Prince Gallitzin State Park offers glamping near Duncansville, Pennsylvania through its Crooked Run Campground. Located in the Allegheny Mountains at approximately 1,600 feet elevation, this area experiences cooler summer temperatures than surrounding lowlands. The park's 1,635-acre lake serves as the centerpiece for camping and recreation, with water temperatures remaining refreshingly cool even during summer heat waves.
What to Do
Beach activities: Prince Gallitzin State Park features a designated swimming beach that doesn't get overcrowded, even on holiday weekends. "Very nice beach area. Not a lot of trails," notes Kylie E. about the park's waterfront amenities.
Mountain biking trails: Seven Points offers extensive mountain biking on the Allegrippis Trail system. "From the entrance of the camp loop there is a trail head! ... The mtb trails begin just above the upper camp loops and provide a full day of fast flowing singletrack," explains Travis S.
Kayaking on tea-colored waters: Black Moshannon State Park features a unique 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," says Clay P. The water's tea-like appearance comes from plant tannins in the bog ecosystem.
What Campers Like
Waterfront camping options: Susquehannock Campground offers sites where you can walk directly into the water. "Very cool camp. Loops for RVs, higher on the hill, waterfront loops on steeper grounds for tents, and some walk-to sites adjacent to parking right at the point which double as boat-in," explains Ian W.
Clean facilities with modern amenities: Friendship Village Campground maintains high standards for their bathrooms and other facilities. "This campground is very clean and family friendly. They have mini golf, fishing, and special events on weekends. The office staff are very friendly and helpful," reports Heidi K.
Privacy between sites: Seven Points campground offers spacious, private sites, especially in certain loops. "Ridge camp is the furthest away from the marina and the public swimming area. However it's the closest to the Allegrippis Trail system... Big spacious sites that make pitching a tent easy with water available just a few sites away no matter where you stay," Travis S. notes.
What You Should Know
Reservation timing: Waterfront sites at Susquehannock Campground book quickly. "This primitive campground is located a few miles from Seven Points Recreation area, but far enough away to enjoy a real camping experience without electricity and running water. Not to worry, the showers are located at Seven Points. There aren't many waterfront sites, so book early," advises Deanna B.
Site leveling challenges: Some campgrounds have uneven terrain that requires planning. "The campground is okay, there are a fair amount of awkwardly-placed sites that sit on a hill and are difficult to place a tent, equipment or gear," notes Kaley R. about Shawnee State Park Campground.
Primitive camping considerations: Not all campgrounds offer full hookups. At Susquehannock, "They are 100% electricity free, so you have to bring a generator if you want electricity. They have vault toilets available and water from a hand pump for camper use!" explains Kristen H.
Tips for Camping with Families
Playground access: Cowans Gap State Park offers family-friendly amenities. "Great Family Campground... There's a beach and swimming area. There's a little viewing area/dock with information on the bald eagles and osprey that live there. They have a little concession stand that sold drinks, French fries and some other snacks," says Sarah N.
Kid-friendly recreation: Prince Gallitzin provides several activities specifically designed for younger campers. "Great place for kids! We love staying at crooked run campground. Has a beach on the lake. Affordable boat rentals. Bmx track for kids," reports Jackie W.
Educational opportunities: Black Moshannon offers structured learning activities. "The park also runs a ton of classes for different things like fly fishing, hiking, etc," mentions Lisa L., making it ideal for families wanting to incorporate education into their camping experience.
Tips from RVers
Site selection at Seven Points: For RVs at Seven Points, carefully research specific loops. "For big rig campers, you need to stay at the upper portion of the campground at sites 200-500. In my opinion, the best sites to stay at if you have kids are sites 145–171 as those are right beside the jumping pillow, playground and gaga ball pit," advises Christopher R.
Water access logistics: RVers at Susquehannock should plan for water collection. "Camping at Lake Raystown...it's a primitive campground with no electricity. Get your water at a hand pump and they have pit toilets. Nice place to camp along the lake. Water sites are available," notes Rebecca G.
Loop characteristics: Lake Raystown Resort offers various camping sections with different characteristics. "Absolutely blown away by this campsite. A bit wary going in because I saw some negative reviews about the waterfront sites but site 79 was AMAZING. Perfect views of the lake and very spaced out," reports Tori.
