Skip to agency navigation
Skip to main content

Official Website

of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania

    The .gov means its official.

    Local, state, and federal government websites often end in .gov. Commonwealth of Pennsylvania government websites and email systems use "pennsylvania.gov" or "pa.gov" at the end of the address. Before sharing sensitive or personal information, make sure you're on an official state website. 
    Raccoon Creek State Park

    Winter Recreation

    Pennsylvania state parks are open 365 days a year, even in the winter. The Winter Report provides ice and snow depth information for state parks.

    Enjoy the Winter

    Park trails are open for cross-country skiing, however, it is recommended to avoid trails rated ‘difficult.’ A designated 2.2-mile cross-country skiing trail is located between the beach access road and the roadside east picnic area.

    Please check the trail difficulty rating before adventuring on the trails.

    Ice fishing is permitted on the natural ice of the lake. 

    Ice thickness is not monitored. For your safety, make sure ice is at least 4” thick for a single angler and 7” thick for a small group. 

    Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission regulations and laws apply.

    Ice skating is permitted on the 101-acre Raccoon Lake as conditions permit.

    Ice thickness is not monitored. For your safety, make sure ice is at least 4” thick for a single skater and 7” thick for a small group. 

    Snowmobiling is permitted on four miles of Nichol and Pioneer Camp roads, conditions permitting. Parking is available in a lot off PA 168 and Nichol Road. Please use caution because these roads are also open to hunters needing ADA accessibility.

    Snowmobiles may be operated on designated trails and roads from the day following the last deer season in December until April 1, weather permitting.

    All snowmobiles must be registered and follow all Pennsylvania snowmobile rules.

    Park trails are open for snowshoeing. Snowshoe loaner kits are available at the park office.

    Please check the trail difficulty rating before adventuring on the trails.

    Year round overnight opportunitunities are available at:

    • Rustic non-electric campsites
    • Lakeside Lodge
    • Modern cabins

    Make online reservations or call toll-free 888-PA-PARKS (888-727-2757), 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday to Saturday.

    Ice Safety

    • Test ice thickness with an auger before recreating. For your safety, make sure ice is at least 4” thick for a single user and 7” thick for a small group. For iceboating, make sure ice is at least 6” thick.
    • Always carry safety equipment and know how to use it.
    • Spread out. Crowds can put too much weight onto one area.
    • Be aware of changes in ice thickness across a body of water. Perimeter ice is weaker due to shifting, expansion and sunlight reflecting off of the bottom.
    • Avoid areas with protruding logs, brush, plants, and docks. These structures absorb heat, weakening the surrounding ice.
    • Avoid areas with multiple or intersecting cracks, and standing water over ice.
    • Venturing out on ice alone is not advisable. Take a friend along for fun and for safety.
    • Wear a personal flotation device (life jacket).
    • Check the weather and plan accordingly. Several days with temperatures above freezing will weaken the ice.