Camping at Picnic Area 3
Overview
Laurel Hill State Park is nestled in Somerset County, Pennsylvania, and offers visitors a variety of outdoor recreational opportunities. If you're interested in camping specifically at Picnic Area 3 within the park, here's some important information you'll need to keep in mind:
Location and Access
Picnic Area 3 is one of the several designated picnic areas in Laurel Hill State Park. The park is located at:
Laurel Hill State Park
1454 Laurel Hill Park Road
Somerset, PA 15501
Facilities and Amenities
- Picnic Tables: There are numerous picnic tables available for use.
- Grills: Fixed grills for cooking can be found in the area.
- Restrooms: Restrooms are located within a reasonable distance from the picnic area.
- Parking: There is a parking area close to the picnic site.
- Playground: A playground may be available nearby for children's activities.
Activities
- Hiking: Laurel Hill State Park features several miles of hiking trails that you can access from various points in the park.
- Fishing: The park is home to a 63-acre lake that is stocked with trout and where fishing is a popular activity.
- Boating: Non-motorized or electric motor boats are permitted on the lake.
- Swimming: A beach area is open during summer months for swimming.
Reservations and Fees
- Reservations: It's advisable to reserve Picnic Area 3 in advance, especially during peak season or for weekend use.
- Fees: There may be a fee to reserve the picnic area, depending on the size of your group and the length of your stay.
Policies and Regulations
- Liquor Prohibition: Alcohol is generally not permitted in Pennsylvania state parks, including Laurel Hill.
- Pets: Pets are allowed in designated areas but must be leashed and controlled at all times.
- Open Fires: Open fires may be restricted to designated areas or fire rings.
- Trash: Follow Leave No Trace principles and carry out all trash, or use designated receptacles if available.
Safety and Environmental Care
- Weather: Be prepared for changing weather conditions and dress accordingly.
- Wildlife: Do not feed wildlife and keep a safe distance from any animals you encounter.
- Vegetation: Preserve the natural vegetation by not picking plants or flowers.
- Fire Safety: Ensure that any fires are fully extinguished before leaving the area.
Getting There
The park is easily accessible by car:
- From the Pennsylvania Turnpike, take exit 110, Somerset, and follow signs to PA 31 from Somerset.
- Proceed on PA 31 East for about 8.5 miles.
- Turn left onto Trent Road and follow the park signs about four miles to the park.
Remember, while Picnic Area 3 is great for a day-use activity, if you wish to camp overnight, you would need to check the availability of the park's camping facilities, which include family campsites, organized group tenting, and yurts/cottages with more amenities.
Before heading to Laurel Hill State Park, it's always a good idea to check with the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources or the park directly for the most current information, including updates on facility availability, current regulations, or any restrictions that might be in place due to the season or special events.
