Quiet mornings and ranger patrols keeping watch set the tone at Russell P. Letterman Campground inside Bald Eagle State Park. Organized across two loops, the Sycamore and Oak sections, the campground has asphalt parking pads, gravel around fire rings, and level sites that back in without much difficulty even for larger rigs. Shade is limited. Most full-hookup sites sit in open sun, which matters on warm summer days and makes the campground more exposed to wind than wooded alternatives.
Sites are spacious and spaced well apart, so neighbors don't feel crowded together. The campground has a mix of 50-amp and 30-amp electric service, and some sites include water and sewer. One practical note for pet owners: the Oak loop does not allow animals, so those traveling with dogs will need to reserve on the Sycamore loop, where electric hookups are available. "Bathrooms are clean and the showers are delightfully warm," notes Danielle S., though cleaning reportedly happens only on Wednesdays, so timing matters. Raccoons are active at night, and bears have been reported in the area.
A short walk from the campground leads to a fishing pier and a footbridge over the lake. Anglers, cyclists, and hikers all find usable terrain here, including a trail to the largest white swamp oak in Pennsylvania. The lake accommodates boating and kayaking. The Nature Inn at Bald Eagle, less than a mile east, has lake views and a cafe worth visiting for morning coffee. Firewood sells for $6 a bundle at the camp host site.
The campground runs from the second Friday of April through mid-December, with reservations available up to 334 days in advance. Verizon users report four bars of signal. Road noise from PA-150 is audible at some sites, and tent campers should note that early spring conditions can leave sites muddy and soft, making stake placement difficult. GPS navigation works best when entered as "Bald Eagle State Park modern campground" rather than just the park name. For a more rustic experience, the Primitive Camping Area at Bald Eagle State Park sits about a mile south and books up quickly during hunting season.
Description
The 5,900-acre Bald Eagle State Park is in the broad Bald Eagle Valley of northcentral Pennsylvania. The 1,730-acre lake laps the flanks of Bald Eagle Mountain, surrounded by forests, fields and wetlands. With two campgrounds, boating, fishing, swimming, the Nature Inn, and diverse habitats that are excellent for wildlife watching, Bald Eagle State Park is a great destination in the heart of Pennsylvania. Recreational facilities are a result of a cooperative effort between the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources-Bureau of State Parks.
Permit Conditions:
- No more than one family unit or five unrelated persons per campsite. Other facilities are limited to the maximum occupancy for the facility (i.e. beds in cabins) for non-family guests. Note: Family Unit-Persons living under one household.
- Occupant shall include at least one person 18 years of age or older.
- Noise or conduct which could interfere with the sleep of other persons is prohibited between 9 p.m. and 8 a.m.
- Before vacating the facility/site, occupants shall clean and properly dispose of waste.
- Visitors are permitted only between 8 a.m. and 10 p.m.
- This permit may not be assigned or transferred.
- Alcoholic Beverages are prohibited.
- Failure to abide by Pennsylvania State Park Rules and Regulations.
- For cabins,/yurts/camping cottages removal of tables, beds or other furnishings from the facility are prohibited.
- For cabins/yurts/camping cottages tents, camping trailers and recreation vehicles are not permitted in the area.
- Pets are only permitted in designated areas. Overnight guest with pets must reserve designated facilities.
Violations:
Violations of park rules and regulations or violations of a condition of this permit could result in any or all of the following consequences:
- The permit may be revoked. This would mean that the occupants would be required to vacate the facility immediately.
- The occupants may be required to leave the park.
- The occupants may be cited for violations of park rules and regulations, a summary offense.
- The occupants are responsible for any loss or damages to furnishings, fixtures, equipment, or facilities that occur during or due to their occupancy.
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
Warning 1 Alert is In Effect
There is 1 alert for this campground. Camp safely!
If you are looking to book a room at the Nature Inn, please search for The Nature Inn at Bald Eagle in the "Where" area of our Reservation Home Screen. Thank you!
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsRussell P Letterman Campground is located in Pennsylvania near Howard
Directions
Bald Eagle State Park, Centre County, is along PA 150 between Milesburg and Lock Haven. From I-80 west, take Exit 158 to PA 150 north for about 10 miles. From I-80 east, take Exit 178 to US 220 north, to PA 150 south for about 13 miles. From I-99 take Exit 61 to Port Matilda, then US 220-ALT, continue onto 150 north to park.
Address
149 MAIN PARK ROAD
Howard, PA 16841
Coordinates
41.03563995 N
77.64713367 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GExcellent Coverage- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 8/5/26
AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 users
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent Coverage
- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 2 usersLast on 8/5/26
- AT&TLTESome CoverageVerified by 2 users
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
- Cabins
- Tent Cabin
- Yurts
Features
For Campers
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Reservable
- Showers
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Sewer Hookups
- Water Hookups
- 30 Amp Hookups
- 50 Amp Hookups
Drive Time
- 25 min from State College, PA
- 37 min from Williamsport, PA
- 52 min from Altoona, PA
- 1 hr 38 min from Harrisburg, PA
