennsylvania, 15380, United States

Quick Facts

1,001 ft

Price

$15 - $80/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

35 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Pennsylvania State Parks site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

1,001 ft

Price

$15 - $80/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

35 campsites

Season

Year-round

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowers

Opens Pennsylvania State Parks site

Official Website

Get Directions

Ryerson Station State Park

$15.00 - $80.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Fees range from $15 for hike/bike or basic sites to $80 for group sites. Premium cabins and facilities have higher pricing. Pets require reservations...

Standard Site Fee$0.00

Hookup Site Fee$0.00

Premium Site Fee$0.00

Hike and Bike Site Fee$15.00

Group Site Fee$80.00

Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00

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What Campers Say

4.21

Satisfactory

Based on 19 reviews

191 Google reviews

Most mentioned

peacefulcleanfriendlywell-maintained

Some mention

cell service

"User reviews for Ryerson Station State Park are generally positive, with highlights including the cleanliness of the facilities, the quiet and peaceful environment, and the variety of recreational activities. Some users expressed frustration with the lack of cell service and described interactions with park rangers as inconsistent."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

361 BRISTORIA ROAD, WIND RIDGE, Pennsylvania, 15380, United States

Ryerson Station State Park

361 BRISTORIA ROAD, WIND RIDGE, Pennsylvania, 15380, United States

Driving directionsFrom I-79, take PA 21 west through the town of Wind Ridge, turning left onto Bristoria Road. The park will be on both sides of Bristoria Road, with the park office located 1.5 miles from PA 21.

The roads to Ryerson Station State Park are paved and accessible year-round. Seasonal closures are not specified. Bristoria Road provides direct access to the park.

Nearby places

Wind Ridge: Approximately 1.5 miles

Waynesburg: Approximately 25 miles

Morgantown, WV: Approximately 35 miles.

Nearby supplies

Groceries, camping supplies, and fuel are not available directly within the park. The nearest store is greater than 1 mile from the cabin area, and laundromats are located outside the campground area.

Best Time to Camp at Ryerson Station State Park

Each season paints Ryerson Station in dramatically different colors, creating a year-round destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Winter transforms the park into a snowy playground where sledding hills echo with laughter and cross-country ski tracks weave through frost-covered meadows. As spring arrives, wildflowers carpet the forest floor and migrating birds fill the air with song. Summer brings golden sunshine perfect for poolside relaxation and trail adventures, with warm days that stretch into cricket-filled evenings. Autumn sets the hills ablaze with brilliant foliage, creating a photographer's paradise as crisp air signals the return of campfire season.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Summer highlighted for water-based activities and pool use; peak season for visitors.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall praised for tranquility and hiking amid seasonal colors without summer crowds.

Spring(Mar-May)

3.5 / 5

Spring noted for tranquility and good hiking with fewer crowds; seasonal trails may vary.

Best

Winter(Dec-Feb)

4.0 / 5

Top 7% in PA

Winter recreation like sledding and cross-country skiing make it a lively winter spot.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Peak season dates are not mentioned directly, but summer months are highlighted for water-based activities.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Open year-round, but certain amenities like pools and trails may operate seasonally.
Current Alerts: User reviews mention construction near the pool and day-use areas. The lake has been permanently affected by mining activity.

About Ryerson Station State Park

Nestled in Pennsylvania's rolling hills, Ryerson Station State Park invites you to experience the tranquility of small-scale camping at its finest. With 35 thoughtfully spaced campsites and 5 cozy cabins, this hidden gem strikes the perfect balance between modern comfort and natural serenity. Days here begin with morning mist rising from the valleys and end with starlit skies above your campfire. The park's sparkling new swimming pool offers refreshing relief on summer afternoons, while well-maintained showerhouses ensure your wilderness adventure doesn't mean sacrificing comfort. Miles of winding hiking trails beckon explorers through shaded forests, and scattered picnic areas provide perfect spots for family gatherings beneath towering trees.

The campground at Ryerson Station State Park accommodates various camping styles, including tent camping, RVs with hookups, group camping, and cabin lodging. The small campground has 35 traditional campsites and 5 cabins.

Historical SignificanceRyerson Station holds stories etched in both stone and memory. The historic Chess Cemetery stands as a silent testament to the pioneers who first called these hills home, its weathered headstones preserving names and dates from a bygone era. The park's landscape itself tells a more recent tale of transformation—where a tranquil lake once reflected the surrounding hills, mining operations beneath the park forever altered this feature, leaving behind a poignant reminder of industry's impact on nature. Yet the land has adapted, creating new beauty from change, and today's visitors discover a resilient landscape that honors both its past and present.

Weather and SeasonsEach season paints Ryerson Station in dramatically different colors, creating a year-round destination for outdoor enthusiasts. Winter transforms the park into a snowy playground where sledding hills echo with laughter and cross-country ski tracks weave through frost-covered meadows. As spring arrives, wildflowers carpet the forest floor and migrating birds fill the air with song. Summer brings golden sunshine perfect for poolside relaxation and trail adventures, with warm days that stretch into cricket-filled evenings. Autumn sets the hills ablaze with brilliant foliage, creating a photographer's paradise as crisp air signals the return of campfire season.

ElevationWhile specific elevation markers may not guide your journey, the park's position within Pennsylvania's Appalachian Plateau creates a naturally dramatic landscape. Here, ancient geological forces have sculpted a terrain of gentle rises and hidden valleys, where morning fog pools in hollows and afternoon sun bathes ridgetops in golden light. The varying elevations throughout the park create diverse microclimates and ecosystems, from cool, shaded ravines where ferns thrive to sunny meadows dotted with wildflowers. This topographical diversity means every trail offers changing perspectives and new discoveries around each bend.

Natural Features and SceneryStep into a landscape where nature composes its own masterpiece daily. Ryerson Station's wooded hills rise like green waves frozen in time, their canopy creating cathedral-like spaces filled with filtered sunlight and birdsong. Between these forested ridges, peaceful valleys cradle open meadows where deer graze at dawn and dusk, often visible from your campsite. The park's diverse habitats attract an impressive array of wildlife—from the flash of a cardinal's wings to the distinctive drumming of woodpeckers echoing through the trees. Seasonal streams babble through the hollows after rain, while ancient oaks and maples provide shade and shelter for both campers and creatures alike.

Geological RegionPerched in Pennsylvania's southwestern corner, where the Keystone State nearly touches West Virginia, Ryerson Station State Park showcases the rugged beauty of the Appalachian Plateau. This ancient landscape, carved by millions of years of erosion and uplift, creates the characteristic ridges and valleys that define the region. The park's geology tells a story written in sandstone and shale, where prehistoric seas once covered the land and left behind layers of sediment now exposed in rocky outcrops along the trails. This unique position at the edge of Pennsylvania places visitors in one of North America's oldest mountain chains, where every vista connects you to deep geological time and the enduring power of natural forces.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

:Check-in times are not provided.

Check-out

Check-out times are not provided.

Stay Limit

The stay limit is not specified in terms of consecutive nights.

Guests Allowed Per Site

No more than one family unit or five unrelated persons per campsite as per Pennsylvania State Park regulations.

Groups

The McNay Ridge group camping area includes pit toilets and is described as accommodating larger groups.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe campground includes 35 sites and a group tenting area, with a small overall layout.

Reservation PlatformsNot specified, but reservations are likely available via Pennsylvania State Parks official website or phone.

Walk-in AvailabilityWalk-up availability is not specified, but reviews suggest limited sites and high demand during peak seasons.

Cancellation PolicyCancellation policy is not detailed, but park permits include conditions for compliance with park rules.

AccessibilityThe park provides accessible restrooms and other facilities. Specific details about other accessibility features are not provided.

Site SizeThe campground is small, with 35 campsites and 5 cabins. Group camping is available at the McNay Ridge area.

PrivacySites are described as well-spaced and shaded, though one user noted that campsites were 'too close' for those seeking privacy.

Total Campsites35 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose cabins for a modern and clean experience. Sites with electric and water hookups are also available.

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

Activities you can enjoy

Ryerson Station State Park offers a diverse range of activities, including hiking, fishing, swimming, and winter recreation. The park is especially known for its 13 miles of hiking trails and winter activities like sledding and cross-country skiing.

HikingThe park features 13 miles of trails suitable for hikers of various skill levels. Trails are described as 'not long and strenuous,' with some steep inclines. They are well-suited for families and trail runners.

FishingFishing is permitted, primarily in the creek, as the lake is no longer available. Specific details about the types of fish or fishing quality are not mentioned.

SwimmingThe park features a swimming pool with new water features. While the pool has garnered mixed reviews, some users praised it as a great addition for hot days.

Cultural and Educational ProgramsEnvironmental education and programs, as well as interpretive walks, are offered at the park.

Winter Activities

Water Sports

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsNo significant hazards are mentioned in authoritative sources, but user reviews emphasize the lack of cell service and a nearby industrial plant.

Active AlertsUser reviews mention construction near the pool and day-use areas. The lake has been permanently affected by mining activity.

Fire PolicyCampfires are allowed in designated fire rings. Firewood is sold onsite.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are 9 PM to 8 AM.

Emergency ServicesClosest emergency services are likely located in Waynesburg, PA, approximately 25 miles from the park. Specific facilities are not listed.

Trash & RecyclingTrash facilities are available, and occupants are required to clean and properly dispose of waste before vacating their site. Specific recycling options are not mentioned.

Water FeaturesDue to mining damage, the lake is no longer present. A creek is available for fishing.

Camp HostPark rangers are noted for being generally helpful, though a few reviews mention negative encounters.

Weather at Ryerson Station State Park

Reviews

4.2

19 reviews

Satisfactory

Ryerson Station State Park is satisfactory, placing it in the bottom 60% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews for Ryerson Station State Park are generally positive, with highlights including the cleanliness of the facilities, the quiet and peaceful environment, and the variety of recreational activities. Some users expressed frustration with the lack of cell service and described interactions with park rangers as inconsistent.

Review Summaries

Based on 19 reviews

What Campers Love

Users frequently praised the cleanliness of the bathrooms and shower facilities, the well-maintained cabins, and the peaceful atmosphere. Comments like 'the bathrooms are incredible' and 'clean camp...

Based on 19 reviews

Common Concerns

Complaints included the lack of a lake, the remote location leading to no cell service, and some negative interactions with park rangers. One user mentioned feeling harassed by a ranger, while others...

Based on 19 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Campers recommend bringing all necessities due to the remote location and limited nearby amenities. It's also suggested to book pet-friendly sites in advance, as their availability has increased but...

Based on 19 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Spring and fall are highlighted for their tranquility and opportunities to enjoy hiking without the summer crowds. Winter offers unique recreation, but users should prepare for cold conditions and...

Based on 19 reviews

Camper Quotes

1. 'The bathrooms are incredible! We have stayed in many areas throughout PA and these showers/bathrooms are by far the best yet.' - Crystal Faust 2. 'Great state park. The park ranger escorted us to...

Based on 19 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

The campground has 35 individual sites and 5 cabins. The McNay Ridge group camping area is noted for its pit toilets. Some campers found the sites too close together for privacy.

Based on 19 reviews

Accessibility Features

Accessible restrooms are available, but no further details on accessibility for individuals with disabilities are provided.

Based on 19 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pet-friendly camping areas have increased from 3 to 7 sites. Users appreciated this expansion, though some noted the need to book these areas in advance.

Based on 19 reviews

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Last updated February 17, 2026

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Ryerson Station State Park