French Creek State Park
- Status
- Status not postedDaily sunrise – sunset
- Entrance fee
- Not posted
- Day-use reservations
- None mentioned
- Dogs
- Dogs allowed
- Camping
- 16 campsitesAlso cabins, yurts, glamping or camper cabins
- Official site
- pa.gov(610) 582-9680
Official page last checked Oct 29, 2026. Details last changed Oct 29, 2026. How we keep this current
Overview
French Creek State Park is a 7,522-acre park in Berks County, about 5 miles south of Birdsboro.
Things to do include cross-country skiing, mountain biking, golf, horseback riding, and winter sports. Its trail network totals roughly 35 miles, according to the park. Facilities for water recreation include a swimming pool, a boat ramp, a fishing pier, and boat or kayak rentals. Camping is available: 16 campsites across 3 camping areas, including RV sites with full hookups, tent sites, and group camping. Roofed lodging includes cabins, yurts, and camper cabins or similar shelters.
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.
Pets
Dogs allowed
Pet-friendly: A loop and C loop only Pets are permitted in Camping Cottage One only.
Service animals are generally permitted where pets are not. Check with the park for specific areas.
Camping
| Campground or site type | Sites | Hookups / features | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| Camping Season: March through the first weekend in January
Address: 410 Park Road, Elverson, PA 19520
Electric hookups: 60+, some sites have full-hookup with sewer, water, and electricity
ADA accessible sites: Available
Pet-friendly: A loop and C loop only
Amenities:
• Warm showers
• Flush toilets | — | Electric hookups: 60+, some sites have full-hookup with sewer, water, and electricityShowers | — |
| Organized Group Tenting Qualified organized groups can camp in the rustic group tenting area April 1 through October 31. One site holds 60 people and 16 other sites each hold 30 people. | 16 | Qualified organized groups can camp in the rustic group tenting area April 1 through October 31. | — |
| Organized Group Cabin Camps Season: Group camps are open to organized youth and adult groups from mid-April to mid-October. Group camps are open to organized youth and adult groups from mid-April to mid-October. These facilities include:
• Dining hall
• Central washhouse
• Camper cabins
• Staff quarters
Camp One holds 135 people. Camp Two (Clewell) holds 68 people.
Advance reservations are required. Please contact the park office if you would like to reserve a group cabin camp.
An Application for Organized Group Cabin Camp Permit must be submitted to the park office. Applications are accepted after January and reservations awarded after March 1.
Prior to submitting your group’s application, a site visit is recommen | — | Camp One holds 135 people. Camp Two (Clewell) holds 68 people. Please contact the park office if you would like to reserve a group cabin camp. An Application for Organized Group Cabin Camp Permit must be submitted to the park office. Groups must provide proof of non-profit status when submitting an Application for Organized Group Cabin Camp Permit to the park office. | — |
Camping details from the park
Camping
Season: March through the first weekend in January
Address: 410 Park Road, Elverson, PA 19520
Electric hookups: 60+, some sites have full-hookup with sewer, water, and electricity
ADA accessible sites: Available
Pet-friendly: A loop and C loop only
Amenities:
- Warm showers
- Flush toilets
Organized Group Tenting
Qualified organized groups can camp in the rustic group tenting area April 1 through October 31. One site holds 60 people and 16 other sites each hold 30 people.
Organized Group Cabin Camps
Group camps are open to organized youth and adult groups from mid-April to mid-October. These facilities include:
- Dining hall
- Central washhouse
- Camper cabins
- Staff quarters
Camp One holds 135 people. Camp Two (Clewell) holds 68 people.
Advance reservations are required. Please contact the park office if you would like to reserve a group cabin camp.
An Application for Organized Group Cabin Camp Permit must be submitted to the park office. Applications are accepted after January and reservations awarded after March 1.
Prior to submitting your group’s application, a site visit is recommended to ensure that the site will meet your group’s needs.
Groups must provide proof of non-profit status when submitting an Application for Organized Group Cabin Camp Permit to the park office. Youth groups must have at least one responsible adult on site for every eight campers under age 18.
Organizations also must submit a roster of their campers. The Roster Form is available at the park office and must be completed prior to being issued a camping permit. The roster must list the names of all campers in the party.
From the official park page, checked Oct 29, 2026. Site counts and prices can change; confirm when booking.
Cabins and lodging
- Glamping at French Creek State Park
- Modern Cabins
- Camping Cottages: 3 units
- Yurts
Glamping at French Creek State Park
In partnership with Timberline Glamping, DCNR is bringing glamping to French Creek State Park in 2026. French Creek will have 10 sites with a mix of two spacious layouts that accommodate 4-6 guests.
Inside, you’ll find everything you need to feel at home:
- Keurig coffee maker and mini fridge
- Rugs, lamps, diffuser, and cozy décor
- Electrical outlets for all your devices
- Ceiling fan plus full residential-style A/C and heating
Reserve Now
More About Glamping
Modern Cabins
The cabin colony is one mile west of the campground (410 Park Road, Elverson, PA 19520). Ten furnished, modern cabins, sleep six people in bunkbeds. Cabins can be reserved year round.
Nestled among the hardwoods, the cabins offer a pleasant alternative to state park camping. Each cabin features:
Read more from the park
- Electric heat
- Kitchen
- Private restroom with shower
- Wall-to-wall carpeting
Bring your own dishes, cookware, and bedding.
Accessible accommodations are available.
Camping Cottages
In the campground, three cottages sleep five people in bunk beds, and have:
- Wooden floors
- Windows
- Electric heat
- Porch
- Picnic table
- Fire ring
- Electric lights and outlets
Pets are permitted in Camping Cottage One only.
Accessible accommodations are available.
Yurts
Located in the campground, the two round tents feature canvas and wooden walls, a wooden deck, and sleep four people in two bunk beds.
The yurt has:
- Cooking stove
- Microwave oven
- Refrigerator
- Countertop
- Table
- Chairs
- Electric heat and outlets
- Fire ring
- Picnic table
Accessible accommodations are available.
Things to do
BikingMountain bikingPicnickingWinter sportsCross-country skiingGolfDisc golfSwimmingHikingBoatingFishingHorseback ridingHuntingCampingCanoeing and kayaking
Trails
| Trail | Length | Difficulty | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Blue with Red Trail | 0.7 mi | More difficult | Recreations permitted: hiking Trailhead amenities: none This connector trail circumvents a large portion of the Mill Creek Trail, making for a shorter loop hike. This trail has an arduous uphill climb near the northern section of the trail.Hiking |
| Boone Trail | 6 mi | Most difficult | Recreations permitted: hiking, mountain biking Trailhead amenities: none The trail is great for seasoned hikers who would like to see lovely scenic views of Hopewell Lake. It also offers wildlife viewing opportunities on an assortment of elevations. Several portions are steep and rocky, so wear sturdy shoes. It is closed to mountain bikes around Hopewell Lake.HikingMountain biking |
| Buzzards Trail | 3 mi | More difficult | Recreations permitted: hiking, mountain biking Trailhead amenities: benches Accessed from Raccoon and Mill Creek trails, this loop trail takes hikers on Bear Hill and has great birding opportunities. On the western side, view the historic Hopewell Furnace site, hike into Hopewell Furnace, or hike past the beautiful streams.HikingMountain biking |
| Colliers Trail | 1.4 mi | More difficult | Recreations permitted: hiking Trailhead amenities: none For experienced hikers, the Colliers trail connects trail users from French Creek State Park to Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site. This trail has nearly 400 feet of elevation gain as it winds through French Creeks woods and passes the remains of a historical colliers hut and charcoal burning pit.Hiking |
| ♿ Hopewell Big Woods Trail (Northern Section) | 1.5 mi | Easiest | Recreations permitted: hiking, biking, equestrian Trailhead amenities: none This gravel, ADA accessible trail is great for all ages. It provides scenic views of Birdsboro and excellent bird habitat.HikingBikingEquestrian |
| ♿ Hopewell Big Woods Trail (Southern Section) | 0.7 mi | Easiest | Recreations permitted: hiking, biking, equestrian Trailhead amenities: none This gravel, ADA accessible trail is great for all ages. It provides excellent access to Hopewell Furnace Historic Site.HikingBikingEquestrian |
| Hopewell Lake Loop | 2.5 mi | Easiest | Recreations permitted: hiking Trailhead amenities: modern restrooms, potable water, picnic tables, benches This trail passes by trail to Hopewell National Historic Site, loops around Hopewell Lake, and meanders through scenic wooded areas with wildlife.Hiking |
| Horseshoe Trail | 8 mi | More difficult | Recreations permitted: hiking, mountain biking, equestrian Trailhead amenities: none Eight miles of this 140-mile trail wind through French Creek State Park where it connects to many other trails. It has varying areas of difficulty and terrain. It passes near Hopewell and Scotts Run lakes, over Scotts Run stream, near forestry's fire tower, and along the bottom of a CCC era camp.HikingMountain bikingEquestrian |
| Kalmia Trail | 1 mi | Most difficult | Recreations permitted: hiking Trailhead amenities: none This mountain side trail serves as a connector trail from Six Penny to Horseshoe trails. It provides a pleasant experience through natural forests with scattered mountain laurel.Hiking |
| Lenape Trail | 5.5 mi | More difficult | Recreations permitted: hiking, mountain biking Trailhead amenities: none This trail loops through French Creek State Park and Hopewell National Historic site. The Lenape Trail passes by both Hopewell and Scott's Run lakes. In Hopewell National Historic Site, the trail passes a CCC pavilion. Lenape Trail has many convenient access points including the French Creek Campground.HikingMountain biking |
| Mill Creek Trail | 6 mi | Most difficult | Recreations permitted: hiking, mountain biking, equestrian Trailhead amenities: none This forest loop is great for intermediate to expert hikers who are looking for elevation change challenges. The trail has many unique areas such as geological features, creeks views, and a walk through a mountain laurel tunnel.HikingMountain bikingEquestrian |
| Orange and Green Trail | 0.4 mi | Easiest | Recreations permitted: hiking, mountain biking, equestrian Trailhead amenities: none This short, family friendly trail connects Six Penny Trail to Boone Trail. Easily accessed from the campground, it is a great way for visitors and campers to explore other trails within the park.HikingMountain bikingEquestrian |
| Raccoon Trail | 1.7 mi | More difficult | Recreations permitted: hiking, mountain biking, equestrian Trailhead amenities: none This trail starts at a pull-off near Hopewell Furnace, passes a CCC-era picnic pavilion, and enters French Creek State Park. It crosses Baptism Creek and intersects with several other trails before ending beside Mill Creek on the northeastern portion of the Mill Creek Trail Loop.HikingMountain bikingEquestrian |
| Six Penny Trail | 3.4 mi | Most difficult | Recreations permitted: hiking, mountain biking on part of the trail Trailhead amenities: none Six Penny Trail weaves up and down the ridges on the west side of the park. Visitors are encouraged to visit the historic Six Penny Day Use Area, located where Kalmia and Six Penny meet. This area was originally created by the CCC in the 1930s.HikingMountain biking on part of the trail |
| Turtle Trail | 3.6 mi | More difficult | Recreations permitted: hiking, mountain biking, equestrian Trailhead amenities: none For visitors that want variety on the trail, the Turtle Trail loop offers just that. This trail provides flat, rocky, and hilly terrain as it connects Park Road to Firetower RoadHikingMountain bikingEquestrian |
Trail descriptions from the park
35 miles of trails
More than 35 miles of well-marked trails cover a large portion of the park’s 7,916 acres. Hikers at French Creek have a wide variety of opportunities for quiet reflection, nature study, and physical challenge. Trailhead parking is located in many convenient areas.
French Creek State Park Map
Trail Guidelines
- Please stay on blazed trails
- Double blazes indicate a change of direction in the trail
- Camping is only permitted in French Creek's established campgrounds
- Horses are permitted on the Horse-shoe Trail, and on the right berm of public roads (except in overnight areas)
- Motorized vehicles are prohibited on any park trails
- Mountain bikes are permitted on roads and approved trails only
- All trails south of Park Road are closed to bikes
Swimming
Swimming Prohibited in Lakes
Swimming opportunities are only available at the French Creek State Park pool. Swimming is prohibited in both lakes at the park.
French Creek State Park Pool
♿ Swimming is offered at the swimming pool by Hopewell Lake from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day, unless otherwise posted.
Pool hours:
- Monday, Thursday, and Friday from 11:00 A.M. – 5:45 P.M.
- Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 A.M. – 6:45 P.M.
- Closed Tuesday and Wednesday
The pool is near the shore of the lake and provides a beautiful setting for swimmers and sunbathers.
A fee is charged for pool admission. Certified lifeguards are on duty when the pool is open.
All children nine years of age or less must be accompanied and supervised by a responsible person. One such person shall supervise no more than five children.
Read more from the park
For more information about the pool, visit the French Creek Swimming Pool website.
Swimming Pool GPS Decimal Degrees: Latitude 0.19881 Longitude -75.78425
Pool Snack Bar
During the swimming season, a food concession is open at the pool complex. Firewood, charcoal, and other picnic supplies are also sold.
A picnic pavilion inside the pool complex is available for rent. Reservations must be made at the pool entrance.
Amenities
Facilities
- Picnic areas
- Picnic shelters
- Amphitheater
- Group facilities
Water
- Swimming pool
- Boat ramp
- Marina or boat slips
- Boat, canoe or kayak rentals
- Fishing pier
- Swimming beach: not available (stated by the park)
Camping
- Tent camping
- RV camping
- Electric hookups
- Water hookups
- Sewer hookups
- Group camping
Lodging
- Cabins
- Yurts
- Glamping or camper cabins
Recreation
- Golf course
- Disc golf
- 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
French Creek State Park offers a range of accessibility accommodations to ensure all visitors can enjoy its natural beauty and recreational opportunities.
Loop B - Site 9
Site 9 in Loop B is a modern electric site with 50-amp service and a paved driveway with a back-in entry. The driveway is 45 feet long and can accommodate vehicles up to 50 feet in length.
Loop B - Site 11
Site 11 in Loop B is a modern non-electric site with a paved driveway with a back-in entry. The driveway is 40 feet long and can accommodate vehicles up to 45 feet in length.
Loop B - Site 12
Site 12 in Loop B is a modern non-electric site with a paved driveway with a back-in entry. The driveway is 40 feet long and can accommodate vehicles up to 45 feet in length.
Read more from the park
Loop B - Site 41
Site 41 in Loop B is a modern electric site with 50-amp service and a paved driveway with a back-in entry. The driveway is 45 feet long and can accommodate vehicles up to 50 feet in length.
Loop B - Site 44
Site 44 in Loop B is a modern electric site with 50-amp service and a paved driveway with a back-in entry. The driveway is 45 feet long and can accommodate vehicles up to 50 feet in length.
Loop C - Site 39
Site 39 in Loop C is a full hook-up site with 50-amp service and a paved driveway with a back-in entry. The driveway is 45 feet long, accommodates vehicles up to 50 feet, and allows domestic pets.
Loop C - Site 40
Site 40 in Loop C is a full hook-up site with 50-amp service and a paved driveway with a back-in entry. The driveway is 45 feet long, accommodates vehicles up to 50 feet, and allows domestic pets.
Loop C - Site 41
Site 41 in Loop C is a full hook-up site with 50-amp service and a paved driveway with a back-in entry. The driveway is 45 feet long, accommodates vehicles up to 50 feet, and allows domestic pets.
Loop C - Site 42
Site 42 in Loop C is a full hook-up site with 50-amp service and a paved driveway with a back-in entry. The driveway is 45 feet long, accommodates vehicles up to 50 feet, and allows domestic pets.
Loop C - Site 47
Site 47 in Loop C is a full hook-up site with 50-amp service and a paved driveway with a back-in entry. The driveway is 45 feet long, accommodates vehicles up to 50 feet, and allows domestic pets.
Camping Cottage 1
Camping Cottage 1 can accommodate 5 people in 2 bunk beds. Visitors need to bring bed linens, towels, dishes, pots and pans.
Yurt 2
Yurt 2 can accommodate 5 people on 2 bunk beds. Visitors need to bring bed linens, towels, dishes, pots and pans.
Modern Cabin 10
Modern Cabin 10 can accommodate 6 people on a double bed and two bunk beds. Visitors need to bring bed linens, towels, dishes, pots and pans.
Lower Picnic Area
The lower picnic area along Hopewell Lake features ADA accessible picnic tables throughout.
Lagoon Picnic Area
The Lagoon Picnic Area near Hopewell Lake features ADA picnic tables throughout.
Hopewell Day Use Pavilion
The Hopewell Day Use Pavilion holds 15 picnic tables with a seating capacity of 80. Domestic pets are allowed. There is a paved walkway from the parking area to access. Located next to the playground.
Pool Pavilion
The Pool Pavilion can be rented through the French Creek Pool's website. The pavilion features 10 large picnic tables, 2 large charcoal grilles, and electrical outlets.
Fishing Access
The Day Use Area features an ADA-accessible fishing pier, reachable via a paved trail from the ADA parking spaces in the lower parking lot.
Hopewell Big Woods Trail (Northern Section)
1.5 miles | Easiest hiking | Out-and-back trail | No blazes
Recreations permitted: hiking, biking, equestrian
Trailhead amenities: none
This gravel, ADA accessible trail is great for all ages. It provides scenic views of Birdsboro and excellent bird habitat.
.
Hopewell Big Woods Trail (Southern Section)
0.7 mile | Easiest hiking | Out-and-back trail | No blazes
Trailhead amenities: none
This gravel, ADA accessible trail is great for all ages. It provides excellent access to Hopewell Furnace Historic Site.
.
Hunting
ADA hunting is available from Group Camp 1 after camping closes for season - this is located behind D Loop in family campground.
Visitors holding a DCNR Mobility Device Permit can contact the park office for more information about accessible hunting locations within the park. Please check in with the park office before you go.
DCNR permits visitors with a DCNR Mobility Device Permit to use powered mobility devices on designated state park and forest lands, including administrative roads and trails not normally open to standard motorized vehicles.
Visitors interested in a DCNR Mobility Device Permit can fill out an application and submit it at any state park or forest office.
Swimming and Beaches
An ADA accessible swimming pool can be accessed by paved trail from the lower parking lot. There is a ramp into pool.
The pool is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day and the hours are:
- Monday, Thursday, and Friday from 11:00 A.M. – 5:45 P.M.
- Saturday and Sunday from 11:00 A.M. – 6:45 P.M.
- Closed Tuesday and Wednesday
A fee is charged for pool admission. For more information, visit the French Creek Swimming Pool website.
Swim at your own risk. Please read and follow posted rules.
The ADA fishing pier in the Hopewell Day Use Area offers excellent views of the lake. There is a paved walkway from ADA parking in lower parking lot.
Theaters and Amphitheaters
An accessible amphitheater is located in the family campground. There is a paved walkway from parking.
Historic Place
Kintzer Building - Entrance to the building has an ADA ramp and ADA parking. Note: this building is not currently open to the public.
Official accessibility information
Conditions change. Contact the park to confirm specific accessible features before your visit.
Getting there
- Address
- 843 Park Road
Elverson, PA 19520-9523 - Nearest town
- Birdsboro — about 5 mi south (straight line)
- Coordinates
- 40.1982, -75.7929
- Phone
- (610) 582-9680
- frenchcreeksp@pa.gov
Google Maps directionsApple MapsOfficial park map (PDF)
Directions from the park
French Creek State Park is in Berks and Chester counties. You may reach the park from PA 345 south of Birdsboro, north of PA 23, and from the Morgantown exits (1A and 1 B) of the PA Turnpike. Entrances are located on PA 345; south of Birdsboro and north of PA 23. GPS DD: Lat. 40.19824 Long. -75.79285
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)
“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