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Parker Dam State Park

The 968-acre Parker Dam State Park offers old-fashioned charm and character.

A scenic lake, rustic cabins, quaint campground, and unbounded forest make Parker Dam an ideal spot for a relaxing vacation.​

For wilderness explorers, Parker Dam is a gateway to the vast expanses of Moshannon State Forest. You can:

  • Walk through recovering tornado ravaged woods
  • Backpack into the 50,000-acre Quehanna Wilderness
  • Mountain bike to your heart’s content
  • Enjoy quiet solitude searching for elusive Pennsylvania elk

Seasons and Hours

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.

Reservations

Make online reservations or call toll-free 888-PA-PARKS (888-727-2757), from 7:00 A.M. to 5:00 P.M., Monday to Saturday.

This map shows the park in Pennsylvania. 

Directions

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

This circular map shows the roads near the park.

Special Events

Woodsy Owl Weekend

Each spring, volunteers gather to do service projects like:

  • Litter pick-up
  • Painting
  • Tree planting
  • Trail maintenance

Volunteers receive free weekend camping.

Woodhick Weekend

Held during the Sunday of Labor Day weekend, visitors compete in several events for the coveted titles of Woodhick and Woodchick of the Year.​

Established during 1984 to celebrate the logging history of the park, visitors can:

  • Roll logs
  • Crosscut saw
  • Try other events to discover the lives and recreation of early loggers

Historic demonstrations are also held.

Fall Festival and Pumpkin Float

Traditionally held the Saturday after Columbus Day, this festival celebrates traditions of fall like apple cidering, candle dip​ping, and others.

Several vendors, artists, and craftspeople showcase and sell their wares.

Visitors can carve pumpkins which are then floated on the lake after dark, while stories are shared around a bonfire at the beach.

Learn, Experience, Connect

Parker Dam State Park offers year-round environmental education programs.​

Through hands-on activities, guided walks, and evening programs, participants gain appreciation, understanding, and develop a sense of stewardship toward natural and cultural resources.

A small-scale, interpretive maple sugaring operation runs throughout March. Apple cider making is demonstrated each October.

Curriculum-based environmental education programs are available to schools and organized groups.

Group programs must be arranged in advance and may be scheduled by calling the park office. Teacher workshops are available.

An environmental education center, attached to the park office, offers interpretive displays, games, and children’s books.

The Lou and Helen Adams Civilian Conservation Corps Museum near the breast of the dam educates visitors about the life and times of the corps members.

It is open Saturday and Sunday afternoons during the summer season when volunteers are available or upon request.

Access for People with Disabilities

This activity or structure is ADA accessible. If you need an accommodation to participate in park activities due to a disability, please contact the park you plan to visit.

In an Emergency

Call 911 and contact an employee.

Directions to the nearest hospital are posted on bulletin boards and at the park office.

Nearest Hospital

Penn Highlands Clearfield
809 Turnpike Avenue
Clearfield, PA 16830
814-765-5341

Penn Highlands DuBois
100 Hospital Avenue
DuBois, PA 15801
814-371-2200​​

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​Explore Parker Dam State Park

Content Editor ‭[1]‬

Parker Dam State Park