Alerts

Bear Hole Trail drive thru cancelled: Due to an accumulation of snow and ice from recent storms we are canceling the Bear Hole Trail drive thru scheduled for January 10th and 11th. The drive thru will take place as planned 3/13/20 – 3/14/20 weather permitting.

Warning: The spotted lanternfly has invaded our area. This invasive insect could cause serious harm to Pennsylvania’s resources, businesses, and economy. LOOK BEFORE YOU LEAVE! Help us stop the spread of these unwelcome hitchhikers. Inspect your vehicle, camper, tent, gear, etc. before you leave the park and destroy any lanternflies you find. For more information, visit the Penn State Extension’s Spotted Lanternfly website.

Ongoing Construction: The Inwood bridge replacement project is set to begin mid-April. The Rail Trail, Swatara Creek, and Old State Rd will remain open to the public throughout the work, but caution should be used when in the area as heavy machinery will be in use during the project.

Swatara State Park

The 3,520-acre Swatara State Park consists of rolling fields and woodlands situated in the Swatara Valley, between Second and Blue mountains. The scenic Swatara Creek meanders the length of the park and is surrounded by forests and wetlands that support a diversity of wildlife.

Seasons and Hours

The park is open every day of the year, sunrise to sunset. Day use areas close at dusk.

Areas of the park are open specific seasons and hours. Contact Memorial Lake State Park office for facility seasons and hours.

Directions

Swatara State Park is in Lebanon and Schuylkill counties, 14 miles north of Lebanon and three miles west of Pine Grove.

The park is easily reached from I-81. At Exit 90, Lickdale, follow PA 72 north; at Exit 100, take PA 443 west.

GPS DD: Lat. 40.48305  Long. -76.54564

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.

Trash Disposal and Recycling

Swatara State Park participates in a carry-in/carryout trash disposal program for small parks. There are no trash collection or recycling facilities.

Visitors are asked to limit the amount of disposable items brought to the park and to take all trash and recyclables home.

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.

Nearest Hospital

WellSpan Good Samaritan Hospital
Fourth and Walnut Streets
Lebanon, PA 17042
717-270-7500