Raystown Lake Recreation Area offers secluded glamping close to Clearville, Pennsylvania, located in south-central Pennsylvania's rugged hill country. The region sits at elevations between 1,000-2,500 feet with dense forests and numerous waterways. Summer temperatures typically range from 65-85°F with evening temperatures dropping into the 50s even in July and August, requiring light jackets for nighttime activities.
What to do
Mountain biking trails: At Seven Points Campground, the Allegrippis Trail system provides extensive riding opportunities. "From the entrance of the camp loop there is a trail head! This upper loop is also the quietest of the loops and although there were still plenty of boaters in the camp there were just as many bikers," notes a trail enthusiast.
Hiking paths: The 5-mile loop at Rocky Gap State Park Campground offers scenic views and moderate terrain. "The 5 mile hike around Lake Habeeb is enjoyable. Great way to see all sides of the park. Across the lake from the campground is a casino and resort," reports one visitor.
Water activities: Raystown Lake provides opportunities for fishing, swimming, and boating. "Lots of fishing options including boats you can rent. A walking trail wraps around the whole lake. There's lots of hiking trails, a real sand beach and swimming area, pedal boat and canoe rentals," explains a camper about their experience.
Historic sites: The Antietam Battlefield, about an hour's drive from Clearville, offers educational opportunities. "Close to Antitiem battlefield, vineyards, antiques or even DC (1 hour)," mentions a visitor describing day trip options from the area.
What campers like
Spacious sites: Cowans Gap State Park Campground receives praise for its layout. "Sites 1-30 allow pets. This loop was full. I would recommend booking in advance if you plan on bringing your dogs," advises one camper about the pet-friendly accommodations.
Clean facilities: Bathhouses at most area campgrounds maintain high standards. "Bathroom and showers were clean. Firewood always available. Easy access to dump station," notes a visitor about their experience at Cowans Gap.
Lake access: The proximity to water enhances the luxury camping experience near Clearville. "Nice lake where you can fish, canoe/kayak, etc. didn't get a chance to swim because of all the rain but there is a beach as well," shares a camper about Shawnee State Park.
Private settings: Many campsites offer seclusion despite popularity. "You're close enough to see other campers but far enough away to feel you have you own sections of woods," explains a Rocky Gap visitor about their campsite setup.
What you should know
Reservation requirements: Most upscale tent sites and glamping accommodations book quickly, especially during peak seasons. "Even trying to reserve the first day we could for this weekend, they were all taken," cautions a visitor about Seven Points' waterfront sites.
Site selection matters: Shawnee State Park Campground has varied terrain that affects comfort. "There are a fair amount of awkwardly-placed sites that sit on a hill and are difficult to place a tent, equipment or gear," warns one camper about choosing your spot.
Limited services: Some areas lack nearby conveniences. "No place to buy bags of ice, extra batteries, lighters, or any other supplies that people usually need when camping. And this campground is in the middle of nowhere. There's no Walmart's or grocery stores for several miles," advises a visitor about planning ahead.
Weather considerations: The area experiences significant temperature variations. "We arrived after dark, way past the 3pm check-in time, but didn't have any trouble finding our reserved campsite. The tent sites are paved so you can't hammer stakes into the ground. It was windy so we had to get the gear into tent so we wouldn't get blown away," shares a camper about their experience.
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: Friendship Village Campground offers numerous child-friendly amenities. "The kids played mini golf, jumped on the pillow, played on multiple playgrounds, enjoyed ice cream and went fishing. Can't wait to come back in the summer," shares one family about their off-season visit.
Beach options: Several parks feature swimming areas with additional amenities. "They have a HUGE community yard sale which we thought was very cool! Overall Wi-Fi worked well and everything you need is here," notes a visitor about weekend activities at Friendship Village.
Playgrounds availability: Check campground maps for playground locations when booking. "There are many playgrounds spread out across the property as well as a jumping pillow and a very well-built gaga ball pit," explains a family camper about the layout.
Wildlife viewing: The region offers opportunities to see various animals. "There's a little viewing area/dock with information on the bald eagles and osprey that live there," shares a visitor about the educational aspects of their stay.
Tips from RVers
Loop selection: At Lake Raystown Resort, RV site quality varies significantly. "My wife and I stayed for two nights at this campground and enjoyed it greatly. We happened to be assigned what I believe was the best of the RV sites, a pull through that had full hook up," advises one RVer.
Leveling challenges: Many sites require additional equipment. "We ran out of blocks trying to level on this site and were still off a bit. If we were staying more than a night we may have asked for a different site," cautions a visitor about preparation needs.
Road conditions: Some campgrounds have difficult access roads. "The roads are very windy and narrow, and I can't imagine trying to maneuver a large RV in there," warns a visitor about certain campgrounds in the area.
Utility connections: Availability varies widely between campgrounds. "Sites across the way were on the water. They had cement pads only as wide as your RV/TT but then the surrounding grass dropped off sharply. Very dangerous as you barely had enough room to walk around your unit," notes one RVer about potential hazards.
