Camping options near Lemont, Pennsylvania range from primitive tent sites to modern RV facilities, all set within the mountainous terrain of central Pennsylvania. Most campgrounds sit at elevations between 1,500-2,000 feet, creating cooler nighttime temperatures even during summer months. Water features are common at many camping areas, with several lakes and streams providing recreation opportunities during the typical April to October camping season.
What to do
Fishing and boating access: Bald Eagle State Park offers a 1,730-acre lake that's popular for various water activities. "Great camping area stop a mountain...nice unique lake that is incredibly dark in color. Lilly pads abound with great flowers," notes a camper at Black Moshannon State Park Campground.
Educational programs: Several parks provide ranger-led activities, particularly during summer months. At Greenwood Furnace State Park Campground, "The blacksmith shop was very educational! Great trails to hike! You can pick up a compass at the ranger station and complete a compass course! Beginner course available!"
Swimming beaches: Multiple state parks maintain designated swimming areas with sandy beaches. At Poe Valley State Park, "The beach was nice, not crowded, soft sand, and warm water. It's a great lake to kayak or paddle board on."
Historic exploration: Several parks preserve industrial heritage sites. At Greenwood Furnace, visitors appreciate the "Cool history! Very interesting history of the old furnaces. Gorgeous park - very PA-scenic!"
What campers like
Secluded sites: Many campers value the privacy available at certain parks. At Penn Roosevelt State Park Campground, "It was so secluded, I heard nothing but nature for over an hour before a plane flew over."
Natural water features: The region's lakes and streams receive high marks. At Poe Valley State Park, "Lots of fishing, swimming and you can rent kayaks or paddle boats. Beach had a concession stand and camping was very shaded and secluded!"
Dark skies: Low light pollution makes stargazing possible. At Reeds Gap State Park Campground, visitors appreciate seeing "the Milky Way" due to "little light pollution."
Digital disconnection: The remote nature of many sites limits technology access. At Poe Valley, "There isn't any cell service as you are way back in the mountain but it's so beautiful and relaxing you won't care!!"
What you should know
Road access challenges: Some campgrounds have difficult approach roads. At Greenwood Furnace, "We suggest avoiding heading south from I80 on Casanova road" as GPS "brought us in the most difficult way."
Limited facilities: Many state parks provide basic amenities only. At Penn Roosevelt, visitors note it's "A quiet, peaceful campground. The area has lots of hikes to offer including the Alan Seeger State Forest, Midstate Trail and several others. It's a bit primitive having only bathrooms and water in several spots in the campground."
Variable site quality: Campsite conditions can differ significantly. 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."
Weather preparedness: Mountain conditions can change quickly. For camping at Greenwood Furnace, one visitor recommends: "bring layers + raincoats as the PA mountain weather can be iffy!"
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Several parks offer programs specifically for children. At Black Moshannon, "The park also runs a ton of classes for different things like fly fishing, hiking, etc."
Playground access: Many campgrounds include play areas. At Reeds Gap, "the playground might be the pearl for a mom or dad."
Biking opportunities: Paved campground roads are popular for kids' cycling. At Greenwood Furnace, "The park is great for kids. Paved roads so they can ride their bikes."
Swimming options: Sandy beaches with gradual entry points work well for families with children. At Bellefonte-State College KOA, visitors enjoy "a nice pool, splash park, and bouncy pillow."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: Many campgrounds require equipment for leveling. At Bellefonte-State College KOA, "Make sure you have leveling tools as the sites are not very level side-to-side."
Access challenges: Some sites have difficult approaches. At Bellefonte-State College KOA, "Some pull-thru sites have a very steep short hill to go up which made for some RV's scraping bottom."
Hookup variations: Water and electrical connections differ between parks and sites. At Russell P Letterman 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."
Size limitations: Many state park campgrounds accommodate only smaller RVs. For those with larger rigs, the Bellefonte-State College KOA offers sites "ranging from full hookup deluxe, full hookup 50A, full hookup 30A, and water/30A only."
