Trout fishing, hiking trails, and elk viewing opportunities make Parker Dam State Park Campground a base camp for outdoor enthusiasts in north-central Pennsylvania. The campground sits within a 968-acre state park centered around a 20-acre lake, offering both developed sites with full hookups and walk-in tent areas tucked into the forest.
Site density varies significantly across the campground's different loops. The full-hookup area accommodates RVs up to 30 feet but places units close together, with fire rings positioned directly between neighboring sites. Casey L. notes that "some of the sites in this campground are wooded and some are basically in an open field with no shade and very crowded." The two tent-only sites provide more privacy, surrounded by trees and requiring just a five-minute walk down stepped terrain to reach the dam.
Multiple bathhouses serve the campground, with reviewers consistently praising their cleanliness despite describing them as somewhat dated. The lake offers swimming at a designated beach area with depths reaching four to five feet, plus boat rentals including kayaks and canoes. A concession stand operates near the swimming area. Hiking trails wind through forested and marshy terrain, while the nearby Benezette elk viewing area sits about 30 minutes away by car.
Access roads can be rough, and cell service remains limited throughout the park. The campground operates from the second Friday in April through mid-December, with September bookings requiring early reservations due to high demand. Sites range from $20-71 per night depending on hookup availability. For those exploring the broader region, campgrounds around Mill Run provide additional options within the Moshannon State Forest area.
Reserve sites well in advance for peak season visits, especially if you prefer the more private wooded locations over the open field areas.
Description
The 968-acre Parker Dam State Park offers old-fashioned charm and character. A scenic lake, rustic cabins, quaint campground and unbounded forest make Parker Dam an ideal spot for a relaxing vacation. For wilderness explorers, Parker Dam is a gateway to the vast expanses of Moshannon State Forest. Geocachers delight in the nearby caches and letterboxes. You can walk through recovering tornado ravaged woods, backpack into the 50,000-acre Quehanna Wilderness, mountain bike to your heart's content or enjoy quiet solitude searching for elusive Pennsylvania elk.
Permit Conditions: 1. No more than one family unit or five unrelated persons per campsite. Other facilities are limited to the maximum occupancy for the facility (i.e. beds in cabins) for non-family guests. Note: Family Unit-Persons living under one household. 2. Occupant shall include at least one person 18 years of age or older. 3. Noise or conduct which could interfere with the sleep of other persons is prohibited between 9 p.m. and 8 a.m. 4. Before vacating the facility/site, occupants shall clean and properly dispose of waste. 5. Visitors are permitted only between 8 a.m. and 10 p.m. 6. This permit may not be assigned or transferred. 7. Alcoholic Beverages are prohibited. 8. Failure to abide by Pennsylvania State Park Rules and Regulations. 9. For cabins,/yurts/camping cottages removal of tables, beds or other furnishings from the facility are prohibited. 10. For cabins/yurts/camping cottages, tents, camping trailers and recreation vehicles are not permitted in the area. 11. Pets are only permitted in designated areas. Overnight guest with pets must reserve designated facilities. Violations: Violations of park rules and regulations or violations of a condition of this permit could result in any or all of the following consequences: 1. The permit may be revoked. This would mean that the occupants would be required to vacate the facility immediately. 2. The occupants may be required to leave the park. 3. The occupants may be cited for violations of park rules and regulations, a summary offense. 4. The occupants are responsible for any loss or damages to furnishings, fixtures, equipment, or facilities that occur during or due to their occupancy.
RV Road Trip Guides
Location
Public CampgroundParker Dam State Park Campground is located in Pennsylvania
Directions
Parker Dam State Park is in northern Clearfield County. From I-80, take Exit 111 onto PA 153 North for 5.5 miles. Turn right onto Mud Run Road, and then drive 2.5 miles to the park.
Address
28 FAIRVIEW RD
Penfield, PA 15849
Coordinates
41.20200084 N
78.509 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonNo Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Cabins
Features
For Campers
- Reservable
- Showers
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Alcohol
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- 30 Amp Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Drive Time
- 1 hr 3 min from State College, PA
- 1 hr 13 min from Altoona, PA
- 1 hr 38 min from Williamsport, PA
- 1 hr 46 min from Johnstown, PA
