Dining Hall

For Pennsylvania residents seeking a beautiful, full-featured outdoor experience in the state's famous Wilds region, the campground at **Parker Dam State Park** is a premier destination. While the provided location references "Dining Hall Road," this address places the user directly within the heart of the developed facilities of Parker Dam State Park in Penfield. This 968-acre park, located entirely within the vast Moshannon State Forest, offers an appealing blend of modern camping convenience and true wilderness immersion.

The **Parker Dam State Park Campground** is located on the eastern side of the scenic 20-acre lake. It is widely recognized across Pennsylvania for its clean, well-maintained sites, and the variety of options it provides, catering to everyone from tent campers to large RVs needing full hookups. The atmosphere is peaceful, shaded by mature trees, and frequently praised by local visitors for its high level of staff friendliness and maintenance. The park’s commitment to providing clean bathhouses, easy access to water recreation, and a variety of trail systems makes it a reliable and enjoyable choice for family vacations and long weekends.

The name "Dining Hall" itself nods to the park's history, likely referencing a large communal building used for group events or a structure from the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) era, highlighting the park's historical charm alongside its modern amenities.

The campground is located near the "Dining Hall Road" area, with the official park address being **28 Fairview Road, Penfield, PA 15849, USA**. This address places it deep in northern Clearfield County, easily accessible from Interstate 80. Pennsylvania residents traveling from major metro areas like Pittsburgh, Harrisburg, or State College find the park a manageable drive for a weekend or week-long stay.

The accessibility of the campground is excellent, with well-maintained park roads leading directly to the various camping loops. A key advantage of this location is its dual nature: you are surrounded by the quiet of the **Moshannon State Forest**, yet you have convenient access to essential amenities and nearby recreational hubs. Most notably, the campground is a fantastic base for visiting the **Benezette Elk Viewing Area**, which is a highly popular Pennsylvania attraction and is approximately a 30 to 40-minute drive away. The park also provides ADA-accessible campsites, restrooms, and showers, demonstrating a commitment to welcoming all Pennsylvania visitors.

The Parker Dam State Park Campground offers a wide array of services that elevate the camping experience far beyond a simple rustic site:

• Campsite Utility Options: A mix of site types is available, including **Full-Hookup sites** (electric, water, sewer), **Modern Electric sites** (30- or 50-amp), and **Modern Non-Electric sites** for tent campers.
• Modern Sanitation: Multiple **clean bathhouses** with **warm showers** and flush toilets are available, ensuring comfort during your stay.
• Sanitary Dump Station: A central **sanitary dump station** is provided for the convenient disposal of RV and trailer waste.
• Laundry Facility: A **coin-operated laundry** facility is available for guest convenience during longer stays.
• Camp Store/Office: The park office and often a small store provide essential information, reservations, firewood (must be purchased locally), and basic supplies.
• Accessibility: **ADA accessible campsites**, restrooms, and showers are thoughtfully integrated into the campground design.
• Pet-Friendly Areas: Designated sites are **pet-friendly**, allowing Pennsylvania families to bring their dogs along for the adventure.

The features of Parker Dam State Park are rooted in its scenic beauty and diverse recreational offerings:

• Parker Dam Lake: The focal point is the 20-acre man-made lake, which features a **sandy swimming beach**, kayaking, canoeing, and fishing opportunities.
• Direct Trail Connections: Miles of hiking and mountain biking trails, including the Beaver Dam, Souders, CCC, and Skunk trails, connect directly to the campground area.
• Proximity to Elk Viewing: It serves as one of the closest and best-equipped base camps for travelers heading to the **Benezette Elk Viewing Area**.
• Year-Round Cabin Rentals: In addition to camping, the park offers 16 rustic cabins with running water, which can be rented year-round.
• Environmental Education: The park hosts a variety of environmental education programs, including a unique maple sugaring operation in March and cider making in October.
• Winter Recreation: The park maintains cross-country ski trails and snowmobile trails, making it a viable destination year-round for Pennsylvania winter sports enthusiasts.
• Tranquil, Wooded Sites: Campers consistently praise the quiet, peaceful atmosphere and the large, shaded, and spacious nature of the sites.

Reservations for the Parker Dam State Park Campground are highly recommended, especially for weekends and summer months. Pennsylvania residents can book sites up to 11 months in advance through the official state system.

Park Address: 28 Fairview Rd, Penfield, PA 15849, USA (The official park office address)

Campground Office Phone: (814) 765-0630

Reservations Line: 888-PA-PARKS (888-727-2757)

Parker Dam State Park Campground is worth choosing for the Pennsylvania resident who wants **modern convenience and diverse recreation within a classic wilderness setting**. The park offers a high-value package: the cleanest modern amenities (full hookups, hot showers) combined with immediate access to a swimming lake, extensive State Forest trails, and the unique opportunity to visit the Benezette Elk Herd.

It is the superior choice for **RV travelers** needing full hookups in this remote part of the PA Wilds, and for **families** who value cleanliness, safety, and a variety of organized recreation options. By selecting this campground, you secure a reliable and enjoyable base camp that facilitates everything from a peaceful lakeside afternoon to a major excursion into the state's largest wilderness areas.

Dining Hall

Dining Hall Road, Penfield, PA 15849, USA