Located seven miles north of Westport on Pennsylvania Route 120, Kettle Creek State Park is dominated by the 167-acre Kettle Creek Reservoir. Sitting in the valley along the Kettle Creek and western banks of the Susquehanna River, this is the ultimate RV destination for guests who crave fun outdoor activities. Sprawling for 1,793 acres, this scenic park is bordered by vast the Sproul State Forest and is laced with mountain views.
Established in 1954 this western Clinton County park is famous for its recreational water sports ranging from boating to fishing and canoeing. Other outdoor recreations include hunting, birding and mountain biking. In the winter guests enjoy snowmobiling and cross-country skiing. Similar to many state parks the construction of most recreational amenities is credited to the Civilian Conservation Corps during the Great Depression era.
The park is open all year round with April through October being the busiest months. The park is a birding hotspot and a popular spot for migratory birds. The most commonly sighted native birds are bald eagles and waterfowl. During the spring Kettle Creek State Park hosts birding festivals and pontoon boat tours for close encounters with birds that flock the seashores. At this time of the year, the lake is carpeted with raptors and songbirds. Make sure you pack those binoculars in the campervan to enjoy birding and wildlife viewing during your stay at Kettle Creek State Park.
The park is conveniently located along SR 4001, approximately three miles west of PA 144, making it easy to access via any vehicle. Inside the park, the roads are wide enough to navigate. There is ample parking with the main parking areas being the Day use parking lot and the parking lot across the lower campground. There are no driving restrictions within the park. Overnight guests with trailers can park in their respective campsites. The park’s well-maintained trails are perfect for biking, horseback riding, and hiking for novices, as well as experts. In addition, some facilities are ADA accessible.
Kettle Creek State Park has two campgrounds suitable for RVs, trailers, and tents. Both campgrounds open from mid-April until October or December. Most of the campsites are waterfront and widely spaced making them RV friendly. The sites can be reserved online or by calling the park one day prior to camping and up to 11 months in advance.
There are no sewer and water hookups in these campgrounds, but some sites offer electric hookups. Campers can enjoy a maximum stay of two weeks from Memorial Day through Labor Day. For the rest of the year, campers can extend their stay up to three weeks. There are campsites of different sizes, with the largest ones having a maximum vehicle length of 45 feet. Amenities offered include picnic tables, grill, water spigots, toilets, showers, and a dump station.
Upper Campground
This rustic campground features 27 campsites located above the Kettle Creek Lake. 12 of these sites are equipped with electric hookups. You can camp with your pets at designated campsites. The Upper Campground is open from April to mid-October.
Lower Campground
This modern and centrally located campground offers 44 campsites with close proximity to all parks activity. 38 of the sites are fitted with electric hookups. Lower Campground is open from April up to mid-December. Pets are not allowed in this campground.
Grab a copy of trail maps at the park’s office and orientate yourself with a route that leads to your attraction of interest. There are many short hikes within the park suitable for all skills level. For avid hikers, the park is an access point to many of the nearby forest trails including the 53-mile Donut Hole Trail. One such hiking trail is a five-mile trail that allows mountain biking originating from the park then traversing the forest before returning back to the park. Also, many of these trails are open for cross-country skiing during winter.
If you are an avid angler you won't want to forget to pack your fishing gear in the motorhome. The seven-acre Kettle Creek Lake supports numerous fishing options. Here visitors can enjoy fly fishing and spin fishing. There is a generous amount of trout, bass, and panfish. Additionally, Kettle Creek tributaries and streams offer great cold water fishing. Ice fishing is popular during the winter. Anglers are responsible for measuring ice depth for safety purposes.
If you come with your boat you will love the fact the park offers excellent boating services. Most campsites provide access to the boating area. After purchasing your launch permit you can get to experience the aquatic adventures. In the northern section of the 167-acre Kettle Creek Reservoir, you will find a boat launch and mooring area. The mooring area can accommodate up to 60 vessels. As an added advantage, RV campers can enjoy free overnight mooring. Gas powered motors are not allowed in the lake waters.
Kettle Creek State Park and the adjacent Sproul State Forest are a great destination for game hunting. Inside the park are designated hunting areas that open seasonally. These open areas also serve as dog training areas. Hunters who wish to engage in this activity should make themselves conversant with Pennsylvania Game Commission regulations. The most common game includes black bears, wild turkey, and ruffed grouse. Groundhog hunting is not allowed.
Similar to hiking trails, the trail 22-mile equestrian trail originates in the park at Beaverdam Run and then passes through the Sproul State Forest and eventually terminates inside the park. Although the park does not have horse rentals you can still tow your horse in your trailer and have a great time exploring the nearby landscape and scenery.
Not far from the park’s office there is a large picnic area fitted with 200 picnic tables, charcoal grills, and water spigots. Some picnic sites are located in sunny areas and others are shaded. After enjoying a picnic lunch the kids can have fun at the playground while the adults can get to the softball field and volleyball court, all conveniently located within the day use area. For large gatherings, there is memorial picnic pavilion equipped with electric hookups and is open on first-come, first-served basis.
