Little Buffalo State Park RV & Campground Guide
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History abounds inside Little Buffalo State Park in central Pennsylvania's Perry County. The park is named after Little Buffalo Creek, which runs through the park and spills into the 88-acre Holman Lake. Check out the historical district, including the tavern and mill, and learn about the history and culture of the land before it was a state park. Popular events at the park include the Old Fashioned Apple Festival held every October, where guests can sample apple cider, apple butter, and cornmeal recipes. For the holiday season, the Christmas Walk is a family-friendly activity held the third weekend of December. Be sure to check out all the educational and recreational programs for hands-on learning, guided walks, campfire programs, and live entertainment. For environmentally conscious guests, an EV charging station is available.
Nearby Cities
Newport, PA
Harrisburg, PA
New Bloomfield, PA
Duncannon, PA
Spring 56-77 F
Summer 61-81 F
Fall 33-46 F
Winter 28-41 F
RV Resorts & Campsites in Little Buffalo State Park
Campground Accommodations
Little Buffalo State Park Campground
Water hookup: Yes
Electrical hookup: Yes
Sewer hookup: Yes
Wi-Fi: No
Pet-friendly: Yes
Max RV length: 45 feet
Other amenities: Playground, sanitary dump station, modern restrooms, showers, firewood sales, a picnic table and fire ring at every campsite.
Paradise Stream Family Campground
Paradise Stream Family Campground is a quality RV park located in the heart of south-central Pennsylvania. It includes exciting on-site attractions such as a lake, pedal go-karts, a mini-golf course, a swimming pool, and hiking trails. Moreover, the RV park hosts seasonal events that you can enjoy with the whole family during the holidays. Near the campground, you can check out Amish Country or the Carlisle car and truck shows. The address of Paradise Stream Family Campground is 693 Paradise Stream Rd, Loysville, PA 17047.
Free Spirit Campground
Free Spirit Campground is an RV park located in Landisburg, Pennsylvania, that offers a relaxing atmosphere and numerous recreational activities. For those who love to fish, there is a stocked lake on the premises that stays open to patrons. You can head to the swimming pool for family fun and then enjoy some music at one of the live events hosted at the RV park. Other amenities you will find here include a supplies store, paddle boat rentals, a playground, a bathhouse with heated showers, and a propane exchange. The address of Free Spirit Campground is 7 Free Spirit Dr, Landisburg, PA 17040.
What to Do at
Little Buffalo State Park
Explore Little Buffalo State Park while wandering the many hiking trails there. Check out Covered Bridge Trail to see Clays Covered Bridge, and then head down the easy gravel trail to the entertainment pavilion and playground. Multiple picnic areas are scattered throughout the park, with grills, restrooms, and a horseshoe pit for you to have some leisure time with your family or friends. Take a dip in the swimming pool or cool off with the mist of the sprayground, and then rent a pedal boat or canoe for some exercise out on the lake.
Inside Little Buffalo State Park
Holman Lake, one of the most popular fishing lakes in Perry County, is open to visitors of the state park for recreational use. The premises contain hundreds of acres that are open for hunting. The recreation area also has two picnic areas, which both offer views of Lake Holman and are shaded by oak trees. Little Buffalo Creek Trail, Blue Ball Trail, and Middle Ridge Trail are three of the best hiking paths that you will find. A couple of other great attractions that you can find at Little Buffalo State Park are the covered bridge and the restored grist mill.
Fishing
Fishing on Holman Lake offers you a chance to catch largemouth bass, black crappie, sunfish, yellow perch, trout, catfish, panfish, and muskellunge. Ice fishing is also popular in the winter.
Geocaching
Check out the official Geocache website to find a cache in Little Buffalo State Park. Come prepared with hiking footwear, GPS, and a can-do spirit!
Nature Watching
Migratory birds fly over and rest on the lake during migration seasons. These birds include ospreys, bald eagles, Canada geese, mallards, blue-winged teal, mergansers, buffleheads, common loons, and ring-necked ducks. Out and about throughout the park, you'll find nest boxes providing shelter for bluebirds.
Flora and Fauna
White-tailed deer, raccoons, squirrels, and rabbits are often spotted roaming the area. Additionally, you might spot tracks of beaver, muskrat, and mink in the stream or near the lake.
Hiking
Lace up your hiking shoes and head out across more than 8 miles of diverse trails winding through the park. Options range from the easy quarter-mile Blue Ball Trail, rich in history with sites like the old Blue Ball Tavern and a historic farmhouse, to the more strenuous 2.5-mile Middle Ridge Trail. There's also a 1.2-mile Exercise Trail with 18 exercise stations.
Boating
Two public boat launches on the north end of the lake give access to put in your electric motor or non-powered craft. During the summer, you can rent canoes, rowboats, and pedal boats from the rental shop near the swimming pool. Mooring sites are also available during the summer.
Swimming
A large swimming pool and sprayground sit near the lake. Two water slides roll into the pool with a maximum depth of 5 feet. Swimming is not allowed in the lake.
Biking
Little Buffalo State Park Loop Ride is a moderate 12.1-mile loop that starts and finishes near Holman Lake. Cyclists experience a serene journey through woodland and past scenic views of farmland. This route is especially breathtaking during the autumn season.
How to Get to
Little Buffalo State Park
Take PA 322 to the Newport Exit, and follow PA 34 south past Newport for one mile. Turn right onto Little Buffalo Road to the park entrance.
Entering Little Buffalo State Park
Many parking areas are available to guests throughout the park. Large parking areas exist near the swimming pool and boat launch. Additional parking is available at the playground, recreation hall, and picnic areas. There is also extra parking for campground guests in the campground.
There are no fees to visit and enjoy Little Buffalo State Park.
Whether you love the water or prefer to stay on land, Little Buffalo State Park has ample opportunities for recreation, including boating, swimming, hiking, and relaxing. Bring your sunscreen, hiking shoes, and bug spray, and set out on your next adventure.
Frequently Asked Questions About Little Buffalo State Park
The park is open all year, with something for everyone in each season. Over the winter, enjoy ice skating, cross-country skiing, snowmobiling, and sledding. During the warmer months, you can hike, swim, boat, and enjoy the sounds of songbirds overhead.
White-tailed deer, raccoons, squirrels, and rabbits are among the mammals you'll find as you roam the park. You'll also notice many bluebirds, thanks to the nesting boxes, and many other songbirds. You might spot ospreys and bald eagles as well.
Yes, there are 40 RV camping spots in the campground at Little Buffalo State Park.
It's not required, but in order to guarantee a spot, you may want to reserve your site ahead of time. You can make reservations online or by phone up to 11 months in advance. You may also self-register for any spot that isn't already reserved when you arrive at the park.
Yes, Little Buffalo State Park and the campground are pet-friendly. Be sure your pet is on a leash and supervised at all times. Pets are not allowed in the swimming pool and sprayground area or inside buildings in the park.