Locust Lake State Park

10/23/2026

Meet the new assistant park manager for Bald Eagle State Park in central Pennsylvania.

With two campgrounds, boating, fishing, swimming, the Nature Inn, and diverse habitats that are excellent for wildlife watching, Bald Eagle State Park is a great destination in the heart of Pennsylvania.

Learn more: https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dcnr/newsroom/dcnr-names-new-assistant-manager-bald-eagle-state-park-in-centre

10/22/2026

It's time for your Week 4 Fall Foliage Report! 🍁🍂

Recent cold nights have sparked dramatic color changes across Pennsylvania’s forests, and now vibrant hues are bursting statewide. From the Poconos to the Allegheny Plateau, across the full sweep of the Appalachians and into the southeastern corners of the state, the autumn cheer of Penn’s Woods is on full display.

It’s shaping up to be one of the most impressive fall foliage seasons in a few years, making right now the perfect time to get outside and enjoy Pennsylvania’s breathtaking autumn scenery!

Photo 1: Mason Hill (Elk Forest District)
Photo 2: Bark Road (Buchanan Forest District)
Photo 3: Route 402 (Delaware Forest District)

View the full report: pa.gov/fallfoliage

10/22/2026

PA Outdoor Corps is Pennsylvania’s premier youth conservation workforce development and training program run by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources in partnership with Student Conservation Association.

Follow us to learn more about the program and see what our crews are doing in the field!

10/21/2026

Fall is showing off at many Pennsylvania state parks! 🍁

Check out some of our favorite autumn photos captured and shared by you! Got one you'd like to share? Drop it in the comments below!

10/20/2026

Tick exposure can occur year-round. Don't forget to check yourself and pets for ticks after coming in from the outdoors to reduce your chances of contracting Lyme disease or other tick-borne illnesses!

10/19/2026

What's your favorite PA state park to visit during the fall? Bonus points if you drop your favorite picture that you've taken! 📷

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!

10/16/2026

Get ready for spooky season with PA State Park Educators!

From Spooky Scavenger Hunts to Halloween Science to Halloween Night Hikes and Nature-Themed Trunk-of-Treats, our educators are offering all things Halloween for you and your family at PA State Parks this October.

Learn more: https://events.dcnr.pa.gov/search/events?search=halloween

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

10/12/2026

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.

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)