Tuscarora State Park

When viewed from the lake or the day use area, Locust Mountain seems to drop right into the southern side of Tuscarora Lake. The scenic picnic area plays host to many day trips and family reunions and the lake is a popular fishing spot. The 1,618-acre park is home to the Park Office and Visitor Center for Tuscarora and Locust Lake state parks. Visitors are welcome to gather information about the parks, the environmental education program and local attractions.

Explore

Directions - Weather  - Recreation  - Hiking  - Winter Activities  - Winter Report  - Environmental Education  - Calendar of Events  - Accessibility  - History  - Tuscarora Indians  - Wildlife Watching  - Volunteers  - Nearby Attractions  - Rules and Regs  - In an Emergency  - Contact Us  - Downloadables and Maps

Park Advisories

Directions

Located two miles west of Tamaqua off of PA 309, south of Barnesville, which is on PA 54 between the Hometown Exit (131A) of I-81 and PA 309. Explore the maps page for the directions map for Tuscarora and Locust Lake state parks.

Recreational Opportunities

Hiking  - Picnicking  - Swimming  - Boating  - Fishing  - Hunting  - Wildlife Watching  - Winter Activities  - Yurts  - Camping Cottages 

Boating: electric motors only
Motorboats must display a boat registration from any state. Non-powered boats must display one of the following: boat registration from any state; launching permit or mooring permit from Pennsylvania State Parks that are available at most state park offices; launch use permit from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission.

A boat rental near the beach is open daily from Memorial Day to Labor Day (weekends during Spring and Fall). Rowboats, canoes and specialty craft, like pedal boats, are available for rent on an hourly or daily basis.

For complete information on boating rules and regulations in Pennsylvania, visit the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission Web site.

Boat Mooring: There are 155 seasonal boat mooring spaces/racks available. The season begins April 1 and ends October 31 annually. A state park mooring permit can be purchased at the park office.

Swimming: The beach is open from late-May to mid-September, 8 a.m. to sunset. Swim at your own risk. Please read and follow posted rules for swimming. Swimming areas are marked with buoys and have a maximum depth of 5 1/2 feet.

Picnicking: Over 250 picnic tables and some charcoal grills are available year-round. Modern restrooms are available beginning the Friday before the regional opening day of Trout Season until mid-October.

Two picnic pavilions may be reserved up to 11 months in advance for a fee. Unreserved picnic pavilions are open on a first-come, first-served basis.

Make a reservation

Fishing: Fishing at Tuscarora Lake consists primarily of warm water game fish including bass, muskellunge, pickerel, catfish, yellow perch and sunfish. Night fishing is permitted.

Ice fishing is permitted during the winter season with trout being the primary species caught at both lakes. The ice is not monitored for safety. Be sure that the ice is at least four inches thick and carry safety equipment.

For complete information on fishing rules and regulations in Pennsylvania, visit the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission Web site.

Camping Cottages: Six cottages sleep five people in double/single bunks, and have three windows, porch, picnic table, fire ring, and electric heat, lights and outlets. Cottages are available the Friday before the regional opening day of trout season until mid-October. Pets are prohibited in the cottage area and overnight parking lots.

Make a reservation

Yurts: Four yurts sleep five people in double/single bunks, and have a refrigerator, four-burner electric range, countertop and oak cabinetry, kitchen table and chairs, wall mounted fan, skylight, vented roof, two windows, wood flooring, a large deck, picnic table and fire ring, and electric heat, lights and outlets. Yurts are available the Friday before the regional opening day of trout season until mid-October. Pets are prohibited in the yurt area and overnight parking lots.

Make a reservation

Hunting and Firearms: Approximately 1,100 acres of Tuscarora State Park are open to hunting, trapping and the training of dogs during established seasons. Common game species are deer, pheasant, rabbit, squirrel, woodcock, turkey, grouse and dove. Hunting woodchucks, also known as groundhogs, is prohibited. Dog training is only permitted from the day following Labor Day to March 31 in designated hunting areas. The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the Pennsylvania Game Commission rules and regulations apply. Contact the park office for accessible hunting information.

Special regulations areas allowing only bow and arrow and flintlock muzzleloader hunting are located at several areas of Locust Lake.

Use extreme caution with firearms at all times. The park is used by other visitors during hunting seasons. Firearms and archery equipment may be uncased and ready for use only in authorized hunting areas during hunting seasons. In areas not open to hunting, firearms and archery equipment must be kept in the owner's car, trailer or camp.

For complete information on hunting rules and regulations in Pennsylvania, visit the Pennsylvania Game Commission Web site.

Hiking Trails

All of the trails are road width and do not have blazes. The trails wander through several habitats like mature deciduous forest, meadow and agricultural fields.

Crow Trail: easy hiking, 1.4 miles
This old dirt road passes through many habitats, including; mature deciduous forest, pine and larch plantation, grass fields, and overgrown meadow. This trail ends at the southern shore of Tuscarora Lake.

Edge Trail: easy hiking, 0.4 mile
This grass covered trail winds along the edge of a mature forest and agricultural fields. The trail provides access to Log Trail and the park office/visitor center.

Hill Trail: moderate hiking, 0.3 mile
This short but steep trail parallels a power line and provides the most direct access from the park office/visitor center to the picnic area and beach.

Lake View Trail: easy hiking, 0.6 mile
This trail goes through the primary use area of Tuscarora State Park. It parallels the lake and provides several views including a nice view of the beach. Park employees and concessionaires sometimes drive this dirt trail.

Laurel Trail: easy hiking, 0.4 mile
Accessed from Log Trail or Edge Trail, this grassy road was used to cut trees that died from severe gypsy moth damage. This short loop provides views of mountain laurel and mature forest.

Locust Mountain Trail: moderate hiking, 0.4 mile
An old fire access road winding through a mature deciduous forest on a fairly steep slope, this trail takes you from Crow Trail to the top of Locust Mountain.

Log Trail: easy hiking, 0.3 mile
This old logging road winds through a mature deciduous forest. It has a slight grade and connects to Laurel and Edge trails and the west end parking area.

Winter Activities

Special winter season activities in the parks include ice skating, ice fishing and sledding. It is recommended that you contact the park office to determine ice and snow conditions at the parks. The ice thickness is not monitored. For your safety, be sure the ice is four inches thick and carry safety equipment. Explore the Winter Report for current snow and ice depths.

Environmental Education and Interpretation

Tuscarora and Locust Lake state parks offer a wide variety of environmental education and interpretive programs. Through hands-on activities, guided walks and evening programs, participants gain appreciation, understanding and develop a sense of stewardship toward natural and cultural resources.

Curriculum-based environmental education programs are available to schools and youth groups. An environmental education specialist is available to develop EE curriculums and sites, and provide teacher workshops and additional teacher and community services.

Group programs must be arranged in advance and may be scheduled by calling the park office. Programs are offered March to November. For more detailed information contact the park office.

Explore the Calendar of Events for a listing of events from today forward.

Explore environmental education and interpretation for more information.

Access for People with Disabilities

A restroom in the middle parking lot of Tuscarora State Park is fully accessible.

If you need an accommodation to participate in park activities due to a disability, please contact the Pennsylvania Bureau of State Parks:
888-PA-PARKS (voice)
888-537-7294 (TTY)
711 (AT&T Relay Services)

Nearby Attractions

Locust Lake State Park is six miles upstream from Tuscarora. The park was developed as a family tent and trailer campground and has 282 campsites. Additional camper facilities include modern restrooms, swimming beach, boat rental, campstore, bicycle trail, hiking trails, fishing, playgrounds, and nature programs.

For more information on other regional attractions contact the Schuylkill County Visitors Bureau. 800-765-7282 www.schuylkill.org

In an Emergency

Contact a park employee or dial 911.
For directions to the nearest hospital, look on bulletin boards or at the park office.

Nearest Hospital:
Miners Memorial Medical Center
360 West Ruddle Street
Coaldale, PA 18218
570-645-2131

For More Information Contact

Tuscarora State Park
687 Tuscarora Park Road
Barnesville, PA 18214-9715
570-467-2404
Manager: Lew Williams

E-mail: tuscarorasp@state.pa.us
An equal opportunity employer

Make online reservations or call toll-free 888-PA-PARKS, 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Saturday, for state park information and reservations.

Home · Contact · FAQ