Locust Lake State Park

10/18/2026

The campground at Locust Lake State Park and the cottages and yurts at Tuscarora State Park will officially close for the season at 3:00 PM today.

We want to thank everyone who stayed with us this season! We truly appreciate you and your families choosing to spend your time with us and hope to welcome you back next year.

Today is also the last day our park office will be open on weekends this season. Beginning tomorrow, office hours will switch to our winter schedule of Monday – Friday, 8 AM – 4 PM.

Thank you for another great season. We look forward to seeing you again in 2027!

10/15/2026

It's time for your Week 3 Fall Foliage Report! 🍁🍂

While heavy rain knocked down some leaves, chilly nights recently sped up the color change in many Pennsylvania forests. The cooler weather expected this weekend will help bring out even brighter fall colors across the state.

With beautiful shades showing up everywhere now, it’s a great time to get outside and enjoy the stunning fall scenery in the Keystone State!

Photo 1: Elk Run Vista (Tioga Forest District)
Photo 2: Moon Lake (Pinchot Forest District)
Photo 3: Erie County

View the full report: pa.gov/fallfoliage

10/15/2026

No one should miss out on time outdoors because of their period.

Free menstrual products, including pads and tampons, are available in many state park offices, visitor centers, and environmental education centers.

Find a participating location near you: https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dcnr/recreation/where-to-go/state-parks

10/14/2026

DCNR will be releasing water from Lake Nockamixon into Tohickon Creek in Bucks County on Saturday and Sunday, November 7-8.

The releases will provide Class 3 and 4 whitewater boating conditions downstream through Ralph Stover State Park from 9:00 A.M. to 4:00 P.M. each day.

Learn more: https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dcnr/newsroom/dcnr-plans-whitewater-release-into-tohickon-creek-for-annual-boa

10/13/2026

With summer’s blazing heat being mostly a memory, fall has brought in cooler air to Pennsylvania...and now it’s fall festival season! From Punkin’ Chunkin’ to Fall Furnace Fest, PA state parks have a lot to offer during the fall.

Check out the upcoming festivals: https://events.dcnr.pa.gov/calendar/day?card_size=small&order=date&days=365&experience=&event_types%5B%5D=35754

10/12/2026

10/09/2026

Visiting your favorite state park(s) during hunting season(s)?

Be sure to use precaution and wear at least one piece of hunter/blaze orange clothing.

We hope all that take to Penn’s Woods this fall will be seen and be safe!

10/08/2026

The first hints of fall are popping at RB Winter State Park! How are the colors looking in your neck of the woods? 🍂🍁

Follow the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources to see the weekly Fall Foliage Report for your go‑to guide this leaf‑peeping season! 🌲📸

10/07/2026

A reminder that dumping yard waste, tree limbs, and other trash or biodegradable materials on state park (and forest) land is not permitted. These materials may contain invasive species, insects, and/or disease that can be harmful to Pennsylvania's public lands.

Anyone caught illegally dumping on state park or forest land will be cited, ordered to clean it up, and/or ordered to complete additional community service.

If you witness someone littering or suspicious activity within a state park or forest, please contact the park/forest office or a DCNR ranger.

10/06/2026

Ready to ride your favorite trails this fall? Be safe—don’t forget your helmet!

Don't forget: Pennsylvania state law requires all bicyclists under the age of 12 to wear an approved helmet. Helmets must be worn level and snug on top of the head with the chin strap securely fastened.

10/05/2026

Looking for a quiet escape? Yellow Creek State Park in Indiana County offers calm waters, rolling hills, and room to breathe, while still offering the convenience many visitors want.

Park Manager James Tweardy appears on the latest Hemlocks to Hellbenders podcast to share what makes this peaceful refuge so special.

Wouldn’t it be nice to just get away from the crowds? To visit a park that’s not crammed with people, with their music, and their yapping dogs and all their other stuff. To experience some damn peace and quiet.Since the pandemic, outdoor spaces ha...

10/05/2026

Big Sit at Locust Lake State Park- Schuylkill County Conservancy event
Saturday, October 10
7:00am – 3:00pm
Locust Lake State Park
220 Locust Lake Rd, Barnesville, PA 18214, USA
Please join us for a fun nature event, the “BIG SIT”, at Locust Lake State Park on Saturday, October 10. The Big Sit is an annual event, where birders all over the world record birds by species from a small circular area that is 17 feet in diameter. It is similar to a ‘Big Day’ birding excursion, but birds are counted only with what participants can see & hear while we are viewing out from the stationary circle. The event will run from 7:00am – 3:00pm, and you can stop anytime during that time frame.
Our count circle, with our Conservancy banner & table, will be on the north side of the lake, at the west end of the grassy field area -- very close to the camp store. Look for Schuylkill County Conservancy signs not far from the main parking lot. We’ll be counting birds, and also providing information, and answering any questions that you may have regarding our native bird species that nest, are resident, or migrate through the eastern US. Bring along binoculars & folding chair if you’d like. It is always enjoyable to chat with others about birds or any nature topics that arise. We’ll have some snacks & drinks.
In case of rain, the event will be canceled. Hope to see you there !
In the event that the program is canceled due to adverse weather conditions, please feel free to call Dave at 570-640-1184.

10/05/2026

Join us on Friday, October 23, 2026 at 10:30 am as we explore the mountain behind Locust Lake State Park and hike the Fireline Trail. This hike is 4 miles in length and moderate in difficulty. The pine stands and brush are perfect habitat for birds and other wildlife. Meet at the visitor parking lot at Locust Lake State Park located before the contact station at 10:15 am. We will be traveling to another area to start the hike. Bring a lunch and your dog for a nice relaxing hike in the woods. All pets must be leashed and get along with people and other pets. Shine only. You must register with Robin at 570-900-3336.

10/04/2026

Join EES Robin Tracey from Tuscarora SP Complex for a hike around Owl Creek Reservoir outside of Tamaqua on Tuesday, October 20, 2026 at 10:30 am. The trail is 4 miles in length and moderate in difficulty. The trail loops around both reservoirs and through the woods. We meet in the upper reservoir parking lot on Owl Creek Road. Bring a lunch. Dogs are welcome, but must be leashed and get along well with people and other pets. Shine only. Pre-registration is required by calling Robin at 570-900-3336.

10/02/2026

Looking for the best places to view the fall foliage in Pennsylvania? Check out this list from visitPA for some inspiration!
..we might be partial to the state parks... 😉

https://www.visitpa.com/blog/post/when-and-where-view-best-fall-foliage-pa/

09/22/2026

(CANCELLED) Join Naturalist Robin Tracey from Tuscarora State Park for a hike at the Riverlands in Berwick on Monday, October 12, 2026. The trail is 4.5 miles in length and easy. The trail runs next to the Susquehanna River, two ponds and a large wetland area. It is a great place to look for summer wildflowers and critters. Meet Robin at the Riverlands Educational building located at 634 Salem Blvd, Berwick, PA at 10:30 am. Bring a lunch and water. Registration is required by contacting Robin at 570-900-3336. Shine only.

09/22/2026

(CANCELLED) Hike. Join Naturalist Robin Tracey from Tuscarora State Park for a walk at the Landingville Marsh on Sunday, October 4, 2026. The trail is 4 miles in length and easy. We will hike around the marsh looking for critters in the marsh. We will make a stop at the Auburn Dam. We will meet at the Advanced Auto Parts store in the Cressona Mall parking lot to carpool to the site at 10:30 am. The hike starts at 11:00 am. Dogs are welcome, but must be leashed and get along with other pets and people. Bring a lunch. Registration is required by contacting Robin at (570) 900-3336. Shine only.

09/13/2026

Join Naturalist Robin Tracey on the Oak/Hemlock Trail at Locust Lake SP on Sunday, September 27, 2026 at 10:30 am. The trail is 3 miles in length and moderate in difficulty. We will be hiking next to Locust Creek, then ascending up the mountain. Part of the hike includes the “Tree Identification Trail” made by one of our Eagle Scouts. Dogs are welcome, but must be leashed and get along with other pets and people. Please meet at the visitor parking lot and bring a lunch. Registration is required by calling Robin at (570) 900-3336. Shine only.

09/11/2026

The swimming areas at Tuscarora and Locust Lake State Park will be closed for the season starting tomorrow, 9/12/26. Thank you to everyone who made a splash with us this summer! We can't wait to welcome you back next season!

09/08/2026

(CANCELLED) Hike. Join Naturalist Robin Tracey from Tuscarora State Park for a walk at the Landingville Marsh on Sunday, September 20, 2026. The trail is 4 miles in length and easy. We will hike around the marsh looking for critters in the marsh. We will make a stop at the Auburn Dam. We will meet at the Advanced Auto Parts store in the Cressona Mall parking lot to carpool to the site at 10:30 am. The hike starts at 11:00 am. Dogs are welcome, but must be leashed and get along with other pets and people. Bring a lunch. Registration is required by contacting Robin at (570) 900-3336. Shine only. (CANCELLED)