Black Moshannon State Park Campground offers seasonal camping from mid-April to mid-December in Frenchville, Pennsylvania. Located at 4216 Beaver Road in Philipsburg, the campground sits within a forested area where the Iron Ore mines from the past have stained creek water red, giving rise to the local nickname "Red Mo." Temperatures range from lows around 30°F in April to highs near 80°F in summer, with considerable variation between day and night temperatures due to the mountainous terrain.
What to do
Wildlife viewing: Sinnemahoning State Park Campground provides exceptional opportunities for spotting native animals. "I had a close encounter with a massive bull elk just walking from my campsite to the restrooms at dawn!" reports John V. The park offers regular pontoon boat tours of the lake, though "reservations needed because spots fill up fast" according to Amber N.
Stargazing: The region has minimal light pollution, particularly at Greenwood Furnace State Park Campground. "We saw the Milky Way!" notes Ann P. about their experience at one of the walk-in sites. Most parks in the area are remote enough to offer excellent night sky viewing during clear weather.
Water activities: Several parks offer water-based recreation beyond swimming. "There is a lake for swimming, kayaking and fishing. Minutes away from Big Pine Creek and additional swimming, boating and fishing opportunity," explains James P. about Little Pine State Park. The Clarion River at Clear Creek State Park provides "a crystal clear, shallow, rock bottom river perfect for a cool off."
Hiking: The Mid-State Trail runs directly through some campgrounds in the area. Several parks feature educational paths with interpretive elements. "Park offers movies on an outdoor screen, regular nature talks and walks and has an onsite museum," describes Britt B. about Clear Creek State Park.
What campers like
Historical elements: Clear Creek State Park Campground offers educational opportunities beyond nature. "The park visitor's center has many participatory A/V camping and wildlife exhibits. The law enforcement/ranger was exceptionally helpful and friendly and he provided me with the locations of current elk sightings," explains David B.
Off-grid experiences: Most glamping sites near Frenchville offer minimal cell reception. "It was a bit chilly at night and warm during the day - bring layers + raincoats as the PA mountain weather can be iffy! There is little to no phone service here and it's not super close to town, so come prepared," advises Diane T. about Greenwood Furnace State Park.
Facilities maintenance: Campers consistently note the cleanliness of facilities. "The facilities are always clean, with large shower areas and always fully stocked with tissue," mentions Britt B. regarding Clear Creek State Park. Another camper noted about Russell P. Letterman Campground: "The bathrooms were clean. There are no shelfs in the showers (except for a bar of soap) but they had hooks to hang your clothes."
Privacy between sites: Many campers appreciate the spacing between sites at certain campgrounds. "The sites are situated nicely, your neighbors are not 'right there'," writes Sandi G. about Black Moshannon. Similarly at Prince Gallitzin State Park, "As a rule we always try to stay in parks if possible. Really like the layout here, and the k9s love it."
What you should know
Water variations: The water quality and appearance varies significantly between parks. At Black Moshannon, "The Iron Ore mines from the past have left the creek water stained red which is why its called the Red Mo with the locals," explains Travis S. Meanwhile, Clear Creek State Park features "a crystal clear, shallow, rock bottom river."
Seasonal considerations: Many campgrounds close during winter months, with most operating from April through December. "Visited early June. Very quiet and clean campground," notes Matt M. about Sinnemahoning State Park, adding that there was "no cell service at all - a blessing!!!"
Navigation challenges: GPS directions can be unreliable in this rural area. "Our only trouble was our GPS brought us in the most difficult way. We suggest avoiding heading south from I80 on Casanova road," warns Sandi G. about reaching Black Moshannon State Park.
Site selection: Not all sites work equally well for different camping setups. At Russell P Letterman Campground, "Definitely look at pictures of your site before reserving. The distance between spots was good. Roads were a little narrow but manageable," advises Greg J., who also notes, "I'm not sure about other sites, but we did not have a water hookup, just a spigot we could fill from."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds feature playgrounds and recreational facilities. "Great place for kids! We love staying at crooked run campground. Has a beach on the lake. Affordable boat rentals. BMX track for kids," shares Jackie W. about Prince Gallitzin State Park.
Educational opportunities: Austin Campground provides wildlife viewing opportunities directly from campsites. "We camped over Columbus weekend and got to see gorgeous fall leaves, brilliant night skies, and lots of elk right around the campground plus a bear that took a walk through the campground one evening," reports Kate A.
Biking-friendly areas: Many campgrounds feature paved roads suitable for children learning to ride. "The campground is very small, and cell service is non-existent, but that's what we were looking for - a quiet getaway. The campground has a small playground, and there is a nice visitors center just up the road," notes Rachel B. about Sinnemahoning State Park.
Weather preparation: Mountain weather can change rapidly, requiring extra clothing and gear. "It was fun trying to use maps along with gps to find our way to the campground. There is zero cell service/WiFi at the park, or for at least 5-10 miles from it," explains Shayna about Sinnemahoning, adding that "you're going to need sturdy tent pegs for guy lines. It's rocky and covered with gravel."
Tips from RVers
Leveling requirements: Many campsites in the area require leveling equipment. "It's a nice place, great creek and woods. Most of the spots will require leveling blocks," notes Isaac R. about Clear Creek State Park. This is common throughout glamping sites near Frenchville due to the mountainous terrain.
Water access variations: Water hookups are inconsistent across campgrounds and even within the same campground. "I'm not sure about other sites, but we did not have a water hookup, just a spigot we could fill from. The dump station worked fine and was clean. Power pole was in rough shape but worked," reports Greg J. about Russell P. Letterman Campground.
Seasonal road conditions: During spring thaw or heavy rains, access roads can develop muddy sections. "Our site had a blacktop driveway, a very small amount of gravel, and a ton of mud. There was standing water toward the back of our site," explains Danielle S. about Russell P. Letterman Campground, adding that it was "very windy the night we stayed and the following morning as well."
