Ryerson Station State Park

Visitors may select from a varied list of recreational opportunities during every season of the year. There is a campground that offers 50 tent and RV sites and is opened spring, summer and fall. A primitive camping area is available for use by organized adult or youth groups accommodating up to 80 people. Anglers love to trout and warm water game fish in the stocked lake either from shore or from non-powered boats or electric powered boats using the launching ramp just off Bristoria Road, near the park office. A sandy beach is offered Memorial Day weekend until Labor Day, unless posted otherwise. Ryerson Station offers over 300 picnic tables and five picnic pavilions. In addition, hunting is permitted on 900 acres. A variety of environmental education programs are offered during the summer season. Cross-country skiing and snowmobiling are permitted in winter.

Wheelchair accessible picnic tables, parking spaces and drinking fountains are available throughout the park. Comfort stations at the pool, launch ramp and camping area can accommodate wheelchairs. A barrier free area, with fishing access and a trail, is located near the park office.

Attractions - The name originated from Fort Ryerson which was located nearby and constructed in 1792 at the order of Virginia authorities to be used principally as a place of refuge from Indian raids.

Land was acquired for this park in 1958 and the Ronald J. Duke Lake was formed in 1960 with the construction of a dam across the North Fork of the Dunkard Fork of Wheeling Creek. In 1967, Ryerson Station State Park was opened to the public. Today, the park serves as a respite from hectic lifestyles. The 62 acre lake is nestled amongst beautiful rolling hills, an inviting habitat for white-tailed deer, ruffed grouse, wild turkey and countless birds and waterfowl.

Recreation - Visitors may select from a varied list of recreational opportunities during every season of the year. There is a campground that offers 50 tent and RV sites and is opened spring, summer and fall. A primitive camping area is available for use by organized adult or youth groups accommodating up to 80 people. Anglers love to trout and warm water game fish in the stocked lake either from shore or from non-powered boats or electric powered boats using the launching ramp just off Bristoria Road, near the park office. A limited number of mooring sites can be rented on a seasonal basis. A sandy beach is offered Memorial Day weekend until Labor Day, unless posted otherwise. The park does not charge a fee for swimming. Ryerson Station offers over 300 picnic tables and five picnic pavilions.

In addition, hunting is permitted on 900 acres. Folks may hunt, trap and train their dogs from the fall archery deer season through March 31st of the following year.

A variety of environmental education programs are offered at the amphitheater during the summer season on Fridays, Saturdays and holidays. The park's environmental educator conducts campfire programs. An environmental interpretive center is located near the park office and guided hikes are conducted several days each week.

A 10-mile trail network invites the visitor to explore the park on foot during spring, summer, fall and on cross-country skis in winter. A total of 6 miles of snowmobile trails are available for use by registered snowmobiles after the end of antlerless deer season in late December.

Wheelchair accessible picnic tables, parking spaces and drinking fountains are available throughout the park. Comfort stations at the pool, launch ramp and camping area can accommodate wheelchairs. A barrier free area, with fishing access and a trail, is located near the park office.

Climate - Pennsylvania generally has a moist climate with cold winters and warm summers. The Ryerson Station State Park area has cold winter months with temperatures averaging around 24 to 28 degrees Fahrenheit (-4 to -2 degrees Celsius). The area's average summer temperatures range around 72 to 74 degrees Fahrenheit (22 to 23 Celsius).

Location - Ryerson Station State Park is located in Greene County in southwestern Pennsylvania near the West Virginia border. The park is located on both sides of Bristoria Road, just off PA Route 21, 3 miles from Wind Ridge, PA. These highways are accessible from either Washington or Waynesburg, PA.