Camping options around Blain, Pennsylvania center primarily within the northern ridges of the Tuscarora State Forest. The area sits at approximately 700-1,000 feet elevation with terrain marked by pronounced valleys and ridgelines typical of the Ridge and Valley province. Late spring through early fall typically offers daytime temperatures between 65-85°F, while occasional summer thunderstorms can create flash flooding conditions on lower campgrounds.
What to do
Hiking access to Appalachian Trail: Many campgrounds offer easy access to major hiking networks. Mountain Creek Camp Ground connects to the famous Appalachian Trail through multiple access points. "There is access to hiking trails that connect to the AT, plenty of organized activities for kids, fishing and mini golf," explains Benjamin A., who camps there regularly.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple water bodies provide varied fishing experiences. Little Buffalo State Park Campground offers a stocked lake with diverse species. "Its an amazing little quite camping ground. Super clean. Lots of easy hiking trails and tons of fishing," shares Brandon C., who particularly enjoys the peaceful atmosphere.
Historical exploration: Several sites feature preserved industrial history. "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!" notes Amanda H. about Greenwood Furnace State Park Campground. The park maintains remnants of its iron-making past with daily demonstrations during summer months.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Campground hygiene receives consistent praise. "The bathhouses (one in the loop) was clean with 3 showers. A playground near the sites at the entrance also," reports Travis S. about Seven Points (PA), where each camping loop maintains its own facilities.
Lake activities: Water access ranks highly among camper preferences. "The lake is so clean and refreshing and we have such beautiful views from our camp site. We went down to the swim beach and our kiddo made sand castles and swam in the clear water," says Jennifer D., who stays at Seven Points regularly.
Private waterfront sites: Riverside camping offers a premium experience. "Absolutely beautiful if you are riverside. Staff was friendly and helpful. Typical overall, but clean and pretty. Stay on the waterside! Sites 48-53. Stayed at 49, it was absolutely perfection!" shares Matthew S. about Waterside Campground and RV Park.
What you should know
Booking timing: Reservations for premium sites require advance planning. "We wanted a waterfront site but even trying to reserve the first day we could for this weekend, they were all taken," explains Laure D. about Seven Points, where waterfront sites often book 6+ months in advance.
No camp stores: Some state parks lack on-site supplies. "The only complaint we had, and it's a pretty big one, is that there's NO CAMP STORE. No place to buy bags of ice, extra batteries, lighters, or any other supplies that people usually need when camping," notes Sarah N. about Cowans Gap State Park Campground.
Variable shower conditions: Bathhouse quality varies significantly between campgrounds. "Depending on the time you get to the showerhouse it may be a cold one," cautions Amber about Cowans Gap, where hot water can be depleted during peak usage times.
Tips for camping with families
Playground proximity: Consider campsite location relative to play areas. "We camped in A-tent with friends of ours who had never done it Before & After the amazing trip at callans gap they want to do it again. Awesome beach, nice sights, And a quiet area what more could you want," shares Danielle W. about her family's experience at Cowans Gap.
Swimming options: Lakes versus pools offer different experiences. "The pool here is top notch and it's good for fishing but the hiking isn't super great. We did have a nice bat spotting walk with a Ranger when we were there and there's an interesting historic mill you can tour," explains Christopher E. about Little Buffalo State Park.
Varied terrain considerations: Site selection impacts overall experience. "Nice for a smaller campground. Only downfall is we have smaller children and we could not bike from the campground to the pool, it was too far and the hill to get back was too big for them to ride up," advises Paula R. who camps at Little Buffalo with young children.
Tips from RVers
Electric supply limitations: Power management requires planning. "The fuse on the (campsite) panel kept blowing every time we ran the air and microwave together," reports Michelle S. about inadequate electrical systems at some campgrounds, emphasizing the need to stagger appliance usage.
Site leveling requirements: Come prepared for uneven terrain. "We pulled into Ridge Camp (RCAM on Recreation.gov) and drove a little bit down a hill to our site. One backup attempt into the site and (according to our LevelMatePRO app) it was perfectly level...that was definitely a first for us," shares Tim J. about his experience at Seven Points.
Site size considerations: Luxury glamping in Blain, Pennsylvania area requires careful size assessment. "From the time we arrived and filled up the fresh water tank at the ultra-cool 4 lane dump station, I knew we were in for a great weekend. The signage was very well marked and the fresh water spigot was more like a little tank, super-solid, clean and modern," Tim J. continues about his experience at Seven Points.
