Whipple Dam State Park
Rate this placeLast Updated: December 5, 2025
Whipple Dam State Park, located in Pennsylvania, is a picturesque destination that offers a range of outdoor activities for visitors.
°F
°F
mph
Wind
%
Humidity
Summary
Nestled in the beautiful Mifflin County, this state park provides an ideal setting for nature enthusiasts, families, and adventure seekers. Here is a summary of what you can expect when visiting Whipple Dam State Park:
Reasons to Visit:
1. Natural Beauty: The park is renowned for its stunning natural beauty, including the 22-acre Whipple Lake, surrounded by lush forests and scenic trails.
2. Outdoor Activities: Whipple Dam State Park offers a plethora of outdoor activities, such as swimming, fishing, boating (non-motorized), kayaking, canoeing, hiking, and picnicking, ensuring there is something for everyone.
3. Tranquil Atmosphere: The park's serene environment makes it an ideal getaway for those seeking relaxation and peace amidst nature.
4. Wildlife Watching: With its diverse ecosystem, Whipple Dam State Park provides excellent opportunities to observe wildlife. Birdwatchers, in particular, will appreciate the numerous species that call this park home.
Points of Interest:
1. Whipple Lake: This beautiful lake is the main attraction of the park, offering a refreshing swimming area, picturesque views, and a serene atmosphere.
2. Hiking Trails: Whipple Dam State Park features several trails, such as the Shingle Trail and Lake Trail, which provide beautiful views of the forest, wildlife, and the lake.
3. Picnic Areas: The park offers well-maintained picnic areas equipped with tables, grills, and restroom facilities, making it a perfect spot for a family or group outing.
Interesting Facts:
1. The Whipple Dam was created in 1928 as a water supply for the former Whipple Dam Resort. It later became a state park in 1964.
2. The park covers an area of around 256 acres and includes both forested and open areas.
3. Whipple Dam State Park is part of a larger group of parks known as the Pennsylvania Wilds, a region celebrated for its outstanding natural beauty and abundant wildlife.
Best Time to Visit:
The best time to visit Whipple Dam State Park is during the spring and fall seasons when the weather is mild, and the foliage showcases vibrant colors. Summer is also a popular time to visit due to the opportunity to swim and enjoy water-based activities in Whipple Lake. It's worth noting that the park can get crowded on weekends and holidays during peak seasons, so visiting on weekdays or during off-peak times is recommended for a quieter experience.
Please keep in mind that the accuracy of this information can be further verified by consulting multiple independent sources such as official park websites, travel guides, and visitor reviews.
Weather Forecast
Park & Land Designation Reference
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 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.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
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.
Related References
Area Campgrounds
| Location | Reservations | Toilets |
|---|---|---|
Rothrock State Forest Campsite #3
|
||
RV Camp Site
|
||
Aikens Cabins at Bear Meadows
|
||
Camp Blue Diamond
|
||
Rothrock Campsite 6
|
Natural Area Big Flat Laurel
Natural Area Bear Meadows
Foxpointe/ Lexington Place Park
Wild Area Thickhead
Haymarket Park