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Pennsylvania
19

Pennsylvania State Parks

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USA Parks
Pennsylvania
Central Region
Kettle Creek State Park
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Kettle Creek State Park © Randy C. Rosenberger
Hard to see eagle sitting in tree
Kettle Creek State Park © Randy C. Rosenberger
A nice of fishing in Kettle Creek Lake
Kettle Creek State Park © Randy C. Rosenberger
Beautiful lake and mountain
Kettle Creek State Park © Randy C. Rosenberger
Geese going for a swim
Kettle Creek State Park © Randy C. Rosenberger
A shot at the upper end of the lake
Kettle Creek State Park Original Dam © Scott Williams
Original dam, lower camp ground, Kettle Creek State Park.
Kettle Creek State Park © Randy C. Rosenberger
looking down on Kettle Creek Lake
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KETTLE CREEK STATE PARK
KETTLE CREEK STATE PARK
97 Kettle Creek Park Lane
Renovo, Pennsylvania   17764

Phone: 570-923-6004
Toll Free: 888-727-2757
Reservations: 888-727-2757
Email: park email button icon
Kettle Creek State Park consists of 1,793 acres along Kettle Creek in western Clinton County. The park is in a valley surrounded by mountainous terrain and wilderness.

Many of the existing recreational facilities arose from a joint flood control project developed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the former Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Resources.
History of the Area
Kettle Creek State Park is named after the popular trout stream that flows through the area. In the 1930s, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) developed the original park in what is now the Lower Campground.

For more information on the CCC, visit the Civilian Conservation Corps Online Archive.

In 1962, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers opened the Alvin R. Bush Dam for flood protection for the lower Susquehanna watershed. The area above the dam was developed for recreation and administered by the Pennsylvania Bureau of State Parks.
Camping
Camping: rustic campsites, some with elec.

The park has two camping areas open from early April through deer season in December. Both campgrounds overlook the waterfront and offer scenic views and a quiet setting. Call 888-PA-PARKS for reservations.

The Lower Campground has 44 sites; 38 sites with electric hookups. The Upper Campground has 27 sites; 12 sites with electric hookups. Both areas have a variety of level, sunny/shaded sites that accommodate tents or trailers. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring. Non-flush toilets and water spigots are nearby. Water and sewer hookups are not available. A trailer sanitary dumping station is in the Lower Campground.
Swimming
A 250-foot sandy beach area is open from late-May to mid-September, 8 a.m. to sunset. Swim at your own risk. The beach is at the northern end of the main reservoir. All children ten years of age or younger must be accompanied by a person at least 14 years of age.
Boating
Boating: electric motors only

The 167-acre Kettle Creek Reservoir has a boat launch and boat mooring for 60 vessels at its northern end. An overnight mooring permit is required. Sailboards and sailboats are permitted. Overnight mooring for park campers is also available, free of charge.

Motorboats must display a boat registration from any state. Non-powered boats must display one of the following: boat registration from any state; launching permit or mooring permit from Pennsylvania State Parks that are available at most state park offices; launch use permit from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission.

Each vessel must have a Coast Guard approved wearable Type I, II, III, or V personal flotation device in serviceable condition for each occupant. Children under 13 years of age and all nonswimmers must wear the approved PFD when boating.
Fishing
Anglers can enjoy fishing in the 167-acre lake, home to trout, bass and panfish. The creek is stocked with trout annually. Ice fishing is popular during winter months when conditions permit it. A special regulation area offers fly-fishing for trophy-sized brook and brown trout.



Picnicking
The picnic area is below the park office along Bearfield Run and Kettle Creek Reservoir. About 200 picnic tables with charcoal grills, hot coal disposal and water hydrants are scattered throughout this area. Sunny and shaded picnic sites are available. Restrooms are at the beach and across from the park office. Softball and volleyball areas are provided along with playground sets at several locations. Several large open fields provide excellent play areas for groups of all sizes. The Pine Grove Picnic Area is available for reservations. A large memorial picnic pavilion with electric hookup, overlooking the lake, is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Bicycling
Cycling enthusiasts can enjoy the park's paved roads. However, there are no designated bike trails within this natural reserve.

Off-road biking is not permitted in order to protect wildlife habitats and prevent soil erosion.

Riders should exercise caution when sharing the road with motor vehicles; visibility may be limited due to dense forestation.

Bicycles must adhere strictly to posted speed limits for safety reasons as well as respect all traffic regulations on shared paths or lanes.

Helmets are required by law for riders under 12 years old but recommended for everyone else too, considering potential risks involved.

Remember that cycling at night without proper lighting equipment is prohibited - it poses a significant risk of accidents.

Always stay alert while riding since you might encounter various types of local fauna crossing your path unexpectedly.

Finally, cyclists need to leave no trace behind them: carry out what they bring in so nature remains unspoiled hereafter their visit.
Trails
Horseback Riding: An equestrian trail, 22 miles in length, starts at Beaverdam Run and travels through the Sproul State Forest before returning to the trailhead. Overnight camping at the trailhead is by permit only. Contact the park office for information. Trail maps are available at the park office.

Mountain Bicycle Trail: This five-mile trail starts at the day use parking lot and travels onto state forest trails and roads before returning to the park. Trail maps are available at the park office.

Hiking: 2 miles of trailsNovice and experienced hikers will find an abundance of trails in the park area. Short day-hikes are possible on the many park trails. Backpackers can enjoy the 53-mile Donut Hole Trail with an access parking lot across from the Lower Campground. This trail connects onto several other trail systems. Trail maps are available at the park office.
Birding
The park offers diverse birding opportunities with over 100 species, including warblers and raptors. Birdwatchers can explore various habitats such as forests, wetlands, and open fields. The Kettle Creek Reservoir is a popular spot for waterfowl sightings in winter months.
Nature Programs
During the summer months, Kettle Creek State Park shares an environmental interpretor with Ole Bull State Park. The history and environment of the area are topics for educational programs for park visitors of all ages. Children?s programs, guided walks and campfire programs are scheduled throughout the week. Program schedules are available at the park office. Special requests are welcome and may be directed to the park office.
Area Attractions
Clinton County Economic Partnership, 888-388-6991, www.clintoncountyinfo.com.

Sproul State Forest: The 278,000-acre Sproul State Forest surrounds the park. The forest is in western Clinton and northern Centre counties. The multiple-use management system provides forest-based recreational opportunities such as hiking, backpack camping, snowmobiling pleasure driving, and horseback, ATV, and mountain bike riding. All areas of Sproul State Forest are open to hunting and fishing. Camping permits are required before setting up camp on state forest lands. 570-923-6011

Alvin R. Bush Dam: This flood control dam is operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and creates 4.5 miles of natural, scenic shoreline. This is one of four dams in the flood control plan for the West Branch Basin of the Susquehanna River watershed. 570-923-1800

Kettle Creek Vista: Three miles west of the park, this vantage point provides a breathtaking view of the Kettle Creek Valley.

Pennsylvania Flaming Foliage Festival: In Renovo, PA, the second full weekend in October.

Visitor Comments, Memories and Reviews
June 10 Breathtaking by Peggy_S
park review stars; one to five We found this state park looking for fishing area . Now we are hooked. We started coming here in 2021. Were going back up in Sept 2023We were at Kettle Creek back in May and our daughter and her family joined us. Love this campground This Sept will be our eighth stay.
April 6 Memories by Wade Pry
park review stars; one to five I will never forget the first time i went to Kettle Creek. This is truely an awesome place to get away from the motions of everyday life. From the breath-taking views, to the beautiful wildlife. I recommend this place to anybody that likes to enjoy nature to its fullest.
October 10 One of my fondest childhood memories by Michelle Gross Ortlip
park review stars; one to five My grandparents and father took my two brothers and I to kettle creek every summer my whole life. I only visited one time in the past 25 years and it was the same exact way as it was when I was a kid. I am currently planning a trip there and will meet up with my two brothers. This will be the first time in about 28 years we have all been back on that mountain. No words to describe the feeling. Memories!!!!!
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Area Campgrounds
Austin Campground at Nelson Run
364 Nelson Run Road
Austin, PA
814-647-8777
Hemlock Campground of Potter County
2084 Wharton Rd
Austin, PA
814-647-8403
Area Cabins and Lodges
Mountainside Lodge
Renovo, PA
(570) 923-2443
Nearby Hotels
Booking.com

Directions
The park is along SR 4001, seven miles north of Westport and PA 120.

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Pennsylvania
19

Pennsylvania State Parks

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