Things to Do Near Penfield, PA
One of the best parts of camping with us at B-Bar-M Campground, LLC is everything waiting to be explored beyond your campsite. Our location in Penfield puts you in a beautiful part of Pennsylvania where forests, state parks, hiking trails, wildlife, lakes, and unique natural attractions can all become part of your camping trip.
Your Basecamp for Adventure
Spend the morning hiking through the woods, relax near the water in the afternoon, look for wildlife as evening approaches, and then return to B-Bar-M Campground to unwind.
Parker Dam State Park
When you are looking for outdoor recreation near Penfield, Parker Dam State Park deserves a spot near the top of your list. This 968-acre Pennsylvania state park features a scenic lake surrounded by forest and provides access to a wide variety of outdoor activities. Depending on the season and current park conditions, visitors can enjoy hiking, fishing, boating, swimming, mountain biking, picnicking, wildlife watching, and winter recreation.
Hikers have plenty to explore. Parker Dam State Park contains more than 13 miles of trails, with additional routes continuing into the surrounding Moshannon State Forest. The park is also a gateway to the Quehanna Wild Area, making it appealing to visitors looking for a more adventurous Pennsylvania outdoor experience.
Discover Moshannon State Forest
If forests are one of the reasons you came camping, you are in the right part of Pennsylvania. Moshannon State Forest surrounds several of the outdoor destinations in our region and provides an expansive natural backdrop for hiking, wildlife watching, and exploring.
The forest landscape also connects visitors to destinations and trail systems that can turn a simple camping getaway into a much larger outdoor adventure. You do not have to tackle a major hike to appreciate the area. A day spent exploring the forest, visiting a nearby state park, or enjoying the scenery can be just as memorable.
Simon B. Elliott State Park
Simon B. Elliott State Park is another outdoor destination located right here in Penfield. The 318-acre park sits in the heart of Moshannon State Forest and is entirely wooded. Its landscape includes areas of swamp meadow along with mixed hardwood and oak forest.
This is the kind of destination that fits naturally into a camping trip centered around Pennsylvania's forests and scenery. Visitors can enjoy the wooded environment and use the park as another opportunity to experience the natural character of our area. Its Penfield location also makes it particularly relevant for guests who want to explore locally while staying at B-Bar-M Campground.
Explore Bilgers Rocks
For something a little different, consider adding Bilgers Rocks to your trip. Located in nearby Grampian, Bilgers Rocks is a 173-acre tract centered around an impressive 20-acre sandstone formation. Pennsylvania DCNR describes the formations as a classic “rock city,” with large sandstone blocks creating passageways and unusual formations throughout the site.
The geological history makes this destination especially interesting. The sand that eventually formed these rocks was deposited during the Pennsylvanian Period more than 300 million years ago. Today, visitors can explore the area while hiking and enjoying the surrounding landscape. Picnic facilities are also available, making Bilgers Rocks an option for a daytime outing.
Visit Pennsylvania Elk Country
Wildlife can be one of the highlights of visiting this part of Pennsylvania, and a trip toward Benezette opens the door to Pennsylvania Elk Country. The Elk Country Visitor Center at 950 Winslow Hill Road in Benezette provides an excellent starting point for learning about Pennsylvania's elk, their history, conservation, behavior, and habitat.
Visitors can explore viewing trails, interactive exhibits, educational displays, and the center's immersive theater experience. The surrounding property is also designed to provide opportunities for elk viewing. Because these are wild animals, seeing elk can never be guaranteed. The Visitor Center advises that early morning and the hours before dark can provide better viewing opportunities, particularly when conditions are favorable.
Hiking Near Penfield, PA
If hiking is high on your vacation list, camping with us puts you within reach of several trail opportunities. Parker Dam State Park alone offers more than 13 miles of trails. Some remain within the park, while others connect with the surrounding Moshannon State Forest.
Experienced hikers looking for a bigger challenge can learn more about the Quehanna Trail. This approximately 73-mile trail travels through remote portions of the region, including the Quehanna Wild Area. Pennsylvania DCNR classifies the relevant section as difficult wilderness hiking and recommends it for experienced hikers.
You certainly do not need to take on 73 miles to enjoy hiking while you are here. Shorter park trails and other regional opportunities make it possible to build an outdoor itinerary that matches your experience level and the amount of time you have available.
Wildlife Watching in the Pennsylvania Outdoors
Keep your eyes open while exploring because elk are not the only wildlife found in the region.
Pennsylvania DCNR identifies the Parker Dam and Moshannon State Forest area as habitat for a variety of wildlife. Depending on where you explore and the time of year, visitors may encounter white-tailed deer, wild turkey, beavers, foxes, numerous bird species, and other Pennsylvania wildlife.
Wildlife should always be viewed from a safe and respectful distance. Never feed wild animals, and follow posted park guidance when exploring. For many campers, simply seeing an animal in its natural environment becomes one of the unexpected highlights of the trip.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some things to do near Penfield, PA?
Outdoor attractions in the region include Parker Dam State Park, Simon B. Elliott State Park, Moshannon State Forest, Bilgers Rocks, and Pennsylvania Elk Country around Benezette.
Where can we go hiking near the campground?
Parker Dam State Park offers more than 13 miles of trails, and the surrounding Moshannon State Forest provides additional opportunities. Experienced backpackers can also research the Quehanna Trail and Quehanna Wild Area.
Can we see elk near Penfield?
Wild elk inhabit parts of this Pennsylvania region, although sightings can never be guaranteed. The Elk Country Visitor Center in Benezette is an excellent destination for visitors interested in learning about Pennsylvania elk and exploring designated viewing opportunities.
Is there somewhere nearby for fishing or boating?
Parker Dam State Park offers both fishing and boating opportunities. Always review current Pennsylvania regulations and park rules before your visit.
Are there family-friendly outdoor attractions?
Yes. Depending on your family's interests and abilities, Parker Dam State Park, Simon B. Elliott State Park, Bilgers Rocks, and the Elk Country Visitor Center can all be considered when planning a family outing.
Where can we stay while exploring the area?
Make B-Bar-M Campground your home base. We offer RV full hookup sites and tent camping in Penfield, along with firewood available on-site for our guests.
Camp, Explore & Come Back to B-Bar-M
There is a lot to discover around Penfield, and we would love to give you a place to call camp while you experience it.
Spend your days hiking through Pennsylvania forests, exploring unusual rock formations, visiting state parks, watching for wildlife, or discovering Elk Country. When the day's adventure is over, return to B-Bar-M Campground and enjoy a relaxing evening at your campsite. We offer RV full hookup sites, tent camping, and on-site firewood from our family-run campground in Penfield, Pennsylvania.