Best Campgrounds near Moshannon, PA

Camping near Moshannon, Pennsylvania encompasses a mix of state park campgrounds, private facilities, and lakeside recreation areas within the forested central region of the state. Black Moshannon State Park Campground serves as a centerpiece for outdoor recreation in the area, featuring 73 sites with electric hookups and 20 cabins along Moshannon Lake. Nearby Bald Eagle State Park offers both modern and primitive camping options, while private facilities like Woodland Campground and Bellefonte-State College KOA provide additional accommodations. The region sits within easy access to Penn State University and is surrounded by the rolling hills and forests of central Pennsylvania.

Most campgrounds in the Moshannon area operate seasonally from mid-April through mid-December, with peak season running May through October. Winter camping is limited, and reservations are strongly recommended during summer months and Penn State football weekends when facilities fill quickly. Cell service varies significantly throughout the region, with many state park locations having limited to no connectivity. Pennsylvania state parks enforce firewood restrictions to prevent the spread of invasive species, requiring campers to purchase wood locally or at campground offices. Weather in the region can be unpredictable, with temperatures often 5-15 degrees cooler in forested areas than in surrounding towns.

The camping experiences near Moshannon range from full-service RV sites to rustic tent-only areas. State parks typically offer clean, well-maintained facilities with modern bathhouses that receive consistent praise from visitors. According to reviews, "Pennsylvania State Parks have clean bathrooms offered at all the state parks we have visited." Family-friendly amenities include swimming beaches, boat rentals, and hiking trails. Pet-friendly sites are available at most campgrounds but may be limited to designated loops or areas. Many campgrounds feature water recreation, with Black Moshannon Lake permitting electric motorboats and offering rentals during the summer season. Fishing opportunities abound throughout the region's lakes and streams.

Best Camping Sites Near Moshannon, Pennsylvania (175)

    1. Black Moshannon State Park Campground

    24 Reviews
    Port Matilda, PA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (814) 342-5960

    $20 - $87 / night

    "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. "

    2. Primitive Camping Area — Bald Eagle State Park

    18 Reviews
    Howard, PA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (814) 625-2775

    $16 - $18 / night

    "The site itself was fairly uneven and rocky so we had to always use caution when walking around the site but it added to the rugged experience."

    "The rustic section was located around a large loop with each site ranging in a few feet from the car-friendly loop to about the 50 foot walk where our site was located."

    3. Russell P Letterman Campground — Bald Eagle State Park

    17 Reviews
    Howard, PA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (814) 625-2775

    $22 - $62 / night

    "Easy access to camp ground. The check in process was just to drive to the site and set up which was different but very easy. The sites are private on the sides with some green space to play on."

    "If you are not the camping type you can stay at the Nature Inn and enjoy the beautiful lodge in an amazing location! Definitely tops on our list of state parks in Pennsylvania!"

    4. Centre County Snow Shoe City Park

    3 Reviews
    Snow Shoe, PA
    3 miles
    Website
    +1 (814) 387-6299

    5. Bellefonte-State College KOA

    11 Reviews
    Howard, PA
    18 miles
    Website
    +1 (814) 355-7912

    "The section in the front of the park is open with spotty trees; whereas, sites in the back of the park are tucked in the woods and are a lot more private."

    "Very peaceful and quite, but close to State College (a must since we were in town for a Penn State game). I also loved historic Bellefonte (I highly recommend eating at the Governors Pub)."

    6. Woodland Campground

    4 Reviews
    Clearfield, PA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (814) 857-5388

    "Woodland campground in Woodland, Pennsylvania is a friendly family-owned campground. The grounds are a beautiful park-like setting with a lake and trails."

    7. Parker Dam State Park Campground

    18 Reviews
    Mill Run, PA
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (814) 765-0630

    $20 - $80 / night

    "There’s a little lake there, and a stream and some trails but in general it’s all pretty uninspiring."

    "These two sites are shaded, surrounded by trees and pretty much private to the rest of the "Modern" campground."

    8. The Bellefonte Campground

    1 Review
    Bellefonte, PA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (814) 810-9161

    $39 - $400 / night

    "Minimal noise from the highway, which was pleasantly unexpected being so close. They have some animals, like goats, as well in a little farm area. Nice new cabins too."

    9. Lower Campground — Kettle Creek State Park

    5 Reviews
    Westport, PA
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (570) 923-6004

    $27 / night

    "No water on sites but bibs near by to fill campers & jugs.

    Cindy in Admin VERY helpful."

    "great lake for kayaking or fishing. Nice campground and picnic area too. some very pretty views. lots of wildlife and trails too."

    10. Sinnemahoning State Park Campground

    9 Reviews
    Driftwood, PA
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (814) 647-8401

    $22 - $29 / night

    "Step inside to view elk bear birds and other wildlife! Learn about the building of the dam and the early days of the CCC camps."

    "There are a few nice scenic trails that go to the lake and through the woods. Some are kid bike friendly. The nature center is great! Kid friendly and fun!"

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Recent Reviews near Moshannon, PA

441 Reviews of 175 Moshannon Campgrounds


  • Daniel S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Curwensville Lake Campground

    Amazing

    Having PTSD and serious anxiety. This spot allows you to relax without to much concern,dogs welcome ,boating and swimming was awesome for around this area. Camping is great especially at night with boats on the water.

  • S
    Sep. 3, 2025

    Rothrock Roadside Campsites — Rothrock State Forest

    Nice spot to camp in the mountains

    First I'll just say that the Rothrock campsites should probably each be listed separately, rather than as a group; they are very spread out throughout the State Forest and each is a different experience.  This review will be for site 002 Colerain Road.  

    This site is accessed by driving up a bit of a winding dirt road up the mountain.  It's easy enough during the summer, though the road is narrow and you've got some sharp bends depending on which way you come from.  This road is not safe to access in the winter in my opinion.  

    The parking is just right off the road, and there's a picnic table and large stone fire ring near the parking.  There's a small path further up the hill into the woods where there is a tent pad, another fire ring and another picnic table.  There are also a lot of flat spots nearby for additional tents to be set up.  

    Just behind the upper tent site is the top of the mountain, and the site has their own private overlook to the valley below.  The site is pretty remote, though there were vehicles and the occasional biker coming up the road.  Traffic may have been busier than usual the weekend we went because there was the Mid Atlantic Overland festival nearby at the same time.  At one point a family parked in the campsite's parking to start a walk... (there's a better trailhead up closer to Indian Lookout they should have used).

    No hookups, water, bathrooms, etc; its fully primitive camping here.  Cell coverage was fine on Xfinity Mobile (Verizon). 

    These sites used to be totally free but they're now $10 a night.  You still need to book a while out if you want to be here on a weekend, especially during the fall when Penn State is playing.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 21, 2025

    Ravensburg State Park Campground

    Use lat and long to find peaceful woods by stream

    Nice and shaded! No one there but us in site 6, not even a ranger checked on us. Has modern toilets and shower. Most sites are spacious. They have nice raised tent pads. It’s very humid so many picnic tables have green moss.

    First come first serve but still had to pay transaction fee! which was annoying for our one night stay as if rather the state parks get that.

    Use lat and long coordinates for directions or you will be in the wrong spot.

  • Tiana S.
    Jul. 13, 2025

    STAR LEE FARM

    Great stay

    Place was very pretty and secluded. And customer service was excellent. There's a huge field to start gaze as well as taking pictures, lots of hiking and if you're a bee enthusiast they grow their own honey in the property and you're more than welcome to walk around and look at all the boxes. There's no electricity there but the owner is working on that but there is power in the shower house. Service is a little sketch but it's perfect for those who want to completely escape the business of modern world. Highly recommend

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 7, 2025

    Reeds Gap State Park Campground

    Awesome !

    Stayed here on a Sunday night without a reservation. We were the only ones there. Pay by honor system at the park office. Campground was quiet and lovely. Only 14 sites. Bathroom with hot showers is nearby. One shower stall in each bathroom and the showers had a large dressing area. Water is near the picnic pavilion.

  • Daniel S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Apr. 5, 2025

    Curwensville Lake Campground

    Perfect spring

    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. The dog swimming area was pretty cool. I'll be back.

  • TheKajrak
    Mar. 26, 2025

    Cherry Springs State Park Campground

    Absolutely worth it

    I'm disabled so kinda limited in what I can enjoy, but this place makes it pretty easy. All you really have to do is look up. We went during a full moon so didn't get the most out of it, but it was still beautiful. Plenty of space. Easy areas to walk if you have difficulty and can't go uphill, or struggle with balance and stability. But worst case, sitting around the fire and just enjoying gorgeous views, skies and time with family... Makes any trip worth it. Absolutely going again.

  • M
    Mar. 5, 2025

    Cherry Springs State Park Campground

    Nice peaceful campground

    It was cloudy the first night we stayed but I woke up in the middle of the night to the bright beautiful stars. The campground is beautiful and we had a great view of the sunset.

  • MThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 27, 2024

    Seven Points (PA)

    Beautiful Spot

    I’ve camped here twice, two years ago in a Kodiak tent and this year in my Airstream GT24. Such a lovely spot! It’s spotless, and Raystown Lake is gorgeous.


Guide to Moshannon

Camping near Moshannon, Pennsylvania, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and outdoor activities. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful retreat or a fun family adventure, there are plenty of campgrounds to explore.

What to do

  • Hiking: There are many trails to choose from. At Black Moshannon State Park Campground, one reviewer mentioned, "Great hiking and a beautiful lake for kayaking." The park has 24 miles of hiking trails, making it perfect for nature lovers.
  • Swimming and Kayaking: The lake at Parker Dam State Park Campground is a great spot for swimming and renting kayaks. A visitor noted, "There is a nice little lake area where you can rent kayaks and paddle boards."
  • Wildlife Watching: If you’re into wildlife, Sinnemahoning State Park Campground is known for elk sightings. One camper said, "The law enforcement/ranger was exceptionally helpful and friendly and he provided me with the locations of current elk sightings."

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate well-maintained bathrooms. A review for Greenwood Furnace State Park Campground stated, "The shower house is nice, nothing too fancy but clean."
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. At Bellefonte-State College KOA, a visitor mentioned, "The sites are nicely laid out with level gravel and a fire ring."
  • Quiet Atmosphere: Campers enjoy the peacefulness of the area. One review for Poe Paddy State Park Campground said, "If you're looking for a quiet campground in the woods, this is it!"

What you should know

  • Limited Cell Service: Many campgrounds have poor or no cell service. A camper at Black Moshannon State Park Campground noted, "Verizon and AT&T cell service were basically non-existent."
  • Primitive Amenities: Some sites are more rustic. A review for Bald Eagle State Forest mentioned, "These sites are primitive and spread out, but absolutely free if you have a permit!"
  • Seasonal Availability: Check the camping season for each site. For example, Parker Dam State Park Campground is open from the 2nd Friday in April to mid-December.

Tips for camping with families

  • Playgrounds: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds for kids. At Parker Dam State Park Campground, a reviewer mentioned, "There is a jungle gym in the middle of the campground."
  • Family-Friendly Activities: Choose campgrounds that offer activities for all ages. One camper at Bellefonte-State College KOA said, "The bike trails/course at the KOA were absolutely awesome!"
  • Safety: Ensure the campground has a secure environment. A visitor at Bellefonte-State College KOA appreciated the "added security with the entrance gate."

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Size: Make sure the sites can accommodate your RV. A review for DuBois / Treasure Lake KOA noted, "Most sites are huge."
  • Level Pads: Look for campgrounds with level gravel pads. A camper at Parker Dam State Park Campground mentioned, "Pads are gravel and most appeared to be level."
  • Dump Stations: Ensure there are sanitary dump stations available. One review for Sinnemahoning State Park Campground highlighted, "The park visitor's center has many participatory A/V camping and wildlife exhibits."

Camping near Moshannon, Pennsylvania, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Moshannon, PA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Moshannon, PA is Black Moshannon State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 24 reviews.