Little Buffalo State Park
- Status
- Open (per official listing)Daily sunrise – sunset
- Entrance fee
- Not posted
- Day-use reservations
- None mentioned
- Dogs
- Dogs allowed, with restrictions
- Camping
- 46 campsitesAlso cabins
- Official site
- pa.gov(717) 567-9255
Official page last checked Oct 29, 2026. Details last changed Oct 29, 2026. How we keep this current
Current alerts 2
Water quality Potable Water AvailabilityWhile water at the Little Buffalo State Park Campground, Lodge, and Rec Hall remains non-potable, there is now a potable water trailer at the… (more)
While water at the Little Buffalo State Park Campground, Lodge, and Rec Hall remains non-potable, there is now a potable water trailer at the campground. Additionally, the park has made a potable water hydrant available for use at 40.4596490, -77.1689990. This location is across Little Buffalo Road from the Park Office and Visitor Center. Follow posted signage and cones to the green hydrant. These directions are also posted on bulletin boards at the Campground and Park Office/Visitor Center.
Posted by the park. Official alert
Alert SWIMMING POOL CARD READERSWe are pleased to announce that we now will be accepting cash and card payments at the swimming pool, effective 5/30/26. For more information -… (more)
We are pleased to announce that we now will be accepting cash and card payments at the swimming pool, effective 5/30/26. For more information - Swimming at Little Buffalo State Park | Department of Conservation and Natural Resources| Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
Posted by the park. Official alert
Overview
Covering about 989 acres, Little Buffalo State Park lies in Perry County, about 2 miles southwest of Newport.
The park supports cross-country skiing, winter sports, hunting in season, canoeing and kayaking, and swimming. The official site lists about 8 miles of trails. On the water side, there is a swimming pool, a boat ramp, a fishing pier, and boat or kayak rentals. Overnight options include 46 campsites, with RV sites with water hookups and tent sites. 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.
Pets
Dogs allowed, with restrictions
Not allowed in or on: the cabin.
Pets are permitted on all campsites. Up to two dogs are permitted in Cottage #4 for a fee. Pets are prohibited in the cabin.
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: ♿ The modern campground with 46 campsites is open from mid-April to mid-October. Little Buffalo State Park Campground Map (PDF)
♿ The modern campground with 46 campsites is open from mid-April to mid-October.
Some sites have electric and water hookups. Some sites are full-service. A walk-to sites have a short walk to the campsite from the parking area. All campsites have a picnic table and fire ring. A sanitary dump station is in the campground.
Pets are permitted on all campsites. | 46 | Some sites have electric and water hookups. | — |
Camping details from the park
Camping
Little Buffalo State Park Campground Map (PDF)
♿ The modern campground with 46 campsites is open from mid-April to mid-October.
Some sites have electric and water hookups. Some sites are full-service. A walk-to sites have a short walk to the campsite from the parking area. All campsites have a picnic table and fire ring. A sanitary dump station is in the campground.
Pets are permitted on all campsites.
From the official park page, checked Oct 29, 2026. Site counts and prices can change; confirm when booking.
Cabins and lodging
- Camping Cottages: 3 units
- Little Buffalo Lodge
Camping Cottages
Three rustic cottages in the campground sleep five people in single bunks and double/single bunks, and have:
- Electric heat, lights, and outlets
- Fire ring
- Picnic table
- Table and chairs
- Windows
- Wooden floors
The nearby campground shower house provides toilets, showers, and drinking water.
Up to two dogs are permitted in Cottage #4 for a fee.
Little Buffalo Lodge
♿ The ADA accessible cabin sleeps 12 people in three bedrooms and is open year round. Amenities include:
- Clothes washer and dryer (HE detergent required)
- Dishwasher
- Heat and air conditioning
- Microwave oven
- Refrigerator
- Stove
Renters should bring their own bed linens, bathroom articles, kitchenware, and eating utensils.
Pets are prohibited in the cabin.
Read more from the park
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
SwimmingBoatingFishingPicnickingWinter sportsCross-country skiingHikingHuntingCampingCanoeing and kayaking
Trails
| Trail | Length | Difficulty | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| ♿Blue Ball Trail | 0.25 mi | Easiest | Recreations permitted: hiking Trailhead amenities: modern restrooms, potable water, benches This ADA-accessible, paved path connects the historic Blue Ball Tavern to the Covered Bridge Trail and East Day Use Area. Follow the trail over a bridge, along the stream, and through a patch old ash trees that are beloved by the park’s woodpeckers.Hiking |
| Buffalo Ridge Trail | 1.5 mi | Most difficult | Recreations permitted: hiking Trailhead amenities: modern restrooms, picnic tables Traveling along a ridge that was once logged to fuel the nearby Juniata Furnace, this trail winds up to the top of Buffalo Ridge through a beautiful stand of Eastern hemlock. Look closely when hiking for flat, rounded areas with no trees -- these are charcoal hearths.Hiking |
| Campground Spur | 0.5 mi | More difficult | Recreations permitted: hiking Trailhead amenities: none Starting at the campground, the Spur Trail passes by a pond inhabited by panfish, bass, and pickerel frogs. Enjoy lots of spring wildflowers as the trail gently climbs down toward the bottom of the ridge and connects with Middle Ridge Trail.Hiking |
| Covered Bridge Trail | 0.25 mi | Easiest | Recreations permitted: hiking Trailhead amenities: modern restrooms, potable water, picnic tables, benches The Covered Bridge Trail is a gravel trail that connects the historic Clays Covered Bridge and Blue Ball Trail to Way Car Number 2, our historic railway car, and passes directly though the East Day Use Area where you can find a playground, entertainment pavilion, and picnic tables. Additionally, the trail goes along and over Little Buffalo Creek and provides access to many areas to see aquatic wildlife.Hiking |
| Exercise Trail | 1.2 mi | Easiest | Recreations permitted: hiking Trailhead amenities: modern restrooms, benches Throughout this trail, there are 18 stations featuring exercise equipment and instructional signage. Additionally, the trail includes a section that runs along a trout creek and travels through an area of open habitat home to Eastern bluebirds.Hiking |
| Fisherman’s Trail | 1 mi | Easiest | Recreations permitted: hiking Trailhead amenities: modern restrooms, potable water, picnic tables, benches The Fisherman’s Trail is a gravel trail that travels along the lake and connects the West Day Use Area to the East Day Use area via the Dam Breast or Mill Race Trail. Situated in a dense stand of hemlocks, the shaded trail is usually cooler than surrounding areas and great for observing wildlife or finding a fishing spot.Hiking |
| Gantt Trail | 0.32 mi | More difficult | Recreations permitted: hiking Connecting Mill Race and Fishermans trails, this rocky trail is along the eastern end of the lake. Winding through a hemlock forest, the trail climbs and descends Buffalo Ridge.Hiking |
| Little Buffalo Creek Trail | 1 mi | Easiest | Recreations permitted: hiking, cross-country skiing recommended Trailhead amenities: modern restrooms, potable water, picnic tables Little Buffalo Creek Trail runs from the Pavilion 1 and 2 to the far west end of the park, traveling along the creek where there are plenty of great fishing spots. It passes through habitats that include forest, wetland, shrubland, and meadows. In the winter, enjoy cross-country skiing on the flat trail. In the spring, the trail can be wet and muddy, but it is a good area to see warblers calling from the trees that line the creek.HikingCross-country skiing recommended |
| Middle Ridge Trail | 2.5 mi | Most difficult | Recreations permitted: hiking Trailhead amenities: none This trail runs from the Exercise Trail in the east end of the park to the Creek Trail in the west, crossing over Little Buffalo Road at both ends. Throughout the trail you will experience both change in elevation and the various habitats that accompany it, including some open field environments that offer scenic views of Holman Lake.Hiking |
| Mill Race Trail | 0.5 mi | Easiest | Recreations permitted: hiking Trailhead amenities: none This trail follows Mill Race from Shoaff’s Mill to Mill Dam where water is directed from Juniata Furnace Run down to the waterwheel. After crossing the Mill Dam, look for amphibians and other wildlife in the wet areas surrounding the stream as it meets with Little Buffalo Creek.Hiking |
Trail descriptions from the park
8 miles of trails
Sturdy footwear is recommended because of rocky footing on some trails.
Little Buffalo State Park Map
Swimming
♿ A large, ADA accessible swimming pool is located in the Swimming Pool Area along Holman Lake. The pool has two, zero entry areas and a maximum depth of five feet. It also has two waterslides and a sprayground.
The daily hours are 11:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M. The pool opens for the Memorial Day weekend, then weekends only until the second weekend in June when it begins seven days-a-week operation until mid-August. It is then open on weekends through Labor Day.
A fee is charged for pool use. Swimmers arriving after 4:00 P.M. receive a discount. Season passes are available at the park office.
The pool is very popular and reaches capacity on holidays and many weekends. Mid-week swimming is often less crowded.
Swimming is prohibited in Holman Lake.
A seasonal snack bar has hot and cold foods and beverages.
Amenities
Facilities
- Picnic areas
- Picnic shelters
- Playground
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
- Water hookups
Lodging
- Cabins
✓ 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
Little Buffalo State Park offers a range of accessibility accommodations to ensure all visitors can enjoy its natural beauty and recreational opportunities.
Main Loop - Site 42
Main Loop - Site 42 is a modern 50-amp electric hookup site with a paved back-in driveway suitable for vehicles up to 40 feet long. Domestic pets are allowed.
Main Loop - Site 43
Main Loop - Site 43 is a modern 50-amp electric hookup site with a paved back-in driveway suitable for vehicles up to 40 feet long. Domestic pets are allowed.
Unique House - Lodge
The Lodge at Little Buffalo can accommodate up to 12 people.
Accessible Picnic Tables
The West Day Use Area, also known as the Swimming Pool Picnic Area, has ADA accessible picnic tables.
Read more from the park
Water Access
There is an ADA kayak launch located at the Wahneta Launch.
Fishing Access
An accessible fishing pier is located at the eastern boat launch (Shoaffs Mill Area/East Day-Use).
Blue Ball Trail
0.25 miles | Easiest hiking | Out-and-back trail | No blazes
Recreations permitted: hiking
Trailhead amenities: modern restrooms, potable water, benches
This ADA-accessible, paved path connects the historic Blue Ball Tavern to the Covered Bridge Trail and East Day Use Area. Follow the trail over a bridge, along the stream, and through a patch old ash trees that are beloved by the park’s woodpeckers.
Hunting
This park offers accessible hunting options. Visitors holding a DCNR Mobility Device Permit can contact the park office for more information about accessible hunting locations within the park.
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
A large, ADA accessible swimming pool is located in the Swimming Pool Area along Holman Lake.
The pool has two, zero entry areas and a maximum depth of five feet. It also has a sprayground.
The daily hours are 11:00 A.M. to 7:00 P.M. The pool opens for the Memorial Day weekend, then weekends only until the second weekend in June when it begins seven days-a-week operation until mid-August. It is then open on weekends through Labor Day.
A fee is charged for pool use. Only cash is accepted at the pool. Swimmers arriving after 4:00 P.M. receive a discount. Season passes are available at the park office.
The pool is very popular and reaches capacity on holidays and many weekends. Mid-week swimming is often less crowded.
Playground
An ADA playground is located near the swimming pool.
Official accessibility information
Conditions change. Contact the park to confirm specific accessible features before your visit.
Getting there
- Address
- 1579 State Park Road
Newport, PA 17074-9428 - Nearest town
- Newport — about 2 mi southwest (straight line)
- Coordinates
- 40.4585, -77.1682
- Phone
- (717) 567-9255
- littlebuffsp@pa.gov
Google Maps directionsApple MapsOfficial park map (PDF)
Directions from the park
From PA 322, take the Newport Exit and follow PA 34 south through the town of Newport. One mile from town, turn right onto Little Buffalo Road to the park. From PA 322 to the park entrance is 4.6 miles. GPS Decimal Degrees: Lat. 40.4585 Long. -77.1682
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: Little Buffalo State Park.JPG — Public domain (released by the author), Smallbones
“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