French Creek State Park
843 Park Road, Elverson PA 19520
Sunrise to sunset
$$
road-trips, outdoor-adventures, water-activities, seasonal-activities, camping, hikes
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French Creek State Park is a 7,526-acre Pennsylvania gem, offering up everything you need for a spectacular family adventure. Located in North Coventry and Warwick Townships about an hour northwest of Philadelphia, the park has two lakes for boating and fishing, ample campsites, miles of hiking trails, and a scenic swimming pool near the shore of one of the lakes.
There are two lakes: Hopewell Lake, a warm water lake, and Scott's Run Lake, a cold water lake stocked with trout, which is often a quieter and more serene experience. Both offer fishing and boating, but no swimming is permitted in the lakes. Boat rentals are available near the swimming pool on Hopewell Lake. You can rent a variety of boats so any level of experience can enjoy some time on the lake: rowboats with electric motors; single and double kayaks; canoes; stand-up paddleboards, paddleboats; and 2-person sailboats (check the websites for rates).
There is a 24,000 square foot public swimming pool with a particularly scenic location on the shore of Hopewell Lake. There is an admission fee for day use or you can purchase a summer family membership. The pool includes a nice shallow area for younger children to splash and play and a food concession stand. If you prefer to bring your own food, there are ample picnic tables near the swimming pool and throughout the park.
The park also offers almost 40 miles of hiking and equestrian trails, as well as technical, challenging mountain biking trails, most suitable for experienced trail riders. If you can't fit all of this activity into one day, French Creek State Park offers wooded campgrounds with facilities (including playgrounds) which are open from March through January, as well as yurts, modern cabins, and camping cottages. Certain loops permit you to bring the family pet, too. It is fair to say, however, the campground is not in great shape and could definitely benefit from some upgrades.