Tent and RV camping options near Avella, Pennsylvania place campers in the rolling foothills of the Appalachian Mountains, with elevations ranging from 900-1,200 feet throughout the region. Campsite access roads often wind through wooded terrain, requiring careful navigation for larger vehicles. Several campsites near Avella offer weekend events during summer months, with fishing opportunities in nearby lakes and streams.
What to do
Hiking trails: At Beaver Creek State Park Campground, trails connect directly to the North Country National Scenic Trail. "We got out for a couple hours hiking in the snow. It was great. Just what we needed to stretch the legs and enjoy some family time. We did the Palomino Loop," notes one visitor.
Fishing opportunities: Beaver Creek State Park Campground provides multiple creek access points for anglers. "There is canoeing but no swimming. Bass fishing is really fun because we caught a few nice ones," reports a camper. The park's southeastern area near the group campsites offers additional fishing spots.
Water recreation: Tomlinson Run State Park Campground offers both a swimming pool and lake for boating. According to a visitor, the park includes "a swimming pool and lake for fishing and boating." At Austin Lake RV Park, visitors enjoy lake activities with "kayaks, paddle boards, jumps, slides" available for rental.
Pioneer village exploration: History buffs can explore the pioneer village at Beaver Creek State Park. "The best part about the area was the history that surrounds it. There is a pioneer village near the park office that offers some picnicking areas around it. It also has original buildings from the pioneer days (church, school, etc)."
What campers like
Wooded campsites: Hidden Hollow Campground at Fernwood State Forest offers tree-covered camping spots. "It is a very well maintenance campsite most have fire pits a lot of level ground for tent camping pull in parking spots for RVs and campers," reports a camper who appreciated the forest setting.
Private camping areas: Jefferson Lake State Park provides secluded sites with natural separation. A visitor explains, "This smaller campground has a mix of equestrian sites and tent/RV sites. There are no showers, but the vault toilets were cleaned thoroughly every morning."
Lake swimming: Austin Lake RV Park features water activities for families. "Tons of stuff to do here. Very big campground, all kinds of sites. Inflatable slides and such in the lake, hiking trials, playgrounds, all sorts of stuff," notes an enthusiastic camper.
Wildlife viewing: Many campgrounds in the region offer opportunities to spot local fauna. "This is my go to spot for camping when I have to just get away from it all. It's close to home plus it is a great place to take the dog out to swim and chase geese and ducks," writes a camper about their experience at Raccoon Creek State Park Campground.
What you should know
Limited facilities: Several campgrounds have basic amenities only. At Jefferson Lake State Park Campground, "No working showers or potable water" according to one camper, who adds: "The majority of the campsites are also so hilly that you can't put a tent up on a flat spot."
Seasonal considerations: Most campgrounds operate on limited schedules. Jefferson Lake State Park Campground remains open year-round but with reduced services in winter. "Only 5 electric sites. Very clean pit toilets. Well maintained campground," notes one camper.
Noise factors: Some campgrounds experience environmental noise. At Washington-Pittsburgh SW KOA, a visitor mentions sites are "next to highway" creating road noise. Hidden Hollow Campground has a nearby shooting range: "Gun range 5 mins away or so. You can hear gunshots all day until 11pm."
Uneven terrain: Many sites require careful setup. One camper at Washington-Pittsburgh SW KOA states: "A dozen or so of the sites are not level, not only that but they are narrow and where you sit is a slope making it very uncomfortable."
Tips for camping with families
Activity options: Austin Lake RV Park & Cabins provides extensive recreation for children. "Great Family Campground. Has a playground in every section, well equipped cabins, a swimming area with inflatables, kayak, pontoon, and paddle boarding rentals, a bumper boat area, small lake where you can fish and boat."
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature dedicated play areas. At Beaver Creek State Park, sites near the playground work well for families with young children: "We got a site near the playground, which my 3 year old enjoyed."
Budget considerations: Families should plan for potential extra costs. A visitor to Austin Lake notes: "Austin lake offers plenty of fun with the lake. Kayaking, inflatables, beach, but almost anything you want to do will cost you an additional charge."
Site selection: When booking, consider proximity to amenities. At Raccoon Creek State Park, "There is a trail that leads down from the tent loop to the beach which is cool but very very steep (not for too young or old)," indicating families should consider site location carefully.
Tips from RVers
Access challenges: Washington-Pittsburgh SW KOA presents navigation difficulties for larger rigs. "Very steep narrow roads to access campground and sites...sites not level and noisy," reports one RVer. Follow the campground signs rather than GPS to avoid problematic routes.
Limited hookups: Most campgrounds offer electric sites but limited full hookups. At Jefferson Lake State Park, "Only 5 electric sites. All water fill up towers only have those spigots that are not threaded. Had to hold hose over spigot about 20 min to fill 35 gal."
Cell service considerations: Coverage varies significantly between campgrounds. One camper at Austin Lake reports: "No phone service at all, no matter the carrier." This contrasts with Jefferson Lake where visitors report "AT&T 5g with 3 bars."
Leveling requirements: Pack leveling blocks and extension cords. At Tomlinson Run State Park, an RVer notes "most aren't level," while at Jefferson Lake, "Electric is a little far behind pad. We almost needed extension cord."
