Parker Dam State Park - United States
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About Parker Dam State Park
RV quick facts for Parker Dam State Park
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Max RV length | Sites suitable for mid-size RVs; check individual site lengths when reserving |
| Full hookups | No full hookups; electric service available at select sites |
| Dump station | Sanitary dump station available in the campground |
| Generator hours | Generators discouraged; quiet hours 9 p.m. to 8 a.m. |
| Cell service | Spotty to none; plan on limited coverage in the surrounding state forest |
| Road restrictions | Access via paved PA Route 153; interior campground roads are narrow and wooded |
| Reservation window | Reservations accepted up to 12 months in advance through the Pennsylvania state parks reservation system |
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Best time to visit Parker Dam State Park
Late May through early October is the best window for RV travel to Parker Dam State Park, when the campground is fully open and lake-based activities like swimming and paddling are available. Summer brings warm days, cool nights at elevation, and active programming, while early fall delivers peak hardwood color across the Allegheny Plateau with smaller crowds. Shoulder-season visits in April and November can be rewarding but come with colder nights, possible snow, and limited services. Winter camping is limited and roads in the surrounding state forest can be snow-covered.
Campground closed to RV camping; winter day-use only
Campground closed; icy roads possible
Campground closed; mud season on trails
Campground typically opens in mid to late April
Mild days, cool nights; black fly season
Beach and boating season begins
Peak season; reserve sites well ahead
Warm days, comfortable evenings
Quieter weekdays, warm afternoons
Fall foliage peaks mid-month
Campground generally closes by late month
Campground closed; day-use only
Things to do at Parker Dam State Park
- Swim and paddle at Parker Lake EasyRV parking available
Parker Lake is a small dammed lake at the heart of the park with a sand swimming beach open in summer and a launch for non-powered and electric-motor boats. It is a relaxed spot for kayaking, canoeing, and stand-up paddleboarding within walking distance of the campground.
- Hike the Trail of New Giants EasyRV parking available
The Trail of New Giants is a short interpretive loop that highlights forest regrowth after the 1985 tornado that swept through the park. Signs along the path explain how the forest has recovered and which tree species are taking hold.
- Visit the CCC Museum and Log CabinsRV parking available
The park preserves a collection of Civilian Conservation Corps structures along with a small museum that tells the story of the 1930s camp that built Parker Dam State Park. It is a quick, family-friendly stop with trailer-friendly parking near the main day-use area.
- Fish Parker Lake and Laurel Run EasyRV parking available
Parker Lake is stocked with trout and also holds warmwater species such as bass and panfish, while Laurel Run upstream offers small-stream trout fishing. A Pennsylvania fishing license is required and bank access is available around much of the lake.
- Explore Moshannon State Forest trails ModerateRV parking available
Parker Dam sits inside the much larger Moshannon State Forest, with hiking, mountain biking, and equestrian trails connecting directly from the park. The Quehanna Trail system passes nearby for longer backcountry day hikes.
- Stargaze in a dark-sky setting EasyRV parking available
The park's remote location on the Allegheny Plateau and minimal light pollution make it a strong spot for casual stargazing. The open lawn near the beach and day-use area offers wide sky views on clear nights.
- Day trip to Bilger's Rocks Easy
Bilger's Rocks is a cluster of massive sandstone boulders about 30 minutes from the park, with passageways, small caves, and a short network of paths. It makes an easy half-day outing for families camping at Parker Dam.
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RV Rentals Parker Dam State Park
Parker Dam State Park, PA, United States
How to get to Parker Dam State Park
The park is reached via PA Route 153 near Penfield in Clearfield County, about 15 miles north of Interstate 80 at Exit 111 (Penfield). State College is roughly 60 miles southeast (about 1 hour 30 minutes), Pittsburgh is about 135 miles southwest (roughly 2 hours 30 minutes), and Harrisburg is about 165 miles east (roughly 3 hours). RV drivers should expect winding two-lane roads with rolling grades on the approach through the Moshannon State Forest and should watch for low-clearance forestry bridges and deer, especially at dawn and dusk. The nearest commercial airports for a fly-and-rent trip are University Park Airport (SCE) near State College and Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT).
RVezy vs. Traditional RV rental
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