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 (181)

    1. Primitive Camping Area — Bald Eagle State Park

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

    $16 - $18 / 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

    $22 - $62 / night

    "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

    $185 - $275 / 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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Recent Reviews near Bellefonte, PA

464 Reviews of 181 Bellefonte Campgrounds


  • Daniel S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Curwensville Lake Campground

    Amazing

    Having PTSD and serious anxiety. This spot allows you to relax without to much concern,dogs welcome ,boating and swimming was awesome for around this area. Camping is great especially at night with boats on the water.

  • S
    Sep. 3, 2025

    Rothrock Roadside Campsites — Rothrock State Forest

    Nice spot to camp in the mountains

    First I'll just say that the Rothrock campsites should probably each be listed separately, rather than as a group; they are very spread out throughout the State Forest and each is a different experience.  This review will be for site 002 Colerain Road.  

    This site is accessed by driving up a bit of a winding dirt road up the mountain.  It's easy enough during the summer, though the road is narrow and you've got some sharp bends depending on which way you come from.  This road is not safe to access in the winter in my opinion.  

    The parking is just right off the road, and there's a picnic table and large stone fire ring near the parking.  There's a small path further up the hill into the woods where there is a tent pad, another fire ring and another picnic table.  There are also a lot of flat spots nearby for additional tents to be set up.  

    Just behind the upper tent site is the top of the mountain, and the site has their own private overlook to the valley below.  The site is pretty remote, though there were vehicles and the occasional biker coming up the road.  Traffic may have been busier than usual the weekend we went because there was the Mid Atlantic Overland festival nearby at the same time.  At one point a family parked in the campsite's parking to start a walk... (there's a better trailhead up closer to Indian Lookout they should have used).

    No hookups, water, bathrooms, etc; its fully primitive camping here.  Cell coverage was fine on Xfinity Mobile (Verizon). 

    These sites used to be totally free but they're now $10 a night.  You still need to book a while out if you want to be here on a weekend, especially during the fall when Penn State is playing.

  • Jennifer H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 16, 2025

    Riverside Campground & Riverside Roadhouse

    Great location & proximity to Williamsport

    Came thru for a night and wanted to catch a game at the Little League World Series. Stayed here one night and caught an uber to the museum and game. Got the last site for the night. Did a few loads of laundry, ate a good dinner at the restaurant, kids enjoyed the pool and swam in the river. Big huge park and tons of grassy areas. Really lovely. Nice staff.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 21, 2025

    Ravensburg State Park Campground

    Use lat and long to find peaceful woods by stream

    Nice and shaded! No one there but us in site 6, not even a ranger checked on us. Has modern toilets and shower. Most sites are spacious. They have nice raised tent pads. It’s very humid so many picnic tables have green moss.

    First come first serve but still had to pay transaction fee! which was annoying for our one night stay as if rather the state parks get that.

    Use lat and long coordinates for directions or you will be in the wrong spot.

  • Tiana S.
    Jul. 13, 2025

    STAR LEE FARM

    Great stay

    Place was very pretty and secluded. And customer service was excellent. There's a huge field to start gaze as well as taking pictures, lots of hiking and if you're a bee enthusiast they grow their own honey in the property and you're more than welcome to walk around and look at all the boxes. There's no electricity there but the owner is working on that but there is power in the shower house. Service is a little sketch but it's perfect for those who want to completely escape the business of modern world. Highly recommend

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 7, 2025

    Reeds Gap State Park Campground

    Awesome !

    Stayed here on a Sunday night without a reservation. We were the only ones there. Pay by honor system at the park office. Campground was quiet and lovely. Only 14 sites. Bathroom with hot showers is nearby. One shower stall in each bathroom and the showers had a large dressing area. Water is near the picnic pavilion.

  • Lisa J.
    Jun. 21, 2025

    Paradise Stream Family Campground

    Nice campground, mostly quiet and well kept

    This is our third trip here and supposed to return again in September. One of our favorites!!

  • Daniel S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 5, 2025

    Curwensville Lake Campground

    Perfect spring

    Solo with my dog and my canoe. Had a great time I had no idea there was disc golf,I keep a couple in my truck and so i played more game then fished. The dog swimming area was pretty cool. I'll be back.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 27, 2024

    Seven Points (PA)

    Beautiful Spot

    I’ve camped here twice, two years ago in a Kodiak tent and this year in my Airstream GT24. Such a lovely spot! It’s spotless, and Raystown Lake is gorgeous.


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

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.