Colonel Denning State Park

Surrounded by rolling mountains, Colonel Denning State Park's 273 acres of woodland is the perfect place to enjoy a little peace and quiet. With the 3.5-acre Doubling Gap Lake for swimming and boating in the summer and ice-fishing and ice-skating in the winter, a 52-site campground, volleyball, picnicking and trails for hiking, biking and horseback riding, it's the perfect place to bring the family and connect with nature.

Hiking: There are 3 trails totaling 3.5 miles to explore in Colonel Denning. The most notable trail is the 2.5-mile (one-way) Flat Rock Trail. The strenuous, rocky climb leads to a 180-degree panoramic view of the Valley. In the fall, enjoy the foliage and hawk migration from the Flat Rock lookout. The trail head is located next to the Visitors Center. The self-guiding Doubling Gap Trail is a one-mile moderate hike.

Colonel Denning is a trail head for Tuscarora State Forest and the 252-mile Tuscarora Trail. Trails in the surrounding Tuscarora State Forest are accessible from the park and when combined with those in the park provide 13 trails with 18 miles to explore. View the Hiking and Nature Trail Guide and Map or pick one up at the park office for detailed descriptions of the hiking trails in the park and surrounding forest lands.

Download Recreational Guides and Maps:

Cycling: Cycling is allowed on paved roads through the park (approximately 1 mile).

Horseback Riding: The park has an equestrian trail head where riders can access the state forest trails.

Orienteering: There are three courses to challenge your map and compass skills: beginner, intermediate and advanced. Trail maps are available at the park office or the nature center.

Picnicking: The park has picnic tables and a limited number of charcoal grills. Pavilions are available for rent.

Swimming: The lakeside beach is open from late-May to mid-September, 8 a.m. to sunset. Read more about swimming at Colonel Denning.

Fishing: The 3.5-acre Doubling Gap Lake has stocked trout. Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission limits, seasons and regulations apply. Ice fishing is also available.

Hunting: During established seasons, many acres are open to hunting, trapping and the training of dogs. Common game species are deer, squirrel and turkey. Hunting is also permitted on the adjacent Tuscarora State Forest.

Birding: The avian inventory lists an impressive 100 species including several species of hawk, owl, woodpecker, warbler, flycatcher, and vireo. Regular forest species include Eastern Wood-Pewee, Scarlet Tanager, Veery, Wood Thrush, and Blackburnian Warbler.

Environmental Education: In the summer, look for interpretive programming and weekend events. Free and open to the public, dawn to dusk. The EE Center is open May – September 8 a.m.– 4 p.m. daily.

STAY THE NIGHT

Camping: The 52-site, tent and trailer campground is open April through December. Each site has a picnic table, fire ring, electric and water hook-up and are near vault toilets and a sanitary dump station. Pets are permitted on designated campsites. Make a Reservation.

WINTER ACTIVITIES

Cross-country Skiing: Glide around on moderately hilly to mountainous terrain. Skiing is permitted on existing roads and trails.

Ice Skating: When conditions permit, a one-acre section of Doubling Gap Lake is cleared off for ice-skating and is monitored. Skating is permitted from 8 a.m. until sunset.

What's Nearby Street View

Overview

Things to Do

Campground

Information

Gift Shop:
Hours: Dawn to Dusk
Months Open: Year-round
Motorcoach Parking:
Notes: The park had been scheduled to start a construction project for the replacement of restrooms and adding showers to the campground among other improvements. Due to this project, the campground was going to be closed all of the 2017 camping season. The latest update on the project status indicates that there will be continued delay. With this delay, we will now be opening the campground for the Spring and Summer seasons of 2017, with the new projected closure being Labor Day 2017. So book your reservations now for camping at Colonel Denning State Park!
Parking: Free
Payment Accepted:
- American Express
- Discover
- Mastercard
- Visa

Quick Check

Credit Cards Accepted:
Handicapped Accessible:
Pets Allowed:

Amenities

Restrooms:

Family Fun

All Ages:
Under 4:

Fishing

Family Fun Fishing:
Fishing:
Ice-Fishing:
Stocked Trout:

Land Recreation

Biking Trails:
Bird Watching:
Cross-Country Skiing:
Environmental Education:
Equestrian Trails:
Hiking Trails:
Hunting:
Colonel Denning State Park:
Interpretative Signage:
Orienteering:
Picnic Area/Pavilions:
Scenic Overlook:
Miles of Trails: 3.5
Number of Trails: 3
Any Length Trail:
Trail Length > 5 Miles:
Trail Length < 5 Miles:

Water Recreation

Boating:
Ice-Skating:
Swimming:

General

Camping:
Fishing :
Number of Sites: 52
On Site HLD Tank:
Organized Group Tenting:
Pets Allowed:
Seasonal Campground:

Amenities

Electric and Water Hook Up: