Patterson State Park
00 reviewC/O LYMAN RUN S P, 454 LYMAN RUN ROAD, GALETON, Pennsylvania, 16922, United States
Patterson State Park
$35.00 - $35.00 / night
Campsite Fees
Standard Site Fee$35.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
User reviews mention an overnight fee of $35 per night for primitive camping.
About this campground
Tucked along a quiet roadside in the heart of Pennsylvania's untamed wilderness, Patterson State Park offers an intimate escape for those seeking simplicity and adventure. This hidden gem serves as your gateway to the renowned Susquehannock Trail System, where tent-only campsites provide a peaceful basecamp for backpackers and nature enthusiasts. Two rustic picnic pavilions invite leisurely afternoon gatherings, while modern conveniences remain minimal—just a vaulted toilet and the endless expanse of forest. Whether you're lacing up hiking boots for a multi-day trek, readying your snowmobile for winter trails, or seeking prime hunting grounds, this modest park punches above its weight as an outdoor recreation hub.
Patterson State Park caters primarily to primitive and tent campers, with approximately a dozen non-reservable campsites. The park does not accommodate RVs, cabins, or glamping options.
Historical SignificancePatterson State Park stands as a proud sentinel at the gateway to the legendary Susquehannock Trail System, a backpacking route steeped in the heritage of Pennsylvania's wilderness traditions. This modest park plays a vital role in the region's extensive snowmobile trail network, connecting riders to hundreds of miles of groomed paths that have drawn winter adventurers for generations. Here, modern explorers follow in the footsteps of those who first carved these trails through the ancient forests.
Weather and SeasonsWinter transforms Patterson into a crystalline wonderland, with freezing temperatures creating perfect conditions for snowmobiling adventures through snow-laden forests. The park experiences moderate precipitation throughout the year, but savvy campers know to watch for those magical weeks of clear skies and dry conditions—ideal windows for pitching your tent under star-filled heavens. Each season paints the surrounding hardwoods in different hues, from spring's tender greens to autumn's fiery display.
ElevationWhile specific elevation data remains unrecorded, the park's position within the rolling hills of the PA Wilds creates natural vantage points and varied terrain that challenges hikers and delights those seeking scenic camping spots away from the crowds.
Natural Features and SceneryEnveloped by a sea of northern hardwoods, Patterson State Park sits like a small clearing in the vast tapestry of Susquehannock State Forest. This rustic sanctuary rewards visitors with pristine dark skies perfect for constellation counting and meteor watching, far from the glow of city lights. The surrounding forest canopy creates a natural cathedral, where technology fades away and the rhythms of the wild take center stage. Morning mists drift through towering oaks and maples, while evening brings a symphony of forest sounds that lull campers into peaceful slumber.
Geological RegionNestled within the rugged expanse of the PA Wilds, Patterson State Park occupies a strategic position amid thousands of acres of northern hardwood forest in the Susquehannock State Forest. This remarkable geological region showcases Pennsylvania's ancient mountain heritage, where millennia of natural forces have sculpted a landscape of rolling ridges and deep valleys. As a crucial access point to the Susquehannock Trail System, the park connects visitors to one of the state's most pristine and geologically diverse wilderness areas.
Campsite details
AccessibilityNo specific information about accessibility features is provided.
Sites SizeThe park includes approximately a dozen campsites. User reviews mention that each campsite has a table and utility hook.
Sites PrivacyPrivacy at campsites may be limited as the park is roadside, and some reviewers noted feeling exposed to road traffic during the day.
Total Campsites12 campsites
Recommended CampsitesChoose campsites further from the road for reduced noise and increased privacy.
Best CampsitesReviews suggest that night views under clear skies are a highlight, though specific site numbers are not mentioned.
Reserving a campsite
Check-in
Check-in time is unspecified, but payment is made via honor system.
Check-out
Check-out time is 3 p.m. as stated in one user review.
Stay Limit
No maximum stay limit is specified in the authoritative content.
Guests Allowed Per Site
No more than one family unit or five unrelated persons per campsite.
Groups
No designated group camping sites are mentioned.
Tents
Tents are allowed
RV vehicles
RV vehicles are not allowed
Primitive
Primitive are allowed
Reservable
Reservations are not allowed
Site layoutThe campground includes tent-only sites with tables and utility hooks at each site, according to user reviews.
Open and Closed SeasonNo specific open/closed seasons are mentioned.
Reservation PlatformsNo online reservations available; payment is made via on-site information board.
Walk-in AvailabilityCamping is first-come, first-serve based on availability as noted by user reviews.
Cancellation PolicyCancellations and refunds are not mentioned; reservations are non-reservable, and camping is on a first-come, first-serve basis.
Amenities available
Potable water
Fire rings
Picnic tables
Vault toilets
Activities you can enjoy
Patterson State Park offers a blend of recreational activities, including hiking on the Susquehannock Trail System, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, picnicking, and stargazing. The remote location and nearby Cherry Springs State Park make it an ideal spot for night sky observation.
Hiking
The park serves as a trailhead for the 85-mile Susquehannock Trail System, which is a favorite among backpackers. Easy access to hiking trails is noted in user reviews.Biking
A trail suitable for mountain biking connects Patterson State Park to Cherry Springs State Park, as noted in user reviews.Wildlife viewing
The park's location in northern hardwoods within the Susquehannock State Forest offers opportunities for wildlife viewing.Winter Activities
The park is noted as a rest area along the extensive snowmobile trail network and is a base for cross-country skiing.Water Sports
No non-motorized water sports such as kayaking or paddleboarding are mentioned.Campground rules
- Pets are allowed
- Campfires are allowed, unlike Cherry Springs State Park, according to user reviews.
- Quiet hours are 9 p.m. to 8 a.m.
Hazards
General hazardsPotential hazards include proximity to a roadside which may reduce privacy and safety concerns related to mild traffic.
Weather forecast
58
°F
Aug 25
Monday
Partly cloudy
Precipitation: 0%
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Humidity: 68%
Moderately humid conditions
Wind: 6.1 mph
Moderate wind, may affect light items
Partly cloudy
7-Day Forecast
Access to 7-day forecasts tailored to each campground—covering temperature, precipitation, wind, and sky conditions.
Daily & Hourly Insights
View hourly forecasts with expected weather patterns throughout the day.
Temperature Trends
Visualize how temperatures shift over the month to help pick the most comfortable days for your trip.
Precipitation Trends
Plan around rain or snow with monthly visualizations of expected precipitation patterns.
Weather Summaries
Assess conditions with visuals for easier decision-making on when and where to camp.
Weather data powered by Open-Meteo
Emergency Services
Closest emergency services are null.
Good to know
Peak season datesPeak season dates are not explicitly mentioned.
Trash and recyclingNo specific information regarding trash and recycling facilities is provided.
Proximity to water featuresNo specific water features are mentioned, though a creek is referenced as nearby.
Common complaintsSome user reviews mention road noise and limited privacy due to proximity to PA Route 44.
HostPark staff are noted as friendly and helpful in user reviews.
Campground Map
C/O LYMAN RUN S P, 454 LYMAN RUN ROAD, GALETON, Pennsylvania, 16922, United States
Driving directionsPatterson State Park is 6.5 miles south of Sweden Valley on PA 44.
Access to Patterson State Park is via PA Route 44, which is paved. Road noise is mentioned in reviews, but traffic is light, making it relatively accessible.Nearby places
Sweden Valley (6.5 miles, approximately 10 minutes), Cherry Springs State Park (a few miles away)
Nearby supplies
Gasoline, nearest camp store, and laundromat are all available greater than 10 miles away from the campground.
Camper Reviews
0.0
0 reviews
Patterson State Park has limited reviews, placing it in the bottom % of campgrounds based on reviews
User reviews are generally positive, highlighting the park's peaceful atmosphere, clean facilities, and convenient location. However, some users noted road noise and limited privacy due to the park's roadside location.
Review Summaries
What Campers Love
Clean vault toilets, accessible water pump, proximity to Cherry Springs State Park, stargazing opportunities, and first-come, first-serve system are praised.
Common Concerns
Road noise, limited privacy, and the perceived high cost of primitive camping were common concerns.
Pro Tips & Recommendations
Arrive early to secure a spot as campsites are non-reservable. Bring all necessary supplies since amenities are limited and the nearest camp store is over 10 miles away.
Seasonal Insights
Stargazing and clear skies are frequently mentioned by summer visitors. Winter visitors appreciate the snowmobiling and cross-country skiing opportunities.
Camper Quotes
'A very nice, little roadside picnicking and camping state park located in the PA Wilds.' - G. Funk; 'Beautiful spot to camp under the stars. Friendly and helpful park staff. Clean bathrooms.' - Cody...
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Site-Specific Reviews
Sites are noted to include tables and utility hooks. Specific site numbers were not mentioned.
Accessibility Features
No reviews specifically addressing accessibility were found.
Pet-Friendly Features
Pets are allowed in the park, and users have noted that dogs are welcome.
Last updated August 10, 2025