Shawnee State Park Campground
Well maintained
The sites and roads are well maintained. Some sites are on hilly roads but are acceptable for tenters. The bathhouse is older but the showers are hot. August 2026
111 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Camping near Dysart, Pennsylvania includes a mix of state park campgrounds and private facilities located within a 30-mile radius of the town, ranging from basic tent sites to RV hookups and lakefront cabins. Prince Gallitzin State Park's Crooked Run Campground serves as a central camping destination with sites for tents, RVs, and cabins. Several other campgrounds serve the region, including Blue Knob State Park, Canoe Creek State Park, and Lake Raystown Resort, providing accommodation types from basic tent sites to glamping opportunities. Most campgrounds in the area feature amenities such as electric hookups, picnic tables, fire rings, and access to showers and restrooms.
The camping season in this region typically runs from April through October, with most state parks opening the second Friday in April and closing in mid-to-late October. "This campground was very nice. We could sit and eat breakfast and watch the deers. Very relaxing place. Clean bath houses and friendly staff," noted one visitor to Prince Gallitzin State Park. Weather conditions can vary significantly throughout the season, with pleasant summer temperatures but occasional thunderstorms. Advance reservations are strongly recommended, especially for weekend stays during peak summer months and for special events like the Halloween-themed weekends that several parks host in fall. Most campgrounds offer both reservable and first-come, first-served sites, though availability of the latter is limited during peak periods.
The lakefront camping experience draws many visitors to the area. Prince Gallitzin State Park surrounds the 1,635-acre Glendale Lake, providing opportunities for boating, fishing, and swimming. Campers report high satisfaction with the park's family-friendly atmosphere and recreational activities. According to one visitor, "Great place for kids! We love staying at crooked run campground. Has a beach on the lake. Affordable boat rentals." While some campgrounds can become crowded during holiday weekends and special events, several loops and areas maintain a quieter atmosphere, particularly in the pet-friendly sections. The density of sites varies between campgrounds, with some offering more spacious and private sites than others. Cell service can be limited in parts of the region, particularly in campgrounds situated in more remote locations or valleys.
"This campground is perfect for people who are looking to get away from busy city life or just want to relax next to a lake."
"The site was roomy enough, but next time I know to try to reserve on the outside perimeter for more room. Dogs are permitted in this area of the campground and honestly they were all well behaved."
from $24 - $95 / night
Check Availability"Adjacent huge cemetery site is accessible via a goat path at the back of the campground and provided a great place to walk our dog every day."
"Located in Rock Run Recreation park, our site (#14) was not the greatest, it had a lot of length, but no real level side room, fell downhill when exiting the camper lol."
from $20 - $35 / night
Check Availability"The grounds are open to hunting and we were surprised by a bird hunter and his dog who was running around off leash, creating a little havoc for us while walking our two dogs on the trail."
"You can go to the beach, kayak, hike, or go outside the park to explore some caves or a bat church. We will continue to come here every year!"
from $117 - $122 / night
Check Availability"It’s close to bathhouse and playground if you want those. There is parking at every bath house. There is trash receptacles at the entrance to the loop as well as firewood or sale."
"Ridge camp is the furthest away from the marina and the public swimming area. However it's the closest to the Allegrippis Trail system and from the entrance of the camp loop there is a trail head!"
from $28 - $200 / night
Check Availability"it’s small, with shaded sites around the perimeter and two walk in sites just left of the entrance."
"The hiking here is really spectacular with lots of scenery, overlooks, and side trails that extend many miles out into state forest lands which are adjacent to the park."
from $24 - $117 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $99 / night
Check Availability"Fantastic lake side camping resort. Best for campers or using their cabins but it has freeway access to the lake and beautiful views."
"Beautiful lakeside sites."
"Electric motorboats are permitted on Moshannon Lake. Boat rentals are available in season."
"Great hiking and a beautiful lake for kayaking. Site 22 is a full hookup. Utilities worked nicely. However, our picnic table had seen better days. "
from $24 - $145 / night
Check Availability











The sites and roads are well maintained. Some sites are on hilly roads but are acceptable for tenters. The bathhouse is older but the showers are hot. August 2026
Advertised as a family camp but very far from it. I’ve watched this camp progressively get worse as the years go on, over priced camp with zero efforts to make anything worthwhile, run down play grounds, broken toilet paper roll holders in the bathrooms of the shower house, roads that make you feel like your off road. Owner plans “events” and then wants campers to pay for overpriced food. The owner complains nobody comes to events anymore but barely comes to them herself. The owner is VERY money hungry! And most importantly it’s home to a sex offender who the owner cherishes dearly.
It’s a shame to see how many people realized how terrible this camp was and are selling their camps because of it. The owner should open her eyes and realize she’s the reason people don’t want to be there anymore !!!
Cant have no fun or drink.kids get yelled at all the time..owner sneaks around looking in campers at night..they watch every thing you do. Then they throw you out because your having to much fun. Or your up after 10pm..what a joke....please dont do nothing wrong.because.youll be on the shitlist...they are very very racist ,dont ever take a black child or try to get a place to stay or even put a tent up ,cause if your Black ,they tell you their is no room for u or a tent..STAY AWAY FROM THIS PLACE,ITS A BUNCH OF HYPOCRITES AND THEY DONT WANT NO BLACS IN THEIR CAMP GROOUND AT ALL..GO UP THE ROAD..THEY ARE NICER THERE...
Perfect little campsite with voting access fishing rod says and very clean showers
Only one pull in spot but we made do and it was lovely. Perfect for a place to rest when passing through.
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I don’t know what it is about this place but whenever I’m here all my worries are gone! I can honestly say IM RELAXED!!! I’m relaxed- whether I’m riding the golf cart eating ice cream, playing in the arcades, walking around in the campground store, playing mini golf, fishing from our campsite, watching the doggy’s play in the dog park. I’m honestly happy here!!! My favorite sites are by the lake or river. The bathhouses were clean!! We don’t swim but the pools looked great!! I’m always sad to leave but super excited to come back!! I have a video review on my YouTube channel @UpOnTheRidge304 about this campground - feel free to check it out.
Micheal met us with a welcome packet, delivered campwood at a very reasonable price (and loaned us a hatchet), clean facilities and hot shower were a bonus!
Very responsive to messages and an overall delightful experience. Great bird watching and a huge herd of deer came to visit too.
Fabulous campground, off the beaten path. Stayed here 2 nights and enjoyed walking to the beach and hiking some of the extensive trail system. Campsites are well spaced and private. Although most are on on a slight hill, our parking spot was level and it appeared most others were as well.
The Dysart area of Pennsylvania contains multiple established campgrounds with a focus on lake access and family camping. Prince Gallitzin State Park, located approximately 5 miles north of Dysart, features the Crooked Run Campground with a variety of accommodation options including tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin facilities. Other nearby options include Clayworks, Seven Points, and Blue Knob State Park campgrounds, providing diverse camping experiences across the region. Most campgrounds in this area are developed with amenities like electric hookups, showers, and picnic tables, though accommodation types and pet policies vary by location.
Seasonal considerations significantly impact camping availability near Dysart. Most campgrounds operate from April through October, with Prince Gallitzin State Park's season running from the second Friday in April to the last Monday in October. "A huge park and packed to the brim with campers," reported one visitor about summer conditions at Prince Gallitzin. "Parkee told me that normal summer get about 90 to 95% capacity, but with Covid they are surpassing that even during the week." Cellular connectivity varies across the region, with some areas reporting limited coverage for AT&T and Verizon. Weather conditions can be cooler near lakes compared to surrounding areas, with temperatures sometimes 5-15 degrees lower than nearby towns.
Water activities represent a major draw for campers visiting the Dysart region. Glendale Lake at Prince Gallitzin State Park provides opportunities for boating, fishing, and swimming, with some campgrounds offering private beach access for registered campers. According to one visitor, "Great place for kids! We love staying at crooked run campground. Has a beach on the lake. Affordable boat rentals." Several camping areas feature waterfront or water-adjacent sites that tend to be popular during peak season. Family-friendly activities are common, with many campgrounds offering special events throughout the season. Halloween-themed weekends at Prince Gallitzin are particularly popular, featuring decorated campsites and trick-or-treating activities. Wildlife viewing opportunities exist throughout the region, with multiple visitors reporting deer sightings near their campsites.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Dysart, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Dysart, PA offers a wide range of camping options, with 111 campgrounds and RV parks near Dysart, PA and 1 free dispersed camping spot.
Which is the most popular campground near Dysart, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Dysart, PA is Crooked Run Campground — Prince Gallitzin State Park with a 4.3-star rating from 26 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Dysart, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Dysart, PA.
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