![Boat-rental-at-Keystone-State-Park-Westmoreland-County-Pennsylvania Exploring Keystone State Park in Westmoreland County PA](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Boat-rental-at-Keystone-State-Park-Westmoreland-County-Pennsylvania-696x497.jpg)
The 1,200-acre Keystone State Park in Westmoreland County is a great place for day-trips and family vacations year round!
![A picnic spot along the shore of Keystone Lake at Keystone State Park in Westmoreland County Pennsylvania.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Keystone-Lake-Keystone-State-Park-Westmoreland-County-PA.jpg)
Featuring a beautiful 78 acre lake as its centerpiece, Keystone State Park provides an ideal setting for camping, wildlife watching, hiking, fishing, swimming, or other outdoor adventures.
![A yurt you can rent at the Keystone State Park campground.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Yurt-at-Keystone-State-Park-Westmoreland-County-PA.jpg)
History of Keystone State Park
In 1909, the Keystone Coal and Coke Company purchased land at the meeting of McCune and Davis Runs and built a lake to supply water for washing bituminous coal from their nearby mines.
![History of the Keystone Coal and Coke Company which built Keystone Lake.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/History-of-Coal-at-Keystone-State-Park-Westmoreland-County-PA.jpg)
The water from Keystone Lake flowed, gravity-fed, through two miles of wooden pipes to the coal washing facility.
![Coal mining history at what is now Keystone State Park in Westmoreland County Pennsylvania.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Coal-Mining-at-Keystone-State-Park-Westmoreland-County-PA.jpg)
Executives of the company used Keystone Lake for fishing, swimming, and boating, and they built a stone lodge to be used as a meeting place for business, as well as a hunting lodge and vacation home.
![The Visitor Center at Keystone State Park was originally built by the Keystone Coal and Coke Company.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Visitor-Center-at-Keystone-State-Park-Westmoreland-County-PA.jpg)
Today you’ll find artifacts from the coal mining era on display inside and outside the lodge, now called the James Kell Visitor Center.
![A mining cart outside the James Kell Visitor Center at Keystone State Park.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/James-Kell-Visitor-Center-at-Keystone-State-Park-Westmoreland-County-Pennsylvania.jpg)
In 1945, the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania acquired Keystone Lake, the lodge, and much of the surrounding land, creating Keystone State Park in the process.
![Bench along the Lakeside Trail at Keystone State Park in Westmoreland County Pennsylvania.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Keystone-State-Park-Westmoreland-County-Pennsylvania.jpg)
The Best Things to See and Do at Keystone State Park
What follows is a a list of some of the best things to see and do at Keystone State Park, though it is by no means a list of EVERYTHING you can see and do at this beautiful spot 35 miles east of Pittsburgh.
![Pedal boats for rent at Keystone State Park in Westmoreland County Pennsylvania.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Boat-Rentals-at-Keystone-State-Park-Westmoreland-County-PA.jpg)
Camping at Keystone State Park
Keystone State Park has two campgrounds, featuring more than 100 campsites for tents or campers.
![Modern campground at Keystone State Park in Westmoreland County Pennsylvania.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Modern-Campground-at-Keystone-State-Park-Westmoreland-County-PA.jpg)
Fishing at Keystone State Park
The common game fish in Keystone Lake are trout, carp, northern pike, tiger muskellunge, largemouth bass, black crappie, yellow perch and bullhead catfish.
![Fishing at Keystone State Park in Westmoreland County Pennsylvania.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Fishing-at-Keystone-State-Park-Westmoreland-County-PA.jpg)
Boating at Keystone State Park
Keystone Lake has a public boat launch and mooring area on the north shore, by the breast of the dam, where you can also rent a boat between Memorial Day and Labor Day.
![The boat rental area at Keystone State Park in Westmoreland County Pennsylvania.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Boat-rental-area-at-Keystone-State-Park-Westmoreland-County-PA-2.jpg)
Swimming at Keystone State Park
A sand beach is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day, 8:00 A.M. to sunset.
![The beach area at Keystone State Park in Westmoreland County Pennsylvania..](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Beach-at-Keystone-State-Park-Westmoreland-County-PA.jpg)
Hiking at Keystone State Park
Keystone State Park features 8 miles of hiking trails, open year-round for hiking, cross-country skiing, and snowshoeing.
![The Davis Run Trailhead at Keystone State Park in Westmoreland County Pennsylvania.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Hiking-Trails-at-Keystone-State-Park-Westmoreland-County-PA.jpg)
The 3 mile Davis Run Trail meanders through wetlands east of Keystone Lake before reaching an upland forest of mixed conifers and mature hardwoods.
![A scene from the Davis Trail at Keystone State Park in Westmoreland County Pennsylvania.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Davis-Trail-at-Keystone-State-Park-Westmoreland-County-PA.jpg)
The 2.2 mile Lakeside Loop Trail goes around the lake on park roads and walkways.
![The Lakeside Trail at Keystone State Park in Westmoreland County Pennsylvania.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Lakeside-Trail-at-Keystone-State-Park-Westmoreland-County-PA.jpg)
The 1.5 mile Stone Lodge Trail starts with a fairly steep climb that winds through hardwoods to ridgetop conifers.
![The Stone Lodge Trailhead at Keystone State Park in Westmoreland County Pennsylvania.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Stone-Lodge-Trail-at-Keystone-State-Park-Westmoreland-County-PA.jpg)
Wildlife Watching at Keystone State Park
Warblers, kinglets, buffleheads, mergansers, herons, osprey, and many other birds migrate through the park, some stopping for a brief refueling visit, while others stay for the summer.
![A great blue heron at Keystone State Park in Westmoreland County Pennsylvania.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Great-Blue-Heron-at-Keystone-State-Park-Westmoreland-County-PA.jpg)
You’ll also find an abundance of wildflowers throughout the park from spring through fall.
![Wildflowers along the Davis Run Trail at Keystone State Park in Westmoreland County Pennsylvania.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Wildflowers-at-Keystone-State-Park-Westmoreland-County-PA.jpg)
Picnicking at Keystone State Park
You’ll find numerous picnic pavilions, picnic groves, and picnic tables scattered about Keystone State Park.
![One of several picnic groves at Keystone State Park in Westmoreland County Pennsylvania.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Picnic-Grove-at-Keystone-State-Park-Westmoreland-County-PA.jpg)
Many of these picnic areas feature beautiful views of Keystone Lake.
![Keystone Lake on a spring morning at Keystone State Park in Westmoreland County Pennsylvania.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Lakeside-picnic-tables-at-Keystone-State-Park-Westmoreland-County-PA.jpg)
Fall Foliage Viewing at Keystone State Park
In a 2023 readers poll, USA Today ranked Keystone State Park as the #1 place in the entire United States for spectacular fall foliage views!
![Fall foliage views around Keystone Lake at Keystone State Park in Westmoreland County Pennsylvania.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Keystone-State-Park-Fall-Foliage-Around-Keystone-Lake-Westmoreland-County-Pennsylvania.jpg)
The hiking trails here are a perfect place to soak up the autumn beauty in Westmoreland County.
![The McCune Run Trail is an excellent choice for viewing fall foliage at Keystone State Park in Westmoreland County Pennsylvania.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Keystone-State-Park-Fall-Foliage-Mccune-Run-Trailhead-Westmoreland-County-Pennsylvania.jpg)
If you’re not into hiking, there are plenty of roadside spots to enjoy the tapestry of red, orange, and gold leaves painting the landscape.
![Fall foliage at Keystone State Park in October 2022.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Keystone-State-Park-Fall-Foliage-Bench-with-Lake-View-Westmoreland-County-Pennsylvania.jpg)
The causeway crossing the eastern side of Keystone Lake is a particularly popular spot for leaf peepers.
![Fall foliage around the causeway at Keystone State Park in Westmoreland County Pennsylvania.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Keystone-State-Park-Fall-Foliage-Near-Causeway-Westmoreland-County-Pennsylvania.jpg)
If you’re looking for a peaceful getaway to experience the magic of fall in western PA, this park should definitely be on your list.
![Fall foliage along the McCune Run Trail at Keystone State Park in Westmoreland County Pennsylvania.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Keystone-State-Park-Fall-Foliage-Along-Mccune-Run-Trail-Westmoreland-County-Pennsylvania.jpg)
How to Find Keystone State Park in Westmoreland County
Keystone State Park is located three miles from the intersection of PA 981 and US 22 in Derry Township, just south of New Alexandria.
![How to find Keystone State Park in Westmoreland County Pennsylvania.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Map-to-Keystone-State-Park-Westmoreland-County-PA.jpg)
The park office is located at 1150 Keystone Park Road, Derry, PA 15627.
![Campground entrance at Keystone State Park in Westmoreland County Pennsylvania.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Campground-at-Keystone-State-Park-Westmoreland-County-PA.jpg)
If navigating by GPS coordinates, use 40.376024, -79.379726 to locate the park office.
![Keystone State Park entrance sign in Westmoreland County Pennsylvania.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/05/Keystone-State-Park-Sign-Westmoreland-County-Pennsylvania.jpg)
Nearby Attractions
Linn Run State Park is another Westmoreland County state park popular with hikers, campers, and picnickers.
![Linn Run State Park office.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Linn-Run-State-Park-Office-Westmoreland-County-PA.jpg)
The abandoned hunting lodge at Linn Run State Park is a remarkable set of ruins from the early days of “retreat camping” in Westmoreland County.
![The front entrance to the former McGinnis Rod and Gun Club on Linn Run.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/10/Abandoned-Hunting-Lodge-Linn-Run-State-Park.jpg)
Adam Falls at Linn Run State Park is a picturesque 12 foot tall waterfall and is easy to reach via a short hike.
![Looking down on Adams Falls at Linn Run State Park after heavy spring rains.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Adams-Falls-Linn-Run-State-Park-February-2021.jpg)
Fort Ligonier in Westmoreland County is a historically accurate reproduction of a British fort originally constructed in 1758.
![Fort Ligonier on a late summer morning.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Fort-Ligonier-gate-Ligonier-Pennsylvania.jpg)
The museum at Fort Ligonier contains one of the most complete collections of French and Indian War artifacts in existence, many excavated from the ruins of the original Fort Ligonier itself.
![Weaponry on display inside Fort Ligonier museum.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Fort-Ligonier-museum-weapons-display-Ligonier-Pennsylvania.jpg)
Buttermilk Falls in neighboring Indiana County is located just off of Route 22.
![Descending the steps towards Buttermilk Falls in Indiana County Pennsylvania.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Buttermilk-Falls-Indiana-County-PA-June-2021-1.jpg)
The walkway extends behind the Buttermilk Falls, allowing you to stand BEHIND the veil of the waterfall!
![View from behind Buttermilk Falls in Indiana County PA.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/06/Buttermilk-Falls-Indiana-County-PA-view-from-behind-falls.jpg)
The Jonnet Flea Market along Route 22 is one of my favorite roadside attractions in Westmoreland County!
![The Jonnet Flea Market along ROute 22 just west of Blairsville in Indiana County, PA.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Jonnet-Flea-Market-Route-22-Blairsville-PA.jpg)
The flea market is open Saturdays and Sundays from 9-4 (9-3 over the winter months), and parking is both free and plentiful.
![Perusing the collectibles at Jonnet Flea Market in Blairsville, Indiana County, PA.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Jonnet-Flea-Market-Gulf-Service-Station-Sign-Blairsville-PA.jpg)
20 Must-See Attractions in Westmoreland County is your guide to even more great things to see and do near Keystone State Park.
![Fall foliage views from Wolf Rocks Overlook in Westmoreland County Pennsylvania.](https://pabucketlist.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/Wolf-Rocks-Overlook-Forbes-State-Forest-Westmoreland-County-PA-October-2022.jpg)
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