Planning Your Trip to Locust Lake State Park Campground, Locust Lake Road, Barnesville, PA

Are you considering a camping trip to Locust Lake State Park Campground on Locust Lake Road in Barnesville, Pennsylvania? This guide will provide you with essential information to help you plan a smooth and enjoyable visit. From understanding the park's rules and regulations to navigating the amenities and facilities, we've got you covered.

Understanding Locust Lake State Park's Permit Conditions

Locust Lake State Park, nestled in the scenic landscapes of Pennsylvania, offers a variety of camping experiences, but it's crucial to understand the permit conditions before your trip. These regulations aim to ensure a pleasant and respectful environment for all visitors.

The park operates under a permit system for campsites and other facilities. This means that upon booking, you agree to abide by specific rules and regulations. Failure to do so can result in penalties, including fines and even expulsion from the park. It's essential to review these conditions carefully before your arrival.

Understanding and respecting these regulations is key to ensuring a pleasant experience for everyone. The park's commitment to maintaining a peaceful atmosphere relies on the cooperation of all its guests.

Occupancy Limits and Guest Restrictions

The occupancy limits at Locust Lake State Park are designed to maintain a comfortable environment for all campers. Campsite occupancy is generally restricted to one family unit (defined as persons living under one household) or a maximum of five unrelated individuals.

This means that large groups of unrelated individuals will need to book multiple campsites and coordinate their stay. Similarly, cabins and yurts have occupancy limits based on their bed capacity, and these limits are often stricter for non-family groups. At least one adult (18 years or older) must be present at each campsite or facility throughout your stay.

Visiting Hours and Permit Transferability

Visitors are permitted within the park only between 8 a.m. and 10 p.m. This timeframe is designed to respect both the natural environment and the quiet enjoyment of other visitors. Keeping within these hours ensures a peaceful atmosphere for everyone. Remember that your permit is non-transferable; it cannot be given to another party.

Conduct, Cleanliness, and Other Important Rules

Maintaining a clean and respectful environment is paramount at Locust Lake State Park. Quiet hours are strictly enforced from 9 p.m. to 8 a.m. to minimize noise disturbances. This allows everyone to enjoy a restful night's sleep.

Responsibilities of Campers

Guests are responsible for cleaning their campsite or facility thoroughly and disposing of all waste properly before departure. This includes properly disposing of trash and recyclables in designated areas. The park provides receptacles throughout the campground for your convenience. Leaving your area clean contributes to the overall enjoyment of the park for all visitors.

Prohibited Activities

Alcoholic beverages are strictly prohibited within the park. Removal of furniture from cabins, yurts, and camping cottages is also forbidden. Tents, camping trailers, and recreational vehicles are not permitted at these facilities. Pet ownership is restricted to designated areas, and overnight stays with pets require reservations at designated pet-friendly facilities. Only one vehicle is allowed per campsite; additional vehicles must be parked in the designated lot before the park entrance.

Consequences of Violating Park Rules

Non-compliance with the park's rules and permit conditions can have serious consequences. Violations may result in immediate permit revocation, requiring your immediate departure from the facility and the park. You may also receive citations for summary offenses, leading to fines or other legal repercussions. Furthermore, you are fully responsible for any damage or loss to park property that occurs during your stay, regardless of the cause.

Locust Lake State Park Campground Amenities and Activities

Locust Lake State Park offers a variety of amenities and activities to make your camping trip memorable. The campground features 282 campsites, strategically located on either side of the lake. The northern side is designated for tent camping, while the southern side accommodates both tents and trailers.

Convenient walk-to campsites are available, minimizing the distance from your parking spot to your campsite. All sites are nestled in a wooded area and include a parking pad, picnic table, fire ring, and a cleared space for setting up your equipment. Modern restroom and shower facilities are available, enhancing the camping experience.

Additional Amenities and Services

A sanitary dump station is conveniently located on the south side of the lake. Trash and recycling areas are provided on both the north and south sides of the lake. Three playgrounds are scattered throughout the campground, catering to various age groups.

The park also offers free camping to campground hosts in exchange for a minimum four-week commitment and 40 hours of weekly work. Responsibilities include light maintenance, litter cleanup, and positive visitor interaction. A camp store near the boat launch offers essential supplies like food, camping gear, wood, and bait. Boat rentals and a public phone are also available there.

Locust Lake State Park Directions and Parking

Locust Lake State Park's address is 220 Locust Lake Road, Barnesville, PA 18214. The GPS coordinates are Lat. 40.78499 Long. -76.11921. Parking is limited, and it's crucial to plan accordingly. Limited ADA parking is available near the swimming area, camp store, and boat launch. Remember that dropping off passengers at the beach is prohibited to improve safety and reduce traffic. Day-use visitors must park in the designated day-use parking area located at the park entrance. Be prepared for a walk of up to 0.5 miles to reach some facilities.

By understanding the permit conditions, observing the rules, and planning accordingly, you can ensure a safe, enjoyable, and memorable camping experience at Locust Lake State Park. Remember to check the park's official website for the most up-to-date information and availability before your visit.

Locust Lake State Park Campground FAQ

What are the occupancy limits for campsites and other facilities?

Campsite occupancy is limited to one family unit (persons living under one household) or a maximum of five unrelated individuals. Cabins and yurts have occupancy limits based on the number of beds; restrictions are stricter for non-family groups. At least one adult (18+) must be present at each campsite or facility.

What are the quiet hours at Locust Lake State Park?

Quiet hours are enforced from 9 p.m. to 8 a.m. Noise disturbances during these hours are prohibited.

What are the rules regarding cleanliness and waste disposal?

Guests are responsible for cleaning their campsite or facility and properly disposing of all waste before departure. Designated trash and recycling areas are available on both the north and south sides of the lake.

Are alcoholic beverages permitted in the park?

No, alcoholic beverages are strictly prohibited within Locust Lake State Park.

What are the rules regarding pets?

Pet ownership is restricted to designated areas. Overnight stays with pets require reservations at designated pet-friendly facilities. There is a fee for bringing pets.

Can I bring a tent, camping trailer, or RV to a cabin or yurt?

No, tents, camping trailers, and recreational vehicles are not permitted at cabins, yurts, or camping cottages.

What is the rule about vehicles at campsites?

Only one vehicle per campsite is allowed. Additional vehicles must be parked in the designated lot before the park entrance.

What happens if I violate park rules?

Non-compliance can result in immediate permit revocation, requiring immediate departure. Violations may also result in citations, fines, or legal repercussions. Occupants are responsible for any damage to park property.

What amenities are available at the campground?

The campground offers modern restroom and shower facilities, a sanitary dump station (south side), playgrounds, and a camp store near the boat launch (western side). The camp store sells food, camping gear, wood, and bait, and also offers boat rentals and a public phone.

How many campsites are there, and what types of camping are available?

There are 282 campsites. The northern side is for tent camping only, while the southern side accommodates tents and trailers. Walk-to campsites are also available. All sites include a parking pad, picnic table, fire ring, and a cleared space for equipment setup.

Is there free camping available?

Yes, free camping is available to campground hosts in exchange for a minimum four-week commitment and 40 hours of weekly work. Contact the park office for details.

What is the address and how do I get there from I-81?

The address is 220 Locust Lake Road, Barnesville, PA 18214. Access from I-81 Northbound is via Exit 131B, turn left after crossing the overpass and travel 1.1 miles. From I-81 Southbound, use Exit 131A, turn left, and travel 1.0 mile. Follow posted signs.

What about parking?

Parking is limited throughout the park. Limited ADA parking is available near the swimming area, camp store, and boat launch. Day-use visitors must park in the designated day-use parking area at the park entrance. Be prepared to walk up to 0.5 miles to reach some facilities. Dropping off passengers at the beach is prohibited.

Is the permit transferable?

No, the permit is non-transferable and cannot be assigned to another party.

What are the visiting hours?

Visitors are only permitted between 8 a.m. and 10 p.m.

Is furniture removal from cabins allowed?

No, removing furniture from cabins, yurts, and camping cottages is forbidden.