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Poe Paddy
Overview
Poe Paddy State Park is a secluded gem located in the heart of Pennsylvania’s rugged interior. Once the site of a bustling lumbering town, the park has transformed into a serene destination for travelers seeking a deep connection with nature. This park is famous among the outdoor community for its position at the confluence of Big Poe Creek and Penns Creek. Visitors will find a peaceful mountain setting that encourages a slower pace of life, making it a favorite for those who want to disconnect from the digital world and enjoy the sounds of the forest.
Location & Surroundings
Nestled near Woodward, PA, the park is tucked away within the expansive Bald Eagle State Forest. The drive into the valley takes travelers through winding mountain roads and dense woodlands, setting the stage for a truly remote experience. The geography is dominated by high ridges and the rushing waters of Penns Creek, which is widely considered one of the premier trout streams in the eastern United States. This isolated location provides a dark-sky environment perfect for late-night stargazing right from your campsite.
Amenities & Park Features
The campground at Poe Paddy caters to those who prefer a more traditional, rustic camping experience. While the park does not offer full hookups, it provides several sites equipped with 30-amp electric hookups suitable for RVs and travel trailers. Standard amenities include vault toilets and a central sanitary dump station for convenience. A unique feature of the park is the historic Paddy Mountain Tunnel, a former railroad tunnel that now serves as a passage for hikers, offering a cool and atmospheric walk through the hillside.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Fishing is the primary draw here, especially during the legendary Green Drake hatch in late spring, which attracts fly anglers from across the country. Hikers can access the Mid State Trail, a massive wilderness path that traverses the park and offers challenging terrain with rewarding views. For those who enjoy water recreation beyond fishing, nearby Poe Valley State Park features a 25-acre lake with a swimming beach and seasonal boat rentals, providing a family-friendly alternative just a few miles down the road.
Who This Park Is Best For
Poe Paddy is ideal for anglers, hikers, and nature photographers who value immediate access to the wilderness over luxury resort amenities. It is a perfect fit for travelers with smaller RVs or van lifers who enjoy dry camping or need only basic power. If your travel style involves riverside campfires and falling asleep to the sound of moving water, this park offers a primitive and authentic Pennsylvania camping experience that is increasingly rare to find.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
MOAK (Donald Diehl)
If you want to almost get off the grid while camping in the heart of the Bald Eagle State Forest, then this campground is for you. The pit toilets are clean and there are opportunities for a very nice walk in the woods, over a foot bridge and through a railroad tunnel or bring your trail bicycles for a nice ride on an old railroad bed. World Class Fly fishing is year round, catch & release.
Dorrie Klatt
Beautiful park with miles of dirt roads! Just be aware if you are on Poe Paddy Rd at Penns View Overlook and continue on past Ingleby Overlook heading down towards the campground, there are a few sections of the road that are badly washed out to the point that I really wasn't sure we'd get through without bottoming out. We have a Jeep GC Trailhawk with the auto suspension for which I was very grateful! The pictures don't really reflect how bad it was. Heck of an adventure though! 😎
JD Ashford
An outstanding Pennsylvania State Park, tucked away in the Appalachian mountains. Far away from the hustle and bustle of the city, with some of the best fishing in all of the state. If you're a fly fisherman like I am, these are hallowed waters. Plenty of camping sites, from group camping to single person camping access. There are also many things and many trails to explore, for children and family alike. There's a really cool tunnel, that leads right through the mountain on a walking path. I will note that this park is far away from civilization, so make sure you have all of your supplies, food and incidentals before you get to the park. Make sure you are ready for a long ride into the park, it is at least a 25-minute drive from the last paved road. There's also no cell phone reception, so be aware of that before you get down there into the thick of it. There is a playground for kids, and there are RV access hookups, it is also very secluded in the rainforest of Pennsylvania, so make sure you bring the proper gear and attire to deal with the conditions, wildlife and insect life. And again, it is one of the most pristine fisheries in the state, with native, wild, and stocked trout. The people I've run into there were very friendly, and I saw many different license plates from all over the country. This park is also located next to another state park which is called Poe valley State Park, which has adam. Just make sure you make reservations for the right location as it is difficult to navigate if you make an early mistake. I recommend downloading an offline localized map from Google maps, So you have your bearings. It is truly amazing environment. With a lot of history going back to its creator by the Great depression and the civilian conservation corps. If you're looking for a place to explore that is off the beaten path , swing on down to Poe paddy.
Xplore Kayak Tours
Beautiful views, winding river, nicely laid out camping sites. No phone service, long gravel road entrance seems to be more one lane than two. Very secluded and relaxing atmosphere.
melody steiger
Beautiful, quiet park surrounded by Bald Eagle State Forest. You can hear the stream at most sites through the night. We saw a bald eagle fly down Penns Creek. Poe Valley is near by with a small lake for swimming and kayaking. Rangers make frequent rounds. Park is very clean and sites are well maintained. They even left free firewood for campers.