Parker Dam State Park RV & Campground Guide
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Parker Dam State Park, located in Penfield, PA, is a 968-acre recreational area within the Moshannon State Forest. The park is home to a quiet lake, charming cabins, and plenty of nature to explore. It is an area that is ideal for getting a taste of the Pennsylvania Wilds and also for experiencing some great seasonal events. These events are well-attended by locals and include Woodsy Owl Weekend, Woodhick Weekend, and the Fall Festival.
Spring 27 - 68 F
Summer 56 - 79 F
Fall 32 - 72 F
Winter 18 - 37 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Parker Dam State Park
The camping area at Parker Dam State Park is located on the eastern side of the lake. Some of the sites available are completely shaded, while others are open grass. Camping season runs from the second Friday in April until the middle of December. There are over 100 sites that can accommodate trailers and RVs, with a maximum RV length of 40 feet. Some of the sites have full hook-up capability, which includes sewer, water, and electricity. At a minimum, nearly all of the campsites provide electric hook-ups. There are designated sites where pets are allowed. Amenities include a coin-operated laundry, restrooms with showers, a dump station, and playgrounds.
What to Do at
Parker Dam State Park
With its location right in the heart of the Allegheny Plateau, Parker Dam State Park offers an incredible vantage point for taking in the splendor of the woods. Visitors love taking part in mountain biking, hunting, picnicking, and hiking opportunities that the park provides. In the winter, the park is a destination for snowmobiling, ice skating, and skiing.
Fishing
Parker Lake provides 20 acres of fishing and is stocked with trout during the spring, fall, and winter. You may also find largemouth bass, bluegill, and brown bullhead catfish in the lake. Ice fishing is available on the lake during the winter, but the ice thickness is not monitored, so observe safety precautions.
Geocaching
Geocaching is a popular pastime at the park, and there are many classes, activities, and searches.
Nature Watching
Any time of the year is perfect for viewing plants and wildlife in the park. It is possible to spot a bald eagle, a wild rabbit, a coyote, or even a bull elk.
Stargazing
Stargazing is encouraged at the park, and there are even astronomy club gatherings throughout the year.
Flora and Fauna
The eastern shoreline of the lake is a good spot for checking out interesting foliage. Here, you will find a mix of eastern hemlocks, oaks, cherries, and maples.
Hiking
You will find 13.1 miles of hiking trails in Parker Dam State Park. Many of them begin or pass through the park and on into the Moshannon State Forest. For an easy hike, try the Beaver Dam Trail. It is a 2.2-mile out-and-back trail that passes through pine plantations and a hemlock forest. For a more difficult hike, you can take the Laurel Run Trail. This 1.6-mile out-and-back trail begins near the campground bridge, follows the lake's eastern shoreline, and traverses the breast of the dam.
Boating
For boating enthusiasts, Parker Lake provides mooring spaces for campers staying overnight. From Memorial Day to Labor Day, you also have the option of renting pedal boats, canoes, kayaks, rowboats, and paddleboards.
Swimming
There is a sandy beach from which you can enter the lake to swim from late May to mid-September. Swimming is allowed from 8 a.m. to sunset.
Biking
Several multi-use trails in Parker Dam State Park are suitable for mountain biking. Just a few of them are the Beaver Dam Trail, Skunk Trail, and CCC Trail. Each of them leads to many more miles of mountain biking trails throughout Moshannon State Forest.
How to Get to
Parker Dam State Park
From Kylertown, PA, get onto PA-53 S and then take the Interstate 80 W ramp toward Dubois. Merge onto I-80 W and stay on it for 21.8 miles. Take exit 111 to merge onto PA-153 N. Stay on PA-153 N for 5.7 miles until you reach Mud Run Rd. Stay on the road for 2.6 miles, and the park will be on the right.
Entering Parker Dam State Park
The roads into the park are rural but paved. It is recommended to take it slow if you have a large rig or are pulling a trailer. Weather hazards include rain, snow, and ice. At the main campground, parking is a mix of back-in and pull-thru sites. Maneuvering should not be difficult, as long as your rig is at the 40-foot limit or below. Additional parking is available in the day-use area at the beach.
Parker Dam State Park Entry Fee : $0.0
Frequently Asked Questions About Parker Dam State Park
With so many seasonal activities throughout the year, any time of the year is great for visiting the park.
Wildlife thrives in Parker Dam State Park, and there are stretches of unbroken wilderness. Birds you may encounter include ravens, Blackburnian warblers, ovenbirds, and American redstarts. Along Laurel Ridge and Mud Run Road, there is a chance you may spot some wild turkey. White-tailed deer feed in some areas of the park, such as Picnic Pavilion Seven. Coyotes, foxes, elks, bobcats, and porcupines also call the park their home.
There are over 100 sites that can accommodate RVs. These include 22 full hook-up sites, 60 electricity-only sites, and 23 primitive sites.
Reservations are recommended and can be made up to 11 months ahead of time. Unreserved sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis. Prices start at $26 per night for primitive tent camping.
Pets are allowed in designated areas for a fee of $5.