Picnic Areas & Pavilions

Ridley Creek State Park has 14 picnic areas with hundreds of picnic tables, charcoal grills and modern restrooms, and several have large open fields for games. Areas 3, 8, 11 and 17 add playgrounds and picnic pavilions. Six pavilions can be reserved up to 11 months ahead for a fee; any pavilion not reserved is free on a first-come, first-served basis. Picnicking itself is free, and the restrooms in Areas 7 and 17 stay open year-round.

Picnic Areas With Playgrounds

DCNR lists playground equipment and pavilions at four areas:

• Area 3
• Area 8, which also has a sensory playground and a picture communication board for non-verbal visitors. DCNR notes the sensory playground is not ADA accessible. Enter from South Sandy Flash Drive; Area 8 is on the left. The Bridle Trail and horse-trailer lot also start here.
• Area 11, home to the two accessible pavilions, 11A and 11B.
• Area 17, where the pavilion has electricity, according to DCNR's printed guide.

Reserving a Pavilion

Reserve online through Pennsylvania State Parks reservations or call 888-PA-PARKS (888-727-2757), 7 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday to Saturday. Pavilions can be booked up to 11 months in advance. DCNR adds a $6.50 non-refundable transaction fee to every reservation. If you are planning an organized event such as a race, DCNR asks you to contact the park office before reserving a pavilion.

Accessible Pavilions 11A and 11B

Pavilions 11A and 11B each hold up to 80 people with 10 picnic tables and are ADA accessible. DCNR lists Pavilion 11B as pet friendly. There are also accessible picnic tables beside the ADA fishing platform on the paved trail; use the Barren Road gate entrance and park at the fishing platform.

Rules for a Picnic

• The grills in every picnic area burn charcoal.
• Alcoholic beverages are prohibited.
• Moon bounces are not permitted in the park.
• Bring local firewood only. Pennsylvania has a firewood quarantine, and DCNR asks visitors to buy or cut firewood within 25 miles.
• Check your car and gear for spotted lanternflies before you leave.
• Leashed pets are welcome in day-use areas (Dogs).

After Lunch

The paved multi-use trail connects lots 7, 11, 15 and 17, so a picnic at Area 11 or 17 pairs well with a bike ride. The Mansion Gardens loop and the sledding hill are by the park office.