Admiral Butterfly
ParkPennsylvania, US
Penn-Roosevelt State Park
Nestled deep within Pennsylvania's picturesque Seven Mountains region, Penn-Roosevelt State Park offers a tranquil escape, a mere 41-acre gem surrounded by the vast 80,000-acre Rothrock State Forest.
About
Nestled deep within Pennsylvania's picturesque Seven Mountains region, Penn-Roosevelt State Park offers a tranquil escape, a mere 41-acre gem surrounded by the vast 80,000-acre Rothrock State Forest. Known as the Stone Creek Kettle, this secluded park is a haven for those seeking quiet recreation amidst natural beauty and rich history. It provides an ideal base for exploring the expansive public lands, perfect for unwinding and reconnecting with nature away from the bustling crowds.
The park is centered around the scenic 3.5-acre Penn-Roosevelt Lake, formed by a dam on Standing Stone Creek where it meets Sassafras Run. This small yet picturesque lake is home to native brook trout, while the stream below the dam is regularly stocked, making it an excellent spot for peaceful fishing. Beyond the water, the park's diverse forest ecosystem provides a habitat for an array of species. Keep an eye out for Eastern Hemlock and Bigtooth Aspen, and on the forest floor, you might discover Sensitive Fern or Interrupted Clubmoss. Birdwatchers can delight in spotting Chipping Sparrows, American Redstarts, and Eastern Phoebes, while keen observers might even catch a glimpse of the elusive North American Porcupine or the vibrant Eastern Newt near waterways.
Penn-Roosevelt State Park promises a memorable visit for those who appreciate solitude, natural beauty, and a touch of history. Its quiet, wooded atmosphere, punctuated by the sounds of Sassafras Run and Standing Stone Creek, offers a relaxing backdrop for any outdoor adventure. Whether you're casting a line, exploring the trails, or simply soaking in the serene environment, the park provides a unique opportunity to experience the raw tranquility of central Pennsylvania's wild landscapes. Planning to visit? Download the Snappit app to identify the wildlife you spot in real-time.
Penn-Roosevelt State Park boasts a significant and poignant history, dating back to its establishment on June 5, 1933, as a Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) camp during the Great Depression. Initially known as Camp S-62, or Stone Creek Kettle, this camp was unique as it was one of only 12 segregated African-American CCC camps in Pennsylvania. The young men of Company 361-C at Camp S-62 made vital contributions to the area, constructing recreational facilities, including the 195-foot log-crib dam that created Penn-Roosevelt Lake, and building many of the surrounding forestry roads and trails that visitors still use today. Remnants of their work, such as two stone fireplaces and a unique stone bake oven, can still be found in the woods, serving as a tangible connection to their legacy. After the CCC camp closed in 1935, the area served as a state forest picnic area for decades before officially being designated Penn-Roosevelt State Park in 1983.
What to do here
Hiking: Explore the Mid State Trail, which passes through the park, or other trails within the surrounding Rothrock State Forest.
Fishing: Enjoy fishing for native brook trout in Penn-Roosevelt Lake or in the stocked stream below the dam.
Camping: Experience rustic tent-only camping at the park's first-come, first-served campground.
Wildlife Viewing: Observe white-tailed deer, black bear, wild turkey, and various small game. Look for muskrats, ducks, geese, and occasionally bald eagles around the lake.
History Exploration: Visit the CCC monument and seek out the remains of the historic camp.
Picnicking: Utilize the picnic tables and pavilion for a relaxing meal amidst nature.
Seasonal info
Spring/Summer: Lush greenery, active wildlife, and good conditions for hiking and fishing.
Fall: Spectacular fall foliage, pleasant hiking weather, and potentially increased animal activity.
Winter: A quiet, stark beauty, but prepare for cold and limited road access. Wildlife viewing might be easier against snow.
Accessibility
The park primarily offers a rustic experience. Information on specific wheelchair-accessible trails is not readily available, and camping facilities are primitive with non-flush toilets. It is generally considered a low-density recreation area.
Don't miss
1
Penn-Roosevelt Lake and its dam waterfall.
2
The monument and remnants of the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) Camp S-62, including stone fireplaces and a bake oven.
3
The Mid State Trail, offering access to longer hikes within Rothrock State Forest.
Wildlife you might spot
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Snap map for this place
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Good to know before you go
Bring all necessary supplies
As a rustic park, there are no stores nearby, so bring all your food, water, and camping essentials.
Pack out everything you pack in
Penn-Roosevelt State Park participates in a carry-in/carry-out trash disposal program; there are no trash facilities.
Be aware of wildlife
Keep food and coolers secured in vehicles to deter wild animals like black bears and raccoons.
Check road conditions in winter
Roads leading to the park are not plowed, so access can be limited during snowy conditions.
Explore the CCC remnants
Take time to locate the monument, stone fireplaces, and bake oven to appreciate the park's unique history.
Carry a map of Rothrock State Forest
While the park itself is small, loop hikes are possible in the surrounding state forest, so a detailed map will be helpful.
Frequently asked questions
- Penn-Roosevelt State Park offers a range of outdoor activities including hiking, fishing for native brook trout in Penn-Roosevelt Lake, rustic tent-only camping, picnicking, and wildlife observation. Visitors can explore the Mid State Trail that runs through the park and enjoy the serene natural environment.
- Yes, Penn-Roosevelt State Park has a small, primitive campground for tent-only camping. Sites are first-come, first-served and offer a rustic experience with non-flush toilets and drinking water available, but no modern restrooms, RV hookups, or showers.
- Penn-Roosevelt State Park is historically significant as the site of Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) Camp S-62, one of only 12 segregated African-American CCC camps in Pennsylvania during the Great Depression. The men of this camp built the park's dam, roads, and trails, and remnants of their work, like stone fireplaces and a bake oven, can still be found.
Recent snaps at this place
Nov 9, 2025
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