KETTLE CREEK STATE PARK
Kettle Creek State Park consists of 1,793 acres along Kettle Creek in western Clinton County. The park is in a valley surrounded by mountainous terrain and wilderness.
Many of the existing recreational facilities arose from a joint flood control project developed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the former Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Resources.
Kettle Creek State Park is named after the popular trout stream that flows through the area. In the 1930s, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) developed the original park in what is now the Lower Campground.
For more information on the CCC, visit the Civilian Conservation Corps Online Archive.
In 1962, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers opened the Alvin R. Bush Dam for flood protection for the lower Susquehanna watershed. The area above the dam was developed for recreation and administered by the Pennsylvania Bureau of State Parks.
Camping: rustic campsites, some with elec.
The park has two camping areas open from early April through deer season in December. Both campgrounds overlook the waterfront and offer scenic views and a quiet setting. Call 888-PA-PARKS for reservations.
The Lower Campground has 44 sites; 38 sites with electric hookups. The Upper Campground has 27 sites; 12 sites with electric hookups. Both areas have a variety of level, sunny/shaded sites that accommodate tents or trailers. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring. Non-flush toilets and water spigots are nearby. Water and sewer hookups are not available. A trailer sanitary dumping station is in the Lower Campground.
A 250-foot sandy beach area is open from late-May to mid-September, 8 a.m. to sunset. Swim at your own risk. The beach is at the northern end of the main reservoir. All children ten years of age or younger must be accompanied by a person at least 14 years of age.
Boating: electric motors only
The 167-acre Kettle Creek Reservoir has a boat launch and boat mooring for 60 vessels at its northern end. An overnight mooring permit is required. Sailboards and sailboats are permitted. Overnight mooring for park campers is also available, free of charge.
Motorboats must display a boat registration from any state. Non-powered boats must display one of the following: boat registration from any state; launching permit or mooring permit from Pennsylvania State Parks that are available at most state park offices; launch use permit from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission.
Each vessel must have a Coast Guard approved wearable Type I, II, III, or V personal flotation device in serviceable condition for each occupant. Children under 13 years of age and all nonswimmers must wear the approved PFD when boating.
Kettle Creek State Park is
The picnic area is below the park office along Bearfield Run and Kettle Creek Reservoir. About 200 picnic tables with charcoal grills, hot coal disposal and water hydrants are scattered throughout this area. Sunny and shaded picnic sites are available. Restrooms are at the beach and across from the park office. Softball and volleyball areas are provided along with playground sets at several locations. Several large open fields provide excellent play areas for groups of all sizes. The Pine Grove Picnic Area is available for reservations. A large memorial picnic pavilion with electric hookup, overlooking the lake, is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Horseback Riding: An equestrian trail, 22 miles in length, starts at Beaverdam Run and travels through the Sproul State Forest before returning to the trailhead. Overnight camping at the trailhead is by permit only. Contact the park office for information. Trail maps are available at the park office.
Mountain Bicycle Trail: This five-mile trail starts at the day use parking lot and travels onto state forest trails and roads before returning to the park. Trail maps are available at the park office.
Hiking: 2 miles of trailsNovice and experienced hikers will find an abundance of trails in the park area. Short day-hikes are possible on the many park trails. Backpackers can enjoy the 53-mile Donut Hole Trail with an access parking lot across from the Lower Campground. This trail connects onto several other trail systems. Trail maps are available at the park office.
During the summer months, Kettle Creek State Park shares an environmental interpretor with Ole Bull State Park. The history and environment of the area are topics for educational programs for park visitors of all ages. Children?s programs, guided walks and campfire programs are scheduled throughout the week. Program schedules are available at the park office. Special requests are welcome and may be directed to the park office.
Clinton County Economic Partnership, 888-388-6991, www.clintoncountyinfo.com.
Sproul State Forest: The 278,000-acre Sproul State Forest surrounds the park. The forest is in western Clinton and northern Centre counties. The multiple-use management system provides forest-based recreational opportunities such as hiking, backpack camping, snowmobiling pleasure driving, and horseback, ATV, and mountain bike riding. All areas of Sproul State Forest are open to hunting and fishing. Camping permits are required before setting up camp on state forest lands. 570-923-6011
Alvin R. Bush Dam: This flood control dam is operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and creates 4.5 miles of natural, scenic shoreline. This is one of four dams in the flood control plan for the West Branch Basin of the Susquehanna River watershed. 570-923-1800
Kettle Creek Vista: Three miles west of the park, this vantage point provides a breathtaking view of the Kettle Creek Valley.
Pennsylvania Flaming Foliage Festival: In Renovo, PA, the second full weekend in October.
Mountainside Lodge
Renovo, PA
(570) 923-2443
The park is along SR 4001, seven miles north of Westport and PA 120.
We found this state park looking for fishing area . Now we are hooked. We started coming here in 2021. Were going back up in Sept 2023We were at Kettle Creek back in May and our daughter and her family joined us. Love this campground This Sept will be our eighth stay. 
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