About Overlook Recreation Area
Overview Woodcock Creek Lake is operated by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. Woodcock Creek Lake provides visitors with the chance to enjoy a number of outdoor recreational opportunities. A reservable picnic shelter is located in the Overlook Recreation Area. The shelter is reservable for a $50 fee but is also available as first-come-first-serve with no fees attached. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Recreation Areas and facilities are Day Use OnlyRecreation Woodcock Creek Lake offers walking/hiking trails, canoeing, kayaking, birding, walking across the 1-mile long dam, 18-hole disc golf course, concrete corn hole boards, picnic shelter and tables/grills, a playground in the Outflow Recreation Area, and fishing both in the lake (20hp limit) and downstream of the dam. Other recreational activities are managed by our partners. Crawford County Conservation District manages Stainbrook Park below the dam offering picnic shelters, a restroom, walking paths, and a visitor center with interpretive opportunities. The Pennsylvania Game Commission manages several hundred acres of wildlife habitat at the eastern end of the park for additional outdoor recreation such as hunting, trapping, and fishing. Facilities Picnic shelter that will accommodate up to 40 people. Electrical outlets are available at the shelter along with a water spigot and a three-bay charcoal grill. There is a restroom nearby, open 01 MAY – 29 OCT, and a large, paved parking lot. Covered gazebo with swing offering a scenic view of Woodcock Creek Lake. Picnic tables, benches, concrete corn hole boards and accessibility ramps present. Natural Features Woodcock Creek Lake is located in NW Pennsylvania offering rolling hills, beautiful woodlands and a beautiful lake. Contact Info For facility specific information, please call (814) 763-4422. Nearby Attractions Nearby communities include Saegertown, Meadville, Cambridge Springs, Conneaut Lake, Edinboro and Erie. We are just minutes from I-79 and easy to get to.
How to Get There
From I-79 take Exit 154 proceed on route 198 for 7 miles East through Saegertown to Woodcock Creek Lake Dam. The Overlook Recreation Area and picnic shelter are approximately 1/4 mile past the dam, on the right. From Meadville take route 86 North for approximately 4 miles and turn right on Route 198. From Cambridge Springs take Route 86 South for approximately 8 miles left on Route 198.
Driving directions (Google Maps) →What to Pack for Your Stay
Tuned to the live forecast for this park.
👔 What to Wear
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Long-sleeve shirt
Synthetic or merino, sun-protective.
- 🧥
Light shell or windbreaker
Even on warm days, wind can chill (avg wind 12 mph).
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Hiking pants or convertible
Layer for variable conditions.
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Trail runners or low boots
Comfortable, broken in.
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Layers for swings
Daily temp range is wide (46°F low → 69°F high). Pack layers.
🎒 What to Pack
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Water
Bring at least 1L of water; more in heat.
- 🍫
High-energy snacks
A snack for the trail.
- 🧴
Sun protection (UV 7)
SPF 50+ sunscreen, lip balm w/ SPF, sunglasses, sun hat.
- 🩹
First-aid kit
Blister patches, ibuprofen, tape, antiseptic wipes.
- 🗺
Offline map
Download your route in advance via Gaia, Caltopo, or OSM-based apps.
Recommendations adapt to the current forecast + trail stats. Use them as a starting point — local conditions, your experience, and the time of day you start all matter.
Plan Your Visit to Overlook Recreation Area
Heading to Overlook Recreation Area? A few things to know before you go:
- Reservations: popular sites fill up fast — check Recreation.gov 6 months in advance
- Fees: day-use and camping fees vary; check current rates on the official park page
- Trash & pack-out: follow Leave No Trace principles
- Wildlife: store food in bear boxes where provided; never feed wildlife
- Weather: the 5-day forecast above is updated every 6 hours; verify just before you go
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation for Overlook Recreation Area?
No central reservation system listed for Overlook Recreation Area. Check the official page (https://www.recreation.gov/camping/campgrounds/10006149) for the latest entry policy and availability.
How do I get to Overlook Recreation Area?
From I-79 take Exit 154 proceed on route 198 for 7 miles East through Saegertown to Woodcock Creek Lake Dam. The Overlook Recreation Area and picnic shelter are approximately 1/4 mile past the dam, on the right. From Meadville take route 86 North for approximately 4 miles and turn right on Route 198. From Cambridge Springs take Route 86 South for approximately 8 miles left on Route 198.
How do I contact Overlook Recreation Area?
You can reach the park at phone: 814-763-4422.
References & Official Resources
