🌤 Weather at Penn-Roosevelt State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 28–69 °F | 59–81 °F | 34–72 °F | 20–38 °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 State College, 10 mi away, elevation 1,170 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Activities
The day use area at Penn-Roosevelt State Park is open every day from sunrise to sunset, including on holidays like Christmas and Easter. Presented below is a selection of some of the main recreational outdoor activities you can partake in during your time at the park.
Hiking at Penn-Roosevelt State Park
If you are into hiking you can get more than your fill of this activity at the park. Bisecting the park is part of the Mid State Trail which extends for a mammoth 324 miles. It provides wonderful opportunities to explore central Pennsylvania’s ridge and valley region. The trails swathes through a diverse terrain of woodland areas that incorporate everything from forest stands that are newly generated to old growth and mature timber areas. Along the trail there are plenty of picturesque vistas some of which pass through natural areas like the Bear Meadows, Detweiler Run and Thickhead Wild. You will find trail registers at several places throughout the path, with overnight camping being allowed anywhere along it, bar the natural areas or 200 feet from any forest road. If you do attempt to tackle the Mid State Trail you should be very prepared. Wear a good pair of hiking boots and a hat and take plenty of water and snacks with you, as well as any camping equipment you might need. Also be aware that the terrain is demanding, uneven and rugged, so always be vigilant and aware of your surroundings as you traverse it.
Biking at Penn-Roosevelt State Park
Penn-Roosevelt State Park is a terrific place for horse riding. You will need to bring your own horse with you, as rentals are not provided. However, if you do, the Thickhead Mountain Road and Detweiler Road, make for excellent trail rides. On them you will get a close up view of some of the park’s stunning flora, fauna and woodland areas.
Picnicking at Penn-Roosevelt State Park
One of the best ways to enjoy the park’s landscape is to partake in a picnic. Just to the west of the lake you will find a picnic area that has tables for visitors to use. On the eastern side of it there are also some more tables as well as a picnic pavilion which can be used by those who get there first. If you do decide to enjoy an outdoor meal at the park you should be aware there are no recycling or trash collection facilities there. Subsequently, visitors are expected to carry in and carry out all of their trash and not just discard it. Guests are also prohibited from drinking alcohol anywhere in the park.
Hunting at Penn-Roosevelt State Park
If you enjoy hunting you will be able to partake in this activity over at the Rothrock State Forest, which resides adjacent to the park. Other than at some designated safety zones around the picnic areas and its buildings, trapping and hunting are allowed pretty much all throughout the forest. You will need a valid license in order to be able to engage in hunting, but if you have one, you can attempt to snare, black bear, deer, grouse, turkey, rabbits and squirrels.
Winter Activities at Penn-Roosevelt State Park
During the winter months, when the park gets covered in lots of snow, many people come here to enjoy activities like cross country skiing, snowmobiling and snowshoeing. They take place on permitted trails throughout the park. However, as the roads leading in to the park are not maintained at this time of year, accessing them might be virtually impossible.
Pets
Pets are welcome at Penn-Roosevelt State Park, although you should be aware of the rules and regulations the park has put in place with regards to their presence there. At all times, dogs must be kept on a maximum six foot long leash. They should also be well behaved and cleaned up after they have made a mess. Your four legged friend should also not be left alone for more than 30 minutes and must not trouble other park guests or its flora and fauna.
Camping
For those who want to camp at the park there are 18 rustic campsites available all throughout the year – but only for tents. To provide added privacy, some of these sites are walk-ins. They are all available on a first-come, first-serve basis and are very tranquil. These sites are best suited to self-sufficient campers, although non-flush toilets and drinking water is available. Camping fees are paid via a self-registration and honor payment system and park rangers regularly patrol the area to assist visitors as required.
Park Location
Penn-Roosevelt State Park Huntingdon, PA 16652 Phone: 814.667.1800 Park Website Reservations
Map
Video
Here is a short YouTube video showcasing several attractions at Penn-Roosevelt State Park:
Explore More Pennsylvania State Parks
Penn-Roosevelt 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.
Wildlife & Nature
Penn-Roosevelt SP — in Centre County — provides rustic camping in the Seven Mountains. The park’s mountain forest, small lake, and bog support white-tailed deer, black bears, and wild turkeys. Brook trout inhabit the streams. Ruffed grouse drum in the forest.
Nearby Attractions
State College — 20 miles north — has Penn State University. Poe Valley SP — 5 miles north. Greenwood Furnace SP — 10 miles south. Mid-State Trail — nearby.
More parks nearby: Greenwood Furnace State Park is a short drive away, while Whipple Dam State Park lies a short drive away.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Penn-Roosevelt 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 Penn-Roosevelt 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
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