Tent and RV campsites near Blain, Pennsylvania sit within the Tuscarora State Forest region at elevations between 800-1,200 feet. The area features moderate summer temperatures averaging 70-85°F during peak camping season with typical rainfall of 3-4 inches monthly. Most campgrounds remain open from April through October with limited winter availability at select locations.
What to do
Hiking to scenic viewpoints: Fowlers Hollow State Park offers access to multiple trails directly from the campground. "This camp is located in the middle of the tuscarora mountains right on a beautiful little creek. Lots of trails come right into the camp. If you know where to hike to there are 3 leantos starting about a mile back," notes Jessica M. Trails range from easy creek-side paths to more challenging mountain ascents.
Visit historical sites: Pine Grove Furnace State Park Campground contains significant Appalachian Trail history. "This is the half way point on the AT, and we got to meet quite a few hikers and hear some cool stories about their travels on the trail," writes Jeffrey H. The park includes an old iron furnace with informational displays and an Appalachian Trail museum highlighting the trail's development.
Water activities: At Little Buffalo State Park Campground, campers can enjoy both fishing and swimming options. "Its an amazing little quite camping ground. Super clean. Lots of easy hiking trails and tons of fishing," reports Brandon C. The park features a lake suitable for boating, with rentals available during summer months.
What campers like
Clean, modern facilities: Campers consistently mention the well-maintained bathrooms at Colonel Denning State Park Campground. "Cleanest facilities of the year so far, amazing large flat sites, dog friendly and great stream right behind the sites," writes Casey L. The bathrooms feature hot water and regular maintenance throughout camping season.
Spacious, level sites: Paradise Stream Family Campground receives praise for its site layout. "The sites were spacious, everything was clean and well kept. The staff was SO nice! It was also a gated entrance which was nice," notes Chelsea. Many sites feature crushed gravel pads with fire rings and picnic tables positioned on level ground.
Pet-friendly amenities: Buttonwood Campground offers dedicated pet areas. "Very clean well kept family owned campground. Located a few miles off 81, in the country surrounded by beautiful views. Very family oriented. Very nice off leash fenced dog park," notes Coffee&Camping T. The campground maintains dedicated walking paths for pets away from swimming areas.
What you should know
Limited cell service: Many campgrounds in the Blain area have minimal connectivity. At Pine Grove Furnace State Park, campers report: "Normal state park facilities. Park has several swimming lakes and Appalachian trail running through it," mentions Timothy M., but others note there's virtually no cell reception in many camping loops.
Site reservation planning: Popular dog friendly campgrounds near Blain fill quickly during summer weekends. "This is a small campground but worth going to. Very nice park and clean bath house. They do have a pool but not included in the camping price and it gets very crowded," warns Dawn T. about Little Buffalo State Park. Reservations should be made 3-6 months in advance for summer weekends.
Weather considerations: The mountain location means variable conditions. "We showed up after dark and it was a bit hard to find our way to our site—advise arriving during the day! Great little campground. Very quiet. Nestled between a hillside and a stream with a great sound of running water," explains Greg K. about Fowlers Hollow State Park.
Tips for camping with families
Activity wristbands: Dogwood Acres Campground offers family-focused amenities. "Very nice family oriented campground nestled against the base of the mountains. Nice playground with a small basketball court," shares Jen R. Some campgrounds charge additional fees for swimming pools and recreational facilities beyond basic camping rates.
Consider site location: When booking at Paradise Stream Family Campground, note site proximity to amenities. "What a beautiful campground. So many things to do here! Very family oriented. Pedal carts (some you had to push because the pedals were broken), mini golf, swimming pool, ceramic painting, hiking, fishing, bike riding, sluicing for gems, game room, camp store, ice cream, baked foods," describes Jen R.
Ranger programs: Colonel Denning State Park offers educational opportunities. "The park rangers had an owl program on Friday night and ended up calling in several screech owls. Very cool to hear their eerie cries in the woods," says Nate & Erika L. Programs typically run Friday and Saturday evenings during summer months.
Tips from RVers
Site accessibility: For larger RVs, Caledonia State Park Campground requires careful navigation. "We have a small 19" travel trailer which was almost impossible to park due to very tight sites. Sites are almost on top of each other," warns Shirley M. Check campground maps for turn radius requirements and maximum RV lengths before booking.
Hookup options: Gifford Pinchot State Park Campground offers various site types for RVs. "Large grassy sites right on the Juniata River. Tubing, canoeing, swimming. Nice pool. GORGEOUS landscaping. Very friendly," writes Darcy S. about Buttonwood Campground. Many sites include electric hookups with water access points nearby, though full hookup sites remain limited.
Leveling requirements: RV campers should prepare for uneven terrain. "This campground is on the smaller side but very nice, campsites were nice size big enough for my 32 foot motor home and mid size suv," notes Paul B. about Fowlers Hollow State Park. Bring leveling blocks as many sites feature slight grades even when marked as suitable for RVs.
