A Complete Guide to Visiting Bald Eagle State Park

Bald Eagle State Park is the perfect blend of natural beauty, outdoor recreation, and unexpected adventure. Whether you’re here to relax lakeside, hit the trails, or uncover something a little off the beaten path, this park has something for everyone. Here are some of the top things to see and do during your visit.

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Park Office Address: 149 Main Park Rd, Howard, PA 16841

Category: State Park

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Directions and Info

Bald Eagle State Park’s main entrance and park office is located at 149 Main Park Rd, Howard, PA 16841. From this entrance, visitors can access the marina, campground, and many trails. The park is free to visit and is open every day of the year, from sunrise to sunset.

The park also features a large marina, boat and bike rentals, and an ice cream shop. Restrooms can be found throughout the park grounds. The campground opens in mid-April and closes in mid-December.

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Park History

Bald Eagle State Park takes its name from the Bald Eagle Valley and Bald Eagle Creek, both of which were named after Chief Woapalanne [wopo lonnie], a Native American leader of the Munsee Lenni Lenape whose name translates to Bald Eagle.

The Foster Joseph Sayers Reservoir, the lake at the heart of the park, was constructed by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers in the 1960s for flood control and recreation. It was named in honor of Foster Joseph Sayers, a local World War II hero and Medal of Honor recipient from nearby Howard, Pennsylvania. Today, a statue and war memorial are featured near the dam.

The area has long been significant to Indigenous peoples and later to European settlers who followed the natural waterways westward. By the 1800s, the valley became a hub for logging, farming, and railroads. Downstream was prone to flooding, so in 1969 the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers built the 100-foot-high and 1.3-mile-long F. J. Sayers Dam. Bald Eagle State Park officially opened on July 4th, 1971.

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Explore the Waters of F. J. Sayers Reservoir

At the heart of the park lies the 1,730-acre Foster Joseph Sayers Reservoir. This scenic lake is perfect for all kinds of water activities. Bring your own kayak, rent a canoe, or launch a boat and spend the day paddling under wide open skies.

Anglers love the lake for its healthy populations of bass, crappie, and catfish, while swimmers can enjoy the Sayers Dam Beach. Swimming is done at your own risk and be sure to read and follow the posted rules.

Stay the Night at the Nature Inn or Campground

Want to extend your stay? Bald Eagle State Park offers great lodging options. The Nature Inn at Bald Eagle, perched on a hilltop overlooking the lake, is a modern, eco-friendly lodge that’s won awards for both sustainability and hospitality. It is home to 16 guestrooms and suites and is one of only 2 inns run by the park service on park lands.

For those who prefer a more rustic experience, the park also offers tent and RV campsites, cozy yurts, and cabins. Rustic campsites on the lake’s south side provide a more immersive camping experience. It’s a great way to fully immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the park.

Birdwatching and Wildlife Spotting

The park is a recognized spot for birdwatching and a haven for various animals. Keep your eyes peeled for bald eagles, osprey, herons, and migrating songbirds throughout the year. Early morning and sunset are the best times to spot wildlife, whether it’s white-tailed deer in the meadows or turtles sunning atop of logs.

Hike Among the Hills and Lakeshores

Bald Eagle State Park offers over 17 miles of trails that are perfect for all skill levels. The trails wind through quiet forests, wetlands, and open meadows, giving hikers a chance to connect with nature while spotting local wildlife.

The Lakeside Trail meanders near the water’s edge, offering tranquil views and chances to see herons, turtles, and even the occasional bald eagle soaring overhead. The Butterfly Trail is another easy walk, looping through pollinator-friendly fields and Frog Pond that are full of wildflowers and buzzing life in the warmer months.

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Explore the Abandoned Route 220

Until 1969, Route 220 ran right through the park before the dam was built. The dam created Foster Joseph Sayers Reservoir and covered parts of the original Route 220. Today, parts of old Route 220 have been submerged while others have been incorporated into the park road, fishing jetties and hiking trails. Each winter, the water level is lowered as a flood prevention measure, meaning visitors can walk further onto the submerged abandoned sections.

The abandoned highway is accessible from multiple spots in the park, including Hunters Run Cove, the intersection of Main Park Rd. and Old Route 220, and just past the PFC Sayers Statue and War Memorial.

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