Alerts

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.

Colonel Denning State Park

Colonel Denning State Park, in north-central Cumberland County, has 273 acres of woodland and a 3.5-acre lake. The park serves as a gateway to the 96,000-acre Tuscarora State Forest, which surrounds the park.

These scenic and historic public lands are located in Doubling Gap, so named by the “S” turn where Blue Mountain doubles back on itself.

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.

Directions

The park is eight miles north of Newville and nine miles south of Landisburg, along PA 233.

GPS DD:  Lat. 40.28083  Long. -77.41837

Driving Directions: The Interactive GIS Map has turn-by-turn driving directions to the park office from the Park Information Window.

Please note that the background maps are maintained by a variety of public sources and driving directions usually go to the nearest large road.

Learn, Experience, Connect

An environmental educator offers:

• Ecological and historical walks and programs
• Audiovisual programs
• Campfire programs
• Environmental education activities
• Youth programs during the summer season

A visitor center, exhibiting plants, animals, and minerals found in the park, is open during the summer season.

Electric Vehicle Charging Station

A two-plug, electric-vehicle charging station is available for public use in the main day-use parking area near Doubling Gap Lake. Please move to another parking space once your vehicle has been charged.

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 a park employee.

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

Nearest Hospital

UPMC Pinnacle Carlisle
361 Alexander Spring Road
Carlisle, PA 17015
717-249-1212