If you are a nature enthusiast looking for an ideal destination for your next RV vacation in southwestern Pennsylvania, then Ryerson Station State Park should be at the top of your bucket list. Swimming, hiking, picnicking, fishing, and hunting are some of the adventurous outdoor activities you can explore while at this 1,164-acre state park. You can also stay the night in your RV at the park`s campground.
Ryerson Station State Park boasts 13 miles of nature trails. These hiking trails provide you with a great opportunity to explore some of the park`s great features like the wet valley bottoms. If you go picnicking at the park, you will find well-structured picnic areas available throughout. The facilities in these areas include picnic tables, charcoal grills, drinking water, and restrooms. Reservable picnic pavilions are also available at the park. Fishing for trout and panfish can be done on the North Fork Dunkard Fork stream through the lakebed. For swimmers, there is a swimming pool provided. For wildlife lovers, more than 900 acres are open to hunting during established seasons. Some common game species you can hunt include deer, turkey, and squirrel.
During winter months, you get to enjoy activities like snowmobiling, ice skating, sledding, and cross-country skiing. During the summer season, evening environmental education programs are offered in the amphitheater on weekends.
Ryerson Station State Park is located in southwestern Pennsylvania, just over an hour south of Pittsburgh and an hour north of Morgantown, WV. Wind Ridge is the closest town, although it's quite small so you might want to stock up on supplies before you leave the city. This part of the state is just beautiful with gorgeous green hills and lush farm country to feast your eyes on. However, since this is a more rural area some roads may be narrow or hilly so take caution if you are driving a big rig. In fact, Bristoria Road, which leads into the park, is rather steep and narrow in some areas.
The largest parking area is located at the Maple Grove Day Use Area, so if you are just visiting for the day this is the best spot to park your RV. Smaller lots are located near picnic areas and the Park Office. If you are staying overnight your best bet will be to park your campervan or trailer at your campsite. Rigs up to 40 feet long can be accommodated at the campground.
Polly Hill Campground features 45 sites with beautiful hillside views that are open to RVs and tents. About 20 sites offer electric hookups, while the rest are primitive. You can cook and eat a picnic right at your site since each one features a fire ring and picnic table. Four of the campsites are pet-friendly. Other campground amenities include a playfield and dump station. Reservations can be made up to 11 months in advance. Bringing your own firewood is not allowed so you will have to purchase some within the park.
If you want to truly soak in the beauty of Pennsylvania's gorgeous countryside then park your camper by one of the picnic areas at the park. Whether you choose a spot by the creek or up on the ridge you are sure to take in idyllic views of lush greenery and dense forest. You'll find picnic tables scattered around the park and you can cook up your meal at the charcoal grills provided.
Ryerson Station State Park offers a good location to go hiking with 13 miles worth of hiking trails. These trails invite you to explore the park on foot as you enjoy the park’s natural features. The trails traverse the park`s habitats like dense forests, wetlands, and green hillsides. Many of the trails are wide and easily followed.
It can get pretty hot in Pennsylvania during the summer so make sure you head on over to the ADA-accessible pool which is in the Maple Grove Day Use Area. Showers and restrooms are within walking distance. The whole family can enjoy splashing around at the pool and the kids can head on over to the nearby playground afterwards for a full day of fun in the sun.
As you visit Ryerson Station State Park, remember to carry your hunting gear in your trailer if you enjoy hunting. You'll have 900 acres open for the hunt where you might snag common game like squirrels, turkey, and deer. Trapping and dog training are also permitted here. Make sure your gun's safety is on when not is use since safety is taken very seriously in PA's state parks.
Ryerson Station State Park is an ideal destination for anglers by providing a good setting for you to wet your line at North Fork of Dunkard Fork Stream. Trout and panfish are common catches so make sure you pack your fishing gear in your RV. Don't forget to get a fishing license before you head out.
The cold doesn't stop the fun when you take an RV trip to Ryerson Station State Park. There are loads of winters activities the whole family can enjoy. If you've packed cross-country skis in your camper you are welcome to trek out on any un-groomed hiking trail within the park. Plus, there are six miles of trails open to snowmobiles. If that's not enough you can head on over to the Maple Grove Day Use Area for a bit of ice skating.
