(Last Updated On: October 17, 2022)

Small cascade on a stream in Caledonia State Park, Pennsylvania.

Nestled within the stunning Blue Mountain Range, Caledonia State Park is a picturesque 1,125-acre public recreational space in Pennsylvania.

Named for the Caledonia Furnace, an iconic iron furnace that operated in the area from the late 1830s, the park is a must visit destination for RV campers and nature lovers travelling within the Keystone State.

Constructed with assistance from the Civilian Conservation Corps, the park accommodates more than 1,000 acres of some of the most pristine nature you could ever hope to see. It is also flanked by four other Pennsylvania state parks, as well as over 84,000 acres of state forest.

This means it is a haven for those who love hiking, as well as fishing, hunting, picnicking and swimming. It even has an 18 hour golf course too right on its doorstep too!

Situated about a two hour and 30 minute drive from Philadelphia, the park is a popular weekend getaway from the City of Brotherly Love. Boasting an excellent range of camping facilities for those who travel there in their RVs or with their tents.

Activities

For the visitor, the park offers several different ways to enjoy and immerse yourself in its spectacular scenery.

Here are just a handful of the things you can see and do while you are there.

Swimming at Caledonia State Park

During the summer months the temperatures can get very hot at the park. Subsequently, many people choose to go for a cooling dip in its large sized, swimming pool.

ADA accessible, it also features a waterslide and a little snack bar where you can buy refreshments.

Fishing at Caledonia State Park

Throughout the park there are two streams – Rocky Mountain Creek and Conococheague – which are home to a wide range of fish species.

Attracting anglers from all over Pennsylvania, and many of the surrounding states too, you can expect to catch brown, rainbow and native trout. As well as some warmwater game fish also.

If you want to fish you will need a Pennsylvania fishing license, which you can purchase from the park’s office.

Hiking at Caledonia State Park

With more than 10 miles of trails to explore, hiking is one of the most popular things you can do at the park.

Passing through dense forests and areas of huge cultural and historical relevance, the trails differ in length and levels of difficulty.

Part of the famous Appalachian Trail even traverses through the park, so if you are up for it, you can even hike two miles of this iconic track during your stay there.

Picnicking at Caledonia State Park

Given that it accommodates some truly breathtaking scenery, picnicking is another favored activity within the park.

Boasting plenty of scenic spots, several picnic tables are dotted around the Conococheague Creek. Most of which are shaded by towering pine and oak trees.

At these spots you’ll find charcoal grills, as well as restrooms and potable water. So you will be able to barbecue burgers and hot dogs for yourselves to eat.

For those in a bigger group, the park offers a couple of rustic style pavilions, replete with tables and grills, which can be reserved up to 11 months in advance.

There are also some other unreserved picnic pavilions which you can procure for free on a first-come, first-served basis.

Golfing at Caledonia State Park

Located just to the south of US 30, right next to the park is The Caledonia Golf Club.

Encompassing an 18-hole, par 68 course, which was built in the late 1920s, the course is one of Pennsylvania’s oldest and most beautiful courses.

Spanning 5,154 yards from the longest tees, the course is rated at 67.1, while the slope rating is 118.

Hunting at Caledonia State Park

During the established seasons you can engage in hunting, trapping and dog training at the park.

Overall some 700 acres of the park can be used for these activities. While the adjacent Michaux State Forest also facilitates them too.

Whilst at the park you can try and snare deer, rabbit, turkey and squirrel. You will need to be mindful to leave groundhogs alone though as it is permitted to hunt them.

Pets at Caledonia State Park

Pets are welcome in some parts of the park, although there are restrictions in others.

If you want to bring your dog with you when you visit Caledonia, it is worth phoning the main office to determine where exactly you can take them.

Camping at Caledonia State Park

For those looking to stay for a few nights at the park, there is a good selection of tent and trailer sites available in two campgrounds.

Tucked away in the shadows of a mountain, the Chinquapin Hill Campground offers a mix of electric and non-electric sites for RVs and tents, as well as 18 full-hookup sites.

In this area you will find restrooms, showers, a dump station and amphitheater, as well as the swimming pool. Dogs are not allowed in this campground.

Situated just one mile from the main day use area, the Hosack Run campground presents open, moderately level and shaded electric and non-electric sites, as well as 17 full hookup sites.

All of the sites in this campground are pet friendly, and you will also find flush toilets, warm showers, a dump station and a small playground for children to enjoy.

As well as these campgrounds you will also find a fully equipped lodge with a modern kitchen, central heating, one and a half bathrooms and three bedrooms that can sleep up to ten people.

There are also five separate sites for organized group tenting for up to 20 people.

Park Location

Caledonia State Park
101 Pine Grove Rd,
Fayetteville, PA 17222
Phone: 717.352.2161

Website
Reservations

Map

Video

Here is a YouTube video giving a tour of Caledonia State Park: