Black Moshannon State Park Campground features a distinctive 250-acre lake surrounded by forest at 1,900 feet elevation. The water appears dark due to plant tannins from the surrounding bog areas. This wetland ecosystem creates unique camping conditions with abundant wildlife viewing opportunities in a region that experiences cold nights even during summer months.
What to do
Hiking trails: Black Moshannon offers extensive hiking directly from the campground. "This campground is so beautiful with plenty to do for everyone, tons of hiking along the whole park," notes Lisa L. "The park also runs a ton of classes for different things like fly fishing, hiking, etc."
Water activities: The unique lake at Black Moshannon State Park Campground provides distinctive paddling experiences. "Nice campground with quiet 250 acre lake for kayaking. Good birding," shares Matthew U. The dark water creates an unusual paddling environment unlike other Pennsylvania lakes.
Mountain biking: Seven Points Campground connects directly to the Allegrippis Trail system. "The mtb trails begin just above the upper camp loops and provide a full day of fast flowing singletrack," explains Travis S. "From the entrance of the camp loop there is a trail head!"
What campers like
Privacy and spacing: Many campgrounds offer well-separated sites. "The sites are situated nicely, your neighbors are not 'right there'," reports Sandi G. about Bald Eagle State Park. Sites at Ridge Camp in Seven Points are described as "big spacious sites that make pitching a tent easy."
Clean facilities: Campers consistently mention well-maintained bathrooms. "Bathhouses are clean. Big Lake and a few miles of hiking and biking trails right from the campground," says Travis S. about Black Moshannon. Another camper noted Seven Points has "clean restrooms and shower rooms" with "a laundromat at only 25¢/load."
Natural features: Seven Points Campground offers unique water experiences. "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," shares Jennifer D. The campground sits on Raystown Lake with multiple swimming areas.
What you should know
Advance reservations required: Popular sites book quickly, especially waterfront locations. "Make a reservation way ahead of your date as this campground is very popular and sites book early," advises Denise D. about Black Moshannon. One Seven Points visitor noted, "We wanted a waterfront site but even trying to reserve the first day we could for this weekend, they were all taken."
Site conditions vary significantly: Bellefonte-State College KOA has diverse site types. "All the regular pull through sites in the old part are very tight and dusty," warns Jessica. Meanwhile, Ryan P. reports, "We lucked out and got a fantastic site on the hill. #75 it was secluded and had a big lawn."
Weather preparedness: Temperature fluctuations require appropriate gear. "Despite the cold wet weather this trip, we had a wonderful weekend," mentions James B. about camping at Black Moshannon. The mountainous terrain leads to significant day-night temperature differences even in summer.
Tips for camping with families
Activity options: Buttonwood Campground offers numerous family activities. "This campground had it all! There was laser tag, playground, jump pillow, pedal carts," shares Ray L. Another visitor notes, "Our kids really enjoyed the bounce pillow, laser tag and peddle cars the most."
Swimming areas: Many campgrounds feature kid-friendly swimming. "Nice pool, splash park, and bouncy pillow. We did the Friday night pizza and wings which worked out great," reports Ryan P. about Bellefonte-State College KOA. Waterside Campground has a heated pool according to Michael L., who adds, "Water is easy access, pool is heated."
Educational opportunities: Waterside Campground and RV Park offers fishing experiences for children. "Absolutely beautiful if you are riverside. Staff was friendly and helpful," notes Matthew S. Several campgrounds feature ranger-led programs and nature activities throughout summer.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Check site specifications carefully before booking. "Make sure you have leveling tools as the sites are not very level side-to-side," advises Joel A. about Bellefonte-State College KOA. At Seven Points, Tim J. had a different experience: "We pulled into Ridge Camp and drove a little bit down a hill to our site. One backup attempt into the site and it was perfectly level."
Access considerations: Seven Mountains Campground provides accessible options for larger rigs. "Parking is driveway-close, and they're pretty mellow about blazing conflagrations (IF it's under control)," reports J K. RVers should note varying road conditions at different campgrounds, with some featuring steep grades.
Hookup availability: Water pressure varies between campgrounds. "Then there was the water pressure… or lack of water pressure. Saying it trickled out would be generous," warns Gayle B. about Bellefonte-State College KOA. Most campgrounds offer electric hookups, but full hookup availability varies across the region.
