Best Campgrounds near California, PA

Camping near California, Pennsylvania, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are several campgrounds to explore.

What to do

• Hiking: There are numerous trails nearby. Campers have enjoyed the hiking options, with one reviewer from Kentuck Campground — Ohiopyle State Park mentioning, "There is a lot of hiking nearby, most of which you need to drive to within the state park."
• Rafting: If you're up for some excitement, rafting on the Ohiopyle River is a popular choice. One visitor shared, "Stayed here one weekend and rafted down the Ohiopyle river. Very convenient to the river and town."
• Fishing and Boating: Many campgrounds, like Raccoon Creek State Park Campground, provide access to lakes for fishing and boating. A reviewer noted, "The lake is lovely! The only downside is that the airport is pretty close so at times you can hear planes taking off."

What campers like

• Privacy: Campers appreciate the spacious sites. A reviewer at Raccoon Creek State Park Campground mentioned, "The spots are very sloped so bring your Lego blocks. We were the only campers in our loop so private."
• Clean Facilities: Many visitors have commented on the cleanliness of the facilities. One camper at Laurel Hill State Park Campground said, "The bathrooms are clean and it has great walking access to the beautiful beach and lake."
• Friendly Staff: Campers often mention the helpfulness of the staff. A reviewer at Tomlinson Run State Park Campground noted, "The rangers are so helpful."

What you should know

• Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may not have extensive amenities. A visitor at Savage River State Forest pointed out, "No drinking water, no electric hookups, and no showers."
• Site Selection Matters: Choosing the right site is crucial. A camper at Tygart Lake State Park Campground mentioned, "The sites are so close together."
• Seasonal Access: Some campgrounds have specific seasons. For example, Coopers Rock State Forest is open from April 1 to October 31.

Tips for camping with families

• Activities for Kids: Look for campgrounds with family-friendly activities. One family at Laurel Hill State Park Campground enjoyed, "The amenities and activities this campground had was amazing for keeping the kids busy!"
• Safety Precautions: Be aware of local wildlife. A reviewer at Raccoon Creek State Park Campground advised, "Watch for deer! We saw more deer than usual."
• Plan for Bathroom Breaks: Some campgrounds have bathrooms that are a bit of a walk. A visitor at Kentuck Campground — Ohiopyle State Park mentioned, "The bathrooms were a far walk."

Tips from RVers

• Check Site Levels: Many sites can be uneven. A camper at Tomlinson Run State Park Campground noted, "Most aren't level."
• Bring Extensions: Some sites may require longer power cords. A reviewer at Keystone State Park Campground mentioned, "You may want to have an extension for your power cable."
• Explore Nearby Attractions: Don't forget to check out local attractions. A visitor at Deep Creek Lake State Park Campground said, "Very nicely maintained state campgrounds near many activities and restaurants."

Camping near California, Pennsylvania, offers a variety of experiences for everyone. Whether you're hiking, fishing, or just enjoying the outdoors, there's something for every camper.