🏆 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).
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Ravensburg 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 Ravensburg 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 Ravensburg State Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
