Camping sites near Clearfield, Pennsylvania sit within the Moshannon State Forest region at elevations between 1,600-2,200 feet. The area receives approximately 42 inches of annual rainfall, supporting the diverse hardwood forests that characterize the region. Spring camping (April-June) often sees temperature fluctuations between 40°F nights and 70°F days, while fall camping offers more stable temperatures but increased wildlife activity.
What to do
Elk viewing opportunities: Just 30-40 minutes north of Clearfield in Benezette, visitors can observe Pennsylvania's wild elk herd. "We spent time driving to Benezette - about 30 minute trip - to see the Elk. Great experience seeing approximately 100 elk. Several very large bulls," notes a camper from Parker Dam State Park Campground. Another visitor mentions, "Close to dam where the fish are plentiful."
Disc golf courses: The recreation areas around Curwensville Lake offer unexpected activities. "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," reports a visitor to Curwensville Lake Campground.
Hiking diversity: Black Moshannon offers trail systems ranging from easy lake loops to more challenging forest terrain. "Great camping area stop a mountain...nice unique lake that is incredibly dark in color. Lilly pads abound with great flowers," writes one visitor. Another notes the campground has "tons of hiking along the whole park" and "runs a ton of classes for different things like fly fishing, hiking, etc."
What campers like
Access to waterways: Numerous camping areas provide direct water access. At Woodland Campground, visitors appreciate the "beautiful park-like setting with a lake and trails" and that "they have canoes available to explore the lake." The campground features "a fishing pond (catch and release)" according to another review.
Wildlife encounters: Many campgrounds offer opportunities for wildlife viewing. A Crooked Run Campground visitor describes it as "Great place for kids! We love staying at crooked run campground. Has a beach on the lake. Affordable boat rentals. Bmx track for kids." Deer sightings are common, with one Parker Dam camper noting "Deer came up to campsite every morning."
Designated swimming areas: Several campgrounds maintain dedicated swimming beaches with amenities. "Very nice state park in PA. Huge lake for water sports, scenic trails, small dirt bike oval track," writes one Crooked Run visitor. Another camper at Black Moshannon notes the lake has "Swimming, boating, fishing, wildlife watching and a big sky view for star gazing."
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies widely across the region. A camper at Medix Run Camping Area reports "no cell service" but mentions being "near town with free wifi." Another notes using "total wireless which uses Verizon towers" with no service at their site.
Weather considerations: The area experiences frequent, brief rain showers even during camping season. "It rained almost every day but only for a half hour or so and went back to being sunny. Bring bug spray and tick collars for your pets," advises a Medix Run visitor.
Site selection importance: Many campgrounds feature varied site layouts and privacy levels. At Simon B. Elliott State Park, a camper noted it was "a tiny campground with quite a few flat places to take a stroll. The sites are decently sized for the size of the campground itself." Another camper cautions about site choice, stating "We stayed in site 6. It was a very small site and had no established spot to put our tent."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly amenities: Look for campgrounds with dedicated play areas. "Great place for kids! We love staying at crooked run campground. Has a beach on the lake. Affordable boat rentals. Bmx track for kids," shares a Prince Gallitzin visitor. Another family at Curwensville reports, "Our kiddo loved playing at the playground right by our campsite."
Educational programming: Some parks offer structured activities. "The park also runs a ton of classes for different things like fly fishing, hiking, etc," notes a Black Moshannon visitor. Another camper mentions participating in "the Outdoors for Everyone event. The site was clean, decently level area for tents, accessible to potable water and bathrooms with showers. Rangers were wonderful to work with in setting up teaching opportunities for the girls."
Pet-friendly options: Many campgrounds welcome four-legged family members. At Curwensville Lake, "The dog swimming area was pretty cool," according to one visitor. Some campgrounds have dedicated pet sections - a camper at Simon B. Elliott State Park Campground noted it has "a bathroom at the campground and pit toilets across the street at the picnic area" but reminded visitors "There aren't showers. Sites offer a picnic table and a fire ring."
Tips from RVers
Hookup availability: RV sites vary in amenities across the region. At DuBois/Treasure Lake KOA, "Rock sites mostly level. Most sites are huge. Dog run is ok and have to walk a good was to the trash bin depending on campsite. Some sites have concrete patio which I do recommend." Another visitor notes the campground is "way back in the woods. Love it."
Navigation challenges: Some campgrounds present access difficulties. A KOA visitor warned, "This KOA is located 5 miles in the back of a gated community. Signage is lacking and it's confusing to locate once past the gate, especially after a long day of driving."
Shade considerations: Many RV areas lack natural shade. "RV spots had zero trees/shade," notes one DuBois/Treasure Lake visitor, while another mentions "A lot of their sites were in an open field." For more wooded options, consider Woodland Campground where "The sites are spacious and can accommodate large rigs" and offer "a beautiful park-like setting."
