Woodcock Creek Lake Damsite Area

Rate this place

Last Updated: December 5, 2025

Woodcock Creek Lake Damsite Area is located in northwestern Pennsylvania, approximately 20 miles southeast of Erie.


°F

°F

mph

Wind

%

Humidity

Summary

This recreational area offers visitors a tranquil and scenic environment, with several compelling reasons to visit.

Reasons to Visit:
1. Outdoor Activities: Woodcock Creek Lake Damsite Area is renowned for its abundant recreational opportunities. Visitors can enjoy activities such as fishing, boating, hiking, picnicking, and wildlife observation. The lake itself is known for its excellent fishing, with species like bass, walleye, and panfish attracting anglers of all skill levels.
2. Natural Beauty: The area boasts picturesque landscapes, lush forests, and serene water views. It provides an excellent backdrop for nature enthusiasts and photographers. The surrounding woodlands offer opportunities for bird-watching, as the region is home to various migratory and resident species.
3. Camping Facilities: The Woodcock Creek Lake Damsite Area offers both tent and RV camping options. The campsites are well-maintained and equipped with amenities such as restrooms, showers, and picnic tables. Camping at this location offers a fantastic opportunity to immerse oneself in the natural surroundings.

Points of Interest:
1. Woodcock Creek Lake: The focal point of the area, the 1,200-acre Woodcock Creek Lake, offers excellent boating and fishing opportunities. Boaters can enjoy exploring the lake's numerous inlets and coves, while anglers can cast their lines from the shoreline or a boat.
2. Trails: The area features several scenic hiking trails, including the Woodcock Creek Lake Trail, which loops around the lake and offers stunning views. The trail is approximately eight miles long and provides a chance to observe wildlife and enjoy the peaceful forest surroundings.
3. Picnic Areas: Woodcock Creek Lake Damsite Area boasts numerous picnic areas, with beautiful views of the lake. These areas provide a perfect setting for a family outing or a peaceful lunch surrounded by nature.

Interesting Facts:
1. Woodcock Creek Lake is a man-made reservoir created by the construction of the Woodcock Creek Dam by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in the 1970s.
2. The area is home to various wildlife species, including white-tailed deer, wild turkey, bald eagles, and a diverse range of waterfowl.
3. Woodcock Creek Lake Damsite Area is managed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and is part of the larger Woodcock Creek Lake Project, which helps regulate floodwaters in the French Creek watershed.

Best Time to Visit:
The best time to visit Woodcock Creek Lake Damsite Area is during the spring, summer, and early fall months when the weather is pleasant, and outdoor activities like fishing and boating are in full swing. Additionally, spring and fall offer the opportunity to witness the vibrant colors of nature as the leaves change.

Please note that while efforts have been made to ensure accuracy, it is always advisable to verify the information provided by consulting multiple independent sources.

       

Weather Forecast

Park & Land Designation Reference

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 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