(Last Updated On: October 20, 2022)

Sunset over Glendale Lake at Prince Gallitzin State Park

Named after former Dutch priest Demetrius Augustine Gallitzin who settled in the area around the 1790s, Prince Gallitzin State Park is the perfect place for outdoor lovers to visit.

Set across 6,249 magnificent acres, this picturesque Pennsylvania state park is a haven for those who enjoy activities like hiking, boating, fishing, swimming, mountain biking, picnicking, cross-country skiing, and sledding. Much of which takes place around the gorgeous 1,635-acre Glendale Lake.

Boasting a jaw-dropping landscape that has a real ‘pinch-me’ quality to it, the park also accommodates a massive campground with nearly 400 sites for RVs and tents.

This makes it a popular weekend getaway or vacation destination, especially for those who live in the Altoona area, who want to get their fix of nature.

Activities

The park provides visitors with many wonderful opportunities to enjoy and immerse themselves in its fantastic scenery.

Here is just a small selection of some of the various things you can see and do during your time there.

Boating at Prince Gallitzin State Park

The stunning Glendale Lake is the perfect spot to enjoy in a range of boating activities. This includes the likes of canoeing, kayaking and SUP, as well as sailboats, runabouts and pontoon boats.

Overall there are nine boat ramps you can utilize to launch your vessel from. There are also special accommodations to tie up your larger vessels.

Should you want to take to the water in a motorboat, you will need to ensure you have a valid registration permit.

Swimming at Prince Gallitzin State Park

During the summer months the park can get very hot. Therefore you might want to go for a cooling dip at one of the many swimming areas around the Muskrat Beach area.

Open from 8 am until sunset, every day from May until mid-September, you will have to swim here at your own risk, as the area is not lifeguarded.

However, if you choose to do so, you will also find modern comfort stations with hot showers and dressing rooms available.

Fishing at Prince Gallitzin State Park

The lake is renowned for being a warmwater fishery.

For those who want to cast a line you should be able to catch plenty of bass, pike, crappie, bluegill, perch and muskellunge.

There is also an ADA accessible fishing pier at Pickerel Pond for people with disabilities.

Hiking at Prince Gallitzin State Park

With more than 20 trails meandering their way through the park, hiking is a very popular activity here.

Overall there are over 32 miles to explore, all of which showcase the park’s spectacular landscape and varied habitats.

Some of the easier trails to attempt are the Poems Trail, Herman Fields Trail and Campground Trail. However, if you are looking for a more challenging experience you should tackle the Foster Run Trail.

This pathway will take you through a remote part of the park, over the course of a two mile journey, through dense woodland and rolling hills.

Picnicking at Prince Gallitzin State Park

Given its outstanding natural beauty the park is an excellent spot for a picnic.

Dotted around it you will find several picnic tables in idyllic spots by the lake, near the swimming beaches and other areas of lush greenery. All of which will enable you to take in wonderful views, as you enjoy your al fresco meal.

If you are wanting to dine in a larger group, picnic pavilions are available to be hired.

Disc Golfing at Prince Gallitzin State Park

If you are into disc golfing you will be pleased to read that the park has a fabulous 18-hole course onsite.

Each hole showcases the park’s diverse landscape in a slightly different way, so if you did play a round, it will provide you with a fun way to explore its captivating terrain.

Wildlife and Bird Watching at Prince Gallitzin State Park

The park is home to a myriad of different bird, animal and fish species, which provides an extra, interesting dimension to your time there.

Some of the breeds you can expect to see include herons and ducks, most notably at areas like Mudlick, Slatelick and Wyerough Branch.

While vireos and warblers are among the main birdlife you can spot in the park too.

Pets at Prince Gallitzin State Park

The park is designated as pet friendly, although some restrictions may apply.

To ascertain what they are it is worth contacting the main office for further clarification.

Camping at Prince Gallitzin State Park

For those looking for a place to stay during their visit to the park the Crooked Run Campground provides plenty of options.

Open from late April to late October, the massive campground enjoys a picturesque setting, surrounding the beautiful Glendale Lake on three sides, and right next to the swimming beach.

All up it offers 398 campsites for RVs and tents across seven ADA areas, many of which come with full hookups for electricity, water and sewer.

The maximum length of stay at the campground is 14 nights between Memorial Day and Labor Day and 21 nights at all other times of the year.

Guests can enjoy the use of a range of amenities including paved sites, flush toilets, showers, laundry facilities, sanitary dump stations, playgrounds and WI-FI.

In addition to these RV and tent sites, the park also offers 10 modern cabins that are available all year round. These cabins have either two or three bedrooms, and also feature kitchen facilities, a bathroom with shower, living room and dining room.

These cabins accommodate bunk beds that can sleep up to five people. They also all have a porch, electric heating, a fire ring and picnic table.

Park Location

Prince Gallitzin State Park
966 Marina Road
Patton, PA 16668
Phone: 814.674.1000

Website
Reservations

Map

Video

Here is a YouTube video with some good aerial footage of Prince Gallitzin State Park: