Swatara Creek in Pennsylvania

Trip Overview

Swatara State Park and the Swatara Creek encompass over 3,500 acres of natural beauty all within a 30 minute drive from downtown Harrisburg. The park is mostly undeveloped but improvements such as camping facilities and a visitor center are planned for the future. The Park is a nature, biker and paddlers playground offering many miles of trails and several launches for watercraft.

Paddle the almost 8 miles of stream within the Park and you'll feel like you're somewhere much further removed from the hustle and bustle of the area. Very few private residences, Class I and an occasional Class II make this an enjoyable float. Clear water & and a wonderful gravel stream bed add to the experience. It's a best kept secret!

Accommodations:

Several campgrounds and especially the Twin Grove KOA on Route 443 south of Pine Grove offers really nice camping accommodations. Good food too. Green Way Outdoors on 72 North, 1 mile North of 81 offers canoe rentals with shuttle services. 717-861-4087

Fees:

PA Launch Permit or DCNR Park Permit required.

Directions:

81 North Exit 90 (Route 72 - Lebanon Exit). Travel 2-3 North on Route 72 and your in the heart of the Park. Check the DCNR's website for PA State Parks - Swatara State Park for on line maps and detailed park information.

Launches:

Refer to the Swatara Creek Water Trail Map available online for full information. The Pine Grove launch and the launches within the Park offer a serene natural experience notable for this area.

Contact:

Swatara State Park 717-865-6470

Resources:

website: http://www.fish.state.pa.us/watertrails/swatara/trailmap.htm