Parker Dam State Park is located in Penfield, just a few miles off the highway, but it is surrounded by the Moshannon Forest , which makes it feel very secluded.

Bob Mcbride is from Rochester Hills Michigan travels to visit the park.

He says, “it’s absolutely gorgeous, it really is.  Beautiful beach, safe swimming area, and good fishing.”

Patty Conley from Connellsville, Fayette told us, “I’m not like a country kind of girl but i ended up loving it.”

That is the impression of most people when they visit the park for the first time.  There are more than 100 camp sites, a swimming pool and many education programs.  It’s one of the few state parks that is busy year round.

“Most of cabins across the bureau close after deer season,” says Carey Huber an Environmental Specialist at the park. “We stay open and have supplemental gas heaters along with fire places. So people like to come in winter, especially, when there is snow and ice. Snowmobiles, cross country skiing or just enjoying winter time.”

Parker Dam opened July 4th 1937 and was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps. (CCC).  Much of the work done by that program still exists, and this fall you can take part in a special encampment.

Huber told us, “they’re going to put up tent barracks, mobile kitchen, mobile shower, people can stay 24 hours. [We are] going to get them up [and] feed them breakfast at the mess. Go out on trails to do some volunteer work. Follow that schedule CCC would have worked in 1930’s when they were working here.
 

 The 2016 Civilian Conservation Corps Encampment program to be held at the park on September 16-17.  Participants of the CCC Encampment must pre-register and  space is limited with preference being given to those experiencing it for the first time.  

The program is family-friendly, however it may not be appropriate for very small children (6 or under).

To register contact the Park Office at (814) 765-0630 or email parkerdamsp@pa.gov.