🌤 Weather at Simon B. Elliott State Park by season
| Spring | Summer | Fall | Winter |
|---|---|---|---|
| 26–70 °F | 55–82 °F | 31–73 °F | 18–38 °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 Clearfield Lawrence Airport, 8 mi away, elevation 1,516 ft. Conditions at the park can differ from the station, especially where elevation differs — check a forecast before you go.
Pennsylvania’s CCC-Era Mountain Retreat — 6 Rustic Cabins, 25-Site Campground, Quehanna Trail Access & Native Trout Fishing in Moshannon State Forest
S.B. Elliott State Park is a 318-acre mountain park in the heart of Moshannon State Forest near Clearfield, Pennsylvania. The park preserves six CCC-era rustic cabins built in the 1930s, a 25-site campground, 3 miles of hiking trails, and access to the 75-mile Quehanna Trail system. Located just off Exit 111 of Interstate 80, approximately 9 miles north of Clearfield, S.B. Elliott offers authentic Civilian Conservation Corps heritage combined with direct access to Pennsylvania’s vast northern wilderness.
The park sits at the gateway to the PA Wilds — Pennsylvania’s largest block of public land. Native and stocked trout inhabit surrounding streams. 234 acres are open to hunting during appropriate seasons. In winter, the park’s trails convert to cross-country skiing and snowmobiling routes. The CCC-built rustic cabins — stone fireplaces, wood-paneled walls, and Depression-era craftsmanship — are among the most authentic CCC structures remaining in the Pennsylvania state park system.
Things to Do
Hiking
- Park trails: Approximately 3 miles of hiking trails within the park
- Quehanna Trail: Connect to the 75-mile Quehanna Trail via the Central Pennsylvania Lumber Company Trail — one of PA’s premier backpacking routes through Moshannon and Elk State Forests
- Terrain: Rolling woodland; moderate difficulty
Fishing
- Native and stocked trout in surrounding streams
- Pennsylvania fishing license required
Hunting
- 234 acres open during appropriate Pennsylvania hunting seasons
- Deer, turkey, and small game
- Pennsylvania hunting license and permits required
Winter Recreation
- Cross-country skiing on park trails
- Snowmobiling on designated trails
Camping & Lodging
| Type | Features |
|---|---|
| Rustic CCC Cabins (6) | 1930s Civilian Conservation Corps construction; stone fireplaces; wood-paneled; reservable through PA state parks |
| Campground (25 sites) | Tents and RVs; flush-toilet restrooms (no showers); water spigots; dump station |
| ADA Site | Site #7 and restrooms are ADA accessible |
Facilities: Modern flush-toilet restrooms (no showers), water spigots, sanitary dump station, pavilions. Pets welcome.
Best Time to Visit
| Season | Highlights | Considerations |
|---|---|---|
| Summer (Jun–Aug) | ⭐ PEAK: Hiking; cabin stays; trout fishing; long days; Quehanna Trail access; campground open | Humid; mosquitoes in forest; reserve cabins early; cell service unreliable |
| Fall (Sep–Nov) | ⭐ BEST SEASON: Spectacular fall foliage; PA elk viewing nearby; hunting season; cool hiking; cabin fireplaces | Hunting season — wear orange on trails; cabins popular; cold nights |
| Spring (Apr–May) | Trout stocking; wildflowers; spring birding; quiet trails; opening season | Muddy trails; variable weather; some facilities opening |
| Winter (Dec–Mar) | Cross-country skiing; snowmobiling; cabin stays with stone fireplaces; snow-covered forest | Cold; limited services; check road conditions; campground may close |
Visitor Tips
- CCC cabins: The six rustic cabins are authentic 1930s Civilian Conservation Corps structures — stone fireplaces, wood-paneled interiors, and Depression-era craftsmanship. They’re among the most historically significant CCC structures in Pennsylvania’s park system. Reserve through 1-888-PA-PARKS.
- Quehanna Trail: The park provides direct access to the 75-mile Quehanna Trail — one of Pennsylvania’s premier backpacking loops through remote state forest. Plan for multi-day backcountry hiking.
- Cell service: Cell coverage is unreliable in the Moshannon State Forest area. Download maps and trail guides before arriving.
- No showers: The campground has flush-toilet restrooms but no showers. Plan accordingly for extended stays.
- I-80 access: The park is conveniently located just off Exit 111 of Interstate 80 — easy for road trippers traveling the I-80 corridor across northern Pennsylvania.
- PA elk herd: The nearby Elk State Forest (within a 30-minute drive) is home to Pennsylvania’s free-roaming elk herd — combine your visit with an elk viewing excursion, especially during the September–October rut.
Wildlife & Nature
S.B. Elliott SP — CCC-era park at 2,440ft on the Allegheny Plateau. Elk roam nearby. Black bears and northern saw-whet owls inhabit the forest. Brook trout fill the mountain streams.
Nearby Attractions
Clearfield — 10 miles south. Quehanna Wild Area — 5 miles northeast.
What are the cabins like at S.B. Elliott State Park?
S.B. Elliott State Park features six rustic cabins built by the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) in the 1930s. These historic structures feature stone fireplaces, wood-paneled walls, and handcrafted construction typical of the Depression-era CCC program. The cabins are rustic — providing basic shelter with period character — and can be reserved through the Pennsylvania state parks system at 1-888-PA-PARKS or online. They are available year-round and are especially popular during fall foliage season and winter, when the stone fireplaces provide warmth and atmosphere.
Can you access the Quehanna Trail from S.B. Elliott State Park?
Yes — S.B. Elliott State Park provides access to the 75-mile Quehanna Trail via the Central Pennsylvania Lumber Company Trail. The Quehanna Trail is one of Pennsylvania’s premier backpacking loops, traversing Moshannon State Forest and Elk State Forest through remote, wild terrain. The trail is suitable for experienced backpackers and multi-day hikers. Cell service is unreliable throughout the trail area — download maps and inform someone of your itinerary before departing.
Last updated: May 2026
More parks nearby: Moshannon State Forest surrounds the park on all sides, and Parker Dam State Park is a short drive north.
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Simon B. Elliott 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 Simon B. Elliott 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
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