Tent camping near Allenwood, Pennsylvania offers a variety of backcountry and primitive options within the Appalachian foothills. The region sits at elevations ranging from 500 to 1,200 feet, with forested valleys sheltering numerous small streams and creeks. Winter temperatures frequently drop below freezing from November through March, making spring through fall the primary camping seasons for tent campers seeking Allenwood's wooded surroundings.
What to do
Creek exploration: Honey Creek in Reeds Gap State Park Campground provides excellent wading and native trout fishing opportunities. A camper noted, "There's a nice creek that runs through it, picnic pavilions and a playground for the kids!"
Hiking without crowds: The trail system near Fourth Gap Road Sites offers moderate terrain suitable for day hikes with minimal elevation change. Trail connections lead to deeper sections of Tiadaghton State Forest with limited cell service, creating natural opportunities to disconnect.
Geocaching opportunities: Several caches are placed near park boundaries. As one visitor mentioned, "a geocache showed up close to the trail on a road on my geocache tracker if you are into that," making this area appealing for tech-savvy outdoor enthusiasts.
What campers like
Natural sound barriers: Ravensburg State Park Campground features natural water sounds that provide white noise for sleeping. One camper observed, "If you camp on the sites by the river, be prepared for lots of noise from the rapids. It had been raining quite heavily all day, so this may have impacted the volume levels."
Creek-side hammocking: Multiple sites permit setting up hammocks near water features. A camper described their experience: "There are plenty of trees that are good for hammocking. And in a few sites, you can set them up right by the creek, which is my favorite part."
Digital detox: Reeds Gap State Park offers true disconnection with no cell coverage. A visitor advised, "Put your phone away cuz there's no cell service here! Nice and peaceful with a dozen or so tent only sites."
What you should know
Navigation challenges: Some GPS directions to Ravensburg State Park may route incorrectly. A camper warned, "Park is easily accessible from I-80, just be aware of your directions and make sure they're taking you to the park via Rocky Road. Mine did not, and I ended up down a seasonal road."
Raised tent platforms: Many sites include constructed tent pads that affect tent setup. According to one visitor, "They have nice raised tent pads. It's very humid so many picnic tables have green moss."
Water access logistics: Centralized water sources require planning ahead. Roadside sites in Tiadaghton and Bald Eagle State Forests have no drinking water facilities, requiring campers to bring all water needed or equipment for purifying water from streams.
Bathroom distance considerations: At some campgrounds, facilities may be a significant walk from certain sites. One camper mentioned, "Bathhouses were a little far away. Quite camping and hiking."
Tips for camping with families
Self-registration process: Ravensburg State Park Campground uses an honor system for payment. A visitor explained, "Pay by honor system at the park office. Campground was quiet and lovely. Only 14 sites."
Road proximity awareness: When choosing a site with children, note that some locations are near roadways. One camper advised, "We got a nice one tucked back in the trees, but a few of them are pretty close to the road - not like it's terribly busy."
Pet-friendly options: Most tent sites in the region welcome dogs, making it suitable for families traveling with pets. A camper shared, "It's only tents and it's dog and family friendly!"
Tips from RVers
Non-RV focused experience: The tent camping areas near Allenwood primarily cater to tent campers rather than RVs. Eastville Roadside Campsites in Bald Eagle State Forest do permit small RVs but lack hookups and dump stations.
Alternative accommodations: RV campers may need to look beyond the immediate tent-focused areas. The closest full-service RV options are located farther from the primitive camping areas that define the Allenwood tent camping experience.
Steep access roads: Several tent camping areas feature narrow, winding access roads that can be challenging for larger vehicles. The descent into Ravensburg requires careful driving, with one visitor noting, "You will be driving down into the valley, which can feel very steep at times."
