Bald Eagle State Park
Bald Eagle State Park centers around the spectacular 1,730-acre Foster Joseph Sayers Reservoir with 23 miles of shoreline in the Allegheny Mountains of central Pennsylvania. A haven for boating, fishing, camping, and birdwatching, this 5,900-acre park offers 14.5 miles of hiking trails, a 369-slip marina, hunting access, and year-round wildlife viewing. Named for the bald eagles that once nested here and are returning to the skies above!
Foster Joseph Sayers Reservoir
| Reservoir Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| 🌊 Size | 1,730 acres |
| 📏 Shoreline | 23 miles |
| 🚤 Motors | Unlimited HP (45 mph limit) |
| ⛽ Boat Launches | 6 (24-hour access) |
369-Slip Marina
| Marina Info | Details |
|---|---|
| ⚓ Slips | 369 dockage slips |
| ⛽ Fuel | Gas available (Memorial Day–Labor Day) |
| 🚣 Rentals | Boats available |
| 📦 Storage | Boat + trailer storage |
Fishing – Panfish Enhancement
| Species | Season/Notes |
|---|---|
| 🐟 Crappie | Excellent late May–early June! |
| 🐟 Yellow Perch | Year-round |
| 🐟 Tiger Muskie | Stocked |
| 🐟 Largemouth Bass | Year-round |
| 🐟 Smallmouth Bass | Year-round |
| 🐟 Channel Catfish | Year-round |
| ♿ ADA Pier | Winter Launch location |
| 🧊 Ice Fishing | ~630 acres (check ice!) |
Camping
| Accommodation | Details |
|---|---|
| ⛺ Campgrounds | 2 (rustic + modern) |
| 🏠 Cabins | Available |
| 🛖 Yurts | Available |
| 🚐 RV Length | Up to 50 feet |
| 💰 Avg Rate | ~$35/night |
| 📅 Reservations | Required |
14.5 Miles of Trails
| Trail | Difficulty |
|---|---|
| 🦋 Butterfly Trail | Easiest (family-friendly) |
| 🥾 Mid State Trail | Most Difficult |
| 🌅 Wildlife Viewing | All trails |
Hunting
| Hunting Info | Details |
|---|---|
| 🎯 Park Areas | Designated areas open |
| 🦌 Game Lands | SGL 92 & 252 nearby |
| ⚠️ Safety | Wear fluorescent orange! |
Frequently Asked Questions
How big is Foster Joseph Sayers Reservoir?
The reservoir spans 1,730 acres with 23 miles of shoreline! It’s a warm-water fishery managed as part of the Panfish Enhancement Program, meaning excellent crappie, perch, and bass fishing. Best crappie action is late May through early June.
Are there horsepower limits on the lake?
Unlimited horsepower is allowed, with a 45 mph speed limit. Boats must travel counterclockwise. However, inboard engines with over-the-transom or straight-stack exhausts are prohibited. Six boat launches provide 24-hour access.
What camping options are available?
The park has two campgrounds (rustic and modern), plus cabins and yurts. RV sites accommodate vehicles up to 50 feet. Average rate is around $35/night. Reservations are required. The nearby Bald Eagle State Forest also offers 45 roadside sites and backpacking.
Can I go ice fishing?
Yes! About 630 acres of the lake are accessible for ice fishing. However, ice thickness is NOT monitored by the park—check conditions yourself and exercise extreme caution.
Are there bald eagles here?
The park is named for the bald eagles that historically nested along the Bald Eagle Creek. Thanks to conservation efforts, eagles have returned to central Pennsylvania and can occasionally be spotted soaring above the reservoir—especially during migration seasons!
🦅 Pennsylvania’s Premier Reservoir Park
Boat a 1,730-acre lake, fish for trophy crappie, camp lakeside, and maybe spot a bald eagle. Visit the official Bald Eagle State Park website for camping reservations and marina info.
