Parker Dam State Park
- Status
- Status not postedDaily sunrise – sunset
- Entrance fee
- Not posted
- Day-use reservations
- None mentioned
- Dogs
- Dogs allowed
- Camping
- YesAlso cabins
- Official site
- pa.gov(814) 765-0630
Official page last checked Oct 29, 2026. Details last changed Oct 29, 2026. How we keep this current
Overview
Parker Dam State Park is a 959-acre park in Clearfield County, about 13 miles north of Clearfield.
The park supports snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, mountain biking, winter sports, and hunting in season. The official site lists about 13.1 miles of trails. On the water side, there is a swimming beach, a boat ramp, a fishing pier, and boat or kayak rentals. Overnight options include 3 camping areas, with RV sites with full 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 beach, 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
Up to two dogs are permitted at Cabins 11 and 12. Up to two dogs are permitted. Pets are permitted on designated sites
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: It is open from mid-April through mid-December, and has a sanitary dump station. Parker Dam State Park Campground Map (PDF)
♿ The camping area is on the eastern side of the lake and has completely shaded sites to open grassy sites. It is open from mid-April through mid-December, and has a sanitary dump station. Electric hookups are available at most campsites. Some sites have full-hookup, which includes:
• Sewer
• Water
• Electricity
Pets are permitted on designated sites
The maximum stay is 14 days during the summer season and 21 days during the off season. Campers must vacate the park for 48 hours between stays.
A seasonal camp store has camping equipment and supplies. | — | Electric hookups are available at most campsites. Some sites have full-hookup, which includes: • Electricity A seasonal camp store has camping equipment and supplies. | — |
| Backpacking The park is the western trailhead of the Quehanna Trail System. Through a series of loops and connecting trails, this system offers more than 73 miles of hiking opportunities of one to six nights in duration.
There is no backpack camping in the park.
Trail maps are available at the park office. After registering at the park office, backpackers should park in the second car parking lot by the campground. This lot is closed during the winter. | — | — | |
| Organized Group Tenting These open, grassy areas are in the northern end of the park at the intersection of Mud Run and Tyler roads. One area holds 20 people and the other area holds 50 people.
These rentable tenting areas have:
• Non-flush toilets
• Water hydrants
• Picnic tables
• Fire rings
For an additional fee, organized groups can use the campground showers.
Advance reservations are recommended. | — | Showers | — |
Camping details from the park
Camping
Parker Dam State Park Campground Map (PDF)
♿ The camping area is on the eastern side of the lake and has completely shaded sites to open grassy sites. It is open from mid-April through mid-December, and has a sanitary dump station. Electric hookups are available at most campsites. Some sites have full-hookup, which includes:
- Sewer
- Water
- Electricity
Pets are permitted on designated sites
The maximum stay is 14 days during the summer season and 21 days during the off season. Campers must vacate the park for 48 hours between stays.
A seasonal camp store has camping equipment and supplies.
Backpacking
The park is the western trailhead of the Quehanna Trail System. Through a series of loops and connecting trails, this system offers more than 73 miles of hiking opportunities of one to six nights in duration.
There is no backpack camping in the park.
Trail maps are available at the park office. After registering at the park office, backpackers should park in the second car parking lot by the campground. This lot is closed during the winter.
Organized Group Tenting
These open, grassy areas are in the northern end of the park at the intersection of Mud Run and Tyler roads. One area holds 20 people and the other area holds 50 people.
These rentable tenting areas have:
- Non-flush toilets
- Water hydrants
- Picnic tables
- Fire rings
For an additional fee, organized groups can use the campground showers.
Advance reservations are recommended.
From the official park page, checked Oct 29, 2026. Site counts and prices can change; confirm when booking.
Cabins and lodging
- Rustic Cabins: 16 units
- Tyler Cabin
Rustic Cabins
Parker Dam State Park Cabin Map (PDF)
♿ Surrounded by trees, the 16 rustic cabins can be rented year round. Each cabin has a nearby modern restroom with a sink, shower, and flush toilet.
The cabins sleep four, six, or eight people, and are heated by gas and a fireplace.
Each cabin has:
- Bunk beds
- Mattresses
- Gas cooking stove
- Refrigerator
- Table and benches
Renters must provide their own:
- Bedding
- Firewood
- Cookware
- Tableware
During the summer season, cabins only rent by the week. During the off-season, the minimum rental is two nights.
Up to two dogs are permitted at Cabins 11 and 12.
Advance reservations are required.
Tyler Cabin
This unique, octagonal log cabin can be rented year round. The large, one-room cabin features:
- Gas heat
- Ceiling fans
- Table and benches
- Large, central, stone fireplace
Eleven people can sleep in bunk beds. A small alcove with a galley-type kitchen holds the gas stove and refrigerator.
Up to two dogs are permitted.
There is an ADA accessible, non-flush restroom nearby.
Things to do
HuntingWinter sportsSnowmobilingPicnickingBikingMountain bikingCross-country skiingBoatingHikingSwimmingGeocachingFishingCampingCanoeing and kayaking
Trails
| Trail | Length | Difficulty | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Beaver Dam Trail | 0.42 mi | Easiest | Recreations permitted: hiking, mountain biking, snowmobiling, cross-country skiing recommended Trailhead amenities: modern restrooms, picnic tables Evidence of beavers, like cuttings, tracks, lodges, and dams, can be seen along this 2.2-mile trail which follows Mud Run through park and Moshannon State Forest land. The trail also passes through a hardwood forest, a hemlock forest, and pine plantations.HikingMountain bikingSnowmobilingCross-country skiing recommended |
| CCC Trail | 0.8 mi | Easiest | Recreations permitted: hiking, cross-country skiing recommended Trailhead amenities: non-flush restrooms This trail is a walk down memory lane to the days of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC). In the 1930s, this was the road used daily for travel between the residential CCC camp (now the Organized Group Tenting Area) and the work site at the dam. A connector trail leads to Laurel Run Trail.HikingCross-country skiing recommended |
| Laurel Run Trail | 1.6 mi | More difficult | Recreations permitted: hiking Trailhead amenities: none Long used by fishermen, this trail starts near the campground bridge, follows the eastern shoreline of the lake, traverses the dam breast, and follows Laurel Run. This trail also winds through the tornado blowdown area.Hiking |
| Log Slide Trail | 0.3 mi | Easiest | Recreations permitted: hiking, backpacking Trailhead amenities: none A display at the trailhead shows historic lumbering tools and an authentic reproduction of a log slide, which were used in the 1870s to harvest timber. Along the trail can be seen the places where the Civilian Conservation Corps workers cut stone in the 1930s to build Parker Dam. The trail is part of the 73-mile Quehanna Trail, which is blazed in orange, and connects to Stumpfield Trail via a pipeline which is blazed in yellow.HikingBackpacking |
| Quehanna Trail | 1.25 mi | Most difficult | Recreations permitted: hiking, backpacking Trailhead amenities: none This trail travels from the park through the Quehanna Wild Area. Backpacking trips range from one to seven or more days. Only experienced hikers should use these wilderness trails. The main trail is blazed in orange. Connector trails are blazed in yellow. There is no backpack camping in the park. The Stay the Night section has more information on backpacking the Quehanna Trail. The Quehanna Area Trails Club maintains the trail and has additional information.HikingBackpacking |
| Skunk Trail | 0.2 mi | Easiest | Recreations permitted: hiking, mountain biking, cross-country skiing recommended Trailhead amenities: none This 1.7-mile trail winds through a managed hardwood forest in Moshannon State Forest. It connects Souders Trail with Mud Run Road.HikingMountain bikingCross-country skiing recommended |
| Souders Trail | 0.9 mi | Easiest | Recreations permitted: hiking, mountain biking, cross-country skiing recommended Trailhead amenities: picnic tables This scenic loop trail features lush, forest meadows, Laurel Run, and large hardwood and evergreen trees.HikingMountain bikingCross-country skiing recommended |
| Spurline Trail | 0.4 mi | More difficult | Recreations permitted: hiking, backpacking, cross-country skiing recommended Trailhead amenities: none Start beyond Montgomery Field on the Fairview Road and follow the old railroad spur used from 1910 to 1913 to log the area. Spurline Trail makes up a section of the 73-mile Quehanna Trail.HikingBackpackingCross-country skiing recommended |
| Stumpfield Trail | 0.2 mi | Easiest | Recreations permitted: hiking, cross-country skiing recommended Trailhead amenities: none Begin at the campground amphitheater and traverse a meadow that was once a forest of pine and hemlock. Look for large stumps left from logging at the turn of the 20th century. Stunted trees and thick shrubs are evidence of repeated wildfires that destroyed topsoil and slowed forest regrowth. This 0.9-mile trail connects with Log Slide Trail by following the pipeline through Moshannon State Forest.HikingCross-country skiing recommended |
| Trail of New Giants | 1.2 mi | More difficult | Recreations permitted: hiking Trailhead amenities: modern restrooms, picnic tables On May 31, 1985, one of Pennsylvania’s largest and strongest tornadoes roared through the park and destroyed the towering forest of ash, oak, beech, and sugar maple trees. The Trail of New Giants cuts through the blowdown and the 250-acre Windstorm Preserve. Walk the trail and see the forest regenerating. A 1/4-mile spur trail leads to two beautiful vistas of the park and surrounding forest.Hiking |
Trail descriptions from the park
13.1 miles of trails
Many hiking trails begin or pass through Parker Dam State Park and continue into the surrounding Moshannon State Forest. Some trails travel through a tornado blowdown, while others follow streams or pass through hardwood forests. Hike the Trail of New Giants and then Souders Trail to compare a young forest to a mature forest.
Parker Dam State Park Map
Swimming
The beautiful sand beach is open from late-May to mid-September, from 8:00 A.M. to sunset.
The maximum water depth is five feet at the buoy line.
Swim at your own risk. Please read and follow posted rules.
Smoke-Free Beach
Smoking is prohibited on the beach and in the swimming area.
For visitors who smoke and still want to use the beach, designated areas adjacent to the beach are provided. The restriction includes:
- Cigarettes
- Pipes
- Cigars
- E-cigarettes
- Other handheld, lighted smoking devices
Snack Bar
A food and refreshment concession and camp store are open daily, weather permitting, during the summer season -- Memorial Day to Labor Day.
Amenities
Facilities
- Picnic areas
- Picnic shelters
- Park or camp store
- Amphitheater
- Group facilities
Water
- Swimming beach
- Boat ramp
- Marina or boat slips
- Boat, canoe or kayak rentals
- Fishing pier
Camping
- Tent camping
- RV camping
- Electric hookups
- Water hookups
- Sewer hookups
- Group camping
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
Parker Dam State Park offers a range of accessibility accommodations to ensure all visitors can enjoy its natural beauty and recreational opportunities.
Second Loop - Site 37
Site 37 in the Second Loop offers a full hook-up with 50-amp service and a paved back-in driveway. The driveway is 34 feet long, accommodating vehicles up to 20 feet in length.
Second Loop - Site 38
Site 38 in the Second Loop offers a full hook-up with 30-amp service and a paved back-in driveway. The driveway is 31 feet long, accommodating vehicles up to 20 feet in length.
Second Loop - Site 40
Site 40 in the Second Loop features modern electric service with 50 amps and a paved back-in driveway. The driveway is 32 feet long, accommodating vehicles up to 20 feet in length.
Read more from the park
Rustic Cabin 10
Rustic Cabin 10 can accommodate up to 6 people. Guests are reminded to bring their own bed linens, towels, dishes, pots and pans.
Tyler Cabin
Tyler Cabin can accommodate up to 12 people and domestic pets are allowed. Guests are reminded to bring their own bed linens, towels, dishes, pots and pans.
Accessible Picnic Tables
ADA accessible picnic tables are located throughout the day use area.
Pavilion 1
Pavilion 1 can accommodate up to 48 people at 6 picnic tables. Domestic pets are allowed.
Fishing Access
An accessible fishing pier is located in the day use area across from the beach. There is nearby ADA parking.
Swimming and Beaches
An ADA accessible sand beach is open from late-May to mid-September, 8:00 A.M. to sunset.
There is a concrete walkway into the water, and ADA restroom facilities available at nearby beach house. ADA parking nearby.
Swim at your own risk. Please read and follow posted rules.
Theaters and Amphitheaters
An accessible amphitheater is located in the campground. There is a crushed gravel path leading to amphitheater from Campground Road.
.
Official accessibility information
Conditions change. Contact the park to confirm specific accessible features before your visit.
Getting there
- Address
- 28 Fairview Road
Penfield, PA 15849-9799 - Nearest town
- Clearfield — about 13 mi north (straight line)
- Coordinates
- 41.1937, -78.5115
- Phone
- (814) 765-0630
- parkerdamsp@pa.gov
Google Maps directionsApple MapsOfficial park map (PDF)
Directions from the park
Parker Dam State Park is in northern Clearfield County. From Interstate 80, take Exit 111 onto Pennsylvania 153 North for 5.5 miles. Turn right onto Mud Run Road, and then drive 2.5 miles to the park. GPS Decimal Degrees: Latitude 41.1937 Longitude -78.5115
Nearby state parks
Sources and freshness
- Pennsylvania State Parks — park page — last checked Oct 29, 2026; page says updated Mar 5, 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