🏆 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.
Make it a road trip: Pair a visit with Whirl’s End State Park (a short drive away) or McCalls Dam State Park (a short drive away).
Park Location
Plan your gear for Ravensburg State Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
