🌤 Weather at Moraine State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25–69 °F | 54–81 °F | 31–74 °F | 17–38 °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 Slippery Rock 1 SSW, 8 mi away, elevation 1,260 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
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
| Lake Facts | Details |
|---|---|
| 🌊 Size | 3,225 acres |
| 🏖️ Shoreline | 42 miles |
| 🚤 Boat Launches | 9 public ramps |
| ⚡ Motor Limit | 20 HP max |
11 Modern Lakefront Cabins
| Cabin Info | Details |
|---|---|
| 🏠 Total | 11 cabins (sleeps 6) |
| 🛏️ Bedrooms | 2 bedrooms each |
| 🚿 Amenities | Kitchen, shower, electric heat |
| 🚤 Summer Bonus | Private dock on lake! |
| 🐕 Pet-Friendly | Cabins #7 and #11 (+fee) |
| 📅 Open | Year-round |
Boating & Marinas
| Boating Info | Details |
|---|---|
| 🚤 Rentals | Pontoons, motorboats, kayaks, canoes |
| ⛽ Marinas | Davis Hollow, Watts Bay |
| 🐟 No-Wake Zone | 145 acres NW corner (since 2024) |
30 Miles of Trails
| Trail | Distance |
|---|---|
| 🥾 Glacier Ridge Trail | 14.8 miles |
| 🚴 Bike Trail | 7 miles (paved, family) |
| 🥾 Wyggeston Trail | Challenging |
| ❄️ Winter | Snowmobile groomed |
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.
Can I camp at Moraine State Park?
Traditional camping is prohibited. Options include group tenting at Muskrat Cove or Five Points (advance reservation required), the North Country Trail shelter (first-come), or nearby private campgrounds.
Do cabins have private docks?
Yes—in summer! All 11 modern cabins include a private dock on Lake Arthur during summer season. Year-round availability for cabin stays. Book early!
What’s the motor limit on Lake Arthur?
20 horsepower maximum. Also note: 145-acre no-wake zone in northwest corner (near McDanels launch) since March 2024 to reduce erosion.
🌊 Pennsylvania’s Lakefront Paradise
Visit PA DCNR website.
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.
Keep exploring: The closest neighbors are McConnells Mill State Park (a short drive away) and Jennings Environmental Education Center (a short drive away).
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Moraine 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 Moraine 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 Moraine State Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
