Whipple Dam State Park is a public state park in Pennsylvania near Petersburg in Huntingdon County County. Spanning 256 acres and established in 1928, this park offers a peaceful retreat into nature for visitors of all ages.
Quick Facts
| State | Pennsylvania |
| Nearest City | Petersburg |
| County | Huntingdon County |
| Park Size | 256 acres |
| Established | 1928 |
| Google Rating | ⭐ 4.4/5 (350 reviews) |
| Accessibility | Yes. See dcnr.pa.gov for specific accessibility details. |
Location & Getting There
Whipple Dam State Park is located near Petersburg, Pennsylvania. The park’s coordinates are 40.6823, -77.8644.
Things to Do
Pennsylvania’s massive state park system is defined by deep hardwood forests, rugged river gorges, and expansive lakes. It offers top-tier hiking on miles of trails (including access to the Appalachian Trail), extensive boating and sailing on natural and man-made lakes, and some of the best fly fishing for trout in the eastern United States. Visitors also enjoy whitewater rafting, camping in shaded forest sites, mountain biking, exploring old-growth forest remnants, and visiting historical sites that chronicle America’s early industrial and colonial history.
Best Time to Visit
Fall (late September through October) is magnificent, as Pennsylvania’s vast deciduous forests put on one of the best foliage displays in the country. Summer (June–August) is the busiest season, perfect for lake swimming and shaded woodland hikes. Spring (April–May) brings high water levels great for whitewater paddling and waterfall viewing. Winter transforms many northern and mountain parks into destinations for snowmobiling, cross-country skiing, and ice fishing, though some park facilities close seasonally.
Visitor Tips
Pennsylvania stands out by offering free admission to all state parks for day use. Camping and cabin rentals require fees and can be reserved up to 11 months in advance through the state’s reservation system. Popular parks like Ohiopyle and Ricketts Glen can get very crowded on summer and fall weekends. When hiking waterfall trails (like the Falls Trail at Ricketts Glen), wear sturdy, grippy footwear as the stone steps are perpetually wet and slippery.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are Pennsylvania state parks free?
Yes, all Pennsylvania state parks offer free admission — no vehicle permits or entrance fees are required. Camping, cabin rentals, and some specific activities may have fees.
What are the best state parks in Pennsylvania?
Top parks include Ricketts Glen (22 waterfalls), Ohiopyle (whitewater and trails), Cook Forest (old-growth forest), Worlds End (mountain scenery), and Presque Isle (Lake Erie beach peninsula).
Can I see waterfalls at Pennsylvania state parks?
Ricketts Glen State Park is famous for its Falls Trail with 22 named waterfalls. Bushkill Falls (privately operated) and Dingmans Falls (Delaware Water Gap) are also popular waterfall destinations nearby.
How far in advance can I book camping in Pennsylvania?
Pennsylvania state park camping reservations can be made up to 11 months in advance through the PA DCNR reservation system. Popular parks like Ricketts Glen and Ohiopyle fill quickly for summer weekends.
Explore More Pennsylvania State Parks
Whipple Dam 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
Whipple Dam SP — in Rothrock SF near State College — centers on a 22-acre lake in a mountain valley. The park’s mountain forest, lake, and stream support white-tailed deer, black bears, and wild turkeys. Brook trout inhabit the streams. Largemouth bass fill the lake. Barred owls call.
Nearby Attractions
State College — 10 miles north — has Penn State University. Greenwood Furnace SP — 5 miles south. Alan Seeger Natural Area — 5 miles south — has virgin hemlocks.
Make it a road trip: Pair a visit with Greenwood Furnace State Park (a short drive away) or Penn-Roosevelt State Park (a short drive away).
🐾 Dogs & Pets at Whipple Dam 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 Whipple Dam 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 Whipple Dam State Park
From our editorial guides, matched to this park’s activities:
