About the Park

About the Park

Location

Raccoon Creek State Park is located in southern Beaver County, 25 miles west of Pittsburgh, via U.S. Routes 22 or 30. Access to the park from the north and south can be gained via State Route 18 which passes directly through the park. The park office is located on the west side of State Route 18.

With over 60 years of development, Raccoon Creek State Park is one of the largest and most beautiful state parks in Pennsylvania. The park contains 7,572 acres and features the 101-acre Raccoon Lake.

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Recreational Opportunities

Recreational Opportunities

History

In the 1930s, in an effort to add recreation lands by metropolitan regions, the National Park Service (NPS) purchased submarginal farmland to become park lands. Under NPS direction the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) and Works Progress Administration (WPA) built the Raccoon Creek Recreation Demonstration Area. The federal government transferred this outstanding area to the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania in 1945. The Commonwealth continued to develop facilities at the park, including, construction of the large lake in 1948, a swimming area and picnic area in 1950 and the tent and trailer campground in 1956. During the 1980s, major rehabilitation and modification of many existing facilities were completed through Capital Improvement Projects. The Pennsylvania Conservation Corps constructed the cabin colony.

South of the park office is the site of Frankfort Mineral Springs, a health spa known nationally in the 1800s. The area once attracted thousands of visitors who believed in the "healing powers" of the mineral water. The springs can be currently viewed from Mineral Springs Loop Trail that passes through the area.

On the park's south-western boundary, King's Creek Cemetery is the final resting place of many of the first settlers of the region.

Nearby Attractions

State Game Lands No. 189 and No. 117 provide hunting and general recreation.

Hillman State Park, managed by the Pennsylvania Game Commission, provides hunting, hiking, mountain biking and horseback riding. Click Hillman State Park on the left for more information.

Access for People with Disabilities

The park offers the following ADA accessible areas for visitors with disabilities: Recreation Hall, Restrooms, Fishing Access, Hunting Areas, Beach, Park Office, Modern Cabin #10, Campsites: B-1, B-2 & B-3, picnic tables and parking spaces throughout the park.

If you or a member of your group is a person with a disability and require an accommodation to participate in the activities, please contact the park office at 724-899-2200, Park Reservation Center at 1-888-PA-PARKS, or make inquiries through the Pennsylvania AT&T Relay Service at 1-800-654-5984 (TDD) to discuss how the Bureau of State Parks may accommodate your needs.

Help Protect and Preserve Our Parks

The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, Bureau of Sate Parks is responsible for developing, maintaining and preserving the public lands it administers for the purpose of promoting healthful outdoor recreation and education.

All Pennsylvania state parks have instituted a recycling and waste reduction program. We urge all park visitors to join us in the recycling effort. During your stay, please use the recycling containers placed at various locations in the park.

Outdoor recreational activity shall be restricted to locations where physical improvements or posting designates the appropriate purpose and use. Similarly, fires and disposal of hot coals are permitted only in provided facilities. Trash and all other liter shall be placed in containers provided for this purpose and shall be limited to liter accumulated during the use of state recreation areas.

Natural areas may possess hazards not normally encountered. You are responsible for your family's safety. Parks are for people - enjoy them year-round!

Information and Reservations

For general state park information or to reserve a campsite, cabin, picnic pavilion or an organized group tenting area, call the toll free reservation center at: 1-888-PA-PARKS, Sunday through Saturday , 7 am to 5 pm. Reservations are accepted up to 11 months in advance and up to two days before arrival at this phone number. Campsites can be reserved at this number up to noon on the day of arrival.

For reservations for the Organized Group Camps and Recreation Hall, please contact the park office at: 724-899-2200, Sunday through Saturday, 8 am to 4 pm in the summer (Memorial Day to Labor Day) and Monday through Friday, 8 am to 4 pm the remainder of the year. You may also reserve a campsite or cabin on the day of arrival by contacting the park office.

Information may also be obtained via park e-mail at: raccooncreeksp@state.pa.us.