Raystown Lake dominates the camping landscape near Hesston, Pennsylvania, with the reservoir spanning 8,300 acres and reaching depths of 185 feet. The surrounding Allegheny Mountains create significant elevation changes throughout camping areas, with many sites positioned on hillsides or multi-level terrains. Summer temperatures typically range from 75-85°F during the day, dropping to 60-65°F at night, creating ideal conditions for outdoor activities.
What to do
Mountain biking on Allegrippis Trails: The extensive trail system near Ridge Campground offers some of the best riding in the region. "The mtb trails begin just above the upper camp loops and provide a full day of fast flowing singletrack" according to Travis S. at Seven Points.
Visit Hesston Speedway: Located directly across from Seven Points main entrance, the raceway offers weekend entertainment. "We saw signs for Hesston Speedway which we want to visit next time we go. It's across from the campground main road entrance," notes Laure D. in her review of Seven Points.
Lake activities beyond swimming: Raystown Lake offers extensive boating opportunities with dedicated facilities. "The lake is beautiful and offers endless outdoor adventure—hiking, biking, fishing, boating, kayaking, and more," explains Shelby B. at Lake Raystown Resort.
What campers like
Secluded waterfront options: Susquehannock Campground offers primitive sites with excellent privacy. "We were right on the water, secluded from other campsites visually, though we could hear them on either side," shares Karie Anne P. about Susquehannock Campground.
Clean, modern facilities: The campgrounds maintain high standards for bathrooms and amenities. "The bathhouse (one in the loop) was clean with 3 showers... The dump station, as noted above had wide lanes and made the experience an easy and clean one," reports Tim J. in his review of Point Campground.
Stargazing opportunities: Dark skies make for excellent night viewing at certain locations. "Place was very pretty and secluded... There's a huge field to star gaze as well as taking pictures," notes Tiana S. about Star Lee Farm, one of the smaller camping options in the area.
What you should know
Boat-only access sites exist: Some campgrounds require watercraft to reach. "These campsites are accessible by boat ONLY! They are in an area of the lake that has a lot of boat traffic," explains Kristen H. about Nancy's Boat To Shore Campground.
Site reservations fill quickly: Popular sites, especially waterfront locations, book months in advance. "The waterfront sites are beautiful and well maintained, but difficult to book," warns Megan W. about Point Campground.
Elevation challenges: Many campgrounds feature significant slopes and multi-level sites. "The campsites are on slight inclines but they're still bearable. Also a lot of them are waterfront sites which is convenient for swimming in the summer," describes Madelyn D. about Susquehannock Campground.
Tips for camping with families
Look for playground access: Several campgrounds offer play areas for children. "Each loop has a playground and bathhouse. The visitors center has a great educational area inside and a nature trail outside," notes Rachel B. about Seven Points.
Consider the beach area: Dedicated swimming areas with amenities make for easier family outings. "We went down to the swim beach and our kiddo made sand castles and swam in the clear water," shares Jennifer D. about her experience at Seven Points.
Choose loops based on terrain: Some camping areas offer more level ground than others. "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," explains Travis S., making it easier for families with small children to navigate.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling considerations: Some campgrounds offer naturally level sites. "We pulled into Ridge Camp (RCAM on Recreation.gov) and drove a little bit down a hill to our site. One backup attempt into the site and (according to our LevelMatePRO app) it was perfectly level...that was definitely a first for us," shares Tim J. from Trough Creek State Park Campground.
RV size limitations: Not all campgrounds accommodate larger rigs. "Nice small park with gravel drives/roads and plenty of room for big rigs. All sites level with partial shade," explains Gary P. about Trough Creek State Park Campground.
Hookup variations: Electric and water access varies between campgrounds. "30 large sites with electric. Some shaded, some not. Bathrooms with flush toilets but showers are outside showers," describes Sara N. about Branch Camp, highlighting the need to verify specific amenities before booking.
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