Highlighting Downingtown

Marsh Creek State Park

675 Park Rd.
Downingtown, PA 19335

610-458-5119

Marsh Creek State Park is in the rolling hills of north central Chester County. The 1,727-acre park contains the 535-acre Marsh Creek Lake, which is a wonderful resource for fishing, sailing, and migrating waterfowl.

Hiking at Marsh Creek State Park

18 miles of trails

The trails explore a variety of habitats including forest, field, and wetlands. Most of the trails are accessible from the west launch parking area.

Use extreme caution when hiking in hunting areas during hunting seasons.

Picnicking at Marsh Creek State Park

Several picnic areas containing more than 150 picnic tables, restrooms, and charcoal grills are available year round.

A children’s playground is near the pool complex and picnic area.

Swimming at Marsh Creek State Park

This activity or structure is ADA accessible.
The ADA accessible “L” shaped pool and sprayground attracts many visitors. The guarded pool is open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day unless posted otherwise.

A fee is charged for pool use.

A snack bar, large grassy area, and bathhouse are located at the swimming pool complex.

A picnic pavilion is available to rent.

Swimming is prohibited in Marsh Creek Lake.

Wildlife Watching at Marsh Creek State Park

Marsh Creek is a popular place for birding, especially during the spring and fall waterfowl migration.

Boating at Marsh Creek State Park

electric motors permitted

The 535-acre Marsh Creek Lake has two boat launches and 244 seasonal mooring slips.

The lake is especially popular with sailboaters who take advantage of the combination of good natural terrain and prevailing winds.

Iceboating
Iceboating is permitted on the natural ice of the lake.

Iceboats must display a state park launch permit.

Ice thickness is not monitored.

Fishing at Marsh Creek State Park

The 535-acre Marsh Creek Lake is an excellent lake to fish for warmwater species. Anglers have landed 40-inch-long tiger muskies.

Commons species are:

Largemouth bass
Channel catfish
Black crappie
Panfish
The lake is designated as a big bass lake and specific regulations apply.

Ice Fishing
Ice fishing is permitted on the 535-acre Marsh Creek Lake. The lake is designated as a big bass lake and specific regulations apply.

Ice thickness is not monitored.

Hunting at Marsh Creek State Park

During established seasons, about 900 acres are open to:

Hunting
Trapping
Training of dogs
Common game species are:

Rabbit
Squirrel
Pheasant
Waterfowl
Deer
Hunting woodchucks, also known as groundhogs, is prohibited. Dog training is only permitted from the day following Labor Day through March 31 in designated hunting areas.

Mountain Biking at Marsh Creek State Park

11.5 miles of trails

Mountain biking trails are on the south side of the park and have loops of various distances.

Use extreme caution when riding in hunting areas during hunting seasons.

Horseback Riding at Marsh Creek State Park

11.5 miles of trails

Bridle trails and horse trailer parking are on the west side of the park and have loops of various distances.

Use extreme caution when riding in hunting areas during hunting seasons.

Sledding at Marsh Creek State Park

About seven acres of slopes are by the picnic area in the East Launch.

Cross-Country Skiing at Marsh Creek State Park

Red Trail, Blue Trail, and the fields of the park are recommended for cross-country skiing.

Ice Skating at Marsh Creek State Park

Ice skating is permitted on the natural ice. Ice thickness is not monitored.

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