Ravensburg State Park
🏆 Official Guide: Ravensburg State Park — A 78-acre rustic gem in a steep-walled gorge carved by Rauchtown Run through Nippenose Mountain, Pennsylvania (Clinton County) — featuring century-old undisturbed forest, CCC-built stone and log structures, 21 tent-only campsites (first-come), trout fishing (brook + brown, catch-and-release fly-fishing area), the Mid State Trail, the challenging Thousand Steps Trail, three picnic areas with pavilions, and access to the 215,000-acre Tiadaghton State Forest.
Ravensburg State Park is one of Pennsylvania’s most intimate and atmospheric parks — a mere 78 acres tucked into a narrow gorge where Rauchtown Run has carved through Nippenose Mountain. The forest here has remained virtually undisturbed for over a century thanks to the rugged, isolated terrain. Historic CCC stone and log structures from the 1930s give the park a timeless Appalachian character.
Visitor Information
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Location | Clinton County, PA — Nippenose Mountain gorge |
| Size | 78 acres — steep-walled gorge |
| Stream | Rauchtown Run — spring-fed, CCC dam |
| Forest | 100+ years undisturbed — northern hardwoods |
| Heritage | CCC stone + log structures (1930s) |
| Adjacent | 215,000-acre Tiadaghton State Forest |
Activities
| Activity | Details |
|---|---|
| Hiking | Raven Trail (0.5 mi), Thousand Steps (0.6 mi, steep), Mid State Trail access |
| Fishing | Brook + brown trout — catch-and-release fly-fishing area — PA license required |
| Camping | 21 rustic tent-only sites — first-come, first-served (Apr–Oct) |
| Picnicking | 3 areas — pavilions, charcoal grills, playground, horseshoe pits |
| Nature Study | Talus slopes, stunted oak forest, creek gorge ecology |
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I reserve a campsite?
No — all 21 rustic tent-only campsites are first-come, first-served. No advance reservations. The campground operates from the second Friday in April through the third Sunday in October.
What is the Mid State Trail?
The Mid State Trail is a 300+ mile long-distance hiking trail traversing central Pennsylvania. A section passes through Ravensburg — access it via the Thousand Steps Trail, a steep 0.6-mile climb up the talus slope from the park.
