🏆 Official Guide: Kettle Creek State Park — 1,793 acres surrounding the 167-acre Kettle Creek Reservoir in Clinton County, Pennsylvania, surrounded by Sproul State Forest — featuring 71 campsites (44 lower + 27 upper, many electric), a 250-ft sandy swimming beach, trout + bass fishing (reservoir + native trout streams), boating (electric motors, kayaks, canoes), 53-mile Donut Hole Trail access, a 5-mile mountain bike loop, and hunting across most of the park.
Kettle Creek State Park sits in a beautiful valley in the Pennsylvania Wilds, centered around the 167-acre Kettle Creek Reservoir created by the Alvin R. Bush Dam. Surrounded by the vast Sproul State Forest, the park offers a classic Pennsylvania outdoor experience — excellent trout fishing, two spacious campgrounds, a sandy swimming beach, and trail access to some of the most remote terrain in the eastern United States.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Clinton County, PA — Sproul State Forest |
| Size | 1,793 acres — 167-acre reservoir |
| Dam | Alvin R. Bush Dam |
| Beach | 250 ft sandy — late May to mid-September |
| Boating | Electric motors, kayaks, canoes, sailboats |
Camping
| Campground | Details |
|---|---|
| Lower | 44 sites — most w/ electric — near reservoir |
| Upper | 27 sites — some electric — reservoir overlook |
| Season | Early April – December (deer season) |
| Amenities | Picnic tables, fire rings, dump station (Lower) |
| Reservations | Up to 11 months in advance |
Activities
| Activity | Details |
|---|---|
| Fishing | Reservoir: trout, bass, panfish — nearby native trout streams |
| Ice Fishing | Winter — reservoir |
| Swimming | 250-ft sandy beach — late May to mid-Sep |
| Hiking | 53-mi Donut Hole Trail access + Butler Trail (scenic vista) |
| Mountain Biking | 5-mi loop + Sproul State Forest trails |
| Hunting | Most of park — deer, bear, turkey, grouse, squirrel |
| Boating | Electric motors + non-motorized — boat launch + overnight mooring |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a gas-powered boat?
No — only electric motors and non-motorized watercraft (kayaks, canoes, sailboats) are permitted on the 167-acre reservoir. A public boat launch and overnight mooring are available.
Is hunting allowed?
Yes — most of Kettle Creek State Park is open to hunting per Pennsylvania Game Commission regulations. Common game includes white-tailed deer, black bear, wild turkey, ruffed grouse, and gray squirrels. Groundhog hunting is prohibited.
Make it a road trip: Pair a visit with Sinnemahoning State Park (a short drive away) or Bucktail State Park Natural Area (a short drive away).
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Kettle 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 Kettle 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 Kettle Creek State Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
