is anyone out there?

[TandW]

looking for some information on PA state parks. what is your favorite park, why and have you worked at any? any information provided will be appreciated. thank you.

[TandW]

looking for some information on PA state parks. what is your favorite park, why and have you worked at any? any information provided will be appreciated. thank you.

[Edmund A Skibinski]

T&W, We like the Cook's Forest area , there are several private parks that are very nice in that area, near Brookville, Pa. also Quaker Run State Park near Bradford, Pa. is very nice. Ed.S

[TandW]

Ed,
thank you for the information about cook's forest and quaker run state park, we will put them on our list of places to see. do you know any place near bedford. we have family near there and would like to stay awhile. any additional information would be appricated. thanks again.

[Frank P. Martin]

T&W:

Shawnee SP is approximately 10 miles west of Bedford. Some sites have been renovated with 50A service and will accommodate large RVs. Here's information on the park.

Shawnee State Park

It's easily accessible from the PA Turnpike exit 146 via I-99 south to US-30 west to PA-96 south. However, I prefer going I-99 south to US-30 west to PA-31 west to PA-96 north for two reasons:
<UL TYPE=SQUARE>
<LI>It eliminates a fairly steep grade on US-30.
<LI>You avoid passing through the town of Schellsburg.[/list]
If you prefer a private park with full hookups, I recommend Friendship Village Campground. The entrance is about a half-mile on US-30 west after you exit from I-99 south. Here's their website:

Friendship Village Campground

Last week I received the 2006 rate schedule from Friendship Village and the camp site rates are all unchanged from 2005 except the Holiday (three night) rate for Electric/Water/Sewer/TV 30 AMP. It was raised $3.00 from $102.00 to $105.00.

To answer your question on "favorite state park", ours is Cowans Gap SP. Here's the link with more info:

Cowans Gap State PArk

We like it because everything is within walking distance and easily accessible. The park is nestled in the mountains and is very "picturesque". This picture should give you some idea of what I'm talking about.

[TandW]

Frank,

Thank you, this information is very helpful and i appreciate you taking the time to reply.
Pa is a very beautiful state and this year i hope to see as much as possible. i see that you are from the pittsburg area, are there any parks in your area that you especially like? thanks again.

[Frank P. Martin]

T&W:

The closest PA state park to home is Raccoon Creek SP. It's about an hour away. From Pittsburgh, it's reachable from either US-30 west or US-22 west to PA-18 north. Its proximity to my home makes it great for impromptu weekend camping getaways.

Unfortunately, I didn't camp at Raccoon last season. This is a rarity as this park is generally visited one or more times each year.

Here's the link for information on the park.

Raccoon Creek State Park

The park lives up to its name as raccoons abound. It isn't uncommon for them to come within a few feet of you while sitting at the campfire and a few campers have had the unpleasant experience of having their food stolen from picnic coolers that were left outside overnight (they will even open coolers with latches). While this might sound a bit scary, the raccoons generally keep their distance and if you're smart, you'll keep yours too. I have never heard of anyone attacked by a raccoon.

The campground sits on top of a hill that isolates it from the lake and all its attractions. There is a path connecting the campground to the lake but it's a steep climb and not handicapped accessible. Driving is the recommended method to reach the lake but even that takes about 7-10 minutes to reach the swimming/boat rental area. This and occasional aircraft noise from planes leaving/approaching Greater Pittsburgh International Airport are probably the park's two biggest shortcomings.

Depending on traffic conditions, Pittsburgh and all its attractions is about 45 minutes away.

[Miles]

I would second the friendship Village CG in Bedford. It is our favorite CG. We don't know much about the State CG system as until recently there where no pets allowed. The wife won't leave the Min Poodle at home.