French Creek State Park - Elverson, PA - State Park with Fishing, Hunting, Hiking, and Swimming

French Creek State Park is located at 843 Park Road in Elverson, Pennsylvania, and is situated amidst picturesque farmland. The area is heavily forested, which means that the park is ideal habitat for a variety of plants and animals. The area is home to hickory, maple, beech, poplar, and large oak trees. Brushy plants, mountain laurel, and rhododendron can be found throughout the area. Some of the animals found at French Creek State Park include raccoons, squirrels, songbirds, and deer. Migratory species can also be found making a stop in the park to use the streams, lakes, woodlands, and wetlands for food and cover. With nearly 40 miles of hiking trails throughout the park, visitors can enjoy the wildlife and the scenic views while hiking.

French Creek State Park is home to two lakes. Scotts Run Lake is a cold water lake that covers roughly 22 acres. Hopewell Lake, on the other hand, is a 68-acre warm water lake. Fishing is permitted on both lakes. Scotts Run Lake is stocked with hatchery-raised trout in the pre-season, during the season, and again during winter. Hopewell Lake houses a variety of fish, such as northern pike, bass, muskellunge, chain Pickerel, walleye, and several species of panfish. Hopewell Lake has been designated as a big bass lake. In order to fish on either lake, a fishing license is required for all individuals that are 16 years of age or older.

Boating is permitted at both of the park's lakes. Each lake has its own boat launch. Motorboats can be registered in any state, but boat registration must be displayed. Surfboards, sea planes, air mattresses, and air propeller driven boats are not permitted on either lake. From Memorial Day to Labor Day and on weekends in May and September, boat rentals are available at the park's pool complex.

The pool complex is located by Hopewell Lake. Unless otherwise posted, swimming is permitted in the swimming pool from Memorial Day to Labor Day between the hours of 11:00am and 7:00pm. When the pool is open, there are certified lifeguards on duty. There is a concession stand located at the pool complex. The concession stand is open during the swimming season. Inside the pool complex, there is a picnic pavilion. This pavilion can be rented, but rental reservations must be made at the pool entrance. Anyone that is nine years of age or under must be supervised while in the pool area.

Picnicking is available throughout French Creek State Park. There are two designated picnic areas, and additional picnic tables are scattered throughout the park. One of the picnic areas is located near Hopewell Lake, which provides visitors with easy access to the surrounding activities. The second designated picnic area is by Scotts Run Lake. Typically, this picnic area is peaceful and is an ideal location for a picnic.

More than 6,000 of the park's acres are open for trapping, hunting, and dog training (during established seasons). Hunting groundhogs, which are also called woodchucks, is strictly prohibited. Species of game common to the park include rabbit, pheasant, turkey, and deer.

Campsites are available year round and include 201 modern campsites. These sites have access to flush toilet facilities and showers. Electric hookups are available at more than 50 of the park's campsites. In addition to the modern campsites, French Creek State Park has a primitive tenting area for groups. Reservations are required for groups camping in the primitive tenting area. Reservations can be made by calling 888-727-2757. Additional information about the park can be obtained by calling 610-582-9680.

There is no fee for admission to the park. The park is open year round, although there are typically reduced services from mid-December to mid-April.