Colonel Denning State Park is located outside of Newville, just down the road from Camp Yolijwa. There is a lake with a swimming area and beach, as well as a playground and picnic facilities. There is a changing room area between the parking lot and lake, but there are no bathrooms at the lake. There are permanent port-a-potty facilities located a short walk away. (Well, short if you're not in a hurry). It is free to use the lake.
There is a picnic pavilion and playground at the opposite end of the parking lot from the lake entrance. Additionally, there is a larger pavilion, recreational field, and playground at the top of the hill from the lake. There is car access to the top of the hill.
As with most swimming areas in PA, there are no lifeguards on duty.
The park is also open for camping and hiking, including Flat Rock Trail, a 2.5 mile round-trip trail to the top of the mountain, which (on a clear day) provides an incredible view across the valley. It may not be a long hike, but it is rather tough.
Also within the camping area, there is a nature center and three orienteering courses (although the last update shows the courses to still be under construction, so they may not be open yet). It has been a long time since I've been to the nature center, but from what I remember it was both educational and entertaining. There was also a small fish pond near the nature center.
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