Raccoon Creek State Park RV & Campground Guide
Pennsylvania
- Home
- State Parks
- Pennsylvania
- Raccoon Creek State Park
Located in southwestern Pennsylvania, Raccoon Creek State Park is home to the 101-acre Raccoon Lake and spans an area of over 7,500 acres in total. It began as a Recreational Demonstration Area operated by the National Park Service in the 1930s and opened as a state park in 1945. It is popular for watersports and hiking, and once the snow flies, it is also a favored destination for cross-country skiing.
Spring 37 - 61 F
Summer 60 - 82 F
Fall 42 - 62 F
Winter 33 - 50 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Raccoon Creek State Park
You can choose from more than 170 different campsites when staying overnight. Each site has its own picnic table and a fire ring. You'll find four ADA-accessible sites here as well. The Sioux Loop has primitive sites, while Loop A has sites with 50-amp electric hookups. Amenities include a playground, drinking water, bathhouses with hot showers, and a dump station. In addition to these campgrounds, the park has 10 modern cabins that can be rented, including one that is fully ADA-accessible.
What to Do at
Raccoon Creek State Park
You'll find restrooms, drinking water, and plenty of picnic tables at each of the park's five picnic areas, and you can also grab a snack at the concession stand near the swimming beach. Hit the trails to explore old settler communities or take a dip in the healing waters of Frankfort Mineral Springs.
Fishing
Bring your bait and pole to catch yellow perch, crappie, bullhead catfish, bluegill, large and smallmouth bass, walleye, and muskellunge at Raccoon Lake. The Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission stocks the nearby streams with brook and rainbow trout, so you may also catch some of these in the lake.
Geocaching
There are several geocaches hidden within the park. Some are easy to access around the lake, and others require longer hikes along a trail. Check your geocaching app to find clues to their locations.
Nature Watching
Along the creek, you can view several different ecosystems, including woodland meadows, riparian forests, and an oak-hickory forest. Stop by the Interpretive Center to learn more about the park's native plants and the area's natural history.
Stargazing
Raccoon Creek State Park is an excellent place to watch the night sky. You can join in one of the park's regularly scheduled astronomical events, such as a meteor shower watch, a Stargazing Night, or a star party held by the Amateur Astronomers Association of Pittsburgh.
Flora and Fauna
Head to the eastern end of the park to view the 314-acre Wildflower Reserve, which is home to over 700 different plant species. Some of the animals that make their home in the park include ruffed grouse, groundhogs, pheasants, white-tailed deer, squirrels, and rabbits. If you are a birder, you will want to take the Audubon Trail in the Wildflower Reserve for a chance to add new species to your journal. You can also head along the Beaver Trail to spot furry creatures building their dams.
Hiking
Several trails wind their way through the park and the nearby areas. The Mineral Springs Loop trail is a popular option, as is the longer Buckskin Trail. If you're looking for a longer hike with an elevation gain, hike the Heritage Trail, which passes along old wagon roads used by early European settlers.
Swimming
During the summer, visitors flock to the park to enjoy a dip in Raccoon Lake. A designated swimming area with a sandy 800-foot beach offers plenty of space to relax and enjoy the scenic lakeside view. The swimming beach is open from late May to mid-September and a lifeguard is on duty starting Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.
Boating
Boating, canoeing, and kayaking are all popular activities to enjoy on the lake, and rentals of rowboats and paddleboats are available. You can disembark from one of the park's two boat launches.
Biking
Mountain bikers are welcome on several of the park's trails, including the multi-use Buckskin Trail, the Lake Trail, the Appaloosa Spur, and the Pinto Loop Trail.
How to Get to
Raccoon Creek State Park
If you're coming from either US 22 or US 30, connect to PA 18. This route passes directly into the park. From the Harshaville area, head south on PA 18 for about 3 miles.
Entering Raccoon Creek State Park
The park spans both sides of PA 18. The park office will be on your right, but the campground and the park's swimming beach will be to the left. There are several parking lots, depending on where you're headed. The Boat Trailer Parking Lot is closest to the lake's boat rental concessions, and the Heritage Trail Parking Lot offers access to some of the park's trails.
Raccoon Creek State Park Entry Fee : $0.0
Frequently Asked Questions About Raccoon Creek State Park
The park is open year-round, from sunrise to sunset, and you can enjoy different activities depending on when you visit. Summer is the best time to swim in the lake, and the wildflowers are their best between April and August. If you're into winter sports, you can go cross-country skiing or snowshoeing once the snow arrives.
The park is home to dozens of animal species, but some of the more common animals you might spot include deer, wild turkeys, and waterfowl. Occasionally, visitors spot bears fishing for food in the creek. You'll likely spot mink, beavers, and muskrats along the streams.
Raccoon Creek State Park has camping sites suitable for RVs. Loop A has spots with 50-amp electric hookups, and there is a dump station on-site.
Reservations can be made up to 11 months in advance via the park's online reservation system. The price varies, depending on what amenities you need and the time of year, but you can expect to pay a minimum of $16 per night if you are a Pennsylvania resident or $21 if you are from out of state.
Pets are welcome in the park, though they are not allowed on any of the trails. They are also prohibited from entering the Interpretive Center and are not allowed on the beach.