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​​​​​Big Elk Creek State Park

The 1,800-acre Big Elk Creek State Park in southern Chester County lies less than ten miles northwest of Newark, Delaware.

The majority of the park consists of previous farmlands and forest lands. The park acts as a wildlife corridor and provides refuge for an array of threatened and endangered species.

The park’s namesake, Big Elk Creek, traverses the park and is a high-quality stream.

Visitors currently enjoy passive recreational activities, including trail hiking, bird watching, horseback riding, fishing, and hunting.

Big Elk Creek State Park Master Plan

The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources Bureau of State Parks is preparing a master plan to conserve and restore the land, while also providing recreation opportunities for all at Big Elk Creek State Park.

Masterplan Public Engagement

November 2023 Public Meeting​

A public meeting presenting the initial ​​development and restoration considerations for Big Elk Creek State Park was held on November 6, 2023.

An overview of the planning process and preliminary design ideas were presented, and attendees offered feedback ​on the new park concepts.

A Big Elk Creek State Park Planning Process Frequently Asked Questions ​Document (PDF) provides information related to questions and comments that arose during and after the November 6 meeting.

Also available is the Big Elk Creek State Park Foundational and Developmental Planning Presentation (PDF) from the November 6 meeting, which includes additional slides to provide answers to commonly asked questions.

January 2024 Town Hall Meeting

The department attended a town hall meeting on Januar​y 10, 2024​, and provided a Big Elk Creek State Park Town Hall Meeting P​resentation (PDF), including more information about a timeline for the master plan, ecological restoration work at the park, and details on proposed site improvements.

Please email all comments about the Big Elk Creek Master Plan to the park.

Masterplan Public Survey​

A community survey for thoughts on creating this park concluded in August 2023.

The Results of the Big Elk Creek Masterplan Public Surveys (PDF) are among the elements under consideration as the department moves to the final design and masterplan for the park.

Seasons and Hours

Big Elk Creek State Park is currently a day-use park with low density recreation. Day-use areas close at dusk.

Currently, no restroom facilities exist on site. Please plan accordingly.

A map of Pennsylvania shows the major highways and cities with an icon of a tree where Big Elk Creek State Park is.

Directions

From PA 896 south, turn right onto Strickersville Road in Franklin Township. Travel 2.4​ miles to the parking lot ​on the left.

GPS Decimal Degrees: Lat. 39.730960, Long. -75.835722

A circular map shows the major roads and highways around White Clay Creek Preserve and Big Elk Creek State Park

Access for People with Disabilities

This activity or structure is ADA accessible. If you need an accommodation to participate in park activities due to a disability, please contact the park you plan to visit.

In an Emergency

Call 911.

Nearest Hospital

Christiana Hospital
4755 Ogletown-Stanton Rd.
Newark, DE 19718
302-733-1000