Camping at OLE BULL STATE PARK

Overview of Ole Bull State Park

Ole Bull State Park is located in the beautiful Kettle Creek Valley of Potter County, Pennsylvania. Named after the famous Norwegian violinist Ole Bull, the park spans 132 acres and offers a variety of outdoor activities such as camping, hiking, fishing, and picnicking. The park is characterized by lush forests, sparkling streams, and the scenic Kettle Creek which is popular for trout fishing.

Camping Information

Facilities:
Ole Bull State Park offers camping facilities that include tent and trailer sites. Some of these sites have electric hookups. The campgrounds typically offer modern restrooms, warm showers, and a sanitary dump station for RVs.

Reservation:
Campsites can be reserved up to 11 months in advance through the Pennsylvania state park reservation system. Reservations can be made online through the official Pennsylvania State Parks reservation website or by calling the toll-free number.

Campsite Rules:

• Check-In/Check-Out: Check-in typically starts at 3 PM, and check-out is usually by 3 PM as well.
• Quiet Hours: Quiet hours are normally enforced to ensure all guests can enjoy a peaceful experience. These are typically from 9 PM to 8 AM.
• Alcohol Policy: Pennsylvania state parks generally have a no-alcohol policy.
• Pets: Pets are often welcome at designated campsites but must be kept on a leash and attended to at all times.
• Firewood: To prevent the spread of invasive insects, the park may advise against bringing your own firewood. Firewood can usually be purchased at or near the park.

Seasons:
The camping season at Ole Bull State Park usually runs from mid-April through the end of December. However, the exact dates can change, so it is best to check with the park directly or online for the current year's schedule.

Activities in Ole Bull State Park

Hiking:
The park offers several miles of hiking trails that meander through the forested area allowing visitors to experience the local flora and fauna.

Fishing:
Kettle Creek is stocked with trout and provides excellent fishing opportunities. Anglers must follow Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission rules and regulations.

Swimming:
While there is no designated swimming pool or beach in Ole Bull State Park, there are wading opportunities in Kettle Creek.

Wildlife Watching:
The park's diverse habitats make it a great spot for bird watching and seeing other wildlife, such as white-tailed deer and wild turkeys.

Nearby Attractions

• Cherry Springs State Park, known for its dark skies and stargazing events.
• Susquehannock State Forest, offering more outdoor activities like hiking and biking.
• The Pennsylvania Lumber Museum, which presents the state's rich lumbering history.

Contacting the Park

For the most accurate and up-to-date information regarding camping, it’s best to contact the park directly:

• Park Office: Visitors can call the park office for specific queries.
• Website: The park's official web page on the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) site includes detailed information and alerts.

Remember that conditions and policies can change, so verifying the information before planning your trip is important.