Keystone State Park

About Keystone State Park

Keystone State Park is ideal for a family vacation all year round, but hiking on the trails around all kinds of lakes and beaches is the ideal summer getaway to get you in the mood for the best of both worlds: hiking, camping, fishing, picnicking, kayaking and more.

Keystone State Park is the only state park in Pennsylvania and one of only a few in the United States. The park is easily accessible by car from Pittsburgh And it's just a short drive from the city of Pittsburgh.

Located in Derry Township, Westmoreland County, the park features a 78-acre lake created in the early 20th century by the Keystone Coal and Coke Company. The coal company bought the land from the McClelland family in 1909, and Keystone State Park opened in 1945. Some of the original farmhouses are still used in the park, as well as some other historic buildings.

Keystone State Park is home to a wide range of plants and animals, and there are many opportunities to see the wildlife. Do not feed wild animals; observe from a safe distance and do not run over - feed them even if they are near the lake.

The wetlands are a great place to see beavers, waterfowl and other wetlands. Visit the Visitor Center to get a bird checklist and learn more about the natural sites and wildlife in the area. These natural attractions offer exciting adventures for visitors who are willing to observe and hear these hidden wonders.

The cabins are located near the dam and two campsites, and 11 modern cabins can be rented all year round. Each cabin can accommodate up to four people with a full size bed and breakfast, as well as kitchen, bathroom and dining area.

Outside there is a picnic table, a fireplace and barbecue, but you will need to bring your own kitchen, bathroom and linen. However, the cabins must be guarded due to the large number of people in the cabin and the high level of safety.

The campsite by the lake has 40 pitches and 100 tent and trailer pitches are available from the first Friday in April to the end of December. The campsite has a modern swimming pool, but if you want more privacy, Hillside Campgrounds is located in the middle of the park and has 60 pitches.

The sanitary landfill is accessible from the first Friday in April until the end of December, and there is no shower until October 1. The sandy beach is open from 10 am to 5 pm. M. every day of the week from April to October.

Food and discounts are available on Memorial Day weekend and Labor Day, when the beach is open and offers a variety of food and beverages and a picnic area. To keep the park clean and safe, no food, drinks, smokers or pets are allowed in designated areas and you swim at your own risk.

Public berths are located on the north bank of the Brustdam, and all motor boats in the state must have a boat license. All non-motorized boats must have one or the following boat registrations from the States: (1) Florida, (2) Maine and (3) Connecticut.

All ships must have a US Coast Guard-approved floating facility that takes into account the occupants' working conditions. You must wear a PFD when boating and a life jacket, life jackets or other safety equipment when boating.

Two picnic pavilions offer charcoal grills, drinking water and electricity, and a charcoal grill on the picnic area.

Put the hot charcoal in a suitable container at least 30 minutes before cooking and at the latest 10 minutes after cooking.

Pavilion 1 is located on the north side of the lake, closest to the beach, and Pavilion 2, near the dam. Picnic pavilions can be reserved up to 11 months in advance for a fee and are reserved, first come, first served. The picnic pavilion is open from 11 am to 4 pm on Saturday and Sunday and from 12 pm to 5 pm on Sunday.

The Lake Side Trail is ideal for bikes of all kinds, but mountain bikes need to leave the park path and the gravel road. This flat path, about two kilometres long, leads to park roads, pavements and the lake; all other paths are accessible on foot.

The park offers a number of easily accessible hiking trails, such as the Lake Side Trail and the Park Road Trail. All hiking trails are open all year round - parking is available nearby, as well as a parking lot at the entrance to the lake.

The Davis Run Trail is a 2.5 mile trail that winds through wetlands, highland forests and Keystone Lake. The Lake Side Trail, which runs along the path and sidewalks of the park, is a two-mile loop around the lake. McCune's Run is another short hike through beaver ponds and wetlands, and the Park Road Trail runs along the waterfront.

Stone Lodge Trail is a 1.5 km steep loop that starts at the visitor centre and circles the park. The Pine Trail, a 2 km loop through wetlands, highland forests and wetlands along the coast.

Environmental education specialists offer year-round programs at the Visitor Center, with a focus on nature conservation, wildlife management and environmental education.

The historic stone huts provide an introduction to the history, flora and fauna of the park. The overnight area is located on the west side of Keystone State Park, in the parking lot behind the visitor center. This park is conveniently located just a short walk from the main park entrance at the southern end of Main Street in downtown Keyston.