Kettle Creek State Park consists of 1,793 acres along Kettle Creek in western Clinton County. The park is in a valley surrounded by mountainous terrain and wilderness.
Many of the existing recreational facilities arose from a joint flood control project developed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the former Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Resources.
Hiking at Kettle Creek State Park
2 miles of trails
Novice and experienced hikers will find an abundance of trails in the park area. Short day-hikes are possible on the many park trails.
Backpackers can enjoy the 53-mile Donut Hole Trail with an access parking lot across from the Lower Campground. This trail connects onto several other trail systems.
Trail maps are available at the park office.
Picnicking at Kettle Creek State Park
The picnic area is below the park office along Bearfield Run and Kettle Creek Reservoir. Many picnic tables with charcoal grills, hot coal disposal, and water hydrants are scattered throughout this area. Sunny and shaded picnic sites are available. Restrooms are near the parking area and at the park office.
Softball and volleyball areas are provided along with playground sets at several locations. Several large open fields provide excellent play areas for groups of all sizes.
The Pine Grove Picnic Area is available for reservations.
A large memorial picnic pavilion with electric hook-up, overlooking the lake, is available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Stay the Night at Kettle Creek State Park
Camping
flush toilets, warm showers, some electric hook-ups
The park has two camping areas with level sunny or shady sites that accommodate tents or trailers. Each site has a picnic table and fire ring. Water spigots are scattered throughout the campgrounds.
The Lower Campground is along Kettle Creek and has 41 sites with electricity and also modern restrooms with showers. The Lower Campground is open from early April to the end of antlered deer season mid-December.
The Upper Campground overlooks the Alvin R. Bush Dam and Kettle Creek Reservoir and has 27 sites -- 12 with electric hook-ups and vault toilets. Pets are permitted on all sites. The Upper Campground is open from early April to the end of deer season in mid-October.
Wildlife Watching at Kettle Creek State Park
The remote nature of Kettle Creek State Park makes it a wonderful place to see wildlife. Black bear, white-tailed deer, and wild turkey are common residents. Elk, river otter, and fisher are elusive animals that can be found in the park.
Kettle Creek Reservoir is a beacon for waterfowl, especially during the spring and fall migrations. Loons, grebes, ducks, and gulls use the lake and wetlands as a rest stop. Bald eagle, kingfisher, great blue heron, wood duck, and merganser can be seen year round. Osprey are common summer visitors.
The field and edge habitats of the park are nesting spots for bluebird, indigo bunting, goldfinch, cardinal, and common yellowthroat.
The forests of the park are composed of deciduous hardwoods and a few stands of hemlock and pine. Warblers, vireos, thrushes, and other songbirds nest in the park and can be seen migrating through. Woodpeckers, nuthatches, sparrows, finches, jays, and ravens can be found in the forests, even in winter.
Golden eagles have been spotted cruising the valley in winter.
Boating at Kettle Creek State Park
electric motors only
The 167-acre Kettle Creek Reservoir is an ideal place to kayak and canoe. Sailboards and sailboats are permitted.
A boat launch and boat mooring for 60 vessels are at the northern end of the lake. An overnight mooring permit is required.
Overnight mooring for park campers is also available, free of charge.
Fishing at Kettle Creek State Park
The 167-acre Kettle Creek Reservoir is noted for its trout and bass fishing. Also found in the lake are:
Brown bullhead
******
Panfish
Kettle Creek is noted for its excellent water quality that supports a healthy aquatic population.
The Lower Campground, beside the seven-acre Kettle Creek Lake, is a very popular fishing area. Many excellent native trout streams surround the park. Mine drainage limits the fishing quality of Kettle Creek below the Lower Campground.
Additional information about fishing is available at the park office.
Ice Fishing
Ice fishing is permitted on the natural ice of the lake. The 167-acre Kettle Creek Reservoir is stocked with trout for the winter season.
Ice thickness is not monitored.
Hunting at Kettle Creek State Park
During established seasons, most of the park is open to:
Hunting
Trapping
Training of dogs
Common game species are:
Deer
Grouse
Squirrel
Bear
Turkey
Hunting woodchucks, also known as groundhogs, is prohibited. Dog training is only permitted from the day following Labor Day through March 31 in designated hunting areas.
Mountain Biking at Kettle Creek State Park
Several mountain biking trails on Sproul State Forest are accessible from Kettle Creek State Park.
Horseback Riding at Kettle Creek State Park
22 miles of trails
An equestrian trail, 22 miles in length, starts at Beaverdam Run and travels through the Sproul State Forest before returning to the trailhead.
Overnight camping at the trailhead is by permit only. Contact the park office for information. Trail maps are available at the park office.
Sledding at Kettle Creek State Park
The gentle slopes below the park office make for excellent tobogganing/sledding.
The park is open throughout the winter. The day use area provides access to all trails and activities.
Cross-Country Skiing at Kettle Creek State Park
Cross-country skiing is permitted throughout the park.
The park is open throughout the winter. The day-use area provides access to all trails and activities.
Snowmobiling at Kettle Creek State Park
Snowmobiles must stay on designated trails and have a current registration.
Park trails connect to many miles of trails in the surrounding Sproul State Forest.
The park is open throughout the winter. The day use area provides access to all trails and activities.
