Prince Gallitzin State Park's Crooked Run Campground provides tent, cabin, and RV camping at 1,600 feet elevation in central Pennsylvania's Allegheny Mountains. The campground features electric hookups at most sites and a network of flat, paved roads that make navigation straightforward for campers. Winter visitors should note that the elevation leads to significant temperature drops after sunset, even during summer months.
What to do
Disc golf enthusiasts: Seven Points Campground serves as an ideal basecamp for accessing nearby disc golf courses. One visitor noted, "The park has lots of activities for the day, including a beach, fishing, hiking, group picnic areas, and if the season is right they allow some hunting in areas."
BMX track access: Crooked Run Campground offers a unique amenity not commonly found at state parks. "Great place for kids! We love staying at crooked run campground. Has a beach on the lake. Affordable boat rentals. Bmx track for kids," explains Jackie W. The track provides recreational opportunities beyond typical camping activities.
Mountain biking trails: The Seven Points area connects directly to the Allegrippis Trail system, which offers over 36 miles of purpose-built mountain biking routes. A camper reports, "The mtb trails begin just above the upper camp loops and provide a full day of fast flowing singletrack." Trails remain open year-round and can handle all weather conditions.
What campers like
Wildlife observation: Campers frequently mention deer sightings throughout the area. At Crooked Run Campground, Steve A. shared, "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."
Group camping facilities: Black Moshannon State Park offers designated areas for organized groups. Nicole F. from Crooked Run explains, "We used the group tent sites for our Girl Scout weekend. It was a fun weekend. We participated in the Outdoors for Everyone event. The site was clean, decently level area for tents, accessible to potable water and bathrooms with showers."
Accessible waterfront: Susquehannock Campground provides direct water access at select sites. "Very cool camp. Loops for RVs, higher on the hill, waterfront loops on steeper grounds for tents, and some walk-to sites adjacent to parking right at the point which double as boat-in. Some site right on the water, can walk right into the lake," describes Ian W.
What you should know
Water coloration: Black Moshannon features unusually dark water due to natural factors. "The lake is incredibly dark in color. Lilly pads abound with great flowers," notes Clay P. Locals call it "Red Mo" because "The Iron Ore mines from the past have left the creek water stained red," according to Travis S.
Site leveling challenges: Shawnee State Park has uneven terrain at many sites. "The campground is okay, there are a fair amount of awkwardly-placed sites that sit on a hill and are difficult to place a tent, equipment or gear," reports Kaley R. Consider bringing leveling blocks for RVs or choosing tent sites carefully.
Highway noise: When selecting glamping close to Altoona, Pennsylvania, be aware that some campgrounds experience road noise. At Friendship Village, Aaron S. mentioned, "This campground is located by 2 major highways and truck traffic and Jake brake are constant all night long. The road noise made it hard to hear when we were sitting around the fire."
Tips for camping with families
Educational programs: Rangers at many parks offer structured activities. As Nicole F. explains, "Rangers were wonderful to work with in setting up teaching opportunities for the girls. We will definitely go back."
Recreational variety: Friendship Village Campground offers numerous family amenities within walking distance. "The kids played mini golf, jumped on the pillow, played on multiple playgrounds, enjoyed ice cream and went fishing," shares Tasha M. about her off-season visit.
Site selection strategy: For families with children visiting Seven Points, consider specific location factors. Christopher R. advises, "The best sites to stay at if you have kids are sites 145–171 as those are right beside the jumping pillow, playground and gaga ball pit." Sites near amenities reduce travel time with young children.
Tips from RVers
Dump station access: Seven Points features an efficient waste disposal setup. "We filled up the fresh water tank at the ultra-cool 4 lane dump station. The signage was very well marked and the fresh water spigot was more like a little tank, super-solid, clean and modern," reports Tim J.
Site navigation: Lake Raystown Resort offers upscale glamping near Altoona with varying site layouts. Tori recommends, "Site 79 was AMAZING. Perfect views of the lake and very spaced out. Never felt like we were on top of our neighbors and even though people did cut through the back of the site (at the waters edge) the site was so spacious it didn't really bother us."
Campground layout variations: At Seven Points, RVers should note distinct sections. Tim J. explains, "Ridge is on an incline with a loop at the end. Perfect for turning around to head out. With the slope, however be aware of the kids and adults riding around on bicycles and skateboards." RVs over 28 feet may find tight turns in Valley Camp challenging.
