Blue Knob State Park
Notice: Swimming Pool Hours — details
- Status
- Open (per official listing)Daily sunrise – sunset
- Entrance fee
- Not posted
- Day-use reservations
- None mentioned
- Dogs
- Not stated — check with park
- Camping
- 50 campsitesAlso cabins
- Official site
- pa.gov(814) 608-3034
Official page last checked Oct 29, 2026. Details last changed Oct 29, 2026. How we keep this current
Current alerts 1
Closure Swimming Pool HoursThe pool will be closed on weekdays from Monday to Friday, August 24 to August 28, due to lifeguards returning to school. It will be open during… (more)
The pool will be closed on weekdays from Monday to Friday, August 24 to August 28, due to lifeguards returning to school. It will be open during regular hours from 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM on Saturday and Sunday, August 29 and August 30. The pool will then close again from Monday to Friday, August 31 to September 4, and will reopen for Labor Day weekend, September 5 to September 7, during normal hours of 11:00 AM to 7:00 PM. The pool will close for the season starting September 8.
Posted by the park. Official alert
Overview
Blue Knob State Park is a 6,196-acre park in Bedford County, about 15 miles southwest of Hollidaysburg.
Things to do include snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, horseback riding, mountain biking, and winter sports. Its trail network totals roughly 23 miles, according to the park. Facilities for water recreation include a swimming pool. Overnight options include 50 campsites across 3 camping areas, with RV sites with electric hookups, tent sites, and group camping. Roofed lodging includes cabins.
Hours
Park, gate, office and facility hours are listed separately because they often differ. Alerts above override normal hours.
| Facility | Days | Hours | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Park | Daily | sunrise – sunset | — |
Official wording
The park is open every day of the year, sunrise to sunset. Day use areas close at dusk. The park office is open specific hours. The pool, overnight areas, and other areas are open specific seasons and hours. Contact the park office for facility seasons and hours.
Source: official park page, checked Oct 29, 2026. Times are local to the park (America/New York).
Reservations
- Day use
- No day-use reservation requirement mentioned
- Booking system
- ReserveAmerica (Aspira), Pennsylvania State Parks contract
- Phone
- 888-PA-PARKS (888-727-2757)
We link to the official booking system rather than showing live availability, which changes minute to minute.
Camping
| Campground or site type | Sites | Hookups / features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Camping Season: ♿ The 50 tent and trailer sites are open from the second Friday in April to mid-October. Blue Knob State Park Campground Map (PDF)
♿ The 50 tent and trailer sites are open from the second Friday in April to mid-October.
Sites are in open fields and wooded areas. Two sites are walk-in only.
Most sites have electric service. Water, a sanitary dump station, modern restrooms, and playground equipment are available.
A campground host is usually in attendance during peak activity days. | 50 | Most sites have electric service. | — |
| Backpacking Constructed in 1977 by the Youth Conservation Corps, the Lost Turkey Trail is a 26-mile trail traversing state park, state forest, state game lands, and private lands. Distance markers are at one-kilometer intervals.
Overnight camping along the trail is only permitted in Gallitzin State Forest. A camping permit is required for overnight stays of more than one night. For more information, call Gallitzin State Forest at 814-472-1862.
Hikers should acquire maps and information on parking areas, trail conditions, and regulations prior to hiking. Many people use sections of this trail for day hikes | — | — | |
| Organized Group Cabin Camp A 100-person capacity camp is available for overnight use to organized groups from June through August.
The group cabin camp offers:
• Sleeping quarters
• Bathroom and shower facilities
• A large dining hall/kitchen complex
Reservations are based on previous long-term use, priority for youth groups, length of stay and number of people. Contact the park office for additional information. | — | A 100-person capacity camp is available for overnight use to organized groups from June through August. The group cabin camp offers:Showers | — |
Camping details from the park
Camping
Blue Knob State Park Campground Map (PDF)
♿ The 50 tent and trailer sites are open from the second Friday in April to mid-October.
Sites are in open fields and wooded areas. Two sites are walk-in only.
Most sites have electric service. Water, a sanitary dump station, modern restrooms, and playground equipment are available.
A campground host is usually in attendance during peak activity days.
Backpacking
Constructed in 1977 by the Youth Conservation Corps, the Lost Turkey Trail is a 26-mile trail traversing state park, state forest, state game lands, and private lands. Distance markers are at one-kilometer intervals.
Overnight camping along the trail is only permitted in Gallitzin State Forest. A camping permit is required for overnight stays of more than one night. For more information, call Gallitzin State Forest at 814-472-1862.
Hikers should acquire maps and information on parking areas, trail conditions, and regulations prior to hiking. Many people use sections of this trail for day hikes.
Organized Group Cabin Camp
A 100-person capacity camp is available for overnight use to organized groups from June through August.
The group cabin camp offers:
- Sleeping quarters
- Bathroom and shower facilities
- A large dining hall/kitchen complex
Reservations are based on previous long-term use, priority for youth groups, length of stay and number of people. Contact the park office for additional information.
From the official park page, checked Oct 29, 2026. Site counts and prices can change; confirm when booking.
Cabins and lodging
- Modern Cabins: 3 units
- The Twin Fawn House
Modern Cabins
♿ Three cabins are available to rent.
The Fishers Haven and Bear Den cabins sleep four people. The Directors Cabin sleeps six.
The cabins are available from the second Friday in April through the last weekend of October.
Cabins offer:
- Electric heat
- Air conditioning
- Two bedrooms
- Living room
- Bathroom with shower
- Dining table and chairs
- Kitchen
- Microwave
- Coffee maker
- Refrigerator
- Electric range
- Picnic table and fire ring
Renters must supply their own bed linens, towels, dishes, cookware, and utensils.
In the summer peak season, the cabins and house only rent by the week. In the non-peak season, the minimum rental is two days. Advance reservations are recommended.
The Twin Fawn House
The Twin Fawn House sleeps eight and is available year round. Located along Route 869, this ranch style house sits on a hillside overlooking the rugged terrain of the mountains. While not adjacent to any day use areas in the park, this is a popular rental for families to enjoy the many recreational offerings of Blue Knob including fishing, hunting, hiking, mountain biking, and downhill skiing.
Read more from the park
The house offers:
- Three bedrooms
- • Two sets of single bunkbeds
- Two single beds
- One double bed
- Living room with couches and chairs
- Two full bathrooms
- Kitchen
- • Electric range
- Refrigerator
- Coffee maker
- Toaster
- Microwave
- Dining room with table and chairs
- Heat and air conditioning
- Game room
- Enclosed porch
- Picnic table and fire ring
Renters must supply their own bed linens and towels. A limited supply of dishes, pots, pans, and dinnerware are provided.
In the summer peak season, the house rents by the week. In the non-peak season, the minimum rental is two days. Advance reservations are recommended.
Alcoholic beverages are permitted in this overnight facility and associated curtilage only. Alcohol possession and consumption is restricted to the holder of the reservation permit and invited guests age 21 and older. Responsible and legal alcohol consumption is required, and violations are grounds for removal from the state park without refund.
Note that alcohol possession and consumption in all other overnight facilities and all other areas of state parks is prohibited.
Things to do
Horseback ridingSwimmingHuntingWinter sportsSnowmobilingPicnickingHikingCross-country skiingBikingMountain bikingFishingCamping
Trails
| Trail | Length | Difficulty | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Chappells Field Trail | 2.5 mi | Easiest | Recreations permitted: hiking, mountain biking, cross-country skiing recommended, snowshoeing recommended Trailhead amenities: benches This multi-use trail is a gentle sloping loop trail with little gradient change. It is ideal for families and cross-country skiing with a sweeping view of Blue Knob State Park. This trail follows the back end of Chappells Field through wildlife management areas, crosses Forest Road, travels to the bottom loop of the campground, and returns through a forested section to the starting point.HikingMountain bikingCross-country skiing recommendedSnowshoeing recommended |
| Crist Ridge Trail | 1.9 mi | Most difficult | Recreations permitted: hiking, mountain biking Trailhead amenities: none This multi-use trail great for wildlife watching and scenic views starts at an intersection of Chappells Field Trail and extends to below the pool. To access the trail, park at the lowest intersection of Chappells Field Trail and Forest Road, or at the second curve above the pool.HikingMountain biking |
| Homestead Trail | 1.8 mi | Easiest | Recreations permitted: hiking, mountain biking, equestrian, snowmobiling Trailhead amenities: none This wide, gentle trail winds through old homestead sites in a rolling valley section of the park. The old fields are great for birding. Trailhead parking is available along Park Road at the second curve past the park office and in Willow Springs Picnic Area.HikingMountain bikingEquestrianSnowmobiling |
| Lost Turkey Trail | 4 mi | Most difficult | Recreations permitted: hiking, backpacking, snowshoeing recommended Trailhead amenities: none Beginning at the towers and ending at the Babcock State Forest Ranger Station on PA 56, this trail is a favorite of backpackers, cross-country skiers, and day hikers. This 26-mile trail uses a combination of public and private lands, including four miles of trail in Blue Knob State Park. It follows many of the narrow-gauge railroad beds from the logging activities of the 1930s and covers a wide variety of terrain including Blue Knob Mountain and the Allegheny Front. Unnamed connecting trails are blazeHikingBackpackingSnowshoeing recommended |
| Mountain View Trail | 4 mi | Most difficult | Recreations permitted: hiking, mountain biking Trailhead amenities: none This multi-use trail is in a wilderness area of the park. Trailheads are at the curve below the ski lodge on Ski Access Road or in Willow Springs Picnic Area. The trail follows an old waterline, climbs steep slopes, and follows Beaverdam Creek. The trail is recommended only for adults in good hiking condition. Proper footwear is a must due to the steep and rugged terrain. Access points to different sections of the trail are limited. This trail should not be used during inclement weather as fog can become quite dense as a HikingMountain biking |
| Pavia Lookout Loop | 1 mi | More difficult | Recreations permitted: hiking, mountain biking Trailhead amenities: none Beginning near the Blue Knob All Seasons Resort, this multi-use trail loops around near the top of the mountain to Pavia Lookout.HikingMountain biking |
| Rock ‘N’ Ridge Trail | 2.8 mi | Most difficult | Recreations permitted: hiking, mountain biking, cross-country skiing recommended, snowshoeing recommended Trailhead amenities: none This multi-use trail with a small waterfall starts at the picnic pavilion above the pool, then follows a homestead road weaving through the center of the park near a mountain brook. The trail is a steady uphill climb until it peaks near the mountain slopes and returns along the high ground connecting to the ridge top east of the pool complex. This is a ridge and valley trail suitable for the whole family. Park at Mowery Hollow Picnic Area.HikingMountain bikingCross-country skiing recommendedSnowshoeing recommended |
| Sawmill Trail | 3 mi | More difficult | Recreations permitted: hiking, mountain biking, snowmobiling, equestrian Trailhead amenities: none This trail bisects the park and uses openings created by waterlines and service roads. Beginning on Ickes Hill on Queen Road, this trail passes Willow Springs Picnic Area, Organized Group Cabin Camp, the campground and Chappells Field, then connects to the lower section of Rock ‘N’ Ridge Trail leading to the pool complex. Parking is available at the Chappells Field and Queen Road trailheads.HikingMountain bikingSnowmobilingEquestrian |
| Three Springs Trail | 2 mi | More difficult | Recreations permitted: hiking, mountain biking, snowmobiling, equestrian Trailhead amenities: none Using service roads and waterlines, this multi-use trail is a very wide, gentle mountain trail. It begins at the curve below the ski slope and extends along the eastern slope of the mountain to the Willow Springs Picnic Area. Enjoy the mountain forest setting with views of the lowlands from about 2,000 feet. Park at the curve approaching the ski resort along Ski Access Road.HikingMountain bikingSnowmobilingEquestrian |
Trail descriptions from the park
23 miles of trails
Wear appropriate foot wear when hiking at Blue Knob State Park. Many trails at Blue Knob are steep. A hike down a trail means that a hike up is required. Well planned hiking trips utilize different trails to provide an extended hiking experience and avoids a steep return climb.
Blue Knob State Park Map
Swimming
♿ Weather permitting, the free swimming pool is open seven days a week from 11:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M., Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day, unless posted otherwise.
At the beginning and the end of the season, the pool may only be open on the weekends.
Pool depth ranges from zero to five feet.
For visitor safety, diving in the pool is prohibited.
Amenities
Facilities
- Picnic areas
- Picnic shelters
- Group facilities
Water
- Swimming pool
Camping
- Tent camping
- RV camping
- Electric hookups
- Group camping
Lodging
- Cabins
Recreation
- Horse trails
✓ listed by the park · ✕ the park says it is not available. Anything not shown here isn’t mentioned by the official source — that means unknown, not unavailable.
Accessibility
Blue Knob State Park offers a range of accessibility accommodations to ensure all visitors can enjoy its natural beauty and recreational opportunities.
Sassafras Lane - Site 9
Site 9 on Sassafras Lane offers modern 30-amp electric service with a back-in driveway and a maximum vehicle length of 30 feet. Domestic pets are allowed.
Fishers Haven
Fishers Haven can accommodate up to 4 people. Visitors are reminded to bring their own linens, dishes, pots and pans.
Accessible Picnic Tables
Accessible picnic tables are located in both the Burnt House picnic area and the Mowery Hollow picnic area. There is an ADA accessible restroom at the Burnt House picnic area.
Deer Lodge Pavilion
Deer Lodge pavilion can accommodate up to 80 people with 10 picnic tables. Domestic pets are allowed.
White Pine Pavilion
The White Pine pavilion is available on a first-come, first-served basis. It is located near the pool.
Swimming and Beaches
An ADA accessible swimming pool is open seven days a week from 11:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M., Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day, unless posted otherwise.
The pool is free to enjoy. There is a ramp that leads into the pool.
Swim at your own risk. Please read and follow posted rules.
Official accessibility information
Conditions change. Contact the park to confirm specific accessible features before your visit.
Getting there
- Address
- 124 Park Road
Imler, PA 16655-9207 - Nearest town
- Hollidaysburg — about 15 mi southwest (straight line)
- Coordinates
- 40.2666, -78.5838
- Phone
- (814) 608-3034
- blueknobsp@pa.gov
Google Maps directionsApple MapsOfficial park map (PDF)
Directions from the park
From East or West: Take the Pennsylvania Turnpike to Bedford, Exit 146. Go north on I-99 to Exit 7. Follow PA 869 west to Pavia, then follow signs through Pavia to the park. From North: Take I-99 south to Exit 23. Follow Old US 220 south. Turn right onto PA 164 west, follow to the town of Blue Knob. Turn left onto Blue Knob Road (LR 4035) follow five miles to northern entrance of the park. From South: Take I-70 west to Breezewood, then US 30 west to Bedford, then north on I-99 to Exit 7. Follow PA 869 west to Pavia, then follow signs through Pavia to the park. GPS DD: Lat. 40.2666 Long. -78.58376
Nearby state parks
Sources and freshness
- Pennsylvania State Parks — park page — last checked Oct 29, 2026; page says updated Sep 3, 2026
- DCNR Find a Park: content-fragment JSON feed used by the pa.gov park finder
- Wikidata
- USGS PAD-US 4.1 (boundary and acreage)
- Photo: Blue Knob Mountain 4.jpg — Public domain (released by the author), Calzarette at English Wikipedia
“Last checked” is when our system last read the official source. “Last changed” (Oct 29, 2026) is when the information shown here last differed from the previous check. Hours, fees and rules can change without notice — confirm with the park before you go. Methodology