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Alerts

COVID-19 Mitigation UPDATE 1/19/2021:  Effective Sunday December 6, 2020

  • All in-person programs are canceled until at least March 31st.

  • This cancelation includes all State Park and Forestry hosted events and festivals.

  • Virtual and self-guided programs will be offered.  Check the calendar of events https://events.dcnr.pa.gov/ for scheduled programs.

Effective 12:01 AM Friday November 20, 2020, by order of the Governor and to help decrease the spread of COVID-19, the following changes are in effect until at least March 31, 2021:

  • Visitor centers exhibit halls and interpretive areas will be closed

Overnight Stays and Out-of-State Visitors

  • The PA Department of Health aligned its quarantine guidance for people exposed to COVID-19 with the new guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).  This guidance provides an option for a 10-day quarantine without testing or a seven-day quarantine with a negative test on or after day-five of quarantine.

  • If someone cannot get a test or chooses not to, they must quarantine for 10 days upon arrival in Pennsylvania.

  • Pennsylvanians visiting other states are required to have a negative COVID-19 test within 72 hours prior to their return to the commonwealth or to quarantine for 10 days upon return to Pennsylvania.

  • The incubation period for COVID-19 remains at 14 days and it is still most protective to quarantine for the full two weeks. However, the CDC has affirmed that quarantine can end after 10 days if the person doesn’t develop symptoms, or after seven days if the person tests negative and has no symptoms.

  • This does not change the need for Pennsylvanians to continue to wear masks, wash hands, avoid gatherings with people outside of your household, and social distance. These efforts must continue to stop the spread of COVID-19.     If you have questions, please call the park office before your visit.

We require guests to cancel if they are unable to honor the order.  The order is enforceable as a disease control measure under the Disease Prevention and Control Law. The commonwealth continues to encourage compliance, and expects that, since all people are affected by this virus, everyone will do their utmost to comply.

If you have questions, please call the park office before your visit.

Caution: Please be advised that hunting season is open and permitted in designated areas within state parks.  For your protection, all visitors should take proper precautions such as wearing a fluorescent orange vest and hat while recreating in areas of the park that are open to hunting during your visit.  If you have questions please contact the park office.

SPOT THE PROBLEM. The spotted lanternfly is an invasive insect that poses a serious threat to Pennsylvania’s resources, businesses, and economy. To date, our park does NOT have these pests. Help us stay lanternfly free and stop the spread. Visit the Penn State Extension’s Spotted Lanternfly website to learn how to identify it, report it, and inspect your vehicle or gear when traveling to and from the quarantine zone.

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 I-80, take Exit 111 onto PA 153 North for 5.5 miles. Turn right onto Mud Run Road, and then drive 2.5 miles to the park.

GPS DD: Lat. 41.1937  Long. -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 dipping, 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

 Content Editor ‭[2]‬

​Explore Parker Dam State Park

 Content Editor ‭[1]‬

Parker Dam State Park