The Curwensville area in northwestern Pennsylvania sits at approximately 1,260 feet elevation in the Allegheny Plateau region. Camping spots near Curwensville, Pennsylvania offer access to diverse water recreation with Curwensville Lake spanning over 790 acres and multiple state parks within driving distance. Winter temperatures can drop below 20°F, making most camping areas seasonal from spring through fall.
What to do
Wildlife viewing at Parker Dam State Park: Located 15 miles from Curwensville, this park offers excellent opportunities to see wildlife. "Small campground just inside of the PA Wilds. Quiet low tea office campground... Scenic Elk drive just north with high probability of spotting the majestic animal," notes Travis S. Another visitor mentioned, "We came to do some elk viewing. About 30-40 min drive to Benezette. Already booked for next year!!"
Fishing at Prince Gallitzin State Park Crooked Run Campground: The park features a large lake for fishing. "Great place for kids! We love staying at crooked run campground. Has a beach on the lake. Affordable boat rentals," says Jackie W. Multiple visitors mention catching various fish species in the 1,635-acre Glendale Lake.
Disc golf at Curwensville Lake: The lake area features a disc golf course that's popular with campers. "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," shares Daniel S. The course offers a recreational activity beyond the standard water sports available at the lake.
What campers like
Quiet atmosphere at Parker Dam State Park Campground: Campers appreciate the peaceful setting. "Quiet, peaceful campground. Great place for the entire family," says Ben S. Another visitor mentioned, "This is a great State Park. The campground has added many full hookup sites and there are also cabins available also. Nice clean sites."
Lake activities at Woodland Campground: This private campground offers water recreation options. "Very clean, could be a bit more level. Great amenities, boat, fish, games, hike," says Charles K. Another visitor noted, "They have canoes available to explore the lake and a large play area for the kids."
Proximity to natural attractions: Campers value how sites serve as bases for exploring the region. "We loved the campground. It is very close to I80," shares Karen B. about the DuBois/Treasure Lake KOA. At Black Moshannon, a camper noted it offers "Nice campground with quiet 250 acre lake for kayaking. Good birding."
What you should know
Limited amenities at some campgrounds: Not all sites offer full facilities. At Simon B. Elliott State Park Campground, "There isn't a camp store, but I-80 is 2 miles down the road and there are places to shop/eat in nearby Clearfield," notes Danielle S. Another camper mentioned, "The bathrooms were small but clean with flush toilets. No showers."
Site conditions vary significantly: Check site details before booking. "Sites are all paved and many overlapping with fire rings right on the line between sites. Research your site before reserving," warns Travis S. about Parker Dam. At Simon B. Elliott, a camper noted, "We stayed in site 6. It was a very small site and had no established spot to put our tent."
Seasonal access limitations: Most campgrounds operate seasonally. "This KOA is way back in the woods. Love it. Rock sites mostly level," says Bill B. about DuBois/Treasure Lake KOA, which only operates May through October. Similarly, Clearfield County Curwensville Lake Recreation Area operates May to October.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access at Clearfield County Curwensville Lake Recreation Area: "Stayed here for a night at an electric site to charge up. Our kiddo loved playing at the playground right by our campsite," shares AdventureStang. This recreation area provides convenient amenities for children.
Beach facilities for swimming: Multiple campgrounds offer swimming areas for families. At Prince Gallitzin State Park, a reviewer noted it "Has a beach on the lake" and another mentioned a "private beach for the campgrounds." At Parker Dam, a camper shared that "The lake has good trout fishing and the beach area offers a nice place for a relaxing summer retreat."
Child-friendly activities: Look for campgrounds with structured recreation. "Parker Dam State Park offeres something for everyone," mentions J K. At Prince Gallitzin, one visitor highlighted the "BMX track for kids" as a unique feature, while another mentioned the park has "Great trails, kayak rentals, and a private beach for the campgrounds."
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations at Black Moshannon State Park Campground: "The Park has tent only, electric and full hookup sites. It is well cared for and clean," shares Graham S. Another RVer noted, "Very pretty campground with a nice clean wash house. The sites are situated nicely, your neighbors are not 'right there'."
Hookup availability: Check which services are available at your chosen site. At Parker Dam, "Full hookup sites & pet friendly. Close to dam where the fish are plentiful. Nice level sites," shares Tony L. At Woodland Campground, sites "can accommodate large rigs. There are back-in and pull-thru sites with FHU 30/50 amp."
Access considerations: Some campgrounds have challenging access roads. "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," warns Ashley L. about DuBois Treasure Lake KOA. At Black Moshannon, a camper advised "avoiding heading south from I80 on Casanova road."
