KEYSTONE STATE PARK
Keystone State Park is great for family vacations year-round. Camping, modern cabins, trails of all sorts, a lake, and a swimming beach provide an ideal setting for a summer outing. The park is within easy driving distance from the Pittsburgh metropolitan area and its many attractions.
Keystone State Park is a multi-use park with overnight facilities and year-round recreational opportunities.
The 1,200-acre park is in Derry Township, Westmoreland County, and boasts a 78-acre lake constructed by the Keystone Coal and Coke Company in the early 1900s. The coal company purchased the land from the McClelland Family in 1909 and the original farmhouse remains in use in the park today. Keystone State Park opened in 1945.
There are many opportunities to see wildlife, but please observe from a safe distance and do not feed wildlife. Keystone State Park hosts a wide range of plant and animal life. These natural attractions offer an exciting adventure for the visitor willing to sit, watch and listen for these hidden wonders. The marsh area is a great place to view beaver, waterfowl and other wetland species. Stop at the visitor center for a bird checklist or to learn about the natural sites and wildlife of the area.
Modern Cabins:
The 11 modern cabins are available for rent year-round. These cabins are near the breast of the dam between the two campgrounds. The cabins sleep six people in two bedrooms, one with a double bed and another with two sets of bunk beds. Each cabin has: a modern bathroom with shower; kitchen with stove, refrigerator and microwave: and outside is a picnic table and fire ring with grill. You must bring your own kitchen, bath and bedding necessities. Cabin #11 is ADA accessible.
Camping: modern sites, some with electricity
The 100 tent and trailer sites are available from the first Friday of April to late December. Lakeside Campground has 40 sites and is adjacent to the lake. Hillside Campground has 60 sites and is in a more remote area of the park for those wishing more privacy. Both campgrounds have a modern bathhouse facility. A sanitary dump station is available. Shower facilities are not available after October 1st.
A sand beach is open from late-May to mid-September, 8 a.m. to sunset. Swim at your own risk.
To keep this area clean and safe, no food, beverages, smoking or pets are allowed on the sand area of the beach, but only in adjacent, designated areas.
A food concession is open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day when the beach is open and offers hot and cold food and a variety of sundry items.
Boating: electric motors only
A public boat launching ramp and mooring area are on the north shore by the breast of the dam.
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.
All watercraft must contain for each occupant a readily accessible U.S. Coast Guard approved Type I, II, III or V personal flotation device (PFD) in serviceable condition. Children under 13 years of age and all non-swimmers must wear the approved PFD when boating.
Anglers can enjoy year-round fishing in the 78-acre lake, home to largemouth bass and trout. The park also stocks crappies, bluegill and catfish for added variety. Ice-fishing is permitted during winter months when conditions allow it. A valid Pennsylvania fishing license is required.
Keystone State Park is located near Apollo, Blairsville and Greensburg
Several picnic areas in the park offer picnic tables, parking, drinking water and restrooms. No charcoal grills are available in the picnic area. Two picnic pavilions offer charcoal grills, drinking water and electricity. Please dispose of hot charcoal in proper receptacles. Pavilion #1 is on the north side of the lake (closer to the beach) and Pavilion #2 is below the breast of the dam. Picnic pavilions may be reserved up to 11 months in advance for a fee. Unreserved picnic pavilions are free on a first-come, first-served basis.
Bicycling: Lake Side Trail is excellent for bikes of all types. This two-mile, level trail loops around the lake on park roads and walkways. Mountain bikes must stay on park roads or gravel walkways. All other trails are foot-traffic only.
Hiking: 6 miles of trails
The park offers a variety of trails open year-round for hiking, cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. All trails have easy access with parking available at the trailheads.
Davis Run Trail is a 2.5-mile trail that meanders through wetlands and the upland forest area of Keystone Lake.
Lake Side Trail is a 2-mile loop around the lake on park roads and walkways.
McCune Run Trail is a short hike to a beaver pond and wetland area.
Pine Trail is a short loop trail through a red pine and white pine plantation.
Stone Lodge Trail is a 1.4 mile, steep loop that starts by the visitor center and winds through hardwoods up to ridge top conifers.
The park offers various birding opportunities with over 100 species spotted, including waterfowl and songbirds. Birdwatchers can explore multiple habitats such as forests, fields, wetlands and lake areas. The park also provides a checklist for avid bird watchers to track their sightings.
An environmental education specialist offers programs year-round. For a schedule of activities or to request a special program, call 724-668-2566. The ADA accessible James E. Kell Visitor Center is in the overnight area. This historic stone lodge has an introduction to the history, flora and fauna of the park.
F & J Bow & Gun Club
113 E 2nd St
Derry, PA
(724) 694-2515
Twin Maples Hunt Club
1201 Twin Maples Rd
Derry, PA
(724) 694-8866
Big Ten Tackle
412 Thompson St
Latrobe, PA
(724) 537-8809
PV's Fishing Lures & Tackle
1544 Ligonier St
Latrobe, PA
(724) 539-2191
Possum Hollow Rod & Gun Club
RR 1
Latrobe, PA
(724) 423-9279
Salt Fork State Park: Campground
Us Route 22 E
Cambridge, OH
(740) 432-1508
Four Points By Sheraton Greensburg
100 Sheraton Drive Route 30 East
Greensburg, PA
(724) 834-5640
Latrobe Country Club Guest House
RR 6
Latrobe, PA
(724) 537-6111
Located on SR 1018, the park is three miles from the SR 981/SR 22 intersection in New Alexandria and five miles from Latrobe.
I found Keystone when some of my kids were just toddlers and we all loved it. We camped in a tent, first time on site #7. So many vivid memories, the kids playing in the woods (down the hill will bring you back to the campground), trying log rolling, swimming, catching minnows and they all learned to paddle a canoe and most important of all they learned to love and respect nature. Later, I camped by myself and painted in the lovely woods,the trilliums bloomed just for me. My husband and I fishing, hiking,photographing mushrooms. Keystone has given me so much happiness - and still more to come.
Wish I had known of this place all my life! Clean place. Great staff. Love the beach! Promotes clean behavior and safety for all. Shade if you need. VERY reasonably priced and tasty food. GREAT beach house for clean up. Thankful for this lovely place!
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