Staycation on the Cheap: Raccoon Creek State Park

FRANKFORT SPRINGS, Pa. - Sitting on the lake shores of Raccoon Creek State Park, you can’t decide whether you’re on a sandy beach or in the Laurel Highlands.

And that’s not a bad tradeoff as people look for cheap vacations during this turbulent economy.

I drove out to the park Saturday afternoon to enjoy the wilderness and hit some of the many rugged trails with my pup. We walked around the part of the narrow lake and then returned to the beach area to grab a snack and enjoy the sun. There’s a nice manicured green space that wraps around the beach area for people who don’t want sand in their shoes.

Unfortunately, the weather did not cooperate as a monsoon descended on the area and evacuated swimmers into their nearby cars. Still, it’s a place I would return to because there is so much to explore.

The state park in Beaver County is a beautiful retreat that offers families an inexpensive vacation that won’t drain the bank account. That’s why the many state parks around this area are so important.

And our neighbors in Ohio and West Virginia are certainly taking notice. I passed quite a few cars with out-of-state plates that had canoes on the roof or fishing rods hanging out the back. So if they can enjoy them, why can’t we?

It’s an easy and relaxing drive out Route 50 and up scenic Route 18. It’s nice to leave the congested city and drive into a rural atmosphere with the windows down.

So if you’re on tight budget and looking for a splendid daytrip, head out to Raccoon Creek or any of the other state parks around the area. But bring an umbrella just in case.