🌤 Weather at Little Buffalo State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 29–72 °F | 58–86 °F | 32–77 °F | 20–42 °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 Carlisle Wtp, 16 mi away, elevation 430 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Activities
The park enables guests to enjoy its delightful scenery and landscape in several different ways. What follows below is a brief overview of the various recreational outdoor activities you can take part in while you are at Little Buffalo State Park.
Swimming at Little Buffalo State Park
For those who enjoy swimming, the 88-acre lake has a designated swimming area that is protected by lifeguards during the summer months. The lake is a picturesque area in which to swim and the water quality is regularly monitored to ensure a safe and enjoyable swimming experience for visitors.
Fishing at Little Buffalo State Park
Fishing is also popular at Holman Lake, attracting anglers from all over the state. At any given time it is stocked with a variety of fish including bass, catfish, crappie, and bluegill. To catch them, visitors can can fish from shore, on a boat, or from one of the piers or bridges. You will need a valid Pennsylvania fishing license in order to do so. However, once you have got one, you can also cast a line at Little Buffalo Creek. It runs through the park and provides additional fishing opportunities, which visitors can access from multiple points throughout it.
Hiking at Little Buffalo State Park
Little Buffalo State Park offers more than 10 miles of hiking trails for those who want to explore its stunning landscape. Probably the most popular trail is the Buffalo Ridge Trail. This 3.5-mile trail takes hikers through the forest and up to a scenic overlook where they can see the Susquehanna River and surrounding farmland. The trail is moderately difficult, with some steep uphill climbs, but the views from the top are worth the effort. For a shorter, easier hike, visitors can try the Lakeside Trail. This 1.5-mile trail circles Holman Lake and offers views of the lake and surrounding forest. The trail is flat and well-maintained, making it accessible for hikers of all ages and abilities. Other trails at Little Buffalo State Park include the Middle Ridge Trail, the Pine Tree Trail, and the Wildlife Trail. Visitors should be sure to wear appropriate footwear and bring plenty of water and snacks for their hike.
Winter Activities at Little Buffalo State Park
Winter at Little Buffalo State Park offers visitors the opportunity to enjoy a variety of outdoor activities. When weather conditions permit, the park offers ice skating on Holman Lake. Sledding is also available on the hills near the lake, and cross-country skiing is a popular activity on the park’s many trails. The park’s winter scenery is breathtaking, showcasing snow-covered trees, frozen streams, and wildlife that is more visible against the white backdrop. The park also offers a variety of educational programs and events during the winter months, such as guided winter hikes, ice-fishing clinics, and birdwatching tours. These events provide a great opportunity for visitors to learn more about the park’s ecology, history, and wildlife, and to enjoy the beauty of the winter season.
Pets
Pets are allowed in most areas of Little Buffalo State Park, but owners must follow certain rules to ensure the safety of both their pets and other visitors. For instance, dogs must remain on a leash that does not exceed six feet and owners must clean up after their pets. Additionally, pets are forbidden from entering public swimming areas and certain designated areas of the park. There are also some restrictions for pets in the park’s camping areas, including ensuring your four legged friend is not making excessive noise.
Camping
Camping provides visitors with an excellent way to enjoy the park’s tranquil atmosphere and stoic surroundings over the course of a few days. Overall, the park offers 46 sites for tents and RVs in a campground that is open from the day prior to the beginning of the trout season until the third Sunday of October. Many of these come with hookups for water and electricity, while some offer full connections. A handful of these sites are walk-to-sites, requiring guests to partake in a short walk from the parking area to the campsite. All of these sites come with individual fire rings and tables for eating off, while other amenities at the campground include warm showers, flush toilets and a dump station. In addition to these campsites, a lodge and cabins are available for those who want accommodation that provides them with some of the comforts of home.
Park Location
Little Buffalo State Park 1579 State Park Rd Newport, PA 17074 Phone: 717.567.9255 Website Reservations
Map
Video
Here is a short YouTube video showcasing several attractions at Little Buffalo State Park:
Trails
Little Buffalo packs 8 miles of trail into a compact park, which means you can string several together in a morning. The Blue Ball Trail is paved and ADA-accessible; the ridge routes are genuinely steep.
| Blue Ball Trail | 0.25 mi · easiest · paved, ADA-accessible — tavern to creek |
| Covered Bridge Trail | 0.25 mi · easiest · gravel — bridge to railway car and day-use area |
| Mill Race Trail | 0.5 mi · easiest · red blazes — follows the race from Shoaff’s Mill to the dam |
| Campground Spur | 0.5 mi · more difficult · green blazes — past the pond to Middle Ridge |
| Fisherman’s Trail | 1.0 mi · easiest · gravel — lakeside through hemlock |
| Little Buffalo Creek Trail | 1.0 mi · easiest · loop — wetland, shrubland and meadow; recommended for cross-country skiing |
| Exercise Trail | 1.2 mi · easiest · loop with 18 fitness stations along a trout creek |
| Gantt Trail | 0.32 mi · more difficult · yellow blazes — rocky connector |
| Buffalo Ridge Trail | 1.5 mi · most difficult · white blazes — hemlock ridge with historic charcoal hearths |
| Middle Ridge Trail | 2.5 mi · most difficult · red blazes — elevation changes, lake views |
Where to Stay
The campground holds 46 modern sites and runs mid-April to mid-October. Some sites have electric and water; some are full-service; walk-to sites sit a short carry from the parking area. Every site has a picnic table and fire ring, and there is a sanitary dump station. Three camping cottages sleep five apiece, with electric heat, lights and outlets. The Little Buffalo Lodge is ADA-accessible, sleeps 12 in three bedrooms and stays open year-round — bring your own linens and kitchenware.
Holman Lake and the Historic Core
Holman Lake covers 88 acres and is managed as a Big Bass Lake: bass must measure at least 15 inches, with a daily limit of four. Swimming happens in the pool rather than the lake — open 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., admission cash only.
The park’s historic cluster is unusual for its density: Shoaff’s Mill, a working grist mill whose race you can walk; the Blue Ball Tavern; a covered bridge; and a narrow-gauge railway car. A self-guided route called the Little Buffalo Quest links them. There is an EV charging station near the mill, and a rentable recreation hall in the campground seats 200.
Trail lengths, campground and lodging details verified against PA DCNR on August 5, 2026. Pool hours and fees change seasonally — confirm before you go.
Explore More Pennsylvania State Parks
Little Buffalo State Park is one of many outstanding state parks in Pennsylvania. Discover more parks in our Best State Parks in Pennsylvania guide, or use our Park Finder to search by activity, location, or features.
More parks in Pennsylvania: Pine Grove State Park and Susquehanna Riverlands State Park. See the full Pennsylvania state parks guide.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Little Buffalo State Park
Park policy: DCNR states that pets are permitted on all sites in the modern campground, which is open from the day before trout season to the third Sunday in October. Of the three rustic camping cottages in that campground, only Cottage #4 accepts dogs - a maximum of two, and a fee applies.
- Pets allowed?
- Pets allowed on every campsite; up to two dogs in Cottage #4 for a fee
- 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
- Park-specific rules
- The ADA-accessible Little Buffalo Lodge, the year-round modern cabin near the campground, is off limits to animals.
- 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 Little Buffalo State Park?
Pets allowed on every campsite; up to two dogs in Cottage #4 for a fee.
Beyond that, Pennsylvania’s statewide rules apply.
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 Little Buffalo State Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
