🌤 Weather at Halfway State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 28–75 °F | 58–85 °F | 33–76 °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 Laurelton Ctr, 6 mi away, elevation 800 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
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.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Halfway 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 Halfway 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 Halfway State Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
