Camping options near Calvin, Pennsylvania center around several established RV parks located in the forested hills of south-central Pennsylvania at elevations ranging from 850 to 1,100 feet. Winter temperatures often dip below freezing with summer highs averaging in the mid-80s. The region requires careful navigation through hilly terrain with access to some campgrounds involving steep, winding roads that demand preparation for larger vehicles.
What to do
Fishing at Raystown Lake: Raystown Lake offers multiple access points within 15-20 minutes of Timber Run Campground, providing abundant fishing opportunities. "We fished at Tautman Run and Aitch - both were accessible and had lots of bluegill to steal our worms," reports one camper who stayed during the off-season.
Themed weekend events: Many campgrounds host special activity weekends throughout the camping season. At Honey Bear Campground, campers can enjoy organized events during peak seasons. "We called to make the reservation and told them we would be pulling in around 7 pm. Danielle (one of the owners) stated no problem, I will be here," notes a visitor appreciating the flexible check-in hours.
Miniature golf and yard sales: Local campgrounds often feature additional recreational amenities. "They held a farmers market on Saturday and had a HUGE community yard sale which we thought was very cool!" shares a camper about their experience at Friendship Village Campground, highlighting the social activities available beyond standard camping.
What campers like
Clean, modern bathroom facilities: Upgraded bathrooms receive positive mention at several campgrounds. At Raystown Lake/Saxton KOA, visitors appreciate the well-maintained facilities. "Staff was wonderful and just a great campground. Bathrooms are Soo nice," states one satisfied guest about their experience.
Riverside camping spots: Waterside Campground offers premium waterfront sites that campers specifically recommend. "Absolutely beautiful if you are riverside. Staff was friendly and helpful. Typical overall, but clean and pretty. Stay on the waterside! Sites 48-53. Stayed at 49, it was absolutely perfection!" advises one camper about site selection.
Large, level camping sites: Some campgrounds feature spacious sites with amenities. "Sites are very spacious and the gravel pad was level upon parking. Good connections and solid cable," notes a visitor to Friendship Village Campground, emphasizing the convenience of well-designed sites.
What you should know
Seasonal operation schedules: Many campgrounds in the region operate on limited schedules. Branch Camp provides "30 large sites with electric. Some shaded, some not," but only operates during warmer months, requiring advance planning for visits.
Highway noise considerations: Some campgrounds experience traffic noise that may affect the camping experience. "Nice campground, clean and plenty of activities for the kids. The only thing we didn't like was all of the road noise. This campground is located by 2 major highways and truck traffic and Jake brake are constant all night long," warns a camper about Friendship Village Campground.
Cell service limitations: Coverage varies significantly throughout the mountainous region. Several campgrounds report spotty or non-existent service, particularly in valley locations, requiring visitors to plan communication needs accordingly.
Tips for camping with families
Check for special events: Friendship Village Campground organizes family-friendly activities throughout the season. "Went camping here for the first time this weekend. Although it was the off season there was still tons to do. The kids played mini golf, jumped on the pillow, played on multiple playgrounds, enjoyed ice cream and went fishing," shares a parent about off-season options.
Consider distance to bathroom facilities: When tent camping with children, bathroom proximity matters. "We tent camp here on weekends. Usually check to see what bands are playing or fun activity going on. Only downside is the walk to the bathrooms if you tent camp. A long walk if you really got to go," advises one camper at Western Village RV Park.
Look for educational programs: Some campgrounds offer learning opportunities for children. "On Saturday was rock painting and then bingo and ended the night with a DJ dance party... Then Sunday we had pancakes and later a visit from RayCEP which is an education program that PA DNCR provides talking about various outdoorsy type things," mentions a visitor describing weekend activities at Timber Run Campground.
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: For RV camping near Calvin, Pennsylvania, choosing the right site can significantly impact experience. "Now to the site description: Site 22 is a deluxe patio back in site with a patio, 4 nice Adirondack chairs, a double glider, a weber propane grill and built in fire pit AND a dog fence just for that site that was maybe 6 ft x 6ft," describes a camper at Timber Run, highlighting premium site features.
Leveling requirements: The hilly terrain presents challenges for leveling RVs. "The site wasn't hard to level our RV but overall the sites are hilly and in fact the whole park is on a hill," notes a visitor about the topography at local campgrounds.
Route planning advice: Access roads to some campgrounds require careful navigation. "One last tip: if traveling from the Altoona area, go out through Martinsburg over Cove Mountain Rd - it saves you 30 minutes to an hour," suggests an RVer who found a more efficient route to their destination.
