Belleville, Pennsylvania offers diverse camping experiences within the Appalachian Mountain range at elevations ranging from 600-2,000 feet. The region features deciduous forest terrain with hemlock groves and natural springs. Summer temperatures typically range from 60-85°F with cooler nights, while spring and fall bring significant temperature variations requiring layered clothing.
What to do
Hiking trails: Greenwood Furnace State Park provides access to multiple well-maintained trails. "Very interesting history of the old furnaces. Gorgeous park - very PA-scenic!" notes Melanie Z. The park features a compass course for beginners available from the ranger station.
Water activities: Waterside Campground and RV Park provides river access for fishing and swimming. "Great setup location. Water is easy access, pool is heated," reports Michael L. Visitors appreciate the reasonable rates and basic store offerings.
Mountain biking: Seven Points connects to the extensive Allegrippis Trail system with IMBA-standard built trails. "The mtb trails begin just above the upper camp loops and provide a full day of fast flowing singletrack," shares Travis S. The trails remain open year-round regardless of weather conditions.
Historic sites: Black Moshannon State Park offers educational programming about local history and natural resources. "The park also runs a ton of classes for different things like fly fishing, hiking, etc," mentions Lisa L. A blacksmith shop at Greenwood Furnace provides demonstrations and historical context.
What campers like
Private waterfront sites: Susquehannock offers primitive camping directly on Raystown Lake. "Very cool camp. Loops for RVs, higher on the hill, waterfront loops on steeper grounds for tents, and some walk-to sites adjacent to parking right at the point which double as boat-in," writes Ian W.
Well-maintained facilities: Buttonwood Campground features exceptionally clean and attractive grounds. "Clean and well kept campground located 12 mile below Lewistown, Pa. As clean a campground as you will find. Staff is super friendly," notes Gary C. The campground is divided into two distinct sections with different atmospheres.
Glamping options: Paradise Stream Family Campground offers upscale tent alternatives near Belleville. "This campground doesn't cut corners and the attention to details makes all the difference. So many great site options depending on your needs/preferences," shares Melissa. For luxury camping in Pennsylvania's central region, their well-appointed sites provide comfortable accommodations.
Dark skies for stargazing: Greenwood Furnace State Park offers minimal light pollution. "The highlights were a spacious camp site, nice bathrooms, little light pollution (we saw the Milky Way!) and hearing screech owls at night," reports Ann P. The park charges only $5 for 15-piece bundles of firewood.
What you should know
Water access policies: Some campgrounds have changed their waterfront access rules. At Susquehannock, "The rules state that anyone has the right to waterfront access," according to Heather H. This means waterfront sites may not provide complete privacy as other campers can access the shore.
Reservation timing: Popular waterfront sites book extremely quickly, especially at Seven Points. "The lake front sites are beautiful and well maintained, but difficult to book," explains Megan W. For premium glamping sites near Belleville, Pennsylvania, reservations should be made months in advance.
Cell service limitations: Poe Paddy State Park offers a technology-free experience. "There is NO cell service and park rangers do 'rounds' but aren't stationed at the site," notes Joanna H. Emergency phones are available, but campers should plan to be self-sufficient.
Site characteristics: Black Moshannon State Park features unique water features. "Iron Ore mines from the past have left the creek water stained red which is why its called the Red Mo with the locals," explains Travis S. This distinctive coloration doesn't affect water safety but creates unusual scenery.
Tips for camping with families
Pool access: Little Buffalo State Park Campground offers exceptional swimming facilities. "There is a large area that is only 1 foot deep, great for little ones! There is also a splash pad! There are 2 slides for fun!" shares Amanda H. Note that pool entry requires an additional fee, even for registered campers.
Activity wristbands: Buttonwood Campground offers an all-inclusive option for children. "Plan on spending $20 per person for an activity wristband that includes all the extras including mini golf and tubing shuttle," advises Bryan S. This provides access to multiple attractions including the bounce pillow and laser tag.
Low-tech engagement: Greenwood Furnace State Park encourages disconnection from technology. "Don't bring your electronics you won't need them here! No cell phone reception unless you drive a few miles down the road to a cute little store called Couch's!" recommends Amanda H. The park offers paved roads for safe bike riding.
Creek exploration: Paradise Stream Family Campground provides safe water play areas. "My kids enjoyed the beautiful Mini golf course, splashing in the creek, the pool and the pedal carts," notes Melissa. The gated entrance adds security for families with young children.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Russell P Letterman Campground — Bald Eagle State Park offers varied site conditions. "Definitely look at pictures of your site before reserving. The distance between spots was good. Roads were a little narrow but manageable," advises Greg J. Note that not all sites have direct water hookups.
Leveling conditions: Seven Points campground offers exceptionally level sites. "One backup attempt into the site and (according to our LevelMatePRO app) it was perfectly level...that was definitely a first for us," reports Tim J. The limestone pads provide stable, flat surfaces for easy setup.
Dump station efficiency: The facilities at Seven Points feature multiple lanes for convenience. "On our way out, we visited the dump station again and got in one of the 4 lanes with no wait. The dump station had wide lanes and made the experience an easy and clean one," shares Tim J. The fresh water spigots are described as "super-solid, clean and modern."
Electric hookup limitations: Waterside locations often have limited service options. "We stayed creekside so only had electric. The dump was up on the other side so had to pull a U turn, luckily our camper was small enough to make the turn," explains Jen R. about Paradise Stream Family Campground. This requires planning for water usage during stays.
