Hidden in the heart of the Pennsylvania Wilds, Sinnemahoning State Park is a small quiet campground known for its seclusion, scenic beauty, and wildlife.
Sinnemahoning State Park Campground Review
Sinnemahoning State Park stretches along the First Fork of the Sinnemahoning Creek between the ridges of Elk and Susquehannock State Forests. Straddling Cameron and Potter Counties, Sinnemahoning State Park is near the center of the Pennsylvania Wilds region which is known for its extensive wilderness areas.
The campground is one of the smaller state park campgrounds we’ve visited There are 35 sites arranged in one main loop and one sub-loop. All sites have electric, except for the two walk-in sites. The photo above is the main loop (sites 1-16 and 34-36) looking from the south. The brown building to the left is the campground’s single bathhouse. The bathhouse has one shower for men and one for women, but we didn’t have any trouble waiting in lines given the small size of the park and the number of campers, many of which have their own facilities. Like most state parks, the facilities were clean and well maintained.
The photo above is a view of the main loop looking from site 10 down to site 1. We appreciated the shade and rustic feeling of the pine stand. As typical, the sites on the inside of the loop felt closer, having more neighbors, while the sites on the outside of the loop abut the forest and feel more woodsy. Although the main loop has a small grade, as you can see in the photo, each site was sufficiently flat for tenting.
The photo above is looking down the subloop from near site 20. The sites on this subloop tended to be a little larger than on the main loop.
You can see sites 30-32 beyond the park where the white RV is located. Sites 30-32 are largely open with little tree cover.
Sinnemahoning State Park Campground majors on simplicity and seclusion; thus, it lacks some amenities found at the larger Pennsylvania State Parks, such as a swimming area, or ice and seasoned firewood for sale. However, it has a small playground area and a volleyball court. There is also a dishwashing station next to the park (out of frame in the photo). At the time we stayed there was a pile of free campfire wood provided by the DCNR next to the park. The firewood was mostly unseasoned pine, so it didn’t burn great, but it worked well enough as a supplement once the fire was going strong. There is a small amphitheater next to the second car parking where a number of free activities were hosted, such as nighttime moth collection and identification, and a class on how to clean and cook fish.
The four-bedroom modern Brooks Run Cabin, located about 4 miles south of the campground is available to rent. See the Sinnemahoning Campground DCNR site for details
Be sure to join us on the walking tour of the campground in the video below. Here is a summary of notable sites:
- Favorite sites: The walk-in sites 17 and 18, particularly 18.
Our favorite non-walk-in sites are 9, 10, and 12 on the main loop, and 20, 21, and especially 22 on the subloop. We favored these sites for their rustic feel against the woods, and most of them have some screening from neighbors. - Least favorite sites: 8 because it is next to the bathhouse with a path there running almost through the site. 11 and 13 because they are small sites located on terraces atop the steep hillside overlooking the bathhouse.
- Other noteworthy sites: 16 is a split site with a pull-through for a camper at the bottom and a two-tiered terrace above.
Reservations can be made easily through the DCNR Website. As with all Pennsylvania state parks, alcoholic beverages are prohibited. There is no cell service in the campground.
Things to Do at Sinnemahoning State Park
Hike and Bike the Lowlands Trail
The Lowlands Trail spans 5 miles running the length of Sinnemahoning State Park, between the wildlife viewing area and the Goerge B. Stevenson Dam. It is a crushed gravel rail trail once part of the Baltimore and Ohio Railroad. It is very easy and flat, excellent for family biking and walking. The Lowlands Trail provides easy access to the state park points of interest, so we were able to leave our vehicle at the campground and either bike or walk to everything we wanted to do at Sinnemahoning during our stay.
The Lowlands Trail parallels the First Fork of Sinnemahoning Creek and can be accessed from the campground via a short connector trail, just past the amphitheater. It offers picturesque views of the creek valley and mountains, with access to the water from numerous trail spurs.
Wildlife Center
The Wildlife Center was surprisingly large and well-done for such a remote state park and small campground. The lodge-style structure is well complemented by the mountain backdrop.
Inside, the Wildlife Center has a staffed welcome desk and an attractive reading room with floor-to-ceiling windows and large stone fireplace. There are numerous nature exhibits with taxidermied animals posed in replicas of their natural habitats. You can also learn about the history of the Sinnemahoning area and the conservation movement that gave birth to Pennsylvania State Parks. Nearly the entire back wall of the exhibit room is glass for viewing mountains and wildlife. The building also has several classrooms and a movie room. There was a hummingbird documentary playing during our visit.
Being both a map and adventure enthusiast, one of my favorite parts of the wildlife center was the large 3D map of the state park and vicinity.
The Arch Tree is something of an icon of Sinnemahoning State Park, and your visit would not be complete without seeing it. The curiously curved old tree was likely fashioned by American Indians as a trail marker. You can find the Arch Tree along Upper Logue Run, just south of the Wildlife Center, at 41.471953, -78.056247.
Visit the Sinnemahoning State Park Wildlife Center Website for hours and a current listing of activities and classes.
Wildlife Viewing
Sinnemahoning State Park is one of the few places in the state where you see elk. By the mid-1800s’s the native eastern elk had been eliminated from the state by overhunting. In 1913 efforts began to reintroduce elk to Pennsylvania using western elk from brought from Yellowstone. Today, Pennsylvania’s elk population has grown to approximately 1,400 and is the largest elk herd in the northeast. A wildlife viewing area is located at the northern end of Sinnemahoning State Park. We didn’t expect to see any elk here during the hot summer days of our visit, as the elk would be up in the mountains. The best time to see the elk is during the fall rut in September and October. nevertheless, you can enjoy the mountain views and other wildlife anytime.
George B. Stevenson Reservoir
The 145-acre George B. Stevenson Reservoir was constructed in 1955 as part of a flood control strategy for the West Branch of the Susquehanna River. The conspicuous 211-foot tall control tower is a landmark overlooking the picturesque valley. You can walk all the way across the dam to enjoy spectacular views of the water and mountains.
There are benches on top of the dam from which to relax and revel in the scenery. During our visit, we enjoyed watching a bald eagle soar above the reservoir and swoop for fish. The only detraction were the prolific biting flies. The reservoir is a popular spot for fishing and boating; see below.
Picnic at the 40 Maples Day Use Area
Forty Maples Day use Area is a popular spot for picnicking and splashing around in the First Fork of the Sinnemahoning Creek. There are pavilions, a bathroom facility, numerous picnic tables, a volleyball and a basketball court. However, there is no electricity available. We walked to 40 Maples from the campground via the wooded Red Spruce Trail. The trip was about 1.8 miles each way.
The 40 Maples Day Use Area is located on the onetime estate of Chauncy “Chance” Logue. “40 Maples” is so named for the row of large sugar maples (there are actually 48) Chauncy planted over 100 years ago. Chauncy was a colorful character and pioneer of the Pennsylvania Game Commission. Among other things, Chauncey was known as an expert live bear trapper and handler, as well as horseshoe pitcher par excellence. Chauncy hosted the annual county horseshoe championship on his farm here. You can read more about him at the 40 maples Day Use Area.
Fishing, Boating, Swimming
The Goerge B. Stevenson Reservoir is popular for boating and fishing. Non-powered bots and electric motorboats are allowed, and there is a boat launch at the northern end of the reservoir. The launch area offers superb scenic views of the valley. During our stay, the DCNR offered a pontoon boat tour of the reservoir with no additional fee.
The First Fork of Sinnemahoning Creek is a well-known fly fishing area. We came a cross this hole full of trout during our exploration. See Fishing at Sinnemahoning State Park for details.
Concluding Thoughts and Recommendation
Sinnemahoning State Park is known for its seclusion, scenic beauty, and wildlife. The state park is a narrow strip between the mountains, about 5.5 miles long. We appreciated that we could leave the vehicle at the campsite and easily travel from one end of the park to the other by bike or on foot. Sinnemahoning is one of the smaller state park campgrounds we’ve visited and had a more quiet, laidback atmosphere, even for a PA state park. Bing in the heart of the Pennsylvania Wilds, Sinnemahoning can also serve as a jumping off point to explore the many nearby adventures of Elk and Susquehannock State Forests and numerous wild areas.
For more information, visit the Sinnemahoning State Park Website.
Also, be sure to check out our other campground guides and reviews.
