Hancock Bend Boat Launch And Recreation Area

114 Park Main Rd., Ford City, PA 16226

Just 30 miles northeast of Pittsburgh, Damsite and Spillway Recreation Area welcomes visitors to the shores of Crooked Creek Lake, where a sandy peninsula beach meets forested hillsides and sparkling waters. This U.S. Army Corps of Engineers gem offers everything from peaceful fishing spots to lively picnic pavilions, playgrounds, and sports facilities—all centered around a historic flood-control lake that's become western Pennsylvania's playground for boating, swimming, and year-round adventure.

Mahoning Creek Lake

Nestled within the scenic Mahoning Creek Lake recreation area, Milton Loop Campground offers visitors a peaceful retreat surrounded by natural beauty. This welcoming campground serves as your gateway to exploring all that the Mahoning Creek Lake region has to offer, from waterside activities to forest trails.

1150 KEYSTONE PARK ROAD, DERRY, Pennsylvania, 15627, United States

Nestled across 1,200 pristine acres in Pennsylvania's scenic countryside, Keystone State Park beckons adventurers with its sparkling man-made lake and diverse recreational playground. Whether you're pitching a tent under starlit skies, settling into a cozy modern cabin, or exploring winding trails through ancient forests, this year-round destination transforms every season into an outdoor paradise. Families gather here to cast fishing lines at dawn, splash in refreshing waters during summer afternoons, paddle across mirror-like surfaces, and spot wildlife emerging from woodland shadows.

114 Park Main Rd, Ford City, PA 16226

Discover your perfect family retreat at Crooked Creek Lake, where 46 inviting campsites await amid western Pennsylvania's rolling countryside. Each site comes thoughtfully equipped with everything you need for memorable outdoor experiences: sturdy picnic tables for lakeside meals, charcoal grills for evening cookouts, and fire rings perfect for marshmallow roasting and stargazing. While modern bathroom facilities ensure comfort during your stay, the absence of showers encourages a true back-to-nature experience. Children will delight in the on-site playground, making this an ideal basecamp for families seeking adventure and connection.

440 Loyalhanna Dam Road

Nestled in a scenic valley where rolling hills meet sparkling waters, Bush Recreation Area beckons outdoor enthusiasts with its thoughtfully designed blend of RV hookups, secluded tent sites, and spacious group camping areas. From your campsite perched above Loyalhanna Lake, you'll wake to misty mornings reflecting off the water and fall asleep to the gentle sounds of nature echoing through the valley.

Conemaugh River Lake

Crooked Creek Lake

Loyalhanna Lake

114 Park Main Rd, Ford City, PA 16226

114 Park Main Rd., Ford City, PA 16226

1150 KEYSTONE PARK ROAD, DERRY, Pennsylvania, 15627, United States

440 Loyalhanna Dam Road

Crooked Creek Lake

Loyalhanna Lake

Conemaugh River Lake

Mahoning Creek Lake

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

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.

C/O Lyman Run SP, 454 Lyman Run Road, Galeton, Pennsylvania, 16922, United States

Beneath some of the darkest skies east of the Mississippi, Cherry Springs State Park beckons stargazers and astronomy enthusiasts to experience the cosmos like never before. This remote sanctuary, cradled within the expansive Susquehannock State Forest, offers visitors a rare glimpse into the night sky as our ancestors saw it—unpolluted by artificial light, where the Milky Way stretches across the heavens in breathtaking clarity. By day, the park reveals its wild character through dense forests and untamed landscapes that seem worlds away from civilization.

500 KINGS GAP ROAD, CARLISLE, Pennsylvania, 17015, United States

Perched high on South Mountain, Kings Gap Environmental Education Center invites visitors to explore 2,531 acres of pristine forest where education meets adventure. The crown jewel of this mountain sanctuary is the historic Cameron-Masland Mansion, which serves as both a window to the past and a gateway to spectacular Cumberland Valley vistas. Miles of hiking trails wind through diverse ecosystems, while an orienteering course challenges navigation skills. Scattered picnic areas provide perfect spots to rest and refuel between explorations, and the center's educational programs bring the natural world to life for curious minds of all ages.

225 Pleasant Valley RD, PORTERSVILLE, Pennsylvania, 16051, United States

Discover a dramatic landscape where nature and history converge at McConnells Mill State Park. This spectacular 2,546-acre preserve cradles the breathtaking Slippery Rock Creek Gorge, where a restored 1800s gristmill stands as a testament to Pennsylvania's industrial heritage. While the park doesn't offer camping, visitors can explore miles of scenic hiking trails that wind through one of the state's most stunning geological formations.

1454 LAUREL HILL PARK ROAD, SOMERSET, Pennsylvania, 15501, United States

Nestled in the heart of Pennsylvania's scenic mountains, Laurel Hill State Park's campground beckons outdoor enthusiasts with its diverse camping options. Whether you prefer the convenience of electric hookups, the simplicity of tent camping, or gathering with friends at spacious group sites, you'll find your perfect basecamp here. Visitors rave about the pristine conditions, breathtaking vistas, and meticulously maintained facilities that make every stay memorable.

97 KETTLE CREEK PARK LANE, RENOVO, Pennsylvania, 17764, United States

Nestled in the heart of western Clinton County, Pennsylvania, Kettle Creek State Park unfolds across 1,793 pristine acres where mountain ridges cradle the winding waters of Kettle Creek. This hidden gem offers visitors an authentic wilderness experience, where towering forests and rugged terrain create a natural sanctuary far from the hustle of modern life.

82 Cabin Bridge Road, Forksville, PA 18616-0062

Tucked into the dramatic S-shaped valley of Loyalsock Creek, Worlds End State Park feels like a hidden sanctuary at the edge of the earth. This peaceful retreat, embraced by the vast Loyalsock State Forest, rewards visitors with rugged mountain landscapes, miles of winding trails, and the kind of profound quiet that only comes from being surrounded by ancient forests. Whether you're seeking adventure on the trails or tranquility by the creek, this park offers an authentic escape into Pennsylvania's untamed wilderness.

111 Spillway Road, WELLSBORO, Pennsylvania, 16901, United States

Nestled in the heart of northcentral Pennsylvania, Hills Creek State Park beckons outdoor enthusiasts with 85 thoughtfully designed campsites that cater to every camping style. Whether you prefer the convenience of electric hookups, the rustic charm of a cabin, the comfort of a cottage, or the unique experience of staying in a yurt, this 407-acre haven has something special waiting for you. Days here unfold with endless possibilities—from peaceful picnics by the water's edge to invigorating hikes through wooded trails and refreshing adventures on the pristine 137-acre Hills Creek Lake.

4843 Park Drive, AUSTIN, Pennsylvania, 16720, United States

Nestled deep in Pennsylvania's untamed wilderness, Sinnemahoning State Park stretches along a pristine valley where tranquility reigns supreme. This hidden gem offers adventurers a pristine basecamp for exploring scenic vistas and encountering remarkable wildlife. Whether you're casting a line at dawn, paddling through mirror-like waters, or tracking elk through morning mist, the immaculately maintained campground serves as your gateway to unforgettable outdoor experiences in one of the state's most peaceful natural sanctuaries.

31 Valhalla Lane, CROSS FORK, Pennsylvania, 17729, United States

Nestled in the heart of Potter County's pristine wilderness, Ole Bull State Park unfolds across 132 acres of Pennsylvania's most enchanting landscape. This hidden gem follows the gentle curves of Kettle Creek Valley, where towering trees whisper stories of a Norwegian violinist's American dream. Here, nature and history intertwine to create a sanctuary that captures the wild beauty of the region known as Pennsylvania's Black Forest.