The 256-acre Whipple Dam State Park is a delightful and quiet place to visit. The lake is the perfect place to indulge in a refreshing dip, bird watch, or just relax. The beautiful day-use area is wonderful for a picnic or hike.

Picnicking at Whipple Dam State Park

This activity or structure is ADA accessible. Pavilion #1 is accessible for people with disabilities.
Three large picnic pavilions and many picnic tables are in a forest-covered area, close to the beach and lake.

Hand operated and pressurized drinking fountains, charcoal stoves, and restrooms are throughout the park.

The three picnic pavilions may be reserved up to 11 months in advance for a fee. Unreserved picnic pavilions are free on a first-come, first-served basis.

Swimming at Whipple Dam State Park

The 300-foot sand beach is open from late-May to mid-September, 8:00 A.M. until sunset.

A dressing room, beach volleyball court, and boat rental are at the beach.

Swim at your own risk. Please read and follow posted rules.

Smoke-Free Beach
Smoking is prohibited on the beach and in the swimming area. For visitors who smoke and still want to use the beach, designated areas adjacent to the beach are provided. The restriction includes:

Cigarettes
Pipes
Cigars
E-cigarettes
Other handheld, lighted smoking devices

Wildlife Watching at Whipple Dam State Park

Wildlife is abundant in the area. An alert observer may see:

White-tailed deer
Black bear
Wild turkey
Waterfowl
Many other species of wildlife
Osprey, great blue heron, and Canada goose visit the lake. On quiet evenings, muskrat and beaver may be seen on the water.

Feeding wild animals such as waterfowl, deer, bear, and raccoons is prohibited. When wildlife looses its fear of people, these animals become pests and dangerous situations can result. Please do not feed the wildlife.

Boating at Whipple Dam State Park

Electric motors only

The 22-acre Whipple Lake is great for:

Canoeing
Sailing
Kayaking
Electric-powered motorboating

Fishing at Whipple Dam State Park

The 22-acre Whipple Lake and Laurel Run are stocked with trout by the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission during the spring and winter months.

Ice Fishing
Ice fishing is permitted on the natural ice of the 22-acre Whipple Lake.

Ice thickness is not monitored.

Hunting at Whipple Dam State Park

During established seasons, a portion of the park is open to:

Hunting
Trapping
Training of dogs
Common game species are:

Deer
Grouse
Squirrel
Bear
Turkey
Waterfowl
Hunting woodchucks, also known as groundhogs, is prohibited. Dog training is only permitted from the day following Labor Day through March 31 in designated hunting areas.

Cross-country Skiing at Whipple Dam State Park

Park trails and roads, and roads in Rothrock State Forest are recommended for cross-country skiing.

Ice Skating at Whipple Dam State Park

The natural ice of the lake is popular for skating.

Ice thickness is not monitored.

Snowmobiling at Whipple Dam State Park

Conditions permitting, park roads, and roads in Rothrock State Forest are available for registered snowmobiles.

Roads are shared with automobiles.