Kevin M.
Traveler
TravelerDogwood Acres Campground
Well run
The staff here are amazing. Quiet time is respected, clean campground. Will come again.
Camping near Hesston, PA
23 campgrounds with availability this weekend
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Raystown Lake dominates the camping landscape near Hesston, Pennsylvania, with Seven Points campground serving as the primary developed camping area managed by the Army Corps of Engineers. The region includes multiple camping loops with varied terrain and amenities, from waterfront sites to more secluded wooded areas. Seven Points offers electric hookups at most sites, with accommodations for tents, RVs, and cabin camping across its six distinct camping loops. Other mixed-use campgrounds in the area include Lake Raystown Resort, Trough Creek State Park Campground, and smaller private operations like Nancy's Boat To Shore and Star Lee Farm.
Seasonal considerations shape the camping experience in this region, with most campgrounds operating from April through October. A camper noted, "We stayed in Senoia loop in site 236 which was spacious, private, and with a nice breeze!" Reservations are strongly recommended for waterfront sites, which typically book immediately when reservation windows open. The terrain throughout the Raystown Lake recreation area features significant elevation changes, with many sites split between different levels—parking pads on one level and fire rings or picnic tables accessed by stairs on another. Cell service is generally available but can be spotty in some of the more remote camping loops, particularly those farther from the main lake area.
Waterfront campsites represent the most sought-after camping options around Hesston, offering direct lake access for boating and swimming. According to visitor reports, "The sites were nice, there was some garbage left behind from prior campers but a nice layout." Mountain biking enthusiasts frequent the campground areas near the extensive Allegrippis Trail system, with Ridge camp providing the closest access to these trails. The campground facilities receive consistent praise for cleanliness and maintenance, with multiple bathhouses, playgrounds, and a beach area with concessions available during peak season. While the natural setting remains the primary draw, campers should be prepared for significant boat traffic and associated noise during summer weekends, as Raystown Lake is a popular boating destination in central Pennsylvania.
Best Campgrounds near Hesston (128)
1. Seven Points (PA)
"Campground Review: Located in the Raystown Lake Recreation Area is Seven Points. It has 6 different loops to choose from. Two are waterfront and view."
"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."
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $28 - $200 / night
2. Susquehannock
"We ended up with spot 3, which was on a cliff’s edge. So, it looked like it may be near the water, but there was no way down, and the forest obscured any view that may have been there."
"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."
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $25 - $32 / night
3. Lake Raystown Resort
"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."
4. Point Campground
"Lost a star for the long and steep incline walk to the bathrooms. Accessibility note: Careful if you have mobility issues. Many of the sites are terraced and require using steps."
"Wonderful views of the lake and the lake go-ers!"
5. Trough Creek State Park Campground
"We wanted to be close to Raystown Lake. Trough is quiet and small. It's really great if you're looking for a spot to "rough" it (not really, but closer than most!) with the kids. Awesome sites."
"Nice small park with gravel drives/roads and plenty of room for big rigs. All sites level with partial shade. Open, but with plently of space between sites. The trails are nice and very sceinic."
25 Sites AvailableAvailable this weekend
from $23 - $25 / night
6. Raystown Lake / Saxton KOA at Four Seasons
"The pavilion where all those activities happened were right next to our site (22 with the doggie den)."
"The staff here at Raystown Lake/Saxton KOA are great. They a friendly, willing to help anyway they can, and keep the place spotless."
Check Availabilityfrom $100 / night
7. Honey Bear Campground
"thankful to have raystown family campground so close to home. Can paddle and hike year round and camp in the spring, summer and fall."
"We called to make the reservation and told them we would be pulling in around 7 pm. Danielle (one of the owners) stated no problem, I will be here."
Check Availabilityfrom $1 - $395 / night
8. Branch Camp
"Bathrooms with flush toilets but showers are outside showers (ew). Situated along a creek connected to Raystown Lake."
"Flush toilets but showers are outside public showers (ew) ."
Check Availabilityfrom $9 / night
9. Nancy's Boat To Shore Campground (PA)
"They are in an area of the lake that has a lot of boat traffic, the waterfront spots usually book a few weeks in advance and are in a wake zone. There is mooring along both sides of the campground."
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $15 / night
10. STAR LEE FARM
"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"
Drive Time
- 39 min from Altoona, PA
- 50 min from State College, PA
- 1 hr 16 min from Johnstown, PA
- 1 hr 23 min from Chambersburg, PA
Recent Camping Photos near Hesston, PA
179 Photos of 128 Hesston Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Pleasant Hills CampgroundG
Seven Points (PA)
Point Campground
SusquehannockS
Trough Creek State Park Campground
James Creek RV Resort by Rjourney
Lake Raystown Resort
Timber Run Campground
Raystown Lake / Saxton KOA at Four Seasons
Pat's Primitive Place
Greenwood Furnace State Park Campground
Blue Knob State Park CampgroundL
Recent Reviews near Hesston, PA
496 Reviews of 128 Hesston Campgrounds
Matt S.
LegendLake Raystown Resort and Lodge
Enormous property, but...
We spent a long weekend for walks in the woods, seeing the fall colors, and all around a huge lake.
What We Liked:
- Even though the sites are sloped, they’re huge. I like that a lot.
- This property is enormous. They have a marina on the lake, a wedding facility, conference center, lots of cabins which look pretty good, and tent sites in addition to the RV sites. Go say hi to the goats behind the store. The property is amazing!
- If you’re interested, it’s a 90-minute drive to the Flight 93 Memorial— well worth the trip!
Things to Keep in Mind:
- The roads getting there are like a roller coaster. This isn’t the resort’s fault, but something you need to know if you’re going there.
- The sites are sloped. Took several blocks to get even close to level. I may be spoiled, but I really appreciate a level site.
- No sewer connection. There’s a dump station available, but just know the sites are water and electric only.
Would We Return?
- Probably not. It’s not fun driving in that area and there’s nothing much to do in the area.
- WWill W.
GuideCrooked Run Campground — Prince Gallitzin State Park
Very large CG. I car camped at site 066 (with electric) in mid-October and CG was 3/4 empty. Nice location on Glendale Lake with a beach and boat activities (for warmer months). Showers had no hot water but facilities were nice. Very little separation between sites. Nearby hunters discharging guns into evening hours.
- nnancy H.Guide
Hosack Run
Quiet & Dog friendly - 20minutes from Gettysburg Battfields
This pet friendly campground in Caledonia State Park is .8 miles from the larger Chinquapin campground (no pets), ranger station and swimming pool. Our site #171 was level, paved, full hook ups and next to modern clean bathrooms with flush toilets, warm showers and outside dish washing sinks. Many available sites with and without services on a Sunday in October. There were a good number of friendly, tidy, long term campers with large wall tents. (They allow 21 day stays after Labor Day)
- JJennifer H.
ScoutColonels creekside campground
Quite and Peaceful
We absolutely loved it. The camp spaces were a nice and spread out lot not congested actually it was really nobody here which I can’t believe because the place is absolutely beautiful. There is a little bit of noise from route 30 during the day, but you don’t hear really anything at night Plus there is a really great bar/restaurant about 100 yards away. Called Yionnis and their food is actually delicious.
Nancy B.
RangerShawnee 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
Lynette B.ScoutQuemahoning Family Recreation Area
Perfect
Perfect little campsite with voting access fishing rod says and very clean showers
Dakota J.ScoutYellow Creek Campground — Yellow Creek State Park
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- JJC T.Traveler
Cowans Gap State Park Campground
Great spot for a weekend away!
Very clean campgrounds with nice trails along the lake and the creek that feeds it! Plenty of space near swimming area and even a geocache to find!
Guide to Hesston
Camping options near Hesston, Pennsylvania center around Raystown Lake, the largest lake entirely within Pennsylvania at 8,300 acres with 118 miles of shoreline. The area sits within the Ridge and Valley physiographic province, with elevations ranging from 760 feet at the lake to over 2,300 feet on surrounding ridges. Most campgrounds operate seasonally from April through October, with some sites requiring reservations up to 6 months in advance.
What to do
Mountain biking access: Ridge Camp provides the most convenient entrance to the Allegrippis Trail system. "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!" reports a camper at Seven Points.
Hiking options: Trough Creek State Park offers scenic trails with unique geological features. "It has a nice hike up above a creek with a huge rock that appears ready to fall over the cliff with a simple touch. very neat," notes a visitor to Trough Creek State Park Campground.
Lake recreation: The lake provides extensive fishing, swimming, and boating opportunities. "There's a marina, a restaurant at the marina, a visitors center, and a bicycle 'course' for younger people I think," explains a camper from Seven Points. Boat rentals are available seasonally at some locations.
What campers like
Secluded waterfront camping: Susquehannock Campground offers primitive sites directly on Raystown Lake. "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. Some site right on the water, can walk right into the lake," reports a visitor to Susquehannock.
Well-maintained facilities: Campground facilities throughout the region receive consistent maintenance. "Great clean campground, easy to maneuver with a big rig, level sites, clean restrooms and shower rooms. Lots of great hiking, footpath around the park layered with recycled rubber was great to walk on," notes a camper at Seven Points.
Convenient boat access: Some campgrounds offer direct lake access for boats. "These campsites are accessible by boat ONLY! They are in an area of the lake that has a lot of boat traffic, the waterfront spots usually book a few weeks in advance and are in a wake zone," explains a visitor to Nancy's Boat To Shore Campground.
What you should know
Site terrain considerations: Many campsites throughout the area are built on slopes or uneven terrain. "Our site was carved out of the side of the hill with 3 wood walls. Our table and firepit were up several stairs/steps. This is a hilly area so your site is split and the two areas are on different levels," shares a visitor to Seven Points.
Limited cell service: Cell reception can be spotty throughout the area, especially in more remote campgrounds. "Service is a little sketch but it's perfect for those who want to completely escape the business of modern world," notes a camper at STAR LEE FARM.
Reservation timing: Waterfront sites book extremely quickly when reservation windows open. "We wanted a waterfront spot, and although we booked over a month in advance none were available," reports a camper at Susquehannock.
Frequently Asked Questions
What recreational activities are available at Raystown Lake in Hesston?
What recreational activities are available at Raystown Lake in Hesston?
Raystown Lake offers extensive recreational opportunities for outdoor enthusiasts. Visitors can enjoy swimming in designated beach areas, fishing, kayaking, and boating on the lake's expansive waters. Lake Raystown Resort provides access to many of these water activities. The area features numerous hiking trails and an extensive mountain bike trail system. Other popular activities include wildlife viewing, picnicking, and night sky observation. During summer months, some locations offer concession stands for visitor convenience. The variety of activities makes it ideal for families, with options suitable for all ages and interests.
Where is the Raystown Lake recreation area in Hesston, Pennsylvania?
Where is the Raystown Lake recreation area in Hesston, Pennsylvania?
The Raystown Lake recreation area is located in south-central Pennsylvania, near the community of Hesston. Seven Points (PA) is situated on the east side of the lake, offering beautiful waterfront views. The recreation area encompasses several thousand acres along the Raystown Branch of the Juniata River, with multiple access points around the lake. The area is easily accessible regardless of vehicle size, making it convenient for visitors traveling with various types of recreational vehicles.
Are there camping facilities at Raystown Lake near Hesston, Pennsylvania?
Are there camping facilities at Raystown Lake near Hesston, Pennsylvania?
Yes, Raystown Lake offers excellent camping facilities. Nancy's Boat To Shore Campground (PA) near Hesston provides both boat-in and drive-in access with reservable sites. Point Campground offers water access and is big-rig friendly. The area features over 200 campsites, many right on the water with options ranging from primitive tent sites to full-hookup RV spots. Campgrounds in the region typically provide clean facilities with amenities like showers, toilets, and in some cases, electricity. Most sites are reservable, which is recommended during peak summer months when the area becomes popular.
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