Clearfield County camping offers options across central Pennsylvania's Appalachian Plateau, with elevations ranging from 1,000 to 2,300 feet. The region's varied terrain includes rolling hills, dense forests, and numerous waterways that support fishing, kayaking, and hiking opportunities. Weather conditions shift dramatically between seasons, with summer temperatures typically ranging from 65-85°F and heavy snowfall common from November through March.
What to do
Fishing at multiple lakes: Black Moshannon State Park Campground features a 250-acre lake with distinctive dark water. "Great camping area stop a mountain...nice unique lake that is incredibly dark in color. Lilly pads abound with great flowers," notes one Black Moshannon State Park Campground visitor.
Kayaking and boating: Crooked Run Campground provides water recreation options on Glendale Lake. "Great place for kids! We love staying at crooked run campground. Has a beach on the lake. Affordable boat rentals," shares a camper at Crooked Run Campground — Prince Gallitzin State Park.
Swimming options: Many campgrounds maintain dedicated swimming areas during summer months. "High Pines is a nice place. Located right on a main road but road noise really isn't a problem. There no pool but they do have a game room that offers free games for the kids along with a playground and basketball court," explains a visitor to High Pines RV Park.
Wildlife viewing: Elk viewing opportunities exist near several campgrounds in the region. "Saw 2 elk 100 ft from campground. It was nice," reports a camper at Hicks Run, which is located near designated wildlife viewing areas.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Many campgrounds in the area offer generously sized camping spots. "The sites are clean, the staff is friendly and the extras (pool, pizza, etc.) are on point," shares a camper at Rvino - Campers Paradise.
Family activities: Recreational options for children rank high among camper priorities. "There is a fishing pond on site for the kids to fish. Not a huge place but it's a nice place for a quick getaway. Curwensville lake is not too far away and a golf course within 5 Miles," notes a visitor to Lumber City RV Park.
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathhouses and shower facilities receive frequent positive mentions. "The bathhouses are nice and well maintained. The Park itself offers a lot to do with fishing. Hiking, the beach, kayak rentals, etc," comments a repeat visitor to Black Moshannon State Park Campground.
Accessible recreation: Many campgrounds provide on-site or nearby options for outdoor activities. "We had a site in the full hookup back in section, they are very nice spacious sites. The park is close to the Allegheny Reservoir and the Kinzua Bridge," shares a camper at High Pines RV Park.
What you should know
Seasonal operation: Most rv parks near Clearfield, Pennsylvania close during winter months, typically operating from April through October. "The Park has tent only, electric and full hookup sites. It is well cared for and clean," notes a visitor to Black Moshannon State Park Campground, which operates "from 2nd Friday April to December 15."
Cell service limitations: Many campgrounds in forested areas have unreliable connectivity. "Large campground right off route 80. The campground was well-taken care of and service was good. Verizon service horrible and WIFI did not work where we were," reports a camper at DuBois Treasure Lake KOA.
Access considerations: Some campgrounds require navigating through residential areas or gated communities. "This KOA is ok. The staff was friendly and the bathrooms were clean, but 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," explains a visitor to DuBois Treasure Lake KOA.
Limited shade at some locations: Certain campgrounds offer minimal tree cover for sites. "Overall a nice campground! The sites were nice and big. Our site was perfect!! There were very limited sites that had shade! A lot of their sites were in an open field," notes a camper at DuBois Treasure Lake KOA.
Tips for camping with families
Free recreation options: Some campgrounds offer included activities for children. "They do have a game room that offers free games for the kids along with a playground and basketball court," notes a visitor to High Pines RV Park.
Swimming areas with varying depths: Beach swimming areas at state parks accommodate different age groups. "The Park itself offers a lot to do with fishing, hiking, the beach, kayak rentals, etc. I've never had a bad time at Black Moshannon and will keep coming back," shares a regular camper.
Consider timing for pool use: Pool operating hours may limit morning swim time at some campgrounds. "Pool looked nice but didn't open until 11 so we didn't get a swim," mentions a visitor to DuBois Treasure Lake KOA.
Group camping options: Designated areas for multiple families camping together exist at some parks. "We used the group tent sites for our Girl Scout weekend. It was a fun weekend. The site was clean, decently level area for tents, accessible to potable water and bathrooms with showers," reports a leader who stayed at Crooked Run Campground.
Tips from RVers
Hookup variations: RV parks near Clearfield, Pennsylvania offer different connection options. "We had a site in the full hookup back in section, they are very nice spacious sites," notes a visitor to High Pines RV Park, which provides 149 sites with water, electric, and sewer connections.
Campsite surface considerations: Surface materials differ among campgrounds, affecting leveling and setup. "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," advises an RVer who stayed at DuBois Treasure Lake KOA.
Amperage availability: Power options vary by campground and specific site. "Our site only had 30a power. Most seem to be that way. Looks like some updates are on the way. The price was great. We will go back again but making sure it's not peak summer due to not having 50A," recommends a camper at High Pines RV Park.
Site privacy considerations: RV site placement and spacing differs significantly among campgrounds. "Campsites were very large. Pulled our 23 ft and 32 ft campers sideways across the sites," shares a visitor to Riverview Campsites, noting the generous dimensions available.
