Tent camping near Boalsburg, Pennsylvania provides access to the 96,975-acre Rothrock State Forest and surrounding natural areas with elevations ranging from 600 to 2,300 feet. Camping season generally runs April through October with most primitive sites closing during winter months. Several campgrounds sit near trout-stocked creeks and small ponds ideal for fishing.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Penn Roosevelt State Park Campground features a small pond stocked with trout and accessible fishing spots. According to camper Joann, there's a "Short walk to creek and beautiful pond" from most campsites.
Star gazing sessions: Star Lee Farm offers exceptional night sky viewing from its large open field. "There's a huge field to star gaze as well as taking pictures," notes reviewer Tiana S., who appreciated the limited light pollution.
Creek exploration: Ravensburg State Park has hiking trails along creeks with swimming holes. "There are few hiking trails; short and long that take you to beautiful views along the creek with a couple of places deep enough to swim," shares Laura, a regular visitor.
Wildlife observation: Reeds Gap State Park provides habitat for native trout and diverse bird species. Paula L. explains: "My ears are filled with the sounds of crickets, birds and other insects. This is my meditation music."
What campers like
Quiet seclusion: Penn Roosevelt State Park offers peaceful wilderness camping. Chuck M. reports, "It was so secluded, I heard nothing but nature for over an hour before a plane flew over."
Cell service absence: Reeds Gap State Park forces digital disconnection. Danielle C. advises, "Put your phone away cuz there's no cell service here! Nice and peaceful with a dozen or so tent only sites."
Tent pad quality: Ravensburg State Park features raised platforms for tents. Becky notes, "They have nice raised tent pads. It's very humid so many picnic tables have green moss."
Creek sounds: Several sites at Ravensburg place campers right beside running water. Laura shares: "In a few sites, you can set them up right by the creek, which is my favorite part."
What you should know
Access challenges: Some parks have tricky entrance roads. At Penn Roosevelt, Chuck M. warns, "If you have a trailer, I do not recommend this spot. There is a very tight hairpin turn on the way in. My six foot long trailer barely made the turn!"
First-come availability: Many area campgrounds don't require reservations. At Reeds Gap, Cheryl K. notes, "Stayed here on a Sunday night without a reservation. We were the only ones there. Pay by honor system at the park office."
Limited amenities: Most sites provide basics only. At Penn Roosevelt, Denise D. advises, "Make sure you bring everything you need as the isn't a store nearby."
Road noise considerations: Campgrounds near roads experience traffic sounds. At Ravensburg, KK mentions, "As other reviewers mention, it's right near a road so you hear car (and horse & buggy!) noise — would try to get a spot further away from the road if possible."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Reeds Gap State Park includes child-friendly facilities. Rebecca G. shares, "There's a nice creek that runs through it, picnic pavilions and a playground for the kids!"
Kid-friendly noise levels: Some parks tolerate more activity noise than others. One parent mentioned about Penn Roosevelt, "There were not many people around so the kids could frolic and be slightly loud without bothering any other people."
Private site selection: Look for secluded spots away from others. At Ravensburg, Traci F. notes, "There are bushes and trees between the sites and it feels very private. Sometimes it can feel too secluded but the park ranger drives through a number of times."
Bathroom proximity: Check campsite maps for restroom locations. Kelly C. from Reeds Gap mentions, "The only reason it isn't 5 stars is because the bathrooms were down during our trip making night time potty visits a little unpleasant."
Tips for RVers
Size limitations: Most campgrounds near Boalsburg accommodate smaller rigs only. At Ravensburg, tent sites dominate but small RVs can use some spaces.
Road grade concerns: Several access roads have steep sections. Sarah C. reports about Ravensburg, "You will be driving down into the valley, which can feel very steep at times."
No-hookup planning: Many sites lack water and electric. Reeds Gap provides showers but limited hookups, requiring self-contained camping strategies.
First-come sites: Nancy's Boat To Shore Campground offers waterfront spots but they "usually book a few weeks in advance and are in a wake zone," according to Kristen H., so plan accordingly if bringing an RV to this location.
