188 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Bellefonte, Pennsylvania and the surrounding area provide a variety of developed camping options within central Pennsylvania's scenic landscapes. Several established campgrounds serve this region, including Bald Eagle State Park with its Primitive Camping Area and Russell P Letterman Campground, the Bellefonte-State College KOA, and The Bellefonte Campground. Accommodations range from basic tent sites to full-service RV hookups, cabins, yurts, and glamping options. Many facilities are situated near water features, with Bald Eagle State Park offering lakeside recreation approximately 15 miles northeast of downtown Bellefonte, while commercial campgrounds cluster closer to town and State College.
Camping season in this region typically runs from April through October, with some sites extending into December. State park campgrounds generally open the second Friday in April and close in late autumn, though primitive sites at Penn Roosevelt State Park remain accessible year-round. Most developed campgrounds require reservations, particularly during summer weekends and Penn State football game days when facilities reach capacity. Terrain varies significantly between campgrounds, with some offering level, open sites while others present more challenging topography. As one camper noted about the KOA, "Some sites are not level at all and others are sloped such that you have to pull all the way forward into your site to get level."
Campers report contrasting experiences between more secluded state park settings and commercial campgrounds. The primitive camping area at Bald Eagle State Park receives consistently positive reviews for its privacy, with visitors appreciating the walk-in tent sites. According to one review, "The rustic campground has some parking sites, but we are most fond of the sites with a short walk in. Usually they're very private." Water access features prominently in visitor satisfaction, with many campgrounds offering proximity to lakes or fishing opportunities. Site spacing varies considerably between facilities, with some KOA reviewers noting tightly packed sites, especially in older sections. Most campgrounds in the region maintain clean facilities with good amenities, though water pressure issues have been reported at some locations. Railroad noise affects certain sites at Bald Eagle State Park's primitive camping area, something potential visitors should consider when selecting their campsite.
"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."
from $16 - $18 / night
Check Availability"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!"
from $22 - $68 / night
Check Availability"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. "
from $20 - $95 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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."
from $20 - $29 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $25 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $20 - $63 / night
Check Availability"It is isolated with a great view of the lake and mountain side."
from $212 - $290 / night
Check Availability"The campground was maybe only 1/2 full and the camp sites near us were empty so we had a very quiet and peaceful weekend. The creek and river are perfect for curious little ones to explore."
"We had site 108 and had a site path right to the creek. I wouldn't recommend big campers as most of the spots would be a pain to back into."
from $16 - $43 / night
Check Availability
GuideStayed for 2 nights with my pup. Nice, private, walk up tent sites maybe 50 yards or so from the road. Didn’t find too much to do trails wise at the campground but the pond nearby has some lovely views and the park across the bridge has a nice beach for swimming.
GuideFabulous campground, off the beaten path. Stayed here 2 nights and enjoyed walking to the beach and hiking some of the extensive trail system. Campsites are well spaced and private. Although most are on on a slight hill, our parking spot was level and it appeared most others were as well.
ScoutQuiet spot along the river with a nice restaurant, pool, and live music regularly.
ScoutSuper nice owner and its a privately owned farm. Went above and beyond clearing out a spot for us with only 4 hours if advance
ScoutOther campers are nice and welcome. The river is close and just a great location.
RangerWhat a gorgeous area. Camp site has a path down to Medix Run (which seems quite clean) with a perfect spot to set out camp chairs and watch the water. Beautiful sounds of birds and spring wildflowers all over the site. Sites are well spaced. The road is surprisingly busy day and night, which did take away from the experience. Unfortunately that issue was dwarfed by other behavior.
Imagine you're sitting by the water on your campsite at 6pm, and a man is suddenly standing next to you. On your dispersed, state forest camp site. With a path only accessible by walking through the site. He tells you a beaver dam used to be here and goes into the water to fish. Weird things happen, but THREE different fishermen at different times used our campsite as their fishing base. Not the area next to it, the campsite. Even parked down the driveway next to our car.
Maybe you're not bothered by this. Maybe it's because you've read this and now had the chance to consider the possibility. However, I'd be willing to bet you'd rather not be surprised. Especially when there are no amenities and as a woman, you need to get partially undressed just to take a leak in the morning.
This is unacceptable behavior. There were other unoccupied campsites, turn offs and places to stop and fish. In all my life camping, no one has ever done this sort of thing. You stay off campsites when other people are there, unless you need help or want to pass on information.
If one person had done this, I wouldn't be writing such a cranky review but three instances warrants a warning for other campers. Good luck, folks.
RangerGreat park, alittle close together than I like. I wish I had picked 1-12 sites by the creek, but I don’t think I had much choice when I booked anyway. Bathrooms were clean. My site was more of an rv and I felt like I was at the neighbors for supper.
RangerBeautiful park, pool and lake. Great for boating and fishing, running or hiking and swimming. In may, it wasn’t busy, but I can imagine it gets packed. I will be back for summer.
GuideThe campsite is located about three miles down from Cherry Springs State Park and Campground, just off the road. It is visible from the road, so if complete privacy is important to you, keep that in mind. That said, the setting itself is beautiful, especially the drive in through the tall pine forests which immediately gave the area a peaceful feel.
The site has two good level tent spots and one semi level spot, all within view of where you park, which made unloading and setup easy. It took me roughly an hour to get camp fully set up. One thing to know going in: there is absolutely no cell service at least with T mobile, which can either be a huge positive or a dealbreaker depending on what you’re looking for.
One of the best features of the site is a nice trail leading back to a creek that you can hear flowing from camp. I spent some time walking along it and tossed a fishing line in a few times. The current was moving pretty fast and I did not see signs of fish during my visit, but it was still a relaxing place to explore.
Firewood was a mixed bag. There are plenty of fallen trees around, but much of it was surrounded by poison ivy, so gathering wood took a little caution. Bugs were present enough that I ended up using a head net in the evening, especially after dark.
For stargazing, the location was solid. I stayed up late and managed to catch three shooting stars. I brought a telescope but the angle of the sky from my setup made it harder to use than expected. If astronomy is your main goal, you may still want to head up to Cherry Springs proper for the best viewing experience.
Overall, this is a peaceful, simple campsite with good access to nature and a quiet atmosphere. Best suited for people who are okay disconnecting completely, enjoy creekside wandering and do not mind a more rustic experience. I would camp here again, especially for a quick getaway near Cherry Springs.
Camping near Bellefonte, Pennsylvania centers around the Bald Eagle Mountain ridge system with elevations ranging from 800 to 2,000 feet. The region experiences four distinct seasons with summer temperatures typically ranging from 75-85°F during peak camping months and frequent evening thunderstorms. Campers should prepare for temperature drops of 10-15 degrees at night compared to daytime highs.
Fishing opportunities: Bald Eagle State Park offers diverse fishing spots in its 1,730-acre lake. "The lake is huge with a beautiful beach to spread out on and play in the sand! We kayaked and biked all over the park. We also fished a lot. Due to the large size of the lake we didn't feel like we were on top of other people fishing," notes Jamie M. from Primitive Camping Area — Bald Eagle State Park.
Historic exploration: Visit the blacksmith shop at Greenwood Furnace State Park Campground for an educational experience. "The blacksmith shop was very educational! Great trails to hike! You can pick up a compass at the ranger station and complete a compass course! Beginner course available," shares Amanda H., highlighting activities beyond the typical outdoor recreation.
Water recreation: Multiple parks offer swimming beaches and boat rentals. At Poe Valley State Park, "there's a swimming area, concession stand, showers, bathrooms and changing area. You can camp, fish, boat, kayak, hike and swim!" according to Rebecca G., who enjoyed the variety of water-based activities available in one location.
Privacy levels: Many campers appreciate the secluded options at certain sites. At Primitive Camping Area — Bald Eagle State Park, Rebecca E. notes, "Stayed in Primitive Area with RV which is MUCH QUIETER & MUCH MORE PRIVATE with many trees than the full hookups down in the main park area." This contrasts with the more open main camping areas.
Clean facilities: Consistently mentioned across reviews is the maintenance level of bathrooms and showers. Taylor V. at Poe Valley State Park Campground specifically mentions, "The bath house is extremely clean and they have warm showers which was nice," a practical detail important for longer stays.
Minimal connectivity: While some might see it as a drawback, many campers appreciate the digital disconnect. At Poe Valley, Chelsie G. points out there's "No cell service but you won't even miss it," while another camper at Greenwood Furnace State Park notes the lack of service helped convince their partner that campgrounds can be truly nature-oriented experiences.
Site leveling challenges: At Bellefonte-State College KOA, Joel A. warns, "Make sure you have leveling tools as the sites are not very level side-to-side. The sites are also small and tightly packed." This practical information helps campers arrive prepared with the right equipment.
Water pressure variations: Several campgrounds have reported issues with water pressure. One camper at Bellefonte-State College KOA measured just "18psi" at their site, making certain tasks challenging. Have alternative water storage solutions if this might affect your camping experience.
Weather preparedness: Mountain weather can change rapidly in this region. As Diane T. advises about Greenwood Furnace, "It was a bit chilly at night and warm during the day - bring layers + raincoats as the PA mountain weather can be iffy!" This seasonal variability affects camping comfort significantly.
Kid-friendly activities: Black Moshannon State Park Campground offers educational opportunities and outdoor recreation for children. "The park also runs a ton of classes for different things like fly fishing, hiking, etc," notes Lisa L., providing structured activities that can keep children engaged throughout their stay.
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature play areas for children. At The Bellefonte Campground, one visitor mentions, "They have some animals, like goats, as well in a little farm area," which provides an additional attraction for younger campers beyond standard playground equipment.
Biking-friendly roads: For families with children who enjoy cycling, Greenwood Furnace State Park offers "Paved roads so they can ride their bikes," according to Amanda H., making it safer for younger riders while still allowing them independence within the campground boundaries.
Site selection strategy: For RVs at Russell P Letterman Campground — Bald Eagle State Park, Cheryl W. advises, "The sites are very spacious with a picnic table and fire rings and are easy to back into even with a rig as big as ours." She recommends looking at pictures of specific sites before booking, as some are more accommodating than others.
Road conditions: Access roads to certain campgrounds can present challenges. Greg J. notes, "Roads were a little narrow but manageable," at Russell P Letterman Campground, while another camper warns about "a very steep short hill" at some pull-through sites at the KOA where RVs might scrape their undercarriage.
Premium site value: For those seeking more comfort, premium sites at some campgrounds offer significant upgrades. One RVer describes their KOA premium site as having "a large paved patio with a nice outdoor patio set with table and chairs, a swing, and a sunken fire pit," amenities that might justify the higher cost for longer stays.
Frequently Asked Questions
What campgrounds are available near Bellefonte, PA?
The Bellefonte area offers several excellent camping options. Russell P Letterman Campground — Bald Eagle State Park is a popular choice featuring modern camping with private sites, electric hookups, and convenient check-in. For a peaceful retreat, Little Pine State Park Campground offers a beautiful setting along a stream with electric sites, water fill-up stations, and a dump station. Other nearby options include Greenwood Furnace State Park, Poe Valley State Park, and The Bellefonte Campground. Most state park campgrounds in the area provide basic amenities like restrooms and showers, with many offering electric hookups but limited water and sewer connections. The region's campgrounds are well-positioned for exploring historic Bellefonte and accessing outdoor recreation opportunities.
Are there KOA campgrounds in Bellefonte, PA?
Yes, the Bellefonte-State College KOA is located in the Bellefonte area. This KOA campground offers a peaceful and quiet setting while still being conveniently close to State College, making it ideal for Penn State game weekends. The campground features a dog park and is within easy reach of historic downtown Bellefonte, where visitors can enjoy local attractions like the Governor's Pub restaurant. While the KOA provides standard KOA amenities, some campers note the campground has its quirks. For those seeking alternatives to KOA, Crooked Run Campground — Prince Gallitzin State Park is another option within driving distance that offers lakeside recreation opportunities.
Can I find cabin accommodations at campsites in Bellefonte, PA?
Yes, cabin accommodations are available at several campgrounds near Bellefonte. Hemlock Acres Camp Ground offers cabin options in a peaceful setting that's perfect for those seeking a quiet outdoor experience in Pennsylvania's woods. For a more rustic experience with beautiful surroundings, Ole Bull State Park Campground in Potter County provides cabin accommodations in addition to its traditional campsites. The cabins in the area typically offer basic amenities while still providing that authentic outdoor experience. For those seeking more comfort, The Nature Inn At Bald Eagle provides more hotel-like accommodations. Availability varies seasonally, and advance reservations are recommended, especially during summer months and Penn State football weekends.
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