Prince Gallitzin State Park
🏆 Pennsylvania’s Lakeside Crown Jewel — 6,249 acres surrounding the massive 1,635-acre Glendale Lake with 26 miles of shoreline, 400 campsites, 36 miles of trails, and bald eagle nesting colonies in the Allegheny Mountains
Why Prince Gallitzin Is Pennsylvania’s Premier Lake Park
Named for a Russian prince who became a Catholic missionary in the Allegheny wilderness, Prince Gallitzin State Park was built with ambitious intent — to be Pennsylvania’s largest and most complete state park. Whether it achieved that lofty goal is debatable, but what is beyond question is that 1,635-acre Glendale Lake, with its 26 miles of wooded shoreline, is one of the finest recreational lakes in the eastern United States. The lake sits in the Allegheny Mountains of Cambria County, surrounded by 6,249 acres of hardwood forest, and offers everything from lakeside camping and swimming to muskie fishing and bald eagle watching.
The park was dedicated in 1965 after Glendale Dam was completed and the reservoir began filling in 1960. Today it draws anglers, boaters, campers, and mountain bikers from across the Mid-Atlantic region, yet maintains a quieter, more relaxed atmosphere than Pennsylvania’s more famous state parks like Ricketts Glen or Presque Isle.
Glendale Lake: 1,635 Acres of Opportunity
| Activity | Access | Season | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Swimming | Muskrat Beach | May – mid-Sept | Sandy beach; no lifeguards; bathhouse with showers |
| Boating | 9 boat ramps | Year-round | 20 HP limit; motors, kayaks, canoes, sailboats |
| Fishing | Shore + boat | Year-round | Bass, pike, muskie, crappie, perch; ice fishing in winter |
| Trout Fishing | Killbuck Run | April – Sept | Stocked trout stream; accessible fishing pier at Pickerel Pond |
Camping: 400 Sites Across the Lakeshore
| Option | Sites | Amenities | Rate |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard Sites | 250+ | Table, fire ring, nearby bathhouse | $15-$25/night |
| Electric Sites | 100+ | Electric hookup, table, fire ring | $25-$35/night |
| Lakefront Sites | Select sites | Direct lake access; premium location | $30-$40/night |
| Cabins | 10 cabins | Year-round; full kitchen; heat | $65-$100/night |
Hiking and Biking Trails
| Trail | Distance | Difficulty | Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lakeshore Trail | 5.0 mi | Easy-Moderate | Lake views; bald eagle nesting areas; wildflowers |
| Bollinger Trail | 3.5 mi | Moderate | Ridge views; mountain laurel; connects to campground |
| Troxell Point Trail | 2.0 mi | Easy | Peninsula views; fishing access; family-friendly |
| Snowmobile Network | 20 mi | Varied | Open for mountain biking and hiking in summer |
Best Time to Visit
| Season | Weather | Crowds | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Summer (Jun-Aug) | 70-85°F | High | Swimming, boating, camping; full season |
| Fall (Sep-Oct) | 50-65°F | Moderate | Foliage; muskie fishing; Apple Cider Festival |
| Spring (Apr-May) | 45-65°F | Low | Trout stocking; birding; bald eagle activity |
| Winter (Dec-Mar) | 20-35°F | Very Low | Ice fishing; snowmobiling; cabin getaways |
🎣 Ready to Explore Pennsylvania’s Lake Country?
Fish for muskie, camp on the lakeshore, and watch bald eagles soar over 1,635 acres of Allegheny Mountain water.
Frequently Asked Questions
What fish are in Glendale Lake?
Glendale Lake is a warmwater fishery known for largemouth and smallmouth bass, northern pike, muskellunge, crappie, bluegill, and perch. Killbuck Run is stocked with trout in spring. Ice fishing is popular in winter for crappie and perch through the ice.
Are there bald eagles at Prince Gallitzin?
Yes. Bald eagles nest along Glendale Lake and can regularly be seen fishing over the reservoir. The Lakeshore Trail provides some of the best viewing opportunities. Bring binoculars and maintain distance from nesting areas.
Is the swimming beach lifeguarded?
No. Swimming at Muskrat Beach is at your own risk. The beach is sandy with a gradual entry, and modern bathhouses with hot showers are nearby. The swimming area is open from late May through mid-September.
