Pennsylvania’s Bald Eagle Forest Lake Park — 695 Acres, Sand Beach Swimming, Trout Fishing, 59 Campsites + Cottages, Mid State Trail, Halfway Lake
Halfway State Park is a 695-acre state park (also known as R.B. Winter State Park) in Union County, Pennsylvania, within the Bald Eagle State Forest. The park features 300-foot white sand swimming beach on Halfway Lake, cold-water trout fishing (brook, brown, rainbow), 59 campsites with electricity, 3 cottages + 1 cabin, 6.3 miles of trails connecting to Bald Eagle State Forest, Mid State Trail (327-mile) trailhead, cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, and an environmental learning center.
Set within Pennsylvania’s Bald Eagle State Forest, this 695-acre park centers on Halfway Lake — a scenic cold-water lake with a 300-foot white sand beach for swimming (open late May through mid-September). The lake is a stocked cold-water fishery with brook, brown, and rainbow trout. The park serves as a middle trailhead for the 327-mile Mid State Trail, Pennsylvania’s longest hiking trail. 59 modern campsites (some with electricity), 3 cottages, and 1 cabin provide overnight options.
Things to Do
Water
- 300-ft sand beach — swimming (late May–mid Sep)
- Trout fishing — brook, brown, rainbow
- Ice fishing — winter
Trails
- 6.3 mi park trails
- Mid State Trail trailhead — 327 mi
- Bald Eagle SF connections
Camping
- 59 sites — some electric
- 3 cottages + 1 cabin
- Modern restrooms + showers
Winter
- Cross-country skiing
- Snowshoeing
- Snowmobiling — designated roads
Park Information
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Location | Union County, PA — in Bald Eagle State Forest |
| Acreage | 695 acres |
| Lake | Halfway Lake — cold-water, sand beach |
| Swimming | 300-ft white sand beach (late May–mid Sep) |
| Fishing | Brook, brown, rainbow trout (stocked) |
| Campsites | 59 — some with electric |
| Lodging | 3 cottages + 1 modern cabin |
| Trails | 6.3 mi + Mid State Trail (327 mi) |
| Learning Center | Environmental education |
| Phone | (570) 966-1455 |
| Coordinates | 40.9909° N, 77.1937° W |
Best Time to Visit
| Season | Highlights | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | ⭐ BEST: Sand beach swimming; camping; fishing; concessions; full facilities | Popular; reserve early; warm |
| Fall (Sep–Oct) | Bald Eagle forest foliage; Mid State Trail hiking; trout fishing; quiet camping | Beach closes mid-Sep; cooler nights |
| Spring (Apr–May) | Trout stocking; wildflowers; birding; trails opening | Cold water; some facilities closed |
| Winter (Dec–Mar) | XC skiing; snowshoeing; ice fishing; snowmobiling; solitude | Cold; limited facilities; check conditions |
Visitor Tips
- Mid State Trail: The park is a middle trailhead for Pennsylvania’s 327-mile Mid State Trail — perfect for day hikes or thru-hiking resupply.
- Sand beach: The 300-foot white sand beach is one of the best in central Pennsylvania — open late May through mid-September.
- Trout fishing: Halfway Lake is a stocked cold-water fishery — bring your rod for brook, brown, and rainbow trout.
- Cottages: The 3 cottages and 1 cabin offer year-round lodging — reserve well in advance.
- Bald Eagle SF: Trails connect to the vast Bald Eagle State Forest — explore deeper into the Pennsylvania Wilds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Wildlife & Nature
Halfway SP — in central Pennsylvania — provides recreation in a forested mountain setting. White-tailed deer and wild turkeys are abundant. Brook trout inhabit nearby streams. Ruffed grouse drum in the forest.
Nearby Attractions
Central Pennsylvania communities — surrounding.
Does Halfway State Park have swimming and camping?
Yes — Halfway State Park (also known as R.B. Winter State Park) in Union County, Pennsylvania, features a 300-foot white sand swimming beach on Halfway Lake (open late May through mid-September), 59 campsites with electricity, 3 cottages, and 1 modern cabin. The 695-acre park within Bald Eagle State Forest also offers trout fishing, 6.3 miles of trails, and a trailhead for the 327-mile Mid State Trail.
Last updated: May 2026
Nearby state parks: If you have extra time, R. B. Winter State Park is a short drive away, and McCalls Dam State Park is a short drive away.
