Ole Bull State Park

- 31 Valhalla Ln, Cross Fork, PA 17729

Nestled deep in the breathtaking wilderness of the Pennsylvania Wilds, Ole Bull State Park offers a premier camping experience that perfectly balances rugged natural beauty with comfortable, modern amenities. This 132-acre gem, located in the Kettle Creek Valley of Potter County, is a beloved destination for Pennsylvanians seeking an authentic, yet highly accessible, outdoor escape. The park is steeped in unique local history, named after Ole Bornemann Bull, the famous Norwegian violinist who attempted to establish a Norwegian colony here in 1852.

The Ole Bull State Park Campground serves as a serene, well-maintained hub for all your adventures in the 'Black Forest' region of the state. Known for its dense tree cover, mountainous terrain, and the pristine waters of Kettle Creek, the park is a magnet for serious anglers, avid hikers, and families looking for a tranquil spot to reconnect. Unlike more rustic campgrounds in the area, Ole Bull provides the essential comforts—including hot showers—that allow you to easily wash off the dust of a long trail hike or a day spent wading in the creek, as one satisfied customer noted: "The hot showers in the bathhouse were a great way to end a 3 mile hike as well!"

The park's campground features spacious sites, often spread out enough to provide a welcome sense of privacy while still fostering a friendly community atmosphere. This balance of seclusion and accessibility makes it an ideal spot for extended stays in the heart of Pennsylvania's most remote region. The commitment to maintaining a clean and quiet environment ensures that after a day of exploring the surrounding Susquehannock State Forest, campers can enjoy a peaceful evening around their campfire, fully immersing themselves in the restful sounds of the wilderness.

Ole Bull is more than just a place to park your RV or pitch a tent; it is a gateway to the vast public lands of the Pennsylvania Wilds, making it a highly convenient and popular basecamp for exploring some of the most beautiful and wild corners of the Commonwealth.

Ole Bull State Park is located in the rugged north-central part of Pennsylvania, often referred to as 'God's Country,' specifically in Cross Fork, Potter County. The park is situated along PA Route 144, approximately 18 miles south of Galeton and 26 miles north of Renovo. Its location is a key factor in its appeal, placing it deep within the massive Susquehannock State Forest, yet easily accessible via a well-maintained state highway.

The park’s address, 31 Valhalla Lane, Cross Fork, PA 17729, USA, is a nod to its Norwegian heritage. While the area is remote, the main access road, PA 144, is a designated scenic route, ensuring that the journey to the park is part of the overall beautiful experience. For local users, it is important to understand that this is true wilderness country. While services are available in nearby small towns, preparation is key. Cell service can be unpredictable, making downloaded maps and trip planning before departure highly advisable.

One of the most significant aspects of its location is its proximity to other major natural attractions. Ole Bull is just a short, approximately 20-minute drive from the world-famous Cherry Springs State Park, a Gold Level International Dark Sky Park. This makes Ole Bull the perfect campground for those who want to experience the legendary dark skies but prefer a campground with more amenities, electric hookups, and fewer strict lighting rules for general camping enjoyment, as highlighted by a customer review: “The view of the sky wasn't as good as at Cherry Springs but wasn't crowded, didn't have to worry about having a red filter on all your lights etc.” This unique combination offers the best of both worlds for Pennsylvania outdoor enthusiasts.

The campground at Ole Bull State Park offers a variety of amenities designed to provide comfort and convenience, transforming the park into a great retreat for both tent campers and RV users across Pennsylvania. The campsites are divided into two main areas, Camp Area 1 and Camp Area 2, offering a mix of sunny and shaded spots along Kettle Creek.

Core Services and Facilities:

• Year-Round Camping: The park uniquely permits camping year-round, with Camp Area 2 providing modern restroom and shower facilities that remain open through the off-season.
• Electric Campsites: Numerous sites are equipped with electric hookups (up to 30/50 amp), accommodating RVs up to approximately 64 feet in length, a feature not commonly found in more rustic parks.
• Modern Bathhouses: Clean, modern, and newly renovated restrooms with flush toilets and hot showers are available, a highly praised amenity by returning campers.
• Sanitary Facilities: The park provides water hydrants for potable water access and a sanitary dump station for RVs.
• Site Furnishings: All campsites include a level gravel pad, a picnic table, and a fire ring with a grill for cooking and campfires.
• Group Tenting Area: A separate area is available for organized group camping, complete with its own restroom facilities.
• Pet-Friendly Area: Pets are permitted in Camp Area 2 for an additional fee, allowing Pennsylvania families to bring their furry companions along for the adventure.

These services ensure that whether you are backpacking the Susquehannock Trail or pulling a large camper, your stay at Ole Bull will be restful and convenient.

The appeal of Ole Bull State Park extends far beyond its comfortable camping facilities. The park and its surrounding state forest lands are a haven for a wide variety of outdoor activities, offering something for every type of Pennsylvania adventurer.

Park Features and Recreational Highlights:

• Exceptional Trout Fishing: Kettle Creek, which flows through the park, is a renowned trout stream, offering excellent fishing for brook, brown, and rainbow trout. The park maintains a special children's-only fishing area near the dam.
• Kettle Creek Swimming Beach: A 150-foot sandy beach along Kettle Creek provides a designated, unsupervised swimming area open during daylight hours in the summer months, perfect for cooling off on a hot day.
• Extensive Hiking Trails: The park boasts several miles of scenic hiking trails, including the steep and rewarding Castle Vista Trail, which leads to a scenic overlook and the foundation remains of Ole Bull's attempted castle home site.
• Gateway to Major Trail Systems: A 0.34-mile section of the 85-mile Susquehannock Trail System (STS) passes directly through the park, and the park’s day-use parking lot serves as a popular trailhead for STS backpackers.
• Historic Ole Bull Monument: Visitors can explore the history of the park's namesake by visiting the site of his unsuccessful colony, including the visible foundation of his ambitious home.
• Winter Recreation: Ole Bull offers year-round fun, with park trails groomed for cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in the winter, and snowmobile trails connecting to the expansive state forest network.
• Environmental Education Programs: During the summer, the park offers engaging programs on the area’s history, flora, and fauna, making it an educational spot for visiting families.

From the peaceful lapping of Kettle Creek to the panoramic views from the Castle Vista Trail, Ole Bull provides a genuinely rich and varied outdoor experience.

For reservations, information on current trail conditions, or details on educational programs, local users can reach out directly to the Ole Bull State Park office. Due to the remote location and potential for unpredictable cell service in the park, it is always recommended to save this information and confirm reservations prior to your arrival.

Official Park Contact Information:

• Address: 31 Valhalla Lane, Cross Fork, PA 17729, USA
• Phone (Park Office): (814) 435-5000
• General Email: olebullsp@pa.gov
• Reservations: Online reservations are available through the Pennsylvania State Parks system, or call the toll-free service at 888-PA-PARKS (888-727-2757).
• Nearest Hospital: UPMC Cole, 1001 East Second Street, Coudersport, PA 16915 (Important for emergency planning).

Ole Bull State Park Campground is an outstanding choice for Pennsylvania locals because it represents a complete, high-quality wilderness experience wrapped in convenience. It perfectly serves the camper who wants to deeply immerse themselves in the famous Pennsylvania Wilds—from fishing a pristine trout stream and hiking an 85-mile wilderness loop to simply relaxing by the creek—but still desires reliable amenities like hot showers and electrical hookups at the end of the day.

For local Pennsylvanians, this park is also an invaluable and less crowded alternative to nearby attractions. It is a quiet, comfortable base camp for the globally-renowned stargazing at Cherry Springs State Park, offering the stunning dark skies without the rigorous light restrictions on site. The quiet, community-oriented atmosphere, noted by returning customers, ensures a serene and restorative visit. Whether you are a dedicated angler, a backpacking enthusiast ready to tackle the Susquehannock Trail, or a family seeking a safe, friendly place to swim and relax, Ole Bull State Park offers a rich slice of Pennsylvania's best natural assets, making it a suitable and highly recommended destination for every resident of the Commonwealth.

Ole Bull State Park

31 Valhalla Ln, Cross Fork, PA 17729, USA