Camping at RAYMOND B WINTER STATE PARK

General Overview

Raymond B. Winter State Park is a Pennsylvania state park located in Union County, Pennsylvania, United States. Named after Raymond B. Winter, a former district forester, the park spans 695 acres and includes Halfway Lake, which was created by damming Rapid Run.

Camping Information

1. Campground Details:

• The park offers several camping options including tent and trailer sites, most of which have electric hookups.
• Campsites come with amenities such as a picnic table and fire ring.
• The campground has flush toilets, warm showers, and a sanitary dump station.

2. Camping Seasons:

• Typically, the campground is open from the second Friday in April until the end of October, but it's wise to check the current status as seasons may vary from year to year.

3. Reservations:

• Campsites can be reserved up to 11 months in advance until just one day before your visit.
• Reservations can be made online through the Pennsylvania State Parks Reservations System or by calling the toll-free number.

4. Campsite Restrictions:

• It's important to note that pets are only allowed in designated areas.
• Alcohol is prohibited in all Pennsylvania state parks.
• The maximum period for camping is 14 days during the summer season or 21 days during the off-season.

Recreational Activities

• Hiking: There's a network of trails available for hiking, offering a range of difficulty levels.

• Boating: Non-powered and electric powered boats are allowed on Halfway Lake. Boat rentals are typically available during the summer season.

• Fishing: The lake is stocked and provides a habitat for warm-water game fish, panfish, and trout.

• Swimming: A 300-foot sand beach is open for swimming from late-May to mid-September.

• Picnicking: Picnic facilities are available with tables and charcoal grills.

• Wildlife and Nature Observation: The park is home to various species of wildlife and plants, making it great for nature enthusiasts.

• Winter Activities: In winter, the park supports activities like cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and ice fishing, weather permitting.

Facilities and Services

• Amenities: Restrooms, picnic pavilions, playgrounds, and a seasonal food concession stand.

• Accessibility: Certain facilities are ADA accessible.

• Visitor Center: The park has a visitor center with exhibits about the natural and cultural history of the park.

Important Tips and Regulations

• Check-in and Check-out Times: Check-in typically begins at 3 p.m., and check-out is usually by 3 p.m.

• Quiet Hours: Quiet hours are generally enforced from 9 p.m. to 8 a.m.

• Trash: Practice "Carry In, Carry Out" for trash disposal and recycling.

• Firewood Alert: Due to the threat of spreading invasive insects, it's recommended to buy firewood locally rather than bringing your own.

Contact and Reservation Information

For the most up-to-date information and to make a reservation, visitors should consult the official Pennsylvania State Parks website or contact the Raymond B. Winter State Park office directly. It's best to plan and book well in advance, especially for peak seasons, as campsites may fill up quickly.