Best Campgrounds near Bellefonte, PA

Bellefonte, PA camping areas combine historical charm with great outdoor spaces. Lyman Run State Park Campground has nice trails through thick woods for hikers. Winter State Park Campground keeps its sites in good shape and puts you close to nature. Spring and fall bring the best camping weather, with comfortable temperatures and colorful leaves. Summers get hot, so you'll want those shady campsites. You can drive right up to both parks on good roads. The hiking trails range from easy walks to more challenging routes. Many campers bring fishing gear to catch something in the nearby waters. The town of Bellefonte isn't far from either campground when you need supplies or want to grab a meal. Always call ahead about possible closures, especially during off-seasons.

Best Camping Sites Near Bellefonte, Pennsylvania (103)

    1. Primitive Camping Area — Bald Eagle State Park

    18 Reviews
    Howard, PA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (814) 625-2775

    $16 - $62 / night

    "The site itself was fairly uneven and rocky so we had to always use caution when walking around the site but it added to the rugged experience."

    "The rustic section was located around a large loop with each site ranging in a few feet from the car-friendly loop to about the 50 foot walk where our site was located."

    2. Russell P Letterman Campground — Bald Eagle State Park

    17 Reviews
    Howard, PA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (814) 625-2775

    "Easy access to camp ground. The check in process was just to drive to the site and set up which was different but very easy. The sites are private on the sides with some green space to play on."

    "If you are not the camping type you can stay at the Nature Inn and enjoy the beautiful lodge in an amazing location! Definitely tops on our list of state parks in Pennsylvania!"

    3. Black Moshannon State Park Campground

    24 Reviews
    Port Matilda, PA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (814) 342-5960

    $20 - $87 / night

    "Electric motorboats are permitted on Moshannon Lake. Boat rentals are available in season."

    "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. "

    4. Bellefonte-State College KOA

    11 Reviews
    Howard, PA
    5 miles
    Website
    +1 (814) 355-7912

    "Very peaceful and quite, but close to State College (a must since we were in town for a Penn State game). I also loved historic Bellefonte (I highly recommend eating at the Governors Pub)."

    "The section in the front of the park is open with spotty trees; whereas, sites in the back of the park are tucked in the woods and are a lot more private."

    5. Penn Roosevelt State Park Campground

    5 Reviews
    Boalsburg, PA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (814) 667-1800

    $25 / night

    "Get a site on the outside towards the water. They are spaced out and peaceful. Has restrooms (no shower), picnic table, and fire pit at each site. Short walk to creek and beautiful pond."

    "went there for a picnic with the young ones and it was quite a fun evening. there were not many people around so the kids could frolic and be slightly loud without bothering any other people."

    6. The Bellefonte Campground

    1 Review
    Bellefonte, PA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (814) 810-9161

    $39 - $400 / night

    "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."

    7. Greenwood Furnace State Park Campground

    10 Reviews
    Belleville, PA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (814) 667-1800

    $20 - $29 / night

    "You can also buy firewood at the entrance. Sites have a picnic table + fire ring. There is little to no phone service here and it's not super close to town, so come prepared."

    "Well maintained bathroom and firewood plus ice available at the entrance (this is a great plus for those car/tent camping.

    extremely close to the rothrock forest mountain biking trails."

    8. Poe Valley State Park Campground

    5 Reviews
    Coburn, PA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (814) 349-2460

    $20 - $57 / night

    "Far enough away from cities that it's nice and quiet"

    "We did take the hunter's path, off the beach parking lot, to the mid state trail but it was straight up the mountain and quite difficult. The beach was nice, not crowded, soft sand, and warm water."

    9. The Nature Inn At Bald Eagle

    1 Review
    Howard, PA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (814) 625-2879

    $155 - $250 / night

    "It is isolated with a great view of the lake and mountain side."

    10. Centre County Snow Shoe City Park

    3 Reviews
    Snow Shoe, PA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (814) 387-6299
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Showing results 1-10 of 103 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Bellefonte, PA

457 Reviews of 103 Bellefonte Campgrounds



Guide to Bellefonte

Camping near Bellefonte, Pennsylvania, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're into stargazing, hiking, or just relaxing by the lake, there’s something for everyone.

What to do:

  • Stargazing: Head to Cherry Springs State Park Campground for some of the best night skies. One camper said, "Great place for stargazing and astronomy! The campground was well maintained."
  • Hiking: Explore the trails at Lyman Run State Park Campground. A visitor mentioned, "Nice hiking trails, beach area by the lake, fishing and then the stars! One of my favs."
  • Fishing and Boating: At Seven Points (PA), you can enjoy fishing and kayaking. A reviewer noted, "The lake is a great place to kayak, paddleboard, or just relax and enjoy the view."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the parks. One reviewer at Black Moshannon State Park Campground said, "The bathhouse was pristine, and the shower was clean with plentiful hot water."
  • Privacy: Many sites offer a good amount of space between campers. A visitor at Parker Dam State Park Campground mentioned, "The individual camp sites are all right on top of each other. Be ready to avoid eye contact with your neighbors if you're not into hearing their conversation."
  • Family-Friendly Activities: Campgrounds like Crooked Run Campground — Prince Gallitzin State Park have playgrounds and swimming areas. One family shared, "This is a great campground. Private beach on the lake for campground guest use only as well as a playground."

What you should know:

  • No Cell Service: Many campgrounds have limited or no cell service. A camper at Black Moshannon State Park Campground noted, "Verizon and AT&T cell service were basically non-existent."
  • Alcohol Policies: Some parks, like Raymond B. Winter State Park Campground, do not allow alcohol. A visitor mentioned, "DCNR patrols it like a hawk...so beware any visiting cars to your spot must be moved or pay $5."
  • Seasonal Availability: Check the camping season for each park. For example, Parker Dam State Park Campground is open from the 2nd Friday in April to mid-December.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Bring Games: Many campgrounds have open spaces for kids to play. A parent at Lyman Run State Park Campground said, "The kids had fun riding the bikes around the loop and taking the shortcuts."
  • Plan for Activities: Look for campgrounds with amenities like playgrounds and swimming areas. A family at Crooked Run Campground — Prince Gallitzin State Park mentioned, "Bring your bike!"
  • Pack Snacks: Having snacks on hand can keep everyone happy. One camper at Seven Points (PA) noted, "The concession stand is so cool. They have great food, lots of treats, and beach supplies."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Size: Make sure your RV fits the site. A reviewer at Little Buffalo State Park Campground mentioned, "The spot was hard to maneuver for a 41 ft 5th wheel because of the turning radius."
  • Electric Hookups: Look for campgrounds with electric hookups. A visitor at Parker Dam State Park Campground said, "The campground was adequate. Bath houses were relatively clean."
  • Be Prepared for Crowds: Some campgrounds can get busy, especially on weekends. A camper at Russell P Letterman Campground — Bald Eagle State Park noted, "This is a big park. We just reserved one night as an overnight stop after a 10 hr day of driving."

Camping near Bellefonte, Pennsylvania, has its perks and quirks. With a little planning, you can enjoy a great outdoor experience!

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Bellefonte, PA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Bellefonte, PA is Primitive Camping Area — Bald Eagle State Park with a 4.4-star rating from 18 reviews.

What parks are near Bellefonte, PA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 17 parks near Bellefonte, PA that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.