Parker Dam State Park, Pennsylvania: Best Things to Do – Top Picks

Did you know that Parker Dam State Park was once completely stripped of trees in the early 1900s, only to be reborn through one of America’s most successful reforestation projects? Today, this 968-acre oasis in Clearfield County stands as a testament to nature’s resilience, offering visitors a pristine forest experience that masks its once-barren past.

Nestled within the expansive Moshannon State Forest, Parker Dam State Park combines natural beauty with fascinating history. The park’s centerpiece, Parker Lake, was built on the site of an original logging dam, connecting visitors to Pennsylvania’s rich industrial heritage while providing a peaceful retreat for modern outdoor enthusiasts.

Getting There & Planning Your Journey

Parker Dam State Park is conveniently located just 6 miles north of Interstate 80 in Clearfield County, Pennsylvania. Despite its accessibility, the park feels wonderfully remote, completely surrounded by the Moshannon State Forest.

From Interstate 80, take Exit 111 onto PA 153 North and continue for 5.5 miles. Turn right onto Mud Run Road and drive another 2.5 miles to reach the park entrance. The park office is located at 28 Fairview Road, Penfield, PA 15849.

Nearest Airports

The closest major airports to Parker Dam State Park are:

• University Park Airport (SCE) in State College – approximately 72 km (45 miles) away
• DuBois Regional Airport (DUJ) – approximately 40 km (25 miles) away
• Pittsburgh International Airport (PIT) – approximately 193 km (120 miles) away

Most visitors choose to drive to the park, as having your own vehicle provides the freedom to explore the surrounding area at your own pace. The park is open year-round from sunrise to sunset, with day-use areas closing at dusk.

Best Time to Visit & Weather Tips

Parker Dam State Park truly is a four-season destination, with each time of year offering its own unique charm and activities. However, certain periods stand out depending on what you’re looking to experience.

Recommended Seasons

• Late Spring (May-June): Ideal for hiking and fishing as the forest comes alive with new growth and wildflowers. Temperatures range from 10-24°C (50-75°F).
• Summer (June-August): Perfect for swimming, boating, and camping. The beach area is open, and all facilities are operational. Temperatures typically range from 18-29°C (65-85°F).
• Fall (September-October): Spectacular foliage transforms the park into a canvas of red, orange, and gold. Hiking is exceptional during this period with temperatures between 7-21°C (45-70°F).
• Winter (December-February): For those who enjoy winter sports, the park offers cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and ice fishing. Temperatures range from -7 to 2°C (20-35°F).

Seasons to Avoid

There’s no bad time to visit Parker Dam State Park, but be aware that:

• Late March to early April (mud season) can make trails difficult to navigate
• Holiday weekends, especially Memorial Day and Labor Day, bring larger crowds
• Swimming is only available from late May through September

Always check the weather forecast before your visit and pack accordingly. Summer thunderstorms can develop quickly, while winter conditions may require special gear and preparation.

Getting Around Locally

Parker Dam State Park is best explored on foot, with well-marked trails connecting the various attractions within the park. The compact size of the park (968 acres) makes it manageable to see most highlights in a single day if you’re not camping.

The main park areas, including the beach, picnic pavilions, and park office, are all within walking distance of each other. For those with mobility concerns, most facilities are accessible, with paved pathways leading to the beach and picnic areas.

Park Layout

The park is centered around Parker Lake, with most facilities concentrated on the eastern shore. The campground is located slightly away from the day-use areas, providing campers with a more peaceful experience while still being close to amenities.

If you’re planning to explore beyond the park boundaries into the surrounding Moshannon State Forest or Quehanna Wild Area, a vehicle is essential. These areas offer additional hiking, wildlife viewing, and scenic driving opportunities that complement your Parker Dam experience.

Where to Stay

Parker Dam State Park offers several accommodation options that allow you to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the area. Advance reservations are highly recommended, especially during peak summer and fall weekends.

Camping

The park features a modern campground with over 100 sites, open from early April through mid-December. Most sites include electric hookups, with some offering full hookups (electricity, water, and sewer). The campground provides clean restrooms with warm showers and a dump station.

Rustic Cabins

For those seeking a more comfortable forest experience, Parker Dam offers 16 rustic cabins that can accommodate between 4-8 people. These cabins are heated by fireplaces and gas heaters, making them cozy year-round options. Each cabin includes modern bathrooms and basic cooking facilities.

Nearby Accommodations

If you prefer more conventional lodging, several options are available within a 30-minute drive:

• Best Western Plus in Clearfield – 24 km (15 miles) away
• Comfort Inn DuBois – 32 km (20 miles) away
• Various bed and breakfasts in nearby small towns

Dining & Local Cuisine

While Parker Dam State Park doesn’t have a restaurant on-site, there are several dining options to consider during your visit.

Within the Park

A concession stand/camp store near the beach operates daily from Memorial Day through Labor Day (11 am – 7 pm). Here you can purchase snacks, ice cream, cold drinks, and basic camping supplies. Many visitors bring coolers with picnic supplies to enjoy at the numerous picnic areas throughout the park.

Nearby Dining Options

Several restaurants can be found within a 20-30 minute drive from the park:

• Denny’s Beer Barrel Pub (Clearfield) – Famous for their enormous burger challenges and hearty American fare
• Dutch Pantry Restaurant (Clearfield) – Traditional Pennsylvania Dutch cooking with homestyle favorites
• Doolittle Station (DuBois) – A unique dining experience in historic train cars, featuring several restaurant options and a brewery

Local Specialties

While exploring the region around Parker Dam, be sure to try some Pennsylvania specialties:

• Philly cheesesteaks
• Shoofly pie
• Pennsylvania Dutch apple dumplings
• Scrapple (for the adventurous eater)

If you’re camping or staying in a cabin, the nearest grocery stores are in Clearfield and DuBois, where you can stock up on supplies for meals at your campsite.

Attractions, Sightseeing & Activities

Parker Dam State Park offers a wealth of activities for visitors of all ages and interests. From water recreation to historical exploration, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.

Parker Lake

The centerpiece of the park is the 8-hectare (20-acre) Parker Lake. During summer months, the sandy beach area provides a perfect spot for swimming (note that it’s swim-at-your-own-risk with no lifeguards on duty). The lake is also ideal for fishing, with regular trout stocking and populations of largemouth bass, bluegill, and brown bullhead catfish.

The Stepping Stones

One of the park’s most unique features is the series of large stepping stones that allow visitors to cross Laurel Run below the spillway on Parker Lake. This natural hopscotch course provides a fun way to cross from one side of the stream to the other and makes for great photo opportunities.

Logging History

Near the campground, you’ll find a replica of a “log slide” used to move felled trees during the area’s logging heyday. Nearby displays feature authentic tools discovered in the area, offering a glimpse into the industrial past that shaped this landscape before it was reclaimed by nature.

Playground and Recreation

Families with children will appreciate the modern playground nestled in a wooded area between the beach and picnic pavilions. The park also features numerous picnic areas with grills and tables, as well as larger pavilions that can be reserved for group gatherings.

Museums, Cultural Spots & Festivals

Civilian Conservation Corps Museum

Located near the spillway on Parker Lake, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) Museum offers a fascinating glimpse into the park’s development during the Great Depression. The museum features photographs, artifacts, and even some of the heavy equipment used to build Parker Dam State Park in the 1930s.

The CCC’s influence can be seen throughout the park in the stonework, cabins, and trails they constructed. Their efforts not only created recreational opportunities but also helped restore a landscape devastated by clear-cutting during the logging era.

Tyler Cabin

This rustic CCC-era octagonal cabin along the main road has a remarkable story. In May 1985, a powerful F-4 tornado tore through the park, flattening huge sections of forest. Miraculously, the Tyler Cabin—with Boy Scouts inside at the time—was spared despite being directly in the storm’s path. Today, it stands as a symbol of resilience, with interpretive signs explaining this dramatic chapter in the park’s history.

Seasonal Events

Throughout the year, Parker Dam State Park hosts various educational programs and seasonal events:

• Summer naturalist programs covering wildlife, plant identification, and local ecology
• Fall foliage walks and photography workshops
• Winter activities including ice fishing tournaments and guided snowshoe hikes
• Spring wildflower identification walks

Check with the park office or website for current program schedules during your visit.

Sports, Nature & Outdoor Experiences

Hiking Trails

Parker Dam State Park features 13 miles of trails ranging from easy walks to more challenging hikes. Many trails connect to the surrounding Moshannon State Forest and Quehanna Wild Area, offering extended hiking opportunities.

The Trail of New Giants (1.2 miles, moderate difficulty) is particularly noteworthy. This trail takes you through a section of forest destroyed by the 1985 tornado and leads to two scenic vistas overlooking Parker Lake. The lower vista provides views of the beach area, while the upper vista offers a more comprehensive panorama of the lake and surrounding woodlands.

Water Activities

Beyond swimming, Parker Lake offers excellent opportunities for non-motorized boating. Canoes, kayaks, rowboats, and paddleboats can be rented from the concession stand during summer months, or you can bring your own. Electric motors (no gas motors) are permitted on the lake.

Wildlife Viewing

The park and surrounding forest are home to diverse wildlife. Early mornings and evenings are the best times to spot white-tailed deer, red fox, raccoons, and various bird species. The Beaver Dam Trail (2.2 miles, easy) is particularly good for wildlife spotting, as it winds through wetlands where you might see beavers, herons, and other water-loving creatures.

Winter Recreation

When snow blankets the park, a new set of activities becomes available:

• Cross-country skiing on designated trails
• Snowshoeing throughout the park
• Ice fishing on Parker Lake (when conditions permit)
• Sledding on the designated hill near the beach area
• Ice skating in a marked area of the lake (when ice thickness is sufficient)

Safety, Etiquette & Local Customs

Ensuring a safe and enjoyable visit to Parker Dam State Park requires some basic preparation and awareness. Here are important considerations for your trip:

Water Safety

The swimming area at Parker Dam State Park operates on a “swim at your own risk” basis with no lifeguards on duty. The maximum depth around the buoy line is 1.5 m (5 feet). Always supervise children near the water, and be aware that the lake bottom may be uneven. For boating activities, Pennsylvania law requires life jackets for each person on board any watercraft.

Wildlife Awareness

While encountering dangerous wildlife is rare, black bears do inhabit the surrounding forest. Store food securely when camping, and never approach or feed wild animals. If you encounter a bear, make noise and back away slowly—never run.

Trail Safety

When hiking, stay on marked trails to protect both yourself and the environment. Wear appropriate footwear, carry water, and let someone know your planned route and return time. Cell service can be spotty in parts of the park, so don’t rely solely on your phone for navigation or emergencies.

Park Etiquette

• Practice “Leave No Trace” principles by packing out all trash
• Observe quiet hours in the campground (9 PM to 8 AM)
• Keep pets leashed at all times and clean up after them
• Respect closed areas and seasonal restrictions
• Obtain proper permits for fishing (Pennsylvania fishing license required)

The park office can provide updated information on any temporary closures, wildlife alerts, or special regulations during your visit.

Visitor Comments About Parker Dam State Park

Practical Travel Tips

What to Pack

Beyond standard camping or hiking gear, consider bringing:

• Insect repellent (especially important May through September)
• Sunscreen and hats for beach activities
• Binoculars for wildlife viewing
• Fishing gear if you plan to fish (don’t forget your license)
• Camera to capture the scenic vistas
• Cash for the concession stand (credit cards accepted but service can be spotty)

Connectivity

Cell phone reception varies throughout the park, with better coverage near the park office and beach areas. Wi-Fi is not available in the park, so download maps or information before your visit if needed.

Nearby Attractions

While Parker Dam State Park offers plenty to keep you busy, consider these nearby attractions to enhance your trip:

• Quehanna Wild Area – Just a short drive away, offering additional hiking and wildlife viewing
• Elk Scenic Drive – Opportunity to view Pennsylvania’s elk herd (best in fall during rutting season)
• Bilger’s Rocks in Clearfield County – Impressive rock formations and natural “rock city”
• Grice Museum in Clearfield – Unique collection of classic cars and wildlife taxidermy
• Doolittle Station in DuBois – Eclectic attraction featuring restaurants in historic train cars

Your Perfect Forest Retreat Awaits

Parker Dam State Park offers a perfect blend of natural beauty, outdoor recreation, and fascinating history that makes it a standout destination in Pennsylvania’s state park system. Whether you’re seeking a peaceful forest retreat, an active family vacation, or a base to explore the Pennsylvania Wilds region, this park delivers experiences that will create lasting memories.

From the unique stepping stones crossing Laurel Run to the panoramic vistas along the Trail of New Giants, Parker Dam’s special features set it apart from other parks. Its manageable size makes it perfect for weekend getaways, while its four-season appeal ensures there’s always something new to discover no matter when you visit.

As you plan your trip to Parker Dam State Park, remember that the true magic of this place lies in its tranquility and natural rhythms. Take time to sit by the lake at sunset, listen to the forest sounds on a quiet morning hike, or gaze at stars from your campsite. These simple moments often become the highlights of a visit to this Pennsylvania woodland treasure.