Camping at MCCALLS DAM STATE PARK

General Information

McCalls Dam State Park is a small, remote park in Centre County, Pennsylvania, USA. It is nestled in the natural scenic beauty and offers a quiet retreat with basic amenities, perfect for nature enthusiasts. The park covers a modest area and is surrounded by a large expanse of state forest, featuring a rustic camping experience.

Camping at McCall's Dam State Park

Facilities:

• Primitive Camping: The park is known for its rustic appeal, offering primitive campsites. These sites typically lack modern conveniences such as electricity, running water, or flush toilets.
• Picnic Tables and Fire Rings: Campsites are likely to come with a picnic table and a fire ring.

Campsite Reservations:

• Because the camping is primitive, the availability of campsites might be on a first-come-first-served basis. It is recommended to check with the Pennsylvania state park reservation system or local park management for the latest information on reservations and availability.

Accessibility:

• Due to its rustic nature, accessibility features might be limited, so individuals with specific needs should check in advance for accommodation details.

Activities

Outdoor Recreation:

• Hiking: The park serves as a gateway to the surrounding state forest where multiple hiking trails are available.
• Fishing: Nearby streams might provide opportunities for fishing, with native trout often found in the area's waters.
• Wildlife Viewing: The remote setting also makes it ideal for wildlife watching, with a chance to spot various native species of birds and other wildlife.

Regulations:

• Firewood: To prevent the spread of insects and disease, it's generally recommended to obtain firewood locally rather than bringing it from home.
• Pets: Pet policies vary from park to park; it's always best to check the rules regarding pets before planning your trip.

Access and Location

Getting There:

• McCall's Dam State Park might not be as easily accessible as larger, more developed parks. Specific directions should be obtained before you start your journey.

Nearby Attractions:

• Surrounding state forest land may offer additional recreational opportunities.
• Nearby towns and other state parks can provide more extensive services, cultural experiences, or additional outdoor activities.

Things to Know Before You Go

Weather:

• The weather in the region can be unpredictable, and it is advisable to prepare for all conditions, from hot sunny days to rain or even snow, depending on the season.

Safety:

• Given its remote location, cell phone reception may be limited or nonexistent. It's important to plan accordingly and inform someone of your plans.
• As with all wilderness camping, proper precautions should be taken with food storage and waste disposal to avoid attracting wildlife to the campsites.

Local Outdoor Ethics:

• Adherence to Leave No Trace principles is highly encouraged to preserve the natural beauty and wildlife habitat for future visitors.

Points of Note

Connectivity:

• It's quite normal for remote state parks like McCalls Dam to have no Wi-Fi availability and limited-to-no cell phone reception.

Contact Information

For the most current and detailed information, contacting the park directly is recommended. The park may be managed under the umbrella of a larger state park or forest district, so visitors should reach out to the Pennsylvania Bureau of State Parks or the specific forest district that has jurisdiction over McCall's Dam State Park.