Facility Overview

The State Game Land Parking Area situated at 26-202 Smith Township State Road (PA-18) in Burgettstown, Pennsylvania, serves as an official trailhead and vehicle access point for Pennsylvania State Game Lands Number 117 (SGL 117). Encompassing nearly 2,900 acres across Smith and Hanover Townships in Washington County, this wildlife conservation area provides managed public land for conservation, sportsmen, and passive outdoor recreation. The parking facility itself is a rustic, open-air rural gravel and compacted-dirt surface lot set directly off the roadway against a scenic forest backdrop.

Because the lot is open-to-the-sky with no overhead structures, multi-level decking, or low ceilings, it provides limitless vertical clearance. Drivers of lifted four-wheel-drive pickup trucks, full-size SUVs, vans, and vehicles equipped with roof racks, canoe carriers, or hitch baskets can maneuver and park without clearance concerns. The lot features an open-apron layout without painted stall lines, requiring visitors to park considerately alongside perimeter tree lines or timber guide barriers so other vehicles can enter and turn around smoothly.

Prime Location & Nearby Attractions

Strategically positioned in northern Washington County, this parking area sits within minutes of prominent outdoor destinations, regional entertainment venues, and rural communities:

• State Game Lands #117: Direct on-site access to 2,895 acres of forested rolling hills, managed food plots, and wildlife habitats known for whitetail deer, wild turkey, small game hunting, and seasonal birdwatching.
• The Pavilion at Star Lake: Located approximately 2.5 miles northwest along Route 18, this major outdoor amphitheater is one of Western Pennsylvania's premier summer concert venues hosting top national touring musical acts.
• Borough of Burgettstown: Situated roughly 2 miles to the northwest, offering local diners, fueling stations, convenience markets, and neighborhood amenities.
• Panhandle Recreational Trail: Located just a short drive away in Burgettstown, this 29-mile crushed limestone trail spans from Walkers Mill in Collier Township out to the West Virginia state line, popular among cyclists and distance hikers.
• Hillman State Park & Raccoon Creek State Park: Positioned within a 10 to 15-minute drive northward, delivering thousands of additional acres dedicated to mountain biking, hiking, fishing, and boating.

Access, Navigation & Transit Connectivity

Ingress and egress are straightforward via Smith Township State Road (Pennsylvania Route 18), a two-lane state highway that serves as the primary north-south artery connecting Burgettstown, Florence, and northern Washington County to US-22. The lot connects to the roadway through a wide gravel apron. While visibility is generally good, drivers should exercise caution when pulling out onto Route 18 as highway traffic travels at higher speeds through rural stretches.

Due to its rural game lands setting, there is no direct fixed-route public transit or passenger rail service to this parking area; personal passenger vehicles, carpools, or rural rideshare pickups are necessary. Drivers arriving from greater Pittsburgh or West Virginia can easily transition from US Highway 22 onto PA-18 South, reaching the lot within roughly 5 to 7 minutes from the interchange. Exiting during normal daytime hours is prompt, though traffic on PA-18 can swell noticeably during major concert dates at nearby Star Lake.

Facility Amenities & Key Features

• Free Public Parking: Maintained by the Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC) with no hourly meter charges, permits, or daily parking fees.
• Spacious Open-Air Format: Level gravel and hard-packed earthen terrain with unlimited vertical clearance accommodating standard autos, SUVs, and large pickup trucks.
• Direct Gated Road & Trailhead Access: Immediate step-off access to gated PGC administrative roads and foot paths leading into hunting tracts and hiking woods.
• Natural Setting: Quiet, wooded surroundings ideal for stepping directly into nature and wildlife observation.
• Unpaved Rustic Lot: Drivers should note that the facility has no lighting fixtures, no EV charging stations, no electric hookups, and no public restrooms on-site.

Ideal For

• Hunters & Trappers: Licensed sportsmen pursuing white-tailed deer, spring and fall turkey, ring-necked pheasant, and small game across SGL 117.
• Nature Hikers & Walkers: Outdoor enthusiasts exploring maintenance roads and tranquil wooded paths away from urban traffic.
• Birdwatchers & Wildlife Photographers: Birders seeking seasonal migratory songbirds, raptors, and local waterfowl throughout the Raccoon Creek watershed basin.
• Outdoor Day Visitors: Recreationists needing an open, cost-free countryside turnaround or short-term rest stop along the Route 18 corridor.

Visitor & Driver Tips

Before heading to this game land lot, consider several important practical points to make your visit seamless:

• Respect Game Commission Regulations: This lot is governed by Title 58 of the Pennsylvania Code. Prohibited activities include camping, open campfires, dumping, and alcohol consumption. It is patrolled by Pennsylvania Game Commission State Game Wardens.
• Concertgoer Advisory: While located near The Pavilion at Star Lake, this lot is strictly designated for game lands use. Leaving vehicles overnight or attempting to use game land lots for concert tailgating violates state regulations and risks ticketing or vehicle impoundment.
• Seasonal Safety Gear: During active hunting seasons (notably fall and winter big-game firearms seasons), all visitors, including hikers and dog walkers, should wear fluorescent orange safety apparel in compliance with state recommendations.
• Weather Conditions: Heavy rainfall or winter snowmelt can produce ruts or localized mud on gravel aprons; vehicles with standard clearance should choose firmer gravel ground when entering.
• Pack It In, Pack It Out: There are no public trash receptacles on-site, so visitors must carry out all personal litter and gear to preserve the natural habitat.