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State Park Overview |
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Set amidst the old, quaint and picturesque farmland of southeast Pennsylvania, French Creek offers two lakes--Hopewell and Scotts Run, extensive forests and almost 40 miles of hiking trails. Adjacent to the park lies Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site that features a cold-blast furnace restored to its 1830s appearance.
The heavily forested, scenic hills of French Creek State Park provide habitat for plants and animals in the ever-expanding urban environment of southeastern Pennsylvania. Large oak, poplar, hickory, maple, and beech trees cover much of the park, with a sparse understory of mountain laurel, rhododendron and other brushy plants. Wetlands and pristine streams flowing through rich, damp creek valleys offer additional habitats for plants and animals. This large, diverse environment supports many animals that take advantage of the high quality of the resources found at French Creek. If you are observant while at the park you will see deer, squirrels, raccoons, songbirds, and numerous other small animals and birds. The park sustains good populations of resident birds and animals, but also serves as an important stop for migratory species using the woodlands, streams, lakes, and wetlands for food and cover. |
Camping |
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Camping is available year-round at 201 wooded, modern sites that are with in easy access to shower and flush toilet facilities. Over 50 sites have electric hookups and more may be added in the future.
Organized Group Tenting
Qualified organized groups can camp in the primitive group tenting area. One site holds 60 people and 16 sites each hold 30 people. A portion of this area is open year-round. Reservations are required. |
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Area Activities |
| Family Outting | |  |
Adamstown, PA
Step back in time in this restored 150 year old German schoolhouse located in the antiques capital of the U.S.!
Web Site
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Picnicking |
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Boating |
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Boating electric motors permitted
Boat launching is provided at each lake, as noted on the map. Seasonal boat mooring spaces are available from April 1 to November 15 at each lake. Contact the park office for mooring information.
Boat rentals are available daily at the Hopewell Lake pool complex from Memorial Day to Labor Day and on weekends during May and September.
Motorboats must display a boat registration from any state. Non-powered boats must display one of the following boat registration from any state launching permit or mooring permit from Pennsylvania State Parks that are available at most state park offices launch use permit from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission.
Inflatable watercraft devices used on Pennsylvania State Park waters must meet the following requirements the craft must be made of a tough material, have more than one buoyancy chamber, and be a minimum of seven feet long.
Air propeller driven boats, sea planes, air mattresses and surf boards are not permitted. |
Swimming |
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Swimming is offered at the swimming pool by Hopewell Lake from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. from Memorial Day weekend to Labor Day, unless otherwise posted. A fee is charged. The pool is located near the shore of the lake and provides a beautiful setting for swimmers and sunbathers. Certified lifeguards are on duty when the pool is open. During the swimming season a food concession is open at the pool complex. Firewood, charcoal, and other picnic supplies are also sold.
A picnic pavilion inside the pool complex is available for rent. Reservations must be made at the pool entrance.
All children nine years of age or less must be accompanied and supervised by a responsible person. One such person shall supervise no more than five children. Swimming is not permitted in either lake. |
Fishing and Hunting |
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Fishing
Scotts Run Lake This 22-acre cold water lake offers excellent trout and other cold water species fishing. Hatchery raised trout are stocked pre-season, during the season and in the winter.
Hopewell Lake 68 acres of prime water presents a challenge for anglers. A wide variety of Pennsylvania warm water species are found at Hopewell Lake, including northern pike, chain pickerel, bass, walleye, muskellunge and many species of panfish. This lake is designated as a big bass lake and specific regulations apply.
Special Note All Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission rules and regulations apply to all boating and fishing on state park waters. A fishing license is required for people age 16 and over.
Hunting
The combination of habitats at French Creek offers a variety of hunting opportunities. Over 6,000 acres of the park are open to hunting, trapping and the training of dogs during established seasons. Common game species are deer, turkey, rabbit, pheasant and squirrel. Hunting woodchucks, also known as groundhogs, is prohibited. Dog training is only permitted from the day following Labor Day to March 31 in designated hunting areas. The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources and the Pennsylvania Game Commission rules and regulations apply. Contact the park office for accessible hunting information.
Use extreme caution with firearms at all times. The park is used by other visitors during hunting seasons. Firearms and archery equipment may be uncased and ready for use only in authorized hunting areas during hunting seasons. In areas not open to hunting or during non-hunting seasons, firearms and archery equipment shall be kept in the owners car, trailer or camp.
Approximately three miles southeast of the park is State Game Lands No. 43, administered by the Pennsylvania Game Commission. These game lands consist of more than 1,800 acres of land and add considerably to the public land available to the hunters of the area. A public firing range is located at the end of Laurel Road. Hunting is prohibited on property belonging to Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site. |
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Area Accommodations |
| B&Bs / Inns | |
1735 historic mansion in heart of PA Dutch country. Queen beds, antiques, Amish quilts, private baths, TVs. Garden Room multi-course breakfast. Evening sherry, carriage rides, visit Amish homes. | | |
Adamstown, PA
Step back in time in this restored 150 year old German schoolhouse located in the antiques capital of the U.S.!
Web Site
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Victorian B&Bs featuring rooms with Jacuzzis ,fireplaces and private balconies. Inn is located in the heart of the Antique district and minutes from outlets, Amish and golf. Highly recommended | |
Spend the night in an art gallery! Romantic B&B in Lancaster County with gas fireplaces in all rooms, two with Jacuzzis. Gourmet breakfasts. Near antique center, outlets, Amish attractions. | |
Pampered, relaxed, catered to? Do these words interest you? Than you must experience a stay at the Dilworth?s Rocking Horse Bed and Breakfast in beautiful Lancaster county,Pa. Jacuzzi, fireplaces | |
Carriage Corner is a unique blend of hospitality,laughter and kindness its located on the edge of the Village of Intercourse, a quaint country village that doesnt exist anyplace else anymore | |
Renovated 185 year old colonial brick home. Elegantly decorated with antiques. All guest rooms include modern amenities and each one has a private fully tiled bathroom with hairdryer.
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Historic property circa 1786 close to the Pa. Dutch countryside, Brandywine Valley and historic Lancaster county. Private baths, many confortable sitting rooms and one fireplace room. |
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More Info | |
French Creek State Park. Weather. How to Get There. Local Contacts. What To See. Rates. Contact Us. Set amidst the old, quaint and picturesque farmland of southeast Pennsylvania, French Creek... |
Nature Programs |
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Area Campgrounds | | Sill's Campgrounds
1906 Bowmansville Rd
Mohnton, PA
(717) 484-4806
| Dutch Cousin Campsite Inc
446 Hill Rd
Denver, PA
(717) 336-6911
| Hickory Run Family Campground
285 Greenville Rd
Denver, PA
(717) 336-5564
| Red Run Campground
877 Martin Church Rd
New Holland, PA
(717) 445-4526
| Warwick Woods Campgrounds
401 Trythall Rd
Elverson, PA
(610) 286-9655
| Shady Grove Camp Ground
65 Poplar Dr
Denver, PA
(717) 484-4225
| Lazy-K Campground Inc
102 Township Line Rd
Bechtelsville, PA
(610) 367-8576
| Camp Conquest Office
480 Forest Rd
Denver, PA
(717) 336-2541
| Shady Acres Campground
301 Creek Rd
Downingtown, PA
(610) 269-1800
| Hickory Park Campground
2140 Big Rd
Gilbertsville, PA
(610) 754-6884
| J C's Bagelry & Bake Shop
84 W Lancaster Ave
Downingtown, PA
(610) 269-1800
| Beechwood Campground & RV Svc
105 Beechwood Dr
Coatesville, PA
(610) 384-1457
| Brandywine Creek Campground
300 Creek Rd
Downingtown, PA
(610) 942-9950
| Philadelphia W Chester Koa
1659 Embreeville Road
Coatesville, PA
(610) 486-0447
| Brandywine Meadows Camp
429 Icedale Rd
Honey Brook, PA
(610) 273-9753
| Two Log Campground
960 Beaver Dam Rd
Honey Brook, PA
(610) 273-3068
| Birchview Farm Campgrounds
100 Birch View LN
Coatesville, PA
(610) 384-0500
| Hidden Acres Camp Grounds
103 Hidden Acres Rd
Coatesville, PA
(610) 857-3990
| K O a Campgrounds
RR 162
Coatesville, PA
(610) 486-6837
| Country Haven Campground Inc
354 Springville Rd
New Holland, PA
(717) 354-7926
| Berry Patch Campground
6225 Ross Rd
Honey Brook, PA
(610) 273-3720
| Rampolla Nicholas Campgrnd
560 Cocalico Rd
Denver, PA
(717) 336-2014
| Refreshing Mountain Camp
455 Camp Rd
Stevens, PA
(717) 738-1490
| Cocalico Creek Campground
560 Cocalico Rd
Denver, PA
(717) 336-2014
| Starlite Camping Resort
1500 Furnace Hill Rd
Stevens, PA
(717) 733-9655
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Area Fishing Related Businesses | | R & R Sporting Goods
301 Blair Ave
Reading, PA
(610) 376-3004
| Rick's Bait & Tackle
8061 Allentown Pike
Reading, PA
(610) 926-8888
| Tulpehocken Creek Outfitters TCO Fly Shop
2229 Penn Ave
West Lawn, PA
(610) 678-1899
| Joey's Skateboard & Tackle Shop
1701 Centre Ave
Reading, PA
(610) 478-0454
| Oley Fish & Game Club
114 Old State Rd
Reading, PA
(610) 779-1317
| Terenchin's Live Bait & Tackle
1221 Philadelphia Ave
Reading, PA
(610) 777-6003
| Fisherman's Paradise
2285 Farmington Ave
Boyertown, PA
(610) 369-0464
| Captain Bill's Seafood Restaurant
2289 Farmington Ave
Boyertown, PA
(610) 369-0464
| Angler & Archer Outfitter
1400 Lancaster Ave
Shillington, PA
(610) 777-6118
| Kurtz Fish Farm
161 Isabella Rd
Elverson, PA
(610) 286-9250
| Barry's Sharpening Service
35 Werner St
Wernersville, PA
(610) 678-7807
| Woody's Sporting Goods
35 Werner St
Wernersville, PA
(610) 678-7807
| Gordon's Sports Supply
129 Pottstown Pike
Chester Springs, PA
(610) 458-5153
| French Creek Hunting & Fishing Outfitters
270 Schuylkill Rd
Phoenixville, PA
(610) 933-7200
| South Birdsboro Archery Rod & Gun Club
470 Geigertown Rd
Douglassville, PA
(610) 582-5026
| Boyertown Rod & Gun Club
295 Sunset Hill Rd
Boyertown, PA
(610) 689-5847
| Esh's Archery
101 W Main St
New Holland, PA
(717) 354-4311
| Sportsman's Shop The
101 W Main St # 1
New Holland, PA
(717) 354-4311
| Mudduck Charters
1375 S Cocalico Rd # 104
Denver, PA
(717) 335-3740
| Adamstown Rod & Gun Club
563 Willow St
Adamstown, PA
(717) 484-4424
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Area Resorts and Lodging | | Adrienne's Inn at Centre Park
730 Centre Ave
Reading, PA
(610) 374-8557
| Mariawald Retreat House
1094 Welsh Rd
Reading, PA
(610) 777-0135
| PSHS Inc
5028 Camp Rd
Mohnton, PA
(717) 445-6330
| Hickory Run Family Campground Resort
285 Greenville Rd
Denver, PA
(717) 336-5564
| Fop Berks Lodge
Reading, PA
(610) 779-1454
| Singer Travel
18 Commerce Dr
Reading, PA
(610) 378-1610
| Spring Mountain Ski Area Information
750 Spring Mount Rd
Schwenksville, PA
(610) 287-7900
| Animal Resorts
301 Jefferis Rd
Downingtown, PA
(610) 942-0388
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