Camping options near Artemas, Pennsylvania include full-service facilities and family-friendly parks within mountain terrain. Most campgrounds sit at elevations between 900-1,200 feet, experiencing seasonal temperature variations with summer highs around 85°F and winter lows frequently below freezing. Winter camping requires preparation for potential mountain road closures when snow accumulation exceeds 4 inches.
What to do
Hiking access: Rocky Gap State Park Campground offers a 5-mile trail circling Lake Habeeb. "There is a 5 mile trail that goes all around the lake. Lots of lake to paddle," notes one visitor who recommends visiting "earlier and later in the year" when the park is less crowded.
Water activities: Paddle sports are popular at several campgrounds. At Harpers Ferry Campground, waterfront sites provide direct river access. "Gorgeous spot on the river. Small campground with not a lot of amenities BUT THAT RIVER IS GORGEOUS. Lots of activities - tubing, zip lining, fishing," reports one camper who enjoyed the riverside location.
Fishing opportunities: Pioneer Lakes RV Park maintains stocked fishing ponds. According to a visitor, they "stayed here to go to the flight 93 memorial so we didn't do much at the campground except fish caught a few nice bass." Another camper mentions the park has "stocked ponds" among its amenities.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Timber Run Campground (formerly Four Seasons at Raystown Lake) receives consistent praise for maintenance. "The staff goes out of their way to ensure that you feel welcome!" notes one visitor. Another adds, "This was a nice campground! The staff were super friendly and the whole campground was tidy and clean."
Spacious sites: Rocky Gap State Park campsites offer exceptional privacy. "Can't believe how much space is between each site. You're close enough to see other campers but far enough away to feel you have your own sections of woods," writes a camper who stayed in the Ironwood loop.
Family programming: Friendship Village Campground schedules regular activities. "They had a movie showing in their barn on Saturday night (Despicable Me) and they also seem to schedule a lot of live entertainment, mostly Bluegrass," mentions a visitor who appreciated the family-oriented atmosphere.
What you should know
Site leveling challenges: Terrain at many campgrounds requires additional equipment for RVs. At Pioneer Lakes RV Park, one camper reported: "The spot was so unlevel there were 19 inches between my bottom step and the ground. This site was the same price as level ones closer to activities."
Seasonal considerations: Off-peak visits offer advantages at certain parks. A visitor to Rocky Gap State Park advised, "Rocky Gap is best earlier and later in the year. It's less crowded."
Noise factors: Highway proximity affects some camping experiences. "It was very noisy at night due to traffic on I-68 and even the campground road, which despite a 15 mph posting has no speed bumps," notes one Rocky Gap camper who was "woken up many times by the sound of trucks down shifting and braking."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Friendship Village Campground features multiple play areas. "There are many playgrounds spread out across the property as well as a jumping pillow and a very well-built gaga ball pit," writes a visitor who recommends sites 145-171 as "right beside the jumping pillow, playground and gaga ball pit."
Beach facilities: Rocky Gap State Park maintains a dedicated swimming area. "We love that the campground has their own beach so it's not over crowded with the public. Near the beach there is a nice playground near shade for parents to watch," shares a frequent visitor.
Activity scheduling: Weekend events enhance family camping experiences. At Little Orleans Campground, a camper mentioned: "Nice campground for families with bathrooms, pool, pond, and general store."
Tips from RVers
Site selection guidance: When booking at Timber Run Campground, consider specific needs carefully. One camper who stayed at Site 22 described it as "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."
Campground access: Routes to RV parks vary in difficulty. For Timber Run Campground, a visitor advised: "If traveling from the Altoona area, go out through Martinsburg over Cove Mountain Rd - it saves you 30 minutes to an hour."
Facilities assessment: Double G Campground provides essential services for extended stays. "Decent size RV park with mostly seasonal and full time residents. They are still happy to have short term campers. Nice full hook up sites and cable TV," reports a visitor who found the "location is great, very close to the lake and the ski resort."
