🌤 Weather at Raccoon Creek State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 29–72 °F | 58–84 °F | 34–76 °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 New Cumberland L/d, 9 mi away, elevation 675 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
🏆 Official Guide: Raccoon Creek State Park — 7,572 acres of diverse recreation 30 miles west of Pittsburgh in Beaver County, Pennsylvania — featuring the renowned 314-acre Wildflower Reserve (700+ plant species, interpretive center, 4.45 mi hiking-only trails), a 101-acre lake with 500-ft ADA swimming beach, 40+ miles of trails (hiking, mountain biking, 16 mi equestrian), 172-site campground + year-round Sioux Rustic CG + 10 modern cabins, fishing for bass, walleye, muskellunge + trout-stocked Traverse Creek, and the historic Frankfort Mineral Springs (waterfall + cave-like rock overhang).
Raccoon Creek State Park is a western Pennsylvania gem — nearly 7,600 acres of forest, lake, and trails located just 30 miles west of Pittsburgh. Its crowning glory is the 314-acre Wildflower Reserve, home to over 700 plant species and considered one of the finest wildflower displays in the eastern United States. Add a scenic swimming lake, miles of hiking and equestrian trails, and the historic Frankfort Mineral Springs, and you have one of Pennsylvania’s most complete state parks.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Beaver County, PA — 30 mi west of Pittsburgh |
| Size | 7,572 acres |
| Lake | 101-acre Raccoon Lake — swimming, fishing, boating |
| Wildflower Reserve | 314 acres — 700+ plant species |
| Beach | 500-ft ADA-accessible sand beach (late May–mid September) |
Camping & Lodging
| Type | Details |
|---|---|
| Modern CG | 172 tent/trailer sites — seasonal |
| Sioux Rustic CG | Year-round — rustic sites |
| Modern Cabins | 10 cabins — year-round rental |
| Backpacking | Dedicated shelter areas |
| Group Camping | Available for organized groups |
Activities
| Activity | Details |
|---|---|
| Hiking | 40+ mi — including 4.45 mi in Wildflower Reserve (hiking only) |
| Mountain Biking | Multi-use trail network |
| Horseback Riding | 16 mi bridle trails — western section |
| Swimming | 500-ft ADA beach — late May–mid September |
| Fishing | Bass, walleye, muskellunge, catfish, panfish + trout-stocked Traverse Creek |
| Wildflower Reserve | 314 acres — 700+ species — interpretive center — spring + late summer peaks |
| Mineral Springs | Historic Frankfort Mineral Springs — waterfall + cave overhang |
Frequently Asked Questions
When is the best time for wildflowers?
Spring wildflowers peak in late April, with trillium, bloodroot, Dutchman’s breeches, and other woodland species creating spectacular displays. A second bloom period occurs in late summer. The 314-acre Wildflower Reserve features an interpretive center and 4.45 miles of hiking-only trails.
Can I ride horses in the Wildflower Reserve?
No — the Wildflower Reserve is strictly hiking-only. Pets, smoking, and picking plants are also prohibited. For horseback riding, use the 16 miles of bridle trails in the western section of the park.
More parks nearby: Hillman State Park is a short drive away, while Point State Park lies within about an hour’s drive.
⛺ Camping at Raccoon Creek State Park: Campgrounds & Cabins
| Cabins & Lodging | 10 modern cabins: electric heat, hot/cold water, bathroom (flush toilet+shower), kitchen (sink/microwave/stove/fridge), living area with couch; bring linens/towels/dishes/pots. Plus 1 Lodge and 3 Organized Group Cabin Camp facilities. |
|---|---|
| Pets | Pets permitted only in designated Loop C sites |
| Reservations | ReserveAmerica; 888-727-2757 |
| Special sites | 6 Rustic Organized Group Tenting sites; Pioneer Group Tenting & Backpacking Area (permit-based; backpackers must bring water filtration/potable water) |
| Season notes | Open year-round; peak season April 1-Oct 31 |
Camping & lodging by type
| Site type | Category | Sites | Hookups |
|---|---|---|---|
| Modern Non-Electric | Campsite | 79 | — |
| Modern Electric | Campsite | 63 | electric |
| Modern Tent Only | Campsite | 29 | — |
| Modern Cabins | Cabin / lodging | 10 | — |
| Rustic Organized Group Tenting Site | Campsite | 6 | — |
| Rustic Non-Electric | Campsite | 4 | — |
| Organized Group Cabin Camp | Cabin / lodging | 3 | — |
| Lodge | Cabin / lodging | 1 | — |
| Meeting Room | Day use | 1 | — |
Blank cells mean the park does not publish that detail.
Camping questions about Raccoon Creek State Park
Can you camp at Raccoon Creek State Park?
Yes. Raccoon Creek State Park has 181 campsites. 63 modern electric (50-amp), 79 modern non-electric, 29 modern tent-only, 4 rustic non-electric.
How do you reserve a campsite at Raccoon Creek State Park?
ReserveAmerica; 888-727-2757.
Are there cabins at Raccoon Creek State Park?
10 modern cabins: electric heat, hot/cold water, bathroom (flush toilet+shower), kitchen (sink/microwave/stove/fridge), living area with couch; bring linens/towels/dishes/pots. Plus 1 Lodge and 3 Organized Group Cabin Camp facilities.
Are pets allowed at the Raccoon Creek State Park campground?
Pets permitted only in designated Loop C sites.
Source: pennsylvaniastateparks.reserveamerica.com (verified July 2026). Details change seasonally — confirm when booking.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Raccoon Creek 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 Raccoon Creek 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 Location
Plan your gear for Raccoon Creek State Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
