160 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Campgrounds near Boalsburg, Pennsylvania range from state parks with full amenities to more primitive sites in surrounding forests. Several state parks including Greenwood Furnace State Park and Black Moshannon State Park provide established camping options within a 30-mile radius. Most campgrounds accommodate both tent and RV camping, with many offering electric hookups, shower facilities, and picnic areas. Bald Eagle State Park features multiple camping areas including the Russell P. Letterman Campground and a more primitive camping area, providing options for different camping preferences. Seven Mountains Campground and Bellefonte-State College KOA offer private alternatives with additional amenities for those seeking more developed facilities.
Seasonal availability varies significantly across the region's campgrounds. Most state parks operate from April through October or November, with specific opening dates typically falling on the second Friday in April. A visitor commented, "We stayed at a tent site, T35 and it was wonderfully secluded. 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." Cell service can be limited or non-existent in many areas, particularly at Greenwood Furnace and Black Moshannon State Parks. Campers should be prepared for variable weather conditions, as Pennsylvania mountain weather can change quickly, especially in spring and fall. Many campgrounds require advance reservations, particularly for weekend stays during peak summer months.
The natural setting dominates the camping experience in the Boalsburg area, with many sites offering access to lakes, streams, and extensive trail systems. Several campers highlight the peaceful atmosphere and opportunities for wildlife viewing. A recent review noted, "This campground is perfect for people who are looking to get away from busy city life or just want to relax next to a lake." Water-based recreation features prominently, with fishing, swimming, and boating available at many locations. Raystown Lake, accessible from Seven Points Campground, receives particularly high ratings for its waterfront sites and recreational opportunities. Forested campsites provide shade and privacy at many locations, though some campgrounds like Bald Eagle State Park's modern camping area offer more open sites with fewer trees. Proximity to hiking trails, including connections to the Mid State Trail, adds recreational value to many camping locations in the region.
"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 $24 - $33 / 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 $24 - $159 / 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."
"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"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 $20 - $22 / 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 $26 - $113 / night
Check Availability"We got a nice one tucked back in the trees, but a few of them are pretty close to the road - not like it's terribly busy."
"There is a trail head near the entrance of the park for hikers and a geocache showed up close to the trail on a road on my geocache tracker if you are into that."
from $26 / 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 $24 - $108 / 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 $20 - $43 / night
Check Availability
GuideIts was great, we stayed in new area, sites had ample room, not many trees at our spot so summer there wouldnt be much shade but we were next to a retention pond/drainage. We brought our dig whole loved running through there.
Not much to say besides it was clean, not crowded (in November) and decent spacing between sites
GuideIt was overall good, Nice amenities, pool was clean (3ft-5ft) Splash pad, air pillow, playground, pond, etc
It has nice wooded areas but very compact, if you have a large camper id be concerned with trying to make some turns on the upper area
ScoutMicheal met us with a welcome packet, delivered campwood at a very reasonable price (and loaned us a hatchet), clean facilities and hot shower were a bonus!
Very responsive to messages and an overall delightful experience. Great bird watching and a huge herd of deer came to visit too.
ScoutWhere do I start?
We came to this campground to connect with family who was hiking the AT. We left after one miserable night. Here are some reasons:
A giant confederate flag near the entrance
Highway noise and not one but two train tracks
One Filthy “bathroom”
No shade at our campsite- despite other available sites with some shade
A trail of poison ivy on the narrow path to the river
Cigarette butts everywhere
And a creepy man on a bike who declared he was a local and wouldn’t leave our site while I was alone and insisted on talking to me about the strip club down the street, where to buy condoms and how my tent’s mesh shelf is perfect for drying out my wet panties.
ScoutWe called ahead of time to reserve two sites for two nights for a bunch of people from out of state and some hikers from the AT. They said it was $35 per site per night. When we arrived we were told that we had to pay for three nights because it was a holiday weekend AND that the price was per tent. The porta potties were gross and hadn’t been serviced in a while. It was difficult to use them. During a heat wave we were given a site with little shade when several sites further along with plenty of trees were empty. The plumbed bathroom was dirty and had no soap. The shop did not in fact sell love bait, which cramped our fishing style. There is a loud rail road with constant trains on one side and a very busy highway with loud trucks on the other. The river front was lovely, but with detritus from previous campers on the rocks. We left after one night.
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.
RangerFabulous 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.
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.
Camping spots near Boalsburg, Pennsylvania range from rustic tent sites to full hook-up areas for RVs, with elevations typically between 1,000-2,000 feet in the Ridge and Valley region of the Appalachian Mountains. Summer temperatures average 75-85°F during the day, dropping into the 50s at night, while spring and fall camping often requires extra layers for temperature swings of 30-40 degrees between day and night.
Creek exploration: water access at Poe Paddy State Park is ideal for wading and tubing. "The creek and river are perfect for curious little ones to explore. Great fishing spot. The walk to the tunnel is quick and easy for all ages," shares Sarah at Poe Paddy State Park.
Star gazing: minimal light pollution creates excellent night sky viewing opportunities at Greenwood Furnace State Park. "We saw the Milky Way!" reports Ann P., who appreciated the dark skies. "We heard screech owls at night" - adding another sensory dimension to the nocturnal experience.
Educational opportunities: blacksmith demonstrations provide historical context at certain campgrounds. "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!" explains Amanda H., highlighting hands-on learning activities.
Lake activities: fishing and paddling are popular at Black Moshannon State Park, which features a distinctive dark-water lake. "Great camping area stop a mountain...nice unique lake that is incredibly dark in color. Lilly pads abound with great flowers," notes Clay P., describing the distinctive water color caused by natural tannins.
Complete technology detox: The absence of cell service at many Boalsburg area campgrounds forces a digital disconnect. "Don't bring your electronics you won't need them here! No cell phone reception unless you drive a few miles down the road," writes Amanda H. about Greenwood Furnace State Park. Similarly, a camper at Poe Valley notes, "No cell service but you won't even miss it."
Clean, well-maintained facilities: Campers consistently mention bathroom quality as a key factor. "The bath house is extremely clean and they have warm showers which was nice," reports Taylor V. about Poe Valley State Park. At Penn Roosevelt, "It's a bit primitive having only bathrooms and water in several spots in the campground."
Secluded, private sites: Many campers value the separation between sites at certain campgrounds. "The sites are spacious and well taken care of, and if you camp on the upper loop, there is a lot of separation between sites, which is nice," explains Everet B. At Penn Roosevelt, a camper appreciated that "some sites are very private."
Weather preparedness: Mountain conditions can change rapidly, requiring flexible packing. "We came here in mid June so it was a bit chilly at night and warm during the day - bring layers + raincoats as the PA mountain weather can be iffy!" advises Diane T. at Greenwood Furnace State Park.
Site selection matters: Campsite quality varies significantly within the same campground. "I wouldn't recommend big campers as most of the spots would be a pain to back into," notes Jolene J. about Poe Paddy. For tent campers at Bald Eagle, "Sites have a picnic table + fire ring. As typical for campgrounds, some spots are more secluded than others."
Supply planning: Remote locations require thorough preparation. "Make sure you bring everything you need as there isn't a store nearby," advises Denise D. about Penn Roosevelt. Similarly, at Poe Valley, a camper mentions "It's not super close to town, so come prepared."
Water levels: Lake and creek conditions vary seasonally. "Water was thick with weeds & lilies but ok nonetheless," noted one camper at Black Moshannon, while another mentioned Penn's Creek conditions affecting activities: "people also tube it when conditions are right."
Beach options: Sandy swimming areas provide family-friendly recreation. "The beach was nice, not crowded, soft sand, and warm water. It's a great lake to kayak or paddle board on," reports Taylor V. about Poe Valley State Park.
Ranger-led programs: Educational activities enhance family camping experiences. "Ranger programs were held throughout the weekend," notes Kassie F., while another camper mentioned, "The park also runs a ton of classes for different things like fly fishing, hiking, etc."
Biking opportunities: Paved areas in some campgrounds are ideal for children learning to ride. "Paved roads so they can ride their bikes. There is a nice park for the kids to play," reports Amanda H. about Greenwood Furnace. At Bald Eagle State Park, "Our kids loved the freedom of riding their bike and exploring the park with other kids who were camping."
Wildlife viewing: Many campgrounds offer chances to observe native species. "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," shares Jamie M., highlighting multi-activity options.
Site leveling challenges: Many RV sites require additional equipment for proper setup. "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," reports Nancy W. about Bellefonte-State College KOA.
Water pressure variations: Inconsistent pressure affects shower and cleaning capabilities. "Then there was the water pressure… or lack of water pressure. Saying it trickled out would be generous," notes Gayle B. Joel A. confirms, "Water pressure was 18psi."
Road conditions: Access roads to some campgrounds present challenges for larger rigs. "It's a bit of a drive to Primitive Campground on not so good road, but worth it, I think," explains Rebecca E. about Bald Eagle State Park.
Electric site selection: RVers recommend specific sites at certain campgrounds. "I think we had the best site w/electric hookup that was also dog-friendly: #48. We loved how it was nicely shaded by hemlocks, oaks, some maples, and with our camper it felt pretty private!" shares Kassie F.
Frequently Asked Questions
What historical attractions can I visit while camping in Boalsburg?
While camping near Boalsburg, history enthusiasts can explore the Columbus Chapel and Boal Mansion Museum, featuring artifacts from Christopher Columbus and European nobility. The Pennsylvania Military Museum showcases military history with impressive outdoor exhibits of tanks and artillery. Visit the historic Boalsburg Cemetery, recognized as the birthplace of Memorial Day. The nearby Greenwood Furnace State Park Campground offers access to a preserved 19th-century iron-making community with restored buildings. Day trips to State College provide opportunities to visit the Penn State University campus with its Palmer Museum of Art and All-Sports Museum, showcasing the region's educational heritage.
When is the best time to camp near Boalsburg, Pennsylvania?
The prime camping season near Boalsburg runs from May through October, with late spring and early fall offering the most comfortable temperatures. Little Pine State Park Campground is particularly beautiful in early summer when stream-side camping is enhanced by mountain views and moderate temperatures. For those seeking fall colors, Upper Campground — Kettle Creek State Park provides spectacular autumn scenery and increased wildlife viewing opportunities from September to mid-October. Summer brings warmer temperatures ideal for water activities, but expect higher humidity and more crowded campgrounds. Mid-June camping can still bring chilly nights, so pack accordingly if camping during shoulder seasons.
What are the best camping options near Boalsburg, PA?
For camping near Boalsburg, Russell P Letterman Campground — Bald Eagle State Park offers modern sites with asphalt pads, electric hookups, and privacy between campsites. The park features beautiful lake views and great night sky watching. Alternatively, Hemlock Acres Camp Ground provides peace and quiet in Pennsylvania's woods with excellent outdoor recreation opportunities. For those seeking more primitive options, Bald Eagle State Park also offers a tent-only camping area with secluded sites. Other quality options include Seven Mountains Campground and Bellefonte-State College KOA, both providing convenient access to Boalsburg's attractions while offering different amenity levels.
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