Keystone State families planning their 2009 vacations may want to start with their own extensive state park system to find plenty of excellent fishing, lodging and fun. Vast tracts of public land have been set aside to ensure that families who want to get away from it all will always have a place to go. Lodging options range from primitive tent sites to fully equipped cabins. Native and stocked trout, as well as plentiful warmwater species, provide all the challenge and variety a vacationing angler could wish for.

And when fishing is done for the day and the family wants to explore beyond the campground, there's a whole world of interesting things to do from exploring caves to learning about local history, visiting zoos or taking world-class amusement park rides before hitting the water park.

It's all good, and it's all right here!

HEAD FOR THE HILLS
Blue Knob State Park in Pavia makes a great base camp for a family fishing getaway. At 3,146 feet above sea level, Blue Knob is the second highest mountain in Pennsylvania.

For knockout views to the northeast on a clear day, head for Expressway Chairlift, which is on leased parkland operated by the Blue Knob Ski Resort. Views to the southeast can be enjoyed from Chappells Field across from the campground. Great southern views may be had at the Willow Spring Picnic Area. Or, take the family on a hike along the Mountain View Trail for views to the southwest from the Pavia Overlook.

The campground has 45 sites, including 25 with electric hookups. Water, restrooms and a playground are available as well.

There are streams within the park that hold native brook trout and stocked trout. Bobs Creek and its tributaries are good places to start.

Nearby is Beaverdam Run Reservoir, a 360-acre impoundment east of Beaverdale on Route 869. The reservoir is managed under both the Big Bass and Panfish Enhancement programs, so be sure to check current regulations before heading out.

Beaverdam Run is stocked with rainbow and brook trout as well as smallmouth bass. There are some big bluegills and crappies, and the reservoir is also home to largemouth bass and northern pike.

When the family isn't catching fish, there's still plenty to do in 6,128-acre Blue Knob State Park. Swim in the pool or take a bike ride along one of several multi-use trails. There are beginner, intermediate and experienced mountain bike trails. Or, load up the backpacks and hike the 26-mile Lost Turkey Trail, which winds through state park, state forest, state game and private lands.

For more information, call the park office at (814) 276-3576 or e-mail blueknobsp@state.pa.us.

Shawnee State Park in Schellsburg spans 3,983 acres and includes some fine fishing at 451-acre Shawnee Lake. Anglers can expect to take muskellunge, northern pike, walleyes and largemouth and smallmouth bass here. Younger anglers will enjoy the plentiful panfish.

There's a fishing pier by the Diehl Parking Lot, three boat launch areas around the lake, and a boat concession that rents paddleboats, canoes and rowboats.