Not to be confused with the neighboring Hyner View State Park, Hyner Run State Park is a tranquil retreat nestled in the heart of Pennsylvania's largest state forest.
Whether you want to spend your stay relaxing in the quiet solitude of the woods or working up a sweat in the great outdoors, Hyner Run State Park has got you covered! Enjoy modern amenities like a swimming pool and a well-equipped camping cabin, or spend the day fishing, hiking, and hunting before heading back to your primitive tent site nestled right on Hyner Run. RV campers will also enjoy all the amenities that come standard with a state-managed recreation area.
You'll want to keep a few things in mind when planning your RV camping trip to Hyner Run State Park. These alpine woodlands are home to some big, potentially dangerous game -- bobcats, bears, and coyotes, oh my! Observe standard camping safety practices and store all strongly scented items, including food and toiletries, in your locked motorhome or bear-proof locker. To keep the beast population under control, a 20-acre parcel of the park is open to hunters. If you're exploring this part of the park during hunting season, be sure to wear bright clothing and stick to designated trails.
This state park is located just over an hour north of State College and is part of a larger state forest, so take care when traveling through this densely wooded area. Plan to pack in all the supplies you'll need for your RV camping trip in this remote oasis -- the nearest provisions are located in the town of Renovo. Highway 120 is a short distance from the park and takes RV road-trippers southeast to continue their travels along I-80.
Visiting Hyner Run State Park just for the day? Don't fret about finding a parking spot! Two spacious, paved lots are located near the dump station. No parking or entry fees apply, so simply park the rig and head out into Hyner Run's wilderness for an unforgettable adventure!
Hyner Run State Park's campground features 30 sites for tent and RV campers spread across two loops. Loop A caters primarily to primitive tent campers -- only one site in this loop has electric hookups. Loop B is more equipped for RV campers -- select sites offer 50-amp electric hookups. Water and sewer are not provided, but the campground's restroom and shower facilities mean you won't need them! Only generators which don't produce excess noise are permitted.
Sites accommodate vehicles between 30 and 55 feet long and offer back-in accessibility. Individual amenities include a campfire ring and picnic table, while the restrooms, showers, dump station, and drinking water taps are communal. All sites offer views of the gently burbling Hyner Run, the park's namesake tributary.
Sites are available on a first-come, first-served basis, but may also be reserved up to 11 months in advance. Only designated sites at this campground are pet-friendly, and an extra fee applies. If you plan to bring your favorite canine camper with you, be sure to double-check that your site is pet-friendly when booking. The campground is open from April to December.
If you don't have an RV of your own and prefer to stay warm and dry indoors, consider reserving the park's two-story cabin! With three bedrooms, two bathrooms, a fully equipped kitchen, and even a covered front porch where you can watch the Pennsylvania wilderness, this camping cabin has plenty of room for the whole family. Although a fire ring, grill, picnic tables, utensils, and even a swing set are provided, it might be a good idea to call ahead and check whether you'll need to bring your own linens. The cabin is accessible for guests with disabilities but off-limits to pets.
Avid hikers will find plenty of opportunities to get their boots dirty in Hyner Run State Park. The Donut Hole Trail System, which runs for 50 miles along the Susquehanna River in the surrounding Sproul State Forest, passes through the park. Beware, though: this hike comes complete with steep inclines and challenging terrain and is considered one of the most difficult in the region! Bring a paper map with you if you plan to explore this remote area. Novice hikers will want to get their steps in on the Long Fork Loop, just over four miles long.
If you're a picky swimmer who avoids natural bodies of water like lakes and rivers, Hyner Run State Park offers the perfect place for you to take a dip: a swimming pool! Pack the sunscreen and swimsuits in your campervan if you're visiting between May and September.
Angling enthusiasts will love a fishing trip to Hyner Run's trout-filled waters. Acquire a Pennsylvania fishing license before trying your luck catching a brook or brown trout for dinner. After you've checked Hyner Run off your fishing bucket list, why not hop in the RV and explore some of the other fishing holes nearby? Sproul State Forest is known for its excellent angling opportunities.
If you're planning a family reunion or large group gathering, Hyner Run State Park is a well-equipped place to host it! The park's spacious picnic area spans seven acres and offers two pavilions and more than 100 picnic tables. The pavilions are available on a first-come, first-served basis and can accommodate between 82 and 96 guests. Reservations are available for up to 11 months prior to the gathering.
With 64 miles of rugged trails open to snowmobilers from December to early April, Hyner Run State Park is a winter wanderer's paradise. The parking areas are well-maintained, and restrooms are available as well (although the heating is cut off in the winter). Planning a snowmobiling excursion at Hyner Run State Park? Be sure to visit the park's official website for information on snow conditions.
Bag some big game in Hyner Run's 20-acre hunting area. Bears, bobcats, and coyotes are all on the menu, in addition to smaller, more common fare like deer, turkeys, and foxes. Hunters are also permitted to train their dogs here from September to March. Obtain your state hunting license and review state hunting rules and regulations prior to setting out.
