Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Altoona, PA is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are Altoona campgrounds just for you. Find the best campgrounds near Altoona, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.
$30 / night
Seven Points Recreation area, located in the central region of Raystown Lake, is perfectly situated for outdoor recreation. Within a short walk from every campsite, visitors can find everything from interpretive trails to a visitor center. Plus there's easy access to swimming, boating, fishing hiking, and biking. For more detailed maps and information on the Seven Points Recreation area visit our website.
Boating is always popular at Raystown, but there's more than just boating. Fishing for muskies, small and large mouth bass, brown trout, and many other Pennsylvania species is excellent. Every summer weekend there are education and entertainment programs at the amphitheater. The Greenside Pathway, a recycled rubber tire hiking trail, provides a safe walking route that connects the campgrounds to all of the recreational facilities within Seven Points; and world class mountain biking is available on the Allegrippis Trails and mountain biking skills park near the Visitors Center. Other nearby trails include the Lower Trail (Rails to Trails), the Terrace Mountain Trail, the Old Loggers Trail, and the Mid State Trail.
Raystown Lake is located within the ridge and valley province of Pennsylvania. The lakeshore is lined with an old oak-hickory forest giving way to mountain ridges and cliffs. The man-made lake is fed by the Raystown Branch tributary of the Juniata River and is the largest lake completely in the state of Pennsylvania. Recreation season temperatures range from the 60s to 90s, with three to four inches of rain per month. The nights are cool and the days are pleasant through spring and fall.
Campers can take day trips to the Lincoln Caverns, Altoona Railroaders Museum, Swigart Antique Car Museum, or other nearby attractions. Visit www.raystown.org for local attractions and activities. The nearby city of Huntingdon, 11 miles north, is a good place for restaurants, shopping, and theaters.
$30 - $200 / night
This recreation area is part of Raystown Lake
Black Moshannon State Park covers 3,394 acres of forests and wetlands and conserves unique, natural environments. More than 43,000 acres of the Moshannon State Forest surround the park and help create a remote and wild setting that provides recreational opportunities in all seasons for camping near State College.
The 73 campsites each have a picnic table and a fire ring. Most sites can accommodate either a tent or a trailer. Many sites have electrical hookups. Some sites have full service hook up, which includes sewer, water, and electricity.Pets are permitted on designated sites.
The campground features:
-Washhouses with flush toilets
-Showers
-Coin-operated laundry machines
-Sanitary dump station
Susquehannock Campground is located on the 8,300-acre Raystown Lake, in the ridge and valley province of Pennsylvania. The lake offers ample outdoor recreation opportunities, from fishing and boating to picnicking and hiking. Campers have access to a marina, shopping, restaurants and cultural attractions within a short drive. Several fun family events take place in the lake area throughout the summer.
Fishing is excellent at the lake, with muskies, small and large mouth bass and brown trout found in abundance. Stream and river fishing are nearby, as are hunting areas for deer, turkey, grouse and Canada geese. Nearby trails such as the Allegrippis Trails, Old Loggers Trail, Hillside Nature Trail and Terrace Mountain Trail offer hiking and biking. Many family activities are available in the Raystown Region during summer. Visitors can pick up a free guide at the Raystown Lake Visitor Center or campground entrance station to help them plan sightseeing, hiking, biking, boating and canoe and kayak rental opportunities.
The lake shore is lined with an old oak-hickory forest giving way to mountain ridges and cliffs. The man-made lake is fed by the Raystown Branch tributary of the Juniata River and is the largest lake located completely in the state of Pennsylvania. Recreation season temperatures range from the 60s to 90s, with three to four inches of rain per month. The nights are cool and the days are pleasant through spring and fall. Local wildlife consists of white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, ruffed grouse, Canada geese, pheasants, bald eagles, ospreys, great blue herons and occasional black bears.
This location has limited staffing. Please call (814) 658-3405 for general information.
The campground is only three miles from groceries, a bait shop, gas and a full service marina. The City of Huntingdon, located 14 miles north, is a good place to stop for restaurants, shopping and theaters. Campers can take day trips to the Lincoln and Indian Caverns, Altoona Railroaders Museum or Swigart Antique Car Museum.
$25 / night
30/50 amp full hookups; complimentary wifi; General Store; K9; swimming pool, outdoor games, play structure with Pirate ship, The Jump Pad, dry boat parking ($), extra vehicles/guests ($); all located under a canopy of trees on Terrace Mountain.
Located 5 miles from the Southern end of Raystown Lake. Scenic 45 minute ride from the PA Turnpike. Camp here for PSU events! Drive 1.25 hours to get to State College. Owned and operated by PSU alumni. Trough Creek State Park, water park, boat ramps and beach are all easy access. Concierge service for any guest who needs assistance. Curbside Check-in and camp store deliveries are available.
$100 / night
Cowans Gap State Park is a diverse landscape nestled within the scenic Allens Valley of Fulton County. Campers come to enjoy the park’s 1,085 acres which offer a large lake, a full-size campground, provincial lodges, and many climbing trails throughout. Aside from the attractions, Buchanan State Forest encompasses the park, offering up fun and beauty regardless of the season. Open every day of the year, the park is a great place to visit for day-trip recreation. That said, if planning to camp here you’ll want to prepare in advance as campsite availability changes by the season.
One of the unique offerings that Cowans Gap features is a number of environmental educational programs for the local public. These programs serve to help the pubic, especially the youth, foster a sense of responsibility for the nature that surrounds them every day. There are guided walks, hands-on activities, and even evening programs for those up to it.
Aside from the educational opportunities, Cowans Gap is also right in the center of over 71,000+ acres of protected land thanks to Buchanan State Forest. There are 19 tracts of forest which occupy the acreage, showcasing numerous ravines, gulches, and brooks as well as groves of pine, hemlock, and maple.
Subsequently, this wild and rugged backdrop attracts hikers, campers, fishers, and outdoor enthusiasts from all over. A number of state game lands located nearby are also popular visiting places for season hunters looking to bag an elk or other large game.
Within the campground itself, there’s a variety of fun activities to get in on. During the winter, the park lake freezes making it perfect for ice-fishing and other winter fun. There’s also a maintained skating rink, so you can even come and ice-skate or play a quick game of hockey.
It’s during the warmer months however that Cowans Gap state park really starts to shine. Once the lake unfreezes, campers flock for kayaking, canoeing, and pedal boating. The campground itself starts to bustle as children and families visit the local volleyball courts, and check out the nearby trails on Horseback. The lake offers a sandy beach area to recreate, as well as a pier for fishers to get easier access to deep water.
Campsites are fully serviced here, and spacious enough to accommodate most families. There are restrooms available throughout the park, and a full-service concession stand for firewood and other conveniences. There are also cabins available for rental, but like most parks be sure to plan ahead as they tend to fill up quick.
$29 / night
Friendship Village Campground is a family-oriented campground with over 300 sites to chose from and providing activities and games for everyone, so be sure to bring the kids and grandkids! Our park is “big rig friendly,” offering shaded and non-shaded sites, with 84 pull thru sites and a variety of hook-ups available. We even have campsites along our lower lake and beside the trout stream
$30 / night
Seven Points Recreation area, located in the central region of Raystown Lake, is perfectly situated for outdoor recreation. Within a short walk from every campsite, visitors can find everything from interpretive trails to a visitor center. Plus there's easy access to swimming, boating, fishing hiking, and biking. For more detailed maps and information on the Seven Points Recreation area visit our website.
Boating is always popular at Raystown, but there's more than just boating. Fishing for muskies, small and large mouth bass, brown trout, and many other Pennsylvania species is excellent. Every summer weekend there are education and entertainment programs at the amphitheater. The Greenside Pathway, a recycled rubber tire hiking trail, provides a safe walking route that connects the campgrounds to all of the recreational facilities within Seven Points; and world class mountain biking is available on the Allegrippis Trails and mountain biking skills park near the Visitors Center. Other nearby trails include the Lower Trail (Rails to Trails), the Terrace Mountain Trail, the Old Loggers Trail, and the Mid State Trail.
Raystown Lake is located within the ridge and valley province of Pennsylvania. The lakeshore is lined with an old oak-hickory forest giving way to mountain ridges and cliffs. The man-made lake is fed by the Raystown Branch tributary of the Juniata River and is the largest lake completely in the state of Pennsylvania. Recreation season temperatures range from the 60s to 90s, with three to four inches of rain per month. The nights are cool and the days are pleasant through spring and fall.
Campers can take day trips to the Lincoln Caverns, Altoona Railroaders Museum, Swigart Antique Car Museum, or other nearby attractions. Visit www.raystown.org for local attractions and activities. The nearby city of Huntingdon, 11 miles north, is a good place for restaurants, shopping, and theaters.
$30 - $200 / night
This recreation area is part of Raystown Lake
Black Moshannon State Park covers 3,394 acres of forests and wetlands and conserves unique, natural environments. More than 43,000 acres of the Moshannon State Forest surround the park and help create a remote and wild setting that provides recreational opportunities in all seasons for camping near State College.
The 73 campsites each have a picnic table and a fire ring. Most sites can accommodate either a tent or a trailer. Many sites have electrical hookups. Some sites have full service hook up, which includes sewer, water, and electricity.Pets are permitted on designated sites.
The campground features:
-Washhouses with flush toilets
-Showers
-Coin-operated laundry machines
-Sanitary dump station
Susquehannock Campground is located on the 8,300-acre Raystown Lake, in the ridge and valley province of Pennsylvania. The lake offers ample outdoor recreation opportunities, from fishing and boating to picnicking and hiking. Campers have access to a marina, shopping, restaurants and cultural attractions within a short drive. Several fun family events take place in the lake area throughout the summer.
Fishing is excellent at the lake, with muskies, small and large mouth bass and brown trout found in abundance. Stream and river fishing are nearby, as are hunting areas for deer, turkey, grouse and Canada geese. Nearby trails such as the Allegrippis Trails, Old Loggers Trail, Hillside Nature Trail and Terrace Mountain Trail offer hiking and biking. Many family activities are available in the Raystown Region during summer. Visitors can pick up a free guide at the Raystown Lake Visitor Center or campground entrance station to help them plan sightseeing, hiking, biking, boating and canoe and kayak rental opportunities.
The lake shore is lined with an old oak-hickory forest giving way to mountain ridges and cliffs. The man-made lake is fed by the Raystown Branch tributary of the Juniata River and is the largest lake located completely in the state of Pennsylvania. Recreation season temperatures range from the 60s to 90s, with three to four inches of rain per month. The nights are cool and the days are pleasant through spring and fall. Local wildlife consists of white-tailed deer, wild turkeys, ruffed grouse, Canada geese, pheasants, bald eagles, ospreys, great blue herons and occasional black bears.
This location has limited staffing. Please call (814) 658-3405 for general information.
The campground is only three miles from groceries, a bait shop, gas and a full service marina. The City of Huntingdon, located 14 miles north, is a good place to stop for restaurants, shopping and theaters. Campers can take day trips to the Lincoln and Indian Caverns, Altoona Railroaders Museum or Swigart Antique Car Museum.
$25 / night
Guide
This was my first experience camping with no hookups. The park is very large, with interesting trails to explore. I had not been aware of the abandoned PA turnpike that runs through the park; very interesting and haunting. It’s extremely quiet, with not a whole lot to do, but very peaceful. A terrific place to see the stars. And while it’s not free, it’s only $10/night.
Guide
I’ve camped here twice, two years ago in a Kodiak tent and this year in my Airstream GT24. Such a lovely spot! It’s spotless, and Raystown Lake is gorgeous.
Traveler
Better off just pulling off the side of the road. Nothing here worth the $25 out of state fee.
Guide
In the middle of the woods vibe. The sites had good privacy and it was just a pretty area. Neighbors were respectful and relatively quiet.. There was zero cell service at this campground. Bathrooms were clean.
Scout
We've stayed here at least a half-dozen times with a popup. The smaller B loop is nicer, but no electricity. Pets allowed only on a certain portion of the A loop. The bathrooms are clean, the lake is small but pretty, and the hikes around the lake, and up the mountain on the ridge, are as easy or as challenging as you want. Cell service is pretty much nonexistent so you definitely get unplugged.
RangerWe stayed in the smaller camping area B, which we enjoyed. Even on Labor Day weekend, it didn’t feel busy because of how few sites are in this section. Our site was level and sizable. The bathroom was clean and there was access to the very pleasant hiking trail going around the lake. We had no cell service with Cricket or Verizon.
Guide
Very clean, could be a bit more level. Great amenities, boat, fish, games, hike.
GuideA dingy place. The ground was swampy the only dry places are the gravel pads in the sites. I wouldn't tent camp here.
On the plus side, strong AT&T and T-Mobile cell signals. (I don't have a verizon device)
Traveler
We stayed during Bigfoot weekend. It was super fun as our family likes bigfoot fun. We started out Friday night getting the offered $12 bbq plate that included pork burnt ends, beans and potato salad that were "oh it's so good". On Saturday was rock painting and then bingo and ended the night with a DJ dance party. The pavilion where all those activities happened were right next to our site (22 with the doggie den). Then Sunday we had pancakes and later a visit from RayCEP which is an education program that PA DNCR provides talking about various outdoorsy type things. This is primarily for kids, but we sat and listened too and our 17 year old helped out with the craft.
After the weekend though, all the activity slows down. There are seasonal campers that stay around, and they're constantly working on improving and fixing up sites during the week. Expect lots of quiet time just relaxing during the week. There's the pool, dog park, bounce pillow, playground, but not tons to do which if you're looking for is great. Raystown Lake has multiple access areas that are probably 15-20 minutes away - we fished at Tautman Run and Aitch - both were accessible and had lots of bluegill to steal our worms.
Now to the site description: Site 22 is a deluxe patio back in site with a patio, 4 nice Adirondack chairs, a double glider, a weber propane grill and built in fire pit AND a dog fence just for that site that was maybe 6 ft x 6ft. it was big enough for our 2 labs to fit into when we fed them. The site wasn't hard to level our RV but overall the sites are hilly and in fact the whole park is on a hill.
The owners and workers were friendly and great hosts! We love what they're doing there.
One last tip: if traveling from the Altoona area, go out through Martinsburg over Cove Mountain Rd - it saves you 30 minutes to an hour.
Scout
Stayed with family over the weekend. Very quiet, secluded and peaceful. The bathrooms are a bit of a walk if you're tent camping but they were clean and well stocked. The shower is a little tricky washing all your bits because the shower head doesn't tilt enough and the water is a bit warm (not adjustable) but when you're camping in August clean water and soap is all that matters lol.
Guidejust pulled in and 1st spot looks great except it says on the sign THAT YOU NEED A PERMIT , DYRT So F'ing glad I paid for pro to show me the free campsites OH WAIT I JUST PAID $51.50 FOR 3 NIGHTS TO STAY AT THIS "FREE" SITE. Greed Is Killing America. Dyrt should give refunds.
TravelerOur first time at Cowans Gap and we loved it. 5 nights, 6 days with no cell or wifi to stress us out. Biking, Hiking, sitting around a campfire, very nice. Site 14 was ok, small. Weekend kids were noisy. Bathrooms and showers very clean. Firewood always available. Easy access to dump station. Coming back in July to a site we scout out. Looking forward to our next visit.
Ranger
New owners are super friendly. It's an older park they look to be putting some love and work into. Sites are sloped a bit as most are in the mountains. We were able to decently level our motorhome with blocks. Minimal noise from the highway, which was pleasantly unexpected being so close. They have some animals, like goats, as well in a little farm area. Nice new cabins too.
GuideThe drive in was exciting. Lots of sheepish hills and turns. As long as you go slow, you'll be fine. Leaving on the other hand was terrifying. Being the down hill version of the drive in.
A note on cell service. There is none. NONE. No AT&T, no Verizon, no TMoblie. They campground doesn't have WiFi either.
If you were planning on going out to do stuff off the state park, there's nothing nearby.
We brought our kayaks and had a nice day paddling around the lake.
Guide
As a rule we always try to stay in parks if possible. Really like the layout here, and the k9s love it. We couldn’t see the lake from the camper, but in the woods we could see the lake and the camper from the same spot.
Guide
Our first time in the Moshannan National Forrest area. Simply stunning. Beautiful area.
The campground was adequate. Bath houses were relatively clean.
My biggest criticism is how close the sites are to each other. This may only be true of the full hookup sites. Felt like we were camping with our neighbors.
Guide
Driving in I got a little worried I was getting lost, but I drove on. I arrived on a Wednesday evening. I had my pick of campsites, because I was the only person there!
The water was off, but I was prepared to wilderness camp later in my trip so, that was no big deal.
It was so secluded, I heard nothing but nature for over an hour before a plane flew over.
If you have a trailer, I do not recommend this spot. there is a very tight hairpin turn on the way in. My six foot long trailer barely made the turn!
ScoutThis place was awesome! We were there for one of the first weekends of the season, and we enjoyed every bit of our trip. Not only were the staff super friendly and helpful, but we were lucky enough to get a full-hookup site right on the lake. Quiet, peaceful, everything you want on a spring trip. We really got to witness the owners' kindness when we left for a hiking trip and a sudden windstorm caught our awning and broke one side of it, sending most of the awning itself up on the roof. The owner and his son got right to work fixing it: One got up on the roof and the other worked from the bottom to set it right and wire the broken arm to the side of the trailer so we could drive home. They also folded up our chairs and put everything we had outside in a neat little pile. I've been camping for nearly 40 years and have never witnessed that kind of pro-activeness. It's exactly what you SHOULD(but don't often) get. We will absolutely be back.
Scout
We loved the swimming and fishing in this park. Awesome Sandy swim beach and roped off area in the water made it great for keeping an eye on the kids while they swam. We had site 59 and are tent campers. This site was on an incline so the cots we brought were pretty miserable to sleep on. This spot was in its own little wooded cubby hole so it gave us a little more privacy but we thought that a lot of these sites were much too close together. We plan to scope out other sites to find a more level and more private option. Overall we really loved the park itself and will be back!
Traveler
Great tent site with lots of room. Have your own little driveway to park your car right next to the site. Comes with a picnic table and fire pit. Need lots of rope for setting up tarps as trees are far apart. Cute little stream in the back with a log crossing. No cell service, near town with free wifi. No toilets or garbage. Good amount of traffic coming down the road but isn't an issue at night time.
Scout
We showed up after dark and it was a bit hard to find our way to our site—advise arriving during the day! Great little campground. Very quiet. Nestled between a hillside and a stream with a great sound of running water. Several walking/hiking trails directly from the campground. Clean and convenient restrooms. Large sites.
Guide
The campsites are beautiful, even though there were a lot of people when we went we felt like we had a lot of privacy from our neighbors. We stayed in the ridge loop, so not waterfront but within the campground there were so many things to do (huge mountain biking scene). The whole grounds were very well maintained, and the bathrooms and showers were some of the nicest I’ve seen at a campground. Highly recommend!
Travelervery sketched out my girlfriend and i had to leave. just didn’t feel welcomed there was no one around
LegendBooked for 5 nights to have an opportunity to explore the Bedford, PA area. Great access to Flight 93 Memorial, local covered bridges, Fort Bedford Historic Fort, and many other attractions. Loop D was quiet with ample space between sites that provided privacy. Bathhouse was clean and used for showers. Dump and water fill station easy to access on your way in or out. Verizon signal good enough for streaming.
Guide
The bike trails/course at the KOA were absolutely awesome! Even though we don't have kids to bring along, I couldn't help but wish I could hit those trails myself– what a cool feature they have.
Now, onto the bathrooms– they were impressively spacious and private, and the best part? Always clean. No complaints there. We appreciated the added security with the entrance gate, it gave us a sense of safety during our stay.
And speaking of people, everyone there was super polite and friendly. We had a wonderful time and can't wait to visit again!"
TravelerWe stayed on a primitive site in our van, it was only for one night but we wished we'd booked more, the facilities are great and everyone is friendly. It feels homey, would definitely come back if I have the chance 🥰
GuideGetting to the park had some sharp turns and windy roads. Small campground but nicely equipped. 2 bath houses were dated but clean. Nice playground at the campground and also one at the beach. Small camp concessions with a few camping items as well as ice cream cones. Great hiking and a beautiful lake for kayaking. Site 22 is a full hookup. Utilities worked nicely. However, our picnic table had seen better days. The site sat down off the road but once you were backed in the spot it was pretty level. This site also had a separate tent pad located down a few stone steps. Verizon and AT&T cell service were basically non existent. Every once in a while a text would come in or send but very spotty. Sorry I failed to get a pic of the site in the daylight. It was spacious and we had plenty of room for our 30' trailer, truck, and easy up over the table. 6+ chairs around the fire pit, cooking ring could have been better. Grassy area for cornhole or playing.
Camping near Altoona, Pennsylvania, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking to pitch a tent or park your RV, there are plenty of campgrounds to explore.
Camping near Altoona, Pennsylvania, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Enjoy the great outdoors and make some lasting memories!
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Altoona, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Altoona, PA offers a wide range of camping options, with 89 campgrounds and RV parks near Altoona, PA and 1 free dispersed camping spot.
Which is the most popular campground near Altoona, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Altoona, PA is Crooked Run Campground — Prince Gallitzin State Park with a 4.3-star rating from 26 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Altoona, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Altoona, PA.
What parks are near Altoona, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 20 parks near Altoona, PA that allow camping, notably Raystown Lake and Crooked Creek Lake.
