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State Park · PA

McCalls Dam State Park

McCalls Dam State Park offers a peaceful natural retreat with forested landscapes and the scenic Sinnemahoning Creek, ideal for hiking, fishing, and primitive camping.

State Park504+ Trails

Designation

State Park

Total Wilderness Area

50

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About McCalls Dam State Park

McCalls Dam State Park offers a peaceful natural retreat with forested landscapes and the scenic Sinnemahoning Creek, ideal for hiking, fishing, and primitive camping.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

McCalls Dam State Park is located in Cameron County, Pennsylvania, within the expansive Allegheny Plateau region. Covering a forested area along the Sinnemahoning Creek, the park centers around the historic McCalls Dam, a remnant of the 19th-century logging industry that once dominated the region. The park features mixed hardwood forests with species such as oak, maple, and hemlock, creating habitats rich in wildlife including white-tailed deer, black bears, and various bird species. The Sinnemahoning Creek offers excellent fishing opportunities, primarily for trout. Visitors enjoy hiking along trails that cross streams and wetlands, bringing them close to the serene natural environment. The park’s primitive camping areas offer a quiet setting removed from crowded developed campgrounds. Its location near the Pennsylvania Wilds region makes it a good base for exploring nearby state forests and other protected areas. While McCalls Dam State Park is not large, it provides a low-impact, back-to-nature experience rooted in Pennsylvania’s logging history and current conservation efforts. The park appeals to anglers, hikers, and outdoor enthusiasts looking for solitude in a forested river valley, as well as those interested in regional history reflected in the old dam site and surrounding woodlands.

Field Guide · State Park
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near McCalls Dam State Park

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 30 miles.

Cherry Springs State Park: A Stargazer’s Paradise★ 8.2⌖ 17 miStargazing
Cherry Springs State Park

Cherry Springs State Park: A Stargazer’s Paradise

Cherry Springs State Park in Coudersport, PA, is renowned for stargazing with one of the darkest skies in the U.S. Enjoy hiking through diverse flora along peaceful trails. Ideal for photographers and stargazers seeking a serene retreat.

StargazingView Details→
Kinzua Skywalk: Where Engineering Meets Nature★ 7.0⌖ 34 miSightseeing
Kinzua Bridge State Park

Kinzua Skywalk: Where Engineering Meets Nature

Explore the Kinzua Skywalk located at Kinzua Bridge State Park in Pennsylvania. This easy access historical landmark offers breathtaking views from its glass-bottom deck. Ideal for sightseeing and seasonal hiking, it's open year-round with family-friendly amenities.

SightseeingView Details→
Discover Allegheny National Forest★ 7.8⌖ 51 miHiking
Allegheny National Forest

Discover Allegheny National Forest

Explore Allegheny National Forest in Marienville, PA. With its sprawling woodlands and diverse activities like hiking, boating, and camping, it's a serene getaway. Best in spring and fall with quiet trails year-round.

Ruins and Trails: Discovering Shingletown Gap★ 7.5⌖ 52 miHiking
Shingletown Gap

Ruins and Trails: Discovering Shingletown Gap

Explore the trails at Shingletown Gap near State College, PA, featuring historical ruins and lush forests. A prime spot for hiking and birdwatching, it offers pathways for all skill levels amidst beautiful landscapes.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ Historic McCalls Dam site showcasing early logging era engineering✦ Sinnemahoning Creek offering trout fishing and peaceful waterside views✦ Primitive camping areas providing a remote outdoor experience✦ Short hiking trails through mixed hardwood forests and wetlands
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in McCalls Dam State Park

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in McCalls Dam State Park
Park Recreation

Camping

Available in McCalls Dam State Park
Park Recreation

Wildlife Viewing

Available in McCalls Dam State Park
Park Recreation

Fishing

Available in McCalls Dam State Park
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in McCalls Dam State Park
Park Recreation

Paddle Sports

Available in McCalls Dam State Park
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in McCalls Dam State Park.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

No fee for day use; camping requires a permit available on a first-come, first-served basis

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Wilderness Stays

Camping & Overnight Stays in McCalls Dam State Park

Frontcountry developed campgrounds, backcountry wilderness permit guidelines, and starry-night camping advice.

McCalls Dam Primitive Campground

Small rustic campground near Sinnemahoning Creek with no hookups or facilities, ideal for backpackers and anglers seeking solitude.

Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near McCalls Dam State Park

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Emporium
⌖ 10.00 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Emporium, Pennsylvania

A quiet river town with rich outdoor access to the Allegheny National Forest offering year-round adventures from hiking to paddling and snow sports.

Late Spring through Fall; Winter for snowmobilingExplore Town
Austin
⌖ 10.34 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Austin, Pennsylvania

A quiet, historic small town offering peaceful outdoor escapes amid Pennsylvania’s rolling forested hills and waterways.

Late Spring to Early FallExplore Town
Driftwood
⌖ 10.93 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Driftwood, Pennsylvania

A tranquil riverside town offering peaceful paddling and rustic hiking opportunities amid Pennsylvania’s forested landscapes.

Spring through FallExplore Town
Westport
⌖ 16.64 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Westport, Pennsylvania

A peaceful rural community offering access to serene waterways and rolling countryside, perfect for relaxation and low-impact outdoor adventures.

Spring through FallExplore Town
Renovo
⌖ 18.90 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Renovo, Pennsylvania

A small, historic town surrounded by vast state forests and rivers offering rugged outdoor adventures and tranquil nature escapes.

Spring through Fall for hiking and paddling; Winter for snowmobiling.Explore Town
Coudersport
⌖ 20.09 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Coudersport, Pennsylvania

A serene destination offering outdoor adventures within the picturesque landscapes of Pennsylvania's remote north central region.

Fall and WinterExplore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in McCalls Dam State Park

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

12 bookable experiences

Availability, pricing, meeting details, and fulfillment are provided by the applicable operator or booking partner.