Laurel Hill State Park Beach

Laurel Hill Beach Modern Sanitary Facility, Constructed in 1957, used until 2008
(Photo taken in 2003 by D.L. Murray)

Swimming at Laurel Hill State Park has been happening for over 70 years since the park was built by the Civilian Conservation Corps and transferred to the Commonwealth in 1945. At that time, the park had simple facilities such as outdoor dressing stockades, rustic pit latrines, and poor parking. This did not contain the modern days of the automobile.

In the 1950s' two modern sanitary facilities (one of them is pictured above, and both are the same model) were added. 

White Oak Pavilion (Built 1997)
DLM Photo, 2010

Willis Pavilion (Built 1985)
DLM Photo, 2010

Improvements continued with the addition of a pavilion built by the Pennsylvania Conservation Corps in 1985, named the Willis, it stands today. Another pavilion, the White Oak, was also added by the PCC in 1997

New Year Round Restroom added in 2008
DLM Photo 10/14/2014

New Combined Shower Facility Completed in 2008
DLM Photo 10/14/2014

Lastly, in June 2006, the beach was closed for a $1.8 Million improvement project. This project brought trails in the picnic area to ADA Standards Also the former concession stand was converted into an enclosed, furnished pavilion that also included a large deck with Adirondack Chairs and is situated to provide a view of the lake.

Other improvements included heated restrooms as well as new rails, fencing and playground equilpment.

Willis Pavilion in 2014.

New Beach Contact Station Built in 2008
DLM Photo 10/14/2014

Laurel Hill State Park Campground

Showerhouse #3, Built in 1969
Photo by DLM, 07/200

 Tent and trailer areas have been in existence at Laurel Hill since the 1950's and the demand continued to grow over the remainder of the 20th century.

The first Campground was built along Laurel Hill Creek at Picnic Area 1 in the 1950s, this area was of a rustic nature, within the end of that decade, the supply outgrew the demand, necessitating a relocation.

Showerhouse #2, Built in the 1950s; 

Photo by DLM, 07/2006

The campground was moved to is present location in the late 1950s and only had about 90 or so sites, this is where the pet sites are today or Route A. It contained two showerhouses that have been improved a handful of times.

Showerhouse #2, Built in the 1950s; 

Photo by DLM, 07/2006

 In the late 1960s, the tent and trailer area was expanded by 200 sites and included the addition of three showerhouses, including one for the disabled and one that was heated to accomodate cabin users from nearby Kooser State Park until they got their new showerhouses in 2006.

Two Playgrounds were added to the park in the late 1980s as a result of the Pennsylvania Consrrvation Corps.

A walled tent was added in 1998. 

Showerhouse #3, Built in 1969 Photo by DLM, 07/2010

In 2000 the campground amphitheater was refurbished and was rededicated as the Jim & Shelvy Bentz Ampetheater, long-time park camp hosts.

In 2004, eight camping cottages were added to the campground in space located in the former Picnic Area #2

In 2010,  pets were allowed in a section of the campground.

Showerhouse #5, Built in 1969
Photo by DLM, 7/2010

 In recent years, a toddler playground and volleyball court have been added to the campground.

Jim & Shelvy Bentz Ampitheater, Dedicated 2000
Photo By DLM, 7.2010

Jim & Shelvy Bentz Ampiteater, Dedicated 2000
Photo By: DLM, 7.2010

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