Butler Access Area
Parking lot
4.4 (27)
Pine Creek Rail Trail, Wellsboro, PA 16901
Creek BeachPA
Ole Bull State Park
By Hidden Swimming Holes Team · Record updated
Background: generated illustration, not a photograph of this location.
Plan Ole Bull State Park with beach-season guidance, picnic-area parking, pet rules, camping information and a reviewed Kettle Creek photo gallery.
Water type
Creek Beach
Access
Official
Fee
No Pennsylvania state-park entrance or day-use fee. Overnight stays and reserved pavilions have separate charges; check booking prices.
Best season
Plan a beach visit within the published season and check notices first. Park visits and overnight stays have different schedules
Nearby towns
Williamsport, Wellsboro, Galeton, Renovo
Water body
Kettle Creek
Location
Map & Directions
Nearby towns
Williamsport, Wellsboro, Galeton, Renovo
Recreation-area reference location
41.53712, -77.71544
Recorded coordinates have not been source-checked. Confirm the entrance and legal access before using directions.
A closer look
Photos of Ole Bull State Park
Photos show past visits, not current water levels or swimming conditions. Select a photo to view it larger.
Sources & checks
This is a desk-researched listing. A record update or map check does not confirm current swimming permission or water conditions.
- Swimming rules
- Official sources checked . See the rules above and check for current closures.
- Recreation-area reference location
- The map uses a recreation-area reference coordinate from the manager, not a surveyed entrance, parking space or safe water-entry point. Follow current signs and confirm access before travelling.
- Record updated
- · This is a data update, not a field visit.
Found an error? Send a correction with the location and a source. How we research listings.
Ole Bull State Park: plan a creek-side day
For a beach day, start with the park's swimming schedule, not its year-round opening. The old guide incorrectly described this as a creek without a sandy beach.
Find the designated beach
DCNR's swimming guide identifies a 150-foot sandy beach in Camping Area #1, opposite the picnic area, and directs beach visitors to the picnic-area parking lot. Published swimming hours are 8 a.m. to sunset during the late-May to mid-September season. Swimming is at your own risk. Check current notices before water entry; an October park visit is outside that normal beach season.
Bring the right expectations
Children age ten or younger must be accompanied by someone at least fourteen. That minimum rule does not replace attentive supervision. Pets cannot enter the beach area, and the beach and swimming area are smoke-free, including e-cigarettes. Stay within posted swimming boundaries and away from dam structures. No photo can establish safe depth or current water quality.
Picnic facilities and overnight choices
The picnic-area guide lists restrooms, drinking water, tables, playground equipment and four pavilions. Unreserved pavilions are first-come, first-served; reserving one costs extra. Pennsylvania's prices page confirms no park entrance or day-use fee, which does not make camping or reservations free. The overnight guide describes two camping areas and a rental cabin. Check reservation availability and seasonal services separately.
Use the park reference, not the old town pin
The official park profile gives the Valhalla Lane address and PA144 approach. We replaced an inherited Renovo town point with its published park GPS reference, not an exact beach entry. Download the park map before travel because cell coverage can be unpredictable. Accessible lodging and fishing facilities do not prove an accessible swimming route; ask the office about your specific needs. Five reviewed historical photos add creek scenery, picnic architecture and interpretation without promising today's conditions. Reviewed October 9, 2026.
Getting There
Follow PA144 to 31 Valhalla Lane, Cross Fork. DCNR places the park 18 miles south of Galeton and 26 miles north of Renovo. For the beach, use the picnic-area parking lot and current park signs.
Quick Navigation
Access Notes
The beach is seasonal, not year-round. Pets and smoking, including e-cigarettes, are prohibited in its beach/swimming area. Observe posted restrictions.
Plan Your Visit
Parking & Access
Confirm the entrance, parking arrangements, and legal access with the land manager. A map pin does not establish a public right of access. Follow posted routes and never block gates or driveways.
Regulations & Fees
Current swimming permission has not been independently confirmed for this listing. Check official rules, fees, hours, and closures before visiting. Public park access does not necessarily include permission to swim. Respect private property and posted restrictions.
Seasonality & Flow
Water conditions can change quickly. This listing does not provide a current safety or water-quality assessment. Check official alerts and avoid entering water when conditions or permission are uncertain.
What to Bring
Bring sturdy water shoes to protect your feet on rocks and slippery surfaces. A waterproof dry bag keeps your phone, keys, and valuables safe. Pack a quick-dry towel, sun protection, and drinking water - never drink from the natural water source.
Nearby Facilities
Nearby places from saved public map data, not necessarily facilities at the swimming spot. Confirm access, hours, fees, and amenities with the operator before you drive.
Map data retrieved 2026-06-15
Barbour Rock Trailhead
Hiking area
5 (42)
Colton Rd, Wellsboro, PA 16901
Overlook Trail
Hiking area
4.6 (11)
Wellsboro, PA 16901
Ole Bull State Park
Campground
4.7 (325)
31 Valhalla Ln, Cross Fork, PA 17729
132-acre park with campsites, a sandy swimming beach, picnic areas, fish-filled creeks & trails.
Public restroomPublic showerRestroomRunning water
Stony Fork Creek Campground
Campground
4.5 (303)
658 Stony Fork Creek Road, Wellsboro, PA 16901
Canyon Country Campground & Glamping
Campground
4.5 (364)
130 Wilson Rd, Wellsboro, PA 16901
Free Wi-Fi
Grand Canyon Motel Resort & Campground
Campground
3.9 (112)
863 Sullivan Rd, Wellsboro, PA 16901
Rural motel & campground offering basic rooms with free WiFi, plus on-site dining & a game room.
Free Wi-Fi
鶴ヶ久保公園 多機能トイレ
Public wheelchair-accessible bathroom
4.6 (5)
2 Chome-4-6 Nozawa, Setagaya City, Tokyo 154-0003, Japan
Live Conditions Nearby
Checking nearby USGS water conditions…
Frequently Asked Questions About Ole Bull State Park
When is Ole Bull beach open?
DCNR publishes late May to mid-September, 8 a.m. to sunset. Check current notices and seasonal opening before travel.
Where should beach visitors park?
Use the picnic-area lot, opposite Camping Area #1, and follow current park signs.
Is the park free?
Entrance and day use have no fee. Camping, cabin rentals and pavilion reservations have separate charges.
Can my dog come to the beach?
No. Beach pets are prohibited even though camping Area #2 offers pet sites for a fee.
What services are available?
The picnic area has restrooms, drinking water, tables, playground equipment and pavilions. A changing room was not verified.
Can I camp here?
Yes, the official overnight guide describes year-round camping in two areas. Confirm availability, services and booking prices.
Is swimming entry accessible?
That was not established. The accessibility page covers lodging and fishing features; contact the park about your required beach route.
Does the map point mark the water entry?
No. It is the operator's published park reference, replacing an unrelated town point.
Highlights
Designated seasonal creek beach
Picnic-area parking and facilities
Creek-side camping and contextual gallery
Unique Features
Kettle Creek setting with Ole Bull interpretation
Location & Area Map
Safety Information
Important Safety Tips
- Swim only when the beach is open and follow posted boundaries
- Closely supervise children, avoid dam structures and do not jump or dive
- Photos do not establish depth, currents or water quality
Cultural & Historical Context
Historical Background
The selected gallery includes Ole Bull memorial and interpretive-sign views; consult park interpretation for historical detail.
Photography Guide
Photo Opportunities
Five historical views show autumn creek scenery, a pavilion, memorial, interpretive board and dam context. The dam view is not a recommended swimming location.
Conservation & Ethics
Protect This Place
Leave the creek banks and historic features undisturbed, carry out litter and follow park rules.
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At a Glance
Best Time to Visit
Plan a beach visit within the published season and check notices first. Park visits and overnight stays have different schedules.
Difficulty Level
Designated beach visit rather than a backcountry swimming-hole hike. No blanket all-abilities route claim; confirm access needs with the park.
Fee
No Pennsylvania state-park entrance or day-use fee. Overnight stays and reserved pavilions have separate charges; check booking prices.
Facilities
Changing rooms were not established by the reviewed pages. Accessible lodging and fishing facilities do not establish accessible beach entry; ask the office about the route you need.
Activities
Seasonal swimming, picnicking and camping.
Phone
814-435-5000
Safety & Access Notice
This information is for general planning only and may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. Access rules, closures, water levels, currents, hazards, and legal restrictions can change at any time. Always verify current rules with the land manager or official source before visiting.
You are responsible for your own safety and for following all posted signs, laws, and local regulations. Read the full disclaimer.
Camping Information
Two creek-side camping areas accept year-round camping. Book through the official reservation service; seasonal services and availability need confirmation.
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Safety & Access Notice
This information is for general planning only and may be incomplete, outdated, or inaccurate. Access rules, closures, water levels, currents, hazards, and legal restrictions can change at any time. Always verify current rules with the land manager or official source before visiting.
- Do not swim where swimming is prohibited, unsafe, or not clearly allowed.
- Follow posted signs, local regulations, closures, and private-property boundaries.
- Assess conditions on site. Water flow, depth, temperature, and underwater hazards change quickly.
- Never jump or dive without personally confirming depth and underwater obstacles.
- Swim with a buddy and consider flotation for weak or non-swimmers.
- Pack out all trash; respect wildlife and fragile environments.
You are responsible for your own safety and for following all posted signs, laws, and local regulations. Read the full disclaimer.
J
Joshua Havens
Founder & Editor, Hidden Swimming Holes
Joshua Havens created Hidden Swimming Holes to make it easier for people to find — and safely visit — natural freshwater swimming destinations across the United States. He researches access conditions, water quality resources, and land management rules so you don't have to start from scratch. He holds a strong belief that good outdoor recreation information should be accurate, honest about its limitations, and freely available.
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