Parker Dam State Park Campground offers year-round camping in the Pennsylvania Wilds. The campground sits at 1,968 feet elevation within a 968-acre forested park. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing, while summer days typically reach 75-85°F with cooler nights. Nearby Crooked Run Campground at Prince Gallitzin State Park provides water-based recreation on a 1,635-acre lake.
What to do
Elk viewing trips: 30-minute drive from Parker Dam State Park Campground to Benezette. "Great place for the entire family. Great hiking trails, the beach is great for kids, good fishing, and close to the Benezette Elk Viewing Area. Will definitely go back!" (Kevin E.)
BMX track access: Crooked Run Campground maintains a track for kids with bikes. "Has a beach on the lake. Affordable boat rentals. Bmx track for kids." (Jackie W.)
Fishing opportunities: Woodland Campground features a catch-and-release fishing pond on premises. "They have a fishing pond on site for the kids to fish. Not a huge place but it's a nice place for a quick getaway. Curwensville lake is not too far away and a golf course within 5 Miles." (Tim W.)
What campers like
Water recreation access: The lake at Woodland Campground offers multiple activities. "Great amenities, boat, fish, games, hike." (Charles K.)
Wildlife encounters: Deer often visit campsites at Parker Dam State Park. "Next to camp host who were terrific. Deer came up to campsite every morning. Came to do some elk viewing." (Shirley M.)
Quiet atmosphere: Medix Run Camping Area provides secluded sites. "It was incredibly quiet, no cell service, and I couldn't hear any of the neighboring campsites even though they were all full." (Kallan)
What you should know
Dog-friendly policies: Most campgrounds near Greenville enforce standard leash requirements for pets. Black Moshannon State Park Campground offers pet-friendly sites in designated areas. "The Park has tent only, electric and full hookup sites. It is well cared for and clean." (Graham S.)
Cell service limitations: Several campgrounds have limited connectivity. At Medix Run: "No cell service, near town with free wifi." (Zack B.)
Reservation timing: Book early for popular times. "Make a reservation way ahead of your date as this campground is very popular and sites book early." (Denise D.)
Varied bathroom facilities: Facilities range from modern to minimal. "The bathhouses are nice and well maintained." (Graham S.) At Clearview Campground: "No working toilets or shower. No WiFi, no pool, no pond or river, nothing for kids." (Paul Y.)
Tips for camping with families
Pack water treatment gear: For primitive sites near streams. "Nice sit with fire pit, picnic table, and short walk to a beautiful creek so no need to bring water if you can filter it." (Joann&WellsThePup I.)
Swimming options: Simon B. Elliott State Park lacks swimming facilities but is close to Parker Dam. "The park is small with not much in regard to activities/amenitites but nice for just a laidback/relaxed camping trip. Parker Dam is closeby with more to do and a store." (Casey L.)
Pet-friendly trails: Dog owners can access numerous walking paths for exercising pets. "SB Elliott SP is a tiny campground with quite a few flat places to take a stroll. The sites are decently sized for the size of the campground itself." (Danielle S.)
Tips from RVers
Site selection cautions: Check site specifications carefully. "Sites are all paved and many overlapping with fire rings right on the line between sites. Research your site before reserving." (Travis S.)
Arrival timing: During peak season, midweek arrivals offer better site selection. "Had my choice of sites, as it was mid-week and post-rain." (Madeleine B.)
Limited shade sites: Some campgrounds have few shaded spots for larger rigs. "Not a lot of trees in the middle, a LONG way off the road and not a lot of stuff to do without driving pretty far." (Tara B.)
Security checkpoints: For RVers heading to DuBois Treasure Lake KOA, prepare for entrance protocols. "It is very close to I80, however, there is a 5 mile drive thru a housing development where the 25 MPH speed limit is enforced by an overly zealous security guard." (Karen B.)
