🌤 Weather at McCalls Dam State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 28–75 °F | 58–85 °F | 33–76 °F | 21–41 °F |
Each range runs from the coldest monthly average low to the warmest monthly average high in that season (1991-2020 climate normals), measured at Laurelton Center, 8 mi away, elevation 800 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
McCalls Dam State Park is one of the smallest public recreational spaces in the Pennsylvania state park system.
Comprising just 8 acres, it is located within the easternmost tip of Centre County, south of Clinton County and north of Union County. It resides in an isolated location on a dirt track road between Eastville, situated along Pennsylvania Route 880 and R. B. Winter State Park on Pennsylvania’s Route 192. Indeed, it is so isolated that during the winter, it can only be reached by cross-country skiing or snowmobiling.
The park is named for the splash dam that a man named Johnny McCall built on White Deer Creek in 1850. He used the waters that flowed from the dam to power a sawmill. While the dam and mill are sadly no longer there, the park is now a popular spot for fishing, hiking, picnicking and hunting.
While the park has little in the way of facilities and amenities, it is the perfect place to get away from the pressures of city life. There is also a small, rustic camping area available for those who want to spend a night roughing it in a tent under the stars as well.
Activities
What makes this park so good is that it enables visitors to immerse themselves in the tranquility and serenity of this nature escape.
While there, you can also engage in the following recreational activities.
Fishing at McCalls Dam State Park
If you love to fish in quiet surroundings, then you should enjoy casting a line at White Deer Creek. Flowing through the park, it is full of native brook which you can try and catch from its banks.
To fish at the park you will need a valid state fishing license, which you can buy online. Anglers will also need to abide by the park’s rules and regulations as well.
Picnicking at McCalls Dam State Park
For those who want to enjoy a picnic within the park’s scenic landscape there is a small picnic area adjacent to White Deer Creek.
The area has a handful of tables and charcoal grills for visitors to use. There is also a vault restroom available should you require it.
For those who do partake in a picnic, it is important to know that the consumption of alcohol is not permitted.
Hunting at McCalls Dam State Park
Those who enjoy hunting can take part in this activity at Bald Eagle State Forest, which surrounds McCalls Dam State Park.
To hunt at Bald Eagle State Forest, hunters must have a valid Pennsylvania hunting license and appropriate tags for the game they are hunting. The forest has designated hunting areas, and some areas require permits or reservations, so it’s essential to check the forest’s regulations and requirements before planning a hunt.
Hunters must also follow the forest’s safety guidelines and be mindful of other forest visitors, such as hikers and campers. It’s recommended that hunters wear blaze orange clothing to increase visibility and be aware of any nearby hiking or camping areas.
Winter Activities at McCalls Dam State Park
As mentioned at the top, the park can only be accessed by snowmobiling or cross-country skiing in the winter months.
When covered with snow, the landscape is pretty magical and offers lots of photographic opportunities as you traverse your way through it.
Given that not many people visit the park at this time of year, often the snow is largely untouched, which only adds to the park’s overall appeal.
Birding at McCalls Dam State Park
McCalls Dam State Park is home to a wide variety of bird species, making it a popular destination for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts. The park’s woodland habitat, attracts a range of species throughout the year.
Some of the species live in the park all year round, while others stop by during the migration. Depending on what time of the year you visit, you might be able to see woodpeckers, warblers, and hawks.
To enhance the birdwatching experience, visitors can pick up a bird identification guide at the park office or use the eBird app to record their sightings and contribute to citizen science efforts.
Pets
Pets are welcome in designated areas of McCalls Dam State Park. Pennsylvania state park rules apply: keep your pet on a leash (no longer than any posted limit) or in a cage or crate, under your physical control, and pick up after it. Don’t leave it unattended, except briefly in your vehicle or camping unit, weather permitting, while you use a restroom or visit a park building. Pets are not allowed in swimming areas, inside buildings or in overnight areas not designated for pets, and dogs and cats need a current rabies vaccination (Pennsylvania DCNR pet rules, as of October 2026).
Camping
For those who want to stay overnight at the park there is a small camping area available for rustic tent campers.
There are no modern restroom facilities or any other amenities at the park and visitors are advised to bring everything they need. They are also requested to carry out all trash as there are no receptacles at the park.
For those who would prefer to stay somewhere that offers a bit more in the way of comfort there are several campgrounds available within the surrounding area. They include the likes of the Russell P. Letterman Campground, Lupfer’s Grove & Campground, Little Mexico Campground and Indian Rock Campground.
All of these are situated within easy driving distance of the park and offer several different types of camping accommodation options from RV and tent sites with full hookups to rustic cabins.
There are also other hotel and lodging options in the nearby town of Mifflinburg, should you prefer them.
Park Location
McCalls Dam State Park
17215 Buffalo Rd
Mifflinburg, PA 17844
Phone: 570.966.1455
Explore More Pennsylvania State Parks
McCalls Dam State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in Pennsylvania. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Pennsylvania guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
Wildlife & Nature
McCalls Dam SP — in Centre County — provides rustic recreation in the mountain forest. The park’s forested mountain, stream, and lake support white-tailed deer, black bears, and wild turkeys. Brook trout inhabit the mountain stream. Ruffed grouse drum in the forest.
Nearby Attractions
Bald Eagle SF — surrounding. State College — 30 miles south — has Penn State. Poe Valley SP — 10 miles south.
Make it a road trip: Pair a visit with Raymond B. Winter State Park (a short drive away).
🐾 Dogs & Pets at McCalls Dam State Park
- Pets allowed? statewide rule
- Pets are allowed in day-use areas of Pennsylvania state parks and in designated campground sites, but must be physically controlled, attended at all times and leashed, caged or crated.
- Leash rule statewide rule
- Leash required at all times; no universal maximum length — inquire at the park office (electronic fences/shock collars not accepted as control)
- Beaches & swim areas statewide rule
- Pets are prohibited in swimming areas and designated beaches
- Cabins & lodging statewide rule
- Dogs allowed in a limited number of designated cabins, cottages and yurts (pilot program); maximum two dogs per unit; dogs must be house-trained and current on rabies vaccination
- Pet fees statewide rule
- No standard statewide pet fee; fees may be assessed for damage in dog-friendly lodging
- Statewide exceptions statewide rule
- Maximum two non-caged pets per campsite; pets prohibited in buildings; pet food may not be left outside camping units
Are dogs allowed at McCalls Dam State Park?
Pets are allowed in day-use areas of Pennsylvania state parks and in designated campground sites, but must be physically controlled, attended at all times and leashed, caged or crated. Individual parks can post stricter rules — check signage on arrival.
Rules verified July 2026 via pa.gov. More: Pennsylvania state parks guide · Dog rules in all 50 states compared
Park Map
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