Whitewater State Park Snapshot Tour

Your visit to Whitewater State Park includes facilities for both small and large groups, a river landscape for fishing, swimming and other recreation. Historic structures and modern facilites, trails and scenic views offer visitors a variety of choices. Explore them all!

Fishing - Biking - Playing

Visitors can enjoy playing and fishing on the Middle Branch of the Whitewater River which runs near the Gooseberry Campground.

Fishing Off Bridge

A stone and wood bridge spans the water. This bridge was originally built by the Civilian Conservation Corps, and then reconstructed after the historic flood of 2007.

Oxbow Beach

Visitors can change into their swimsuits at a stone beach house built by the Civilian Conservation Corps. Afterwards, they can cool off in spring-fed waters alongside a sandy beach.
 

Visitor Center Discovery Room

Both young and old can learn about the history of the Whitewater Valley as they explore exhibits in the visitor center’s Discovery Room.
 

Amphitheater

A large amphitheater with wooden benches can be found just outside the visitor center. Year-round naturalist programs are offered at the visitor center, which can accommodate large crowds, including many area school groups.

Nature Store

The Nature Store is housed in the former park office building.

Nature Store Interior

Visitors can purchase ice cream, snacks, camping supplies and souvenirs at the Nature Store.

Fishing Pier

Picnic, fish or catch a glimpse of peregrine falcons at the South Picnic Grounds, the former site of Whitewater’s historic Civilian Conservation Corps and German Prisoner of War Camps. This area near the river is dotted with shade trees and picnic tables. A short, wooden fishing pier can be found in close proximity to the parking lot.

Walking Bridge

Numerous walking bridges, such as this bridge on Trout Run Trail, cross clear trout streams.

Walk-in Campsite #W4

A variety of walk-in campsites are available in settings that offer more seclusion and scenery. This campsite is next to the river and can be accessed by a narrow, unpaved walking trail. A fire ring and picnic table can be found within the site.

Walk-in Campsite #W77

Park campgrounds are utilized throughout the year by families, trout fisherman and visitors here to hunt turkey, deer and grouse on nearby public lands.

Coyote Point Trail Crossing

Enjoy picturesque sandstone banks at the river crossing on Coyote Point Trail.

Whitewater River: 

Catch a glimpse of a cliff swallow or a belted kingfisher swooping near the tall sandstone banks upstream of the Coyote Point Trail river crossing.

Campground Bridge

Experience a beautiful view of the winding river below as you cross a wood and steel bridge from Gooseberry Campground to Lower Cedar Hills Campground.

Whitewater River View

Relax and take in a gorgeous view of the river from a wooden overlook bench at the Upper Cedar Hills Campground.

Picnic Area - Scene 1

Picnic with family and friends in one of several stone structures built by the Civilian Conservation Corps during the Great Depression.

Picnic Area - Scene 2

The main picnic area offers wonderful views of the river oxbow and beach.

Chimney Rock Bridge

Observe trout fisherman patiently pursuing their catch as you cross the walking bridge to the Chimney Rock Trail.

Chimney Rock Trail

The Chimney Rock Trail is a favorite among visitors. It offers a moderately difficult uphill hike to a beautiful limestone bluff overlook.

Chimney Rock

The uniquely shaped Chimney Rock has long been a popular visitor attraction.

Chimney Rock Overlook

Visitors often view turkey vultures, bald eagles and many other birds of prey from the overlook atop the Chimney Rock Trail.

CCC Dam – Winter

Snow blankets a dam near the beach. This dam was constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps.

CCC Bridge – Winter

Tracks crisscross the snow covering a low bridge near the beach. This bridge was constructed by the Civilian Conservation Corps.

Meadow Trail – Winter

Ski tracks cut through soft snow on the Meadow Trail. This trail provides wonderful cross-country skiing opportunities in winter.

Valley Trail – Winter

Fresh snow is waiting to be explored on the Valley Trail during the winter.

Group Center – Winter

The Modern Group Center building is located in a beautiful setting for weddings, family reunions and school gatherings. The center can be reserved up to a year in advance by calling the park office.

Group Center Dining Hall

The spacious dining hall within the Modern Group Center can seat up to 150 people. Wood floors, walls, and ceiling provide a rustic feel to the space.

Group Center Camp – Winter
The eight cabins at the Modern Group Center can sleep a maximum of 132 people. These wooden cabins are located a short distance from one another.

Group Center Cabin

Bunk beds accommodate 18 people per cabin at the Modern Group Center. Wooden floors and walls give the cabin a cozy, rustic feel. The landscape can be glimpsed from numerous windows.