Best Campgrounds near Centre Hall, PA

State parks and established campgrounds dot the landscape around Centre Hall, Pennsylvania, providing a variety of camping experiences in central Pennsylvania's wooded hills. Bellefonte-State College KOA offers tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin rentals with amenities like a pool and splash pad. State parks such as Bald Eagle, Penn Roosevelt, and Poe Valley provide more natural settings with varying levels of facilities. Many campgrounds in this region feature cabins as an alternative to traditional tent or RV camping, with options ranging from rustic to fully equipped units with electricity, heating, and basic furnishings.

Many campgrounds in the area operate seasonally, typically opening in April and closing between October and December. "It would even make a good event-specific yard-sale trip. Overall, a damned nice hotel in the woods. Not a survivalist challenge or hXc camping experience; just a clean, safe getaway for a game, Arts Fest, or just a time-out," noted one visitor about Seven Mountains Campground's cabin accommodations. Water pressure can be an issue at some locations, particularly at higher elevations or during peak usage periods. Cell service varies significantly throughout the region, with more remote locations like Penn Roosevelt and Poe Valley State Parks having limited or no coverage. Travelers should verify current facilities status before arrival, as water systems and other amenities may be shut off during shoulder seasons.

The mixed-use campgrounds near Centre Hall receive consistently positive reviews for their natural settings and recreational opportunities. Penn Roosevelt State Park offers a more secluded experience with tent-only sites situated around a small lake. As one camper described it, "Beautiful primitive campground (tent only). Get a site on the outside towards the water. They are spaced out and peaceful." Poe Valley State Park combines camping with beach access and water recreation, making it popular for families. Most developed campgrounds in the area provide fire rings, picnic tables, and access to restrooms, while the more primitive sites may offer greater privacy and immersion in nature. Winter camping is available at select locations like Penn Roosevelt, though with reduced services and facilities.

Best Camping Sites Near Centre Hall, Pennsylvania (172)

    1. Primitive Camping Area — Bald Eagle State Park

    18 Reviews
    Howard, PA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (814) 625-2775

    $16 - $18 / night

    "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."

    2. Bellefonte-State College KOA

    11 Reviews
    Howard, PA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (814) 355-7912

    "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."

    3. Russell P Letterman Campground — Bald Eagle State Park

    17 Reviews
    Howard, PA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (814) 625-2775

    $22 - $62 / night

    "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!"

    4. Black Moshannon State Park Campground

    24 Reviews
    Port Matilda, PA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (814) 342-5960

    $20 - $87 / night

    "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. "

    5. Penn Roosevelt State Park Campground

    5 Reviews
    Boalsburg, PA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (814) 667-1800

    $25 / night

    "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."

    6. Greenwood Furnace State Park Campground

    10 Reviews
    Belleville, PA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (814) 667-1800

    $20 - $29 / night

    "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."

    7. Poe Valley State Park Campground

    5 Reviews
    Coburn, PA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (814) 349-2460

    $20 - $57 / night

    "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."

    8. Poe Paddy State Park Campground

    7 Reviews
    Coburn, PA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (814) 349-2460

    $16 - $43 / night

    "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."

    9. Reeds Gap State Park Campground

    6 Reviews
    Milroy, PA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 667-3622

    $22 / night

    "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."

    10. The Bellefonte Campground

    1 Review
    Bellefonte, PA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (814) 810-9161

    $39 - $400 / night

    "Minimal noise from the highway, which was pleasantly unexpected being so close. They have some animals, like goats, as well in a little farm area. Nice new cabins too."

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Recent Reviews near Centre Hall, PA

492 Reviews of 172 Centre Hall Campgrounds


  • Daniel S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Curwensville Lake Campground

    Amazing

    Having PTSD and serious anxiety. This spot allows you to relax without to much concern,dogs welcome ,boating and swimming was awesome for around this area. Camping is great especially at night with boats on the water.

  • S
    Sep. 3, 2025

    Rothrock Roadside Campsites — Rothrock State Forest

    Nice spot to camp in the mountains

    First I'll just say that the Rothrock campsites should probably each be listed separately, rather than as a group; they are very spread out throughout the State Forest and each is a different experience.  This review will be for site 002 Colerain Road.  

    This site is accessed by driving up a bit of a winding dirt road up the mountain.  It's easy enough during the summer, though the road is narrow and you've got some sharp bends depending on which way you come from.  This road is not safe to access in the winter in my opinion.  

    The parking is just right off the road, and there's a picnic table and large stone fire ring near the parking.  There's a small path further up the hill into the woods where there is a tent pad, another fire ring and another picnic table.  There are also a lot of flat spots nearby for additional tents to be set up.  

    Just behind the upper tent site is the top of the mountain, and the site has their own private overlook to the valley below.  The site is pretty remote, though there were vehicles and the occasional biker coming up the road.  Traffic may have been busier than usual the weekend we went because there was the Mid Atlantic Overland festival nearby at the same time.  At one point a family parked in the campsite's parking to start a walk... (there's a better trailhead up closer to Indian Lookout they should have used).

    No hookups, water, bathrooms, etc; its fully primitive camping here.  Cell coverage was fine on Xfinity Mobile (Verizon). 

    These sites used to be totally free but they're now $10 a night.  You still need to book a while out if you want to be here on a weekend, especially during the fall when Penn State is playing.

  • Jennifer H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 16, 2025

    Riverside Campground & Riverside Roadhouse

    Great location & proximity to Williamsport

    Came thru for a night and wanted to catch a game at the Little League World Series. Stayed here one night and caught an uber to the museum and game. Got the last site for the night. Did a few loads of laundry, ate a good dinner at the restaurant, kids enjoyed the pool and swam in the river. Big huge park and tons of grassy areas. Really lovely. Nice staff.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 21, 2025

    Ravensburg State Park Campground

    Use lat and long to find peaceful woods by stream

    Nice and shaded! No one there but us in site 6, not even a ranger checked on us. Has modern toilets and shower. Most sites are spacious. They have nice raised tent pads. It’s very humid so many picnic tables have green moss.

    First come first serve but still had to pay transaction fee! which was annoying for our one night stay as if rather the state parks get that.

    Use lat and long coordinates for directions or you will be in the wrong spot.

  • Tiana S.
    Jul. 13, 2025

    STAR LEE FARM

    Great stay

    Place was very pretty and secluded. And customer service was excellent. There's a huge field to start gaze as well as taking pictures, lots of hiking and if you're a bee enthusiast they grow their own honey in the property and you're more than welcome to walk around and look at all the boxes. There's no electricity there but the owner is working on that but there is power in the shower house. Service is a little sketch but it's perfect for those who want to completely escape the business of modern world. Highly recommend

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 7, 2025

    Reeds Gap State Park Campground

    Awesome !

    Stayed here on a Sunday night without a reservation. We were the only ones there. Pay by honor system at the park office. Campground was quiet and lovely. Only 14 sites. Bathroom with hot showers is nearby. One shower stall in each bathroom and the showers had a large dressing area. Water is near the picnic pavilion.

  • Lisa J.
    Jun. 21, 2025

    Paradise Stream Family Campground

    Nice campground, mostly quiet and well kept

    This is our third trip here and supposed to return again in September. One of our favorites!!

  • Daniel S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 5, 2025

    Curwensville Lake Campground

    Perfect spring

    Solo with my dog and my canoe. Had a great time I had no idea there was disc golf,I keep a couple in my truck and so i played more game then fished. The dog swimming area was pretty cool. I'll be back.


Guide to Centre Hall

Camping near Centre Hall, Pennsylvania, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun family adventure, there are several campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the trails around Cowans Gap State Park Campground. One camper mentioned, "The bathroom was clean and there was access to the very pleasant hiking trail going around the lake."
  • Stargazing: Visit Cherry Springs State Park Campground for incredible night skies. A reviewer said, "The skies opened up and the stars came out. It was truly breathtaking."
  • Fishing and Boating: At Seven Points, you can enjoy fishing and kayaking. One visitor noted, "The lake is a great place to kayak, paddleboard, or just relax and enjoy the view."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the bathhouses. A review for Pine Grove Furnace State Park Campground stated, "Bathrooms were very clean with nice hot water in the showers."
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer well-spaced sites. A camper at Lyman Run State Park Campground mentioned, "Sites are well spaced so you don’t feel like it’s crowded."
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Campgrounds like Knoebels Campground are great for families. One reviewer said, "This place is awesome for the kids. You camp right at the park."

What you should know:

  • Limited Cell Service: Many campgrounds have poor or no cell service. A visitor at Black Moshannon State Park Campground noted, "Verizon and AT&T cell service were basically non-existent."
  • Crowded Sites: Some campgrounds can feel cramped. A camper at Parker Dam State Park Campground said, "The individual camp sites are all right on top of each other."
  • No Showers at Some Locations: Not all campgrounds provide shower facilities. A review for Cherry Springs State Park Campground mentioned, "There are no showers, but the campground was well maintained."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Bring Activities: Make sure to pack games and outdoor toys. A family at Prince Gallitzin State Park - Crooked Run Campground enjoyed the playground, saying, "There is a nice little lake area where you can rent kayaks and paddle boards."
  • Plan for Meals: Consider easy meal prep options. A camper at Pine Grove Furnace State Park Campground mentioned, "The store is really just a small carry out with a few things, so bring everything you are planning to have in with you."
  • Check for Events: Look for local events or activities. One visitor at Seven Points said, "There are volleyball nets, playgrounds, kayak and paddleboard rentals."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure to verify site sizes before booking. A reviewer at Cowans Gap State Park Campground noted, "The site I had was definitely smaller than I expected but it still worked."
  • Bring Bug Spray: Be prepared for bugs, especially in warmer months. A camper at Pine Grove Furnace State Park Campground advised, "Bring stuff for bugs, such as citronella or PIC's."
  • Know Your Hookups: Some campgrounds may not have full hookups. A visitor at Parker Dam State Park Campground mentioned, "This campground feels very crowded. There are multiple bath houses throughout."

Camping near Centre Hall, Pennsylvania, offers a variety of experiences for everyone. Whether you're in an RV or tent, there's something for every outdoor enthusiast.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Centre Hall, PA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Centre Hall, PA is Primitive Camping Area — Bald Eagle State Park with a 4.4-star rating from 18 reviews.