McCall Dam State Park

About McCall Dam State Park

The quiet and secluded McCalls Dam Park is permeated by the sound of White Deer Creek. Majestic pines, hemlock and caterpillars surround the comfortably organized campsites, maple and oak rise above the picnic area into the sky, and the sound of the stream echoes throughout the park.

The dam was built by early settlers in the early 18th century to power a sawmill on the Susquehanna River near Watsontown, Pennsylvania. Soon the Eagle State Forest surrounded it, and sixteen years later the dam was repaired and used as a splash dam to sweep white pine logs from Susque's pig's head and sweep them into the river to the widely scattered sawmills in Watonttown.

Although the dam has disappeared, Johnny McCall and his mother will always remember McCall's Dam State Park as their favorite place in the world.

There are rustic toilets and a parking lot in the area, and the surrounding forest is surrounded by a number of small lakes and streams and some small ponds.

In winter, access is limited to snowmobiles and cross-country skiing, but prior registration is recommended and can be made by calling 888 - PA - PARKS. Ten campers must be accompanied by a parking attendant and at least one adult and one child under 18 years of age.

McCalls Dam State Park is located in the far east of Centre County and is accessible by connecting McCalls Dam State Forest Road with the northern arm of the Allegheny River and the southern arm and from there with the eastern arm.