Moraine State Park

By Sarah MitchellOutdoor Editor & Trail ExpertMay 2, 2023 · Updated May 13, 2026

Moraine State Park centers around Lake Arthur—a 3,225-acre glacial lake with 42 miles of shoreline, 11 modern lakefront cabins, 30 miles of trails, and exceptional boating. One of Pennsylvania’s most beloved outdoor destinations!

Lake Arthur

11 Modern Lakefront Cabins

Boating & Marinas

30 Miles of Trails

Camping Options

Traditional camping prohibited within the park. Options:

• Group Tenting: Muskrat Cove, Five Points (reservation required)
• Backpacker Shelter: North Country Trail (first-come)
• Private Campgrounds: Ask park office for nearby options

FAQ

Wildlife & Nature

Moraine SP — 16,725 acres near Butler — centers on Lake Arthur (3,225 acres), built on a landscape shaped by the last glaciation. The park provides a remarkable environmental success story — the land was once scarred by coal mining, oil extraction, and industrial use. Bald eagles nest at the lake. Osprey dive for fish. Over 250 bird species recorded.

Nearby Attractions

Portersville — adjacent. McConnells Mill SP — adjacent — has Slippery Rock Gorge. Jennings EEC — 5 miles north. Pittsburgh — 40 miles south.

Things to Do

Pennsylvania’s massive state park system is defined by deep hardwood forests, rugged river gorges, and expansive lakes. It offers top-tier hiking on miles of trails (including access to the Appalachian Trail), extensive boating and sailing on natural and man-made lakes, and some of the best fly fishing for trout in the eastern United States. Visitors also enjoy whitewater rafting, camping in shaded forest sites, mountain biking, exploring old-growth forest remnants, and visiting historical sites that chronicle America’s early industrial and colonial history.

Best Time to Visit

Fall (late September through October) is magnificent, as Pennsylvania’s vast deciduous forests put on one of the best foliage displays in the country. Summer (June–August) is the busiest season, perfect for lake swimming and shaded woodland hikes. Spring (April–May) brings high water levels great for whitewater paddling and waterfall viewing. Winter transforms many northern and mountain parks into destinations for snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and ice fishing, though some park facilities close seasonally.

Visitor Tips

Pennsylvania stands out by offering free admission to all state parks for day use. Camping and cabin rentals require fees and can be reserved up to 11 months in advance through the state’s reservation system. Popular parks like Ohiopyle and Ricketts Glen can get very crowded on summer and fall weekends. When hiking waterfall trails (like the Falls Trail at Ricketts Glen), wear sturdy, grippy footwear as the stone steps are perpetually wet and slippery.

Explore More Pennsylvania State Parks

Moraine 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.

About the Author

Sarah Mitchell

Outdoor Editor & Trail Expert

Sarah Mitchell is an outdoor writer and trail researcher with over 8 years of experience exploring state parks across America. As the lead editor at AmericasStateParks.org, she has personally visited more than 200 parks in 42 states, logging thousands of trail miles and hundreds of campground nights. Sarah specializes in detailed park guides, accessibility information, and family-friendly outdoor planning. Her work focuses on helping first-time visitors feel confident and well-prepared for their state park adventures.

200+ state parks visited across 42 states | 8+ years of outdoor writing

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