PA DCNR: Cook Forest State Park

Halloween Decorating Competition at Cook Forest Ridge Camp hosted by the Friends of Cook Forest.

Join the fun of competing & judging campsite decorations here at Ridge Camp the weekend of October 6 & 7, 2023. All proceeds will benefit the Ridge Camp playground equipment replacement fund.

Eligibility - Camp Site: To have your site judged, you must have a site reserved at Ridge Camp Friday, Oct. 6 & Saturday, Oct. 7. You must register and make a donation of any amount ($5 minimum suggested) at Camp Host site #52 on Oct 6 (4-8pm) or Oct 7(9am-12pm). You will be given a ribbon to attach to your site post to alert campers that your site is entered to be judged.

Eligibility - Judging: To judge/vote for your favorite site, all you need to do is make a donation of $1 or more at Camp Host site #52 on Oct 6(4-8pm) or Oct 7(9am-12pm) to receive a ballot.

Ballots: Ballots must be put in the box at Camp Host site #52 no later than 8pm on Saturday.

NOTICE: Please do not enter campsites to judge. Judging can be done from the roads within the campground.

Top three winning sites will be announced & prizes awarded at 9pm on Oct 7 at the camp amphitheater, or front pavilion (inclement weather). Refreshments will be available!

Friday, October 6 at 9:00am to 8:00pm

More dates through October 7, 2023

Cook Forest State Park
100 RT 36, Cooksburg, PA 16217-0120

Please bring your binoculars and meet at the Fire Tower Parking Lot for an historical interpretive tour of the Fire Tower and Seneca Point. Learn about local logging history, observe Indian sign, and take a breathtaking view from the top of the Fire Tower.

Friday, October 13 at 1:00pm to 3:00pm

Cook Forest State Park
100 RT 36, Cooksburg, PA 16217-0120

Have you been looking for a way to get involved with Cook Forest State Park? Please consider joining us for the day to help maintain the park through various work projects. Work projects may include trail maintenance, litter pickup, painting, wood stacking, etc. Free camping Friday and/or Saturday nights will be available for volunteers, with prior notice received by 10/6. If you are planning to join us for the day, please contact the Park Office (814)744-8407 at least two weeks in advance so that we can have a volunteer project lined up for you. Lunch provided!

0800am-0830am: meet at Maintenance Complex to receive assigned task

0830am-1200pm: complete work projects

1200-1230pm: return work gear to Maintenance

1230-100pm: LUNCH & Certificate Ceremony at Shelter #2

Saturday, October 21 at 8:00am to 1:00pm

Join local photographer Kevin Kaltenbaugh as he explains some of the basics of woodland photography. We'll start with a short session in the Park Office conference room, then head out on the trails to learn firsthand how to take successful pictures in the shaded environment of Cook Forest State Park. Program is free, but registration is required by calling the Park Office at (814) 744-8407; 12 person limit. Park Office Conference Room

Saturday, October 21 at 9:00am to 12:00pm