Rules & Regulations

The main rules at Ridley Creek State Park come from Pennsylvania's state park regulations (Title 17) and DCNR's park pages: no alcohol, pets on a leash and under control, no swimming outside a designated swimming area (DCNR lists none at Ridley Creek), bicycles only on the paved multi-use trail and roads, and no drones. DCNR also bans moon bounces, asks you to bring only local firewood, and opens parts of the park to deer hunting in season. The park is open sunrise to sunset; day-use areas close at dusk.

Alcohol

Alcoholic beverages are prohibited at Ridley Creek State Park. State rules allow alcohol only at specially designated facilities run or leased by DCNR, and none is listed for public use here.

Swimming and Wading in the Creek

Pennsylvania state park rules prohibit swimming outside a designated swimming area. DCNR's Ridley Creek pages list no swimming area, no pool and no beach. Ridley Creek is for fishing and looking at, not swimming (Fishing).

Pets

Pets must be on a leash, caged or crated and physically controlled at all times; electronic leashes and fences are not allowed. Pets may not go inside buildings (Dogs).

Bikes and E-Bikes

Bikes and e-bikes may use park roads and the paved multi-use trail along Sycamore Mills Road and Forge Road. They are prohibited on all unpaved hiking trails. Riders under 12 must wear a helmet (Multi-use trail).

Horses

Horses are allowed on the Bridle Trail (Horseback riding).

Drones

Drones are only permitted on designated flying fields in six Pennsylvania state parks: Beltzville, Benjamin Rush, Hillman, Lackawanna, Prompton and Tuscarora. Ridley Creek is not one of them.

Parties and Events

• Moon bounces are not permitted.
• To hold an organized event such as a race, contact the park office before you reserve a pavilion.
• Reserve pavilions through Pennsylvania State Parks (Picnic Areas).

Firewood and Invasive Pests

Pennsylvania quarantines untreated firewood from out of state. DCNR asks visitors to buy or cut firewood within 25 miles, burn all firewood they bring, and never carry firewood out of a spotted lanternfly quarantine area. Check your car and gear for lanternflies before you leave.

Hunting and Firearms

Archery deer hunting is allowed in designated areas during deer seasons, and the park closes on two December days for controlled shotgun hunts (Hunting). Outside hunting areas and seasons, firearms and bows must stay in your vehicle, except for holders of a Pennsylvania License to Carry Firearms.

Safety

Natural areas have hazards, and DCNR reminds visitors that their safety is their own responsibility. In an emergency, call 911 and find a park employee. The nearest hospital is Riddle Hospital in Media.