Ravensburg State Park

The park lies in a cozy, steep-walled gorge carved by Rauchtown Run through the side of Nippenose Mountain. A northern hardwood forest blankets the bottomland along this spring-fed stream. Talus (rock) covered slopes and interesting rock formations are interspersed among a stunted oak forest growing on the steep mountainsides and ridges. This pretty valley is especially beautiful when the mountain laurel blooms in late June and during the fall foliage of early October. The 215,000-acre Tiadaghton State Forest nearly surrounds Ravensburg State Park’s 78 acres. The state forest has hunting, fishing and wildlife watching. A short drive away is Bald Eagle State Forest and the Mt. Logan and Rosecrans Bog natural areas.

Explore

Directions - Weather  - Recreation  - Accessibility  - History  - Geologic Formations  - Nearby Services  - Volunteers  - Rules and Regs  - In an Emergency  - Contact Us  - Downloadables and Maps

Park Advisories

Directions

Ravensburg State Park is in central Pennsylvania, Clinton County, on PA 880, eight miles southeast of Jersey Shore, or four miles north of Carroll, Exit 192 (old Exit 28) on I-80.

Recreational Opportunities

Hiking  - Picnicking  - Fishing  - Hunting  - Camping

Camping: tents-only, modern campsites
The forested campground is open from the first Friday in May through the last Sunday in September. Each of the 21 sites has a picnic table and a fire ring. This campground does not accept reservations. Pets are permitted.

Explore the campground map.

Explore camping for more information.

Picnicking: Within the three picnic areas are picnic tables, picnic pavilions, charcoal grills, a playfield, a playground and horseshoe pits. Most picnic tables are shaded. Four picnic pavilions may be reserved up to 11 months in advance for a fee. Unreserved picnic pavilions are free on a first-come, first-served basis. Call toll-free 888-PA-PARKS for reservations. Make a reservation

Hunting: Because of its small size, hunting is prohibited at Ravensburg State Park. Hunting is permitted on surrounding Tiadaghton State Forest land.

Hiking: 1 mile of trails
Raven Trail nearly runs the length of the park, parallel to Rauchtown Run. Several other trails provide steep access to rocky outcrops or access to longer hiking trails on state forest land, including the 261-mile Mid State backpacking trail. Proper attire and good physical conditioning are recommended for your comfort and safety.

Fishing: Rauchtown Run and its tributaries provide excellent cold water fishing for native brown and brook trout. Warm water fishing is within easy driving distance and includes the west branch of the Susquehanna River, Bald Eagle Creek and Blanchard Lake. For complete information on fishing rules and regulations in Pennsylvania, visit the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission Web site.

History

The park was named for ravens that once roosted on the rock ledges at the southern end of the park. Ravens are still seen around the park and can be distinguished from crows because ravens are larger than crows and make a deeper, groan-like call.

The forest of Ravensburg State Park has undergone little change in the last 100 years. It is unlikely that extensive logging ever occurred in the area due to the steep, rocky terrain and the isolation of the area. The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) constructed Ravensburg State Park on state forest land. CCC Camp S-127 built picnic pavilions, latrines, waterlines, fountains, bridges, trails and a dam on Rauchtown Run.

Ravensburg State Park still has a pleasing rustic character due to the rugged land and the CCC era structures of native stone, rough-sawn logs and stained wood.

For more information on the CCC, visit the Civilian Conservation Corps Online Archive.

Geologic Formations

The most outstanding geologic feature in the park is Castle Rocks. Tall erosional spires of sandstone are silhouetted against the sky, like the towers of an ancient castle. You can see Castle Rocks from Mid State Trail in the southern end of the park. Primarily frost action has caused the sandstone blocks to break away at weak places in the sandstone, leaving behind isolated pillars. Additional information on the geological features are found in the 'Trail of Geology Guide' available at the park office.

Access for People with Disabilities

If you need an accommodation to participate in park activities due to a disability, please contact the park you plan to visit.

Local Services

Food, picnicking supplies and gasoline can be found at several stores in Oval and Antes Fort, about five miles north of the park.

Clinton County Economic Partnership, 888-388-6991, www.clintoncountyinfo.com.

In an Emergency

Contact a park employee or dial 911.
For directions to the nearest hospital, look on bulletin boards or at the park office.

Nearest Hospital:
Jersey Shore Hospital
1020 Thompson Street
Jersey Shore, PA 17740
570-398-0100

For More Information Contact:

Ravensburg State Park
c/o R.B. Winter
Mifflinburg, PA 17844-9656
570-966-1455
Manager: Bob Deffner

E-mail: rbwintersp@state.pa.us
An equal opportunity employer

Make online reservations or call toll-free 888-PA-PARKS, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Saturday, for state park information and reservations.