State Game Lands 116 park
State Game Lands 116
State Game Lands 116, encompassing approximately 5,500 acres, is situated in central Pennsylvania's Dauphin County. The area is known for its lush forests, rolling hills, and picturesque landscapes. It is managed by the Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC) primarily for hunting, trapping, and wildlife management purposes. However, non-hunting activities are also permitted, making it an attractive destination for outdoor enthusiasts.
One of the main reasons to visit State Game Lands 116 is its abundant wildlife. The area is home to various species, including white-tailed deer, wild turkey, black bear, foxes, and a wide array of bird species. Wildlife enthusiasts and birdwatchers will find ample opportunities to observe and photograph these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat. It is recommended to carry a pair of binoculars or a camera to make the most of these experiences.
Several points of interest within State Game Lands 116 are worth exploring. The Ned Smith Center for Nature and Art, located near the game lands, offers educational exhibits, art displays, and nature trails. Visitors can learn about the local flora and fauna, as well as enjoy the scenic view of the Susquehanna River. Additionally, Boyd Big Tree Preserve Conservation Area, adjacent to the game lands, boasts an impressive collection of old-growth trees, with some estimated to be over 1,000 years old.
Interesting facts about State Game Lands 116 include its historical significance. It was originally part of the Pennsylvania Canal system, which played a crucial role in the state's transportation network during the early 19th century. The remnants of the canal, including locks and towpaths, can still be found within the game lands, providing a glimpse into the region's past.
The best time of year to visit State Game Lands 116 depends on individual preferences and desired activities. For birdwatching, spring and fall are recommended, as many migratory bird species pass through the area during these seasons. Hunters will find the fall hunting season, particularly for deer and turkey, to be a popular time to visit. Outdoor enthusiasts looking to enjoy the natural beauty and recreational activities can visit throughout the year, taking advantage of hiking, wildlife observation, fishing, and camping opportunities offered by the game lands.
To ensure accuracy, this summary is based on information obtained from multiple independent sources, including the official website of the Pennsylvania Game Commission and reputable travel websites. It is always advised to verify specific details, such as regulations and current conditions, before planning a visit to State Game Lands 116.
Park & land designation reference
A quick legend for the federal and state land categories Snoflo tracks. Each designation comes with different rules around access, recreation, and resource extraction.
- National Park
- Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
- State Park
- Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
- Local Park
- Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
- Wilderness Area
- The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized motorized access permitted.
- National Recreation Area
- Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing, often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes); may allow more development.
- National Conservation Area (BLM)
- BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
- State Forest
- State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
- Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
- Vast federal lands managed for mixed use -- recreation, grazing, mining, conservation -- with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
Plan your visit down to the hour
Same weather feed Snoflo's iOS app uses -- updated continuously from NOAA / yr.no.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Area campgrounds
Snoflo-tracked campgrounds within reach of State Game Lands 116, with reservations status.
| Campground | Reservations | Toilets | View |
|---|---|---|---|
| Lake Greeley Camp | ✗ | ✗ | → |
| Camp Shohola | ✗ | ✗ | → |
| Pine Forest Camp | ✗ | ✗ | → |
| Camp Timber Tops | ✗ | ✗ | → |
| Kittatinny Canoes Riverside Campground | ✗ | ✗ | → |
| Kittatinny Campground | ✗ | ✗ | → |
Plan a longer trip
The closest parks, lakes, fishing spots, and POIs so a park visit can grow into a full weekend.
Responsible recreation & Leave No Trace
- Know before you go
- Check the operator's site for hours, permit requirements, seasonal closures, and fire restrictions before heading out.
- Stay on trail
- Stick to marked paths to protect vegetation, prevent erosion, and avoid disturbing wildlife habitat.
- Respect wildlife
- Observe from a distance, never feed wildlife, and store food securely if camping is permitted on-site.
- Pack it in, pack it out
- Carry out all trash, food scraps, and gear. Many parks have limited or no trash service.
- Leave what you find
- Don't take rocks, plants, or artifacts. They make the park what it is for the next visitor.
Set push alerts in the Snoflo app
Save State Game Lands 116 as a favorite, set a custom threshold (precipitation, freezing temperatures, fire-restriction days), and the iOS app will push the moment conditions cross.
About State Game Lands 116
What can I do at State Game Lands 116?
Most Snoflo-tracked parks support hiking, picnicking, and wildlife viewing. Check the operator's site for activity-specific rules (camping, fishing, paddling, hunting).
How fresh is the weather data?
The hourly forecast updates throughout the day from NOAA / yr.no. Streamflow comes live from USGS streamgauges.
When is the best time to visit?
Use the 15-day temperature & precipitation outlook on this page to plan -- pick a window with comfortable temperatures and low precipitation.
How do I get to State Game Lands 116?
Tap Directions in the hero above to open driving directions in Google Maps, or Open in map to center the Snoflo interactive map on the park.
Can I get alerts when conditions change?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this park, set a threshold (temperature, precipitation), and you'll get a push the moment it crosses.
Other parks near here
Snoflo-tracked parks within driving distance of State Game Lands 116.