Howard, Pennsylvania sits adjacent to multiple state park camping areas, with Bald Eagle State Park offering both developed and primitive camping experiences. The primitive camping area provides rustic tent and RV sites with vault toilets and water pumps scattered around a one-way loop, while the Russell P. Letterman Campground offers more modern amenities including electric hookups, showers, and sewer connections. Beyond state parks, the region includes private options like Bellefonte-State College KOA and Farm on the Creek, which accommodate tent campers, RVs, and cabin stays. Most campgrounds in the area feature fire rings, picnic tables, and access to the waters of Bald Eagle Lake.
Camping season varies significantly across Howard-area campgrounds, with most state park facilities operating from April through October or early December. Primitive sites typically have shorter seasons, while more developed areas maintain longer operational periods. Many campgrounds require advance reservations, particularly for weekend stays during summer months. Cell service can be inconsistent throughout the region, with some campgrounds offering good connectivity while others provide a more disconnected experience. Water access points are common but may be crowded during peak season. According to one visitor, "The campground can host tents, as well as RVs/campers, and includes clean bath houses with both toilets and showers. There is little to no phone service here and it's not super close to town, so come prepared."
Several campers highlight the night sky viewing opportunities in the region, with clear dark skies providing excellent stargazing conditions. Bald Eagle State Park receives consistently high ratings for its well-maintained facilities and spacious sites, though visitors note the rustic tent sites require short walks from parking areas along the loop road. Railroad tracks run near some primitive campsites, with one reviewer noting, "An active railroad sits about 75 feet away from several of the rustic sites. We noticed the 7 p.m. train on Saturday evening. What we didn't expect was being awoken at 5 a.m. to a freight train blowing through full steam." Sites vary considerably in privacy and shade coverage, with some offering secluded woodland settings while others are more exposed. Local wildlife sightings commonly include raccoons, with campers occasionally mentioning bears in the vicinity.
$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."
$20 - $95 / 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!"
"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)."
"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."
$15 - $118 / 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. "
$15 - $25 / night
$160 - $259 / night
"It is isolated with a great view of the lake and mountain side."
$16 - $43 / night
"The campground was maybe only 1/2 full and the camp sites near us were empty so we had a very quiet and peaceful weekend. The creek and river are perfect for curious little ones to explore."
"We had site 108 and had a site path right to the creek. I wouldn't recommend big campers as most of the spots would be a pain to back into."
$15 - $52 / night
"Far enough away from cities that it's nice and quiet"
"We did take the hunter's path, off the beach parking lot, to the mid state trail but it was straight up the mountain and quite difficult. The beach was nice, not crowded, soft sand, and warm water."
$20 - $52 / night
"Bordering bald eagle state forest, RB winter is in a serene wilderness. Nice campground, I have been here many times. The swimming area is a favorite during the summertime."
"So beautiful and away from everything!"
TravelerIve camped at Black Moshannon State Park many times both in a tent and our camper. The Park has tent only, electric and full hookup sites. It is well cared for and clean. The bathhouses are nice and well maintained. The Park itself offers a lot to do with fishing. Hiking, the beach, kayak rentals, etc. I've never had a bad time at Black Moshannon and will keep coming back.
TravelerWe camped for the first time here in June 2025 for a few nights. The lower campground is nicely situated right next to the creek, perfect for fishing. I will say some of the sites a very tight if you have a large camper. The bathhouse was very clean and modern. The state park itself is okay. Not one of my favorites.
TravelerWe absolutely love camping here, we've been at multiple sites, electric only and full hookup and they never disappoint. The sites are big and spaced far apart. Its a quiet park at night, but thers plenty to do during the day.
TravelerWe didn’t stay over night, we just need to use the dump and refill water. We paid $15 and drove around the place.
ScoutVery nice PA State Park Campground. 30/50A pedestals, but water is available only at scattered nearby potable hydrants to fill tanks. One is available right at the campground entrance adjacent to the dump station, but others are available amongst the campsites. Very peaceful & quiet during my Nov. 2025 visit, but there’s only very few campers here. Getting here is off the beaten path but worth it if you want to electronically disconnect.
ScoutIt’s the darkest quietest place I have ever camped!
TravelerFirst, I highly recommend this campsite to everyone. I'm a camping beginner and don't know many other places, but at least the owner here was extremely kind and the bathrooms were super clean. It makes me worry about going to other campsites. lol I think beginners can use this campsite with peace of mind. Actually, right before I left the site this time, my car battery died. A man staying nearby noticed immediately, told the owner, and got me help. He seemed to have left for somewhere else right after, so I couldn't thank him in person. So, I'd like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude. The owner also handled everything very kindly, without a single frown. Thank you so, so much. I will definitely come back here. Next time, in a warmer season. lol Everyone, please give it a try. You won't regret it!
ScoutClean and well taken care of, pretty quiet. Would definitely stay here again but a few things to keep in mind.
For kids the play grounds are run down. Also no real “dog run”. All in all if your a couple wanting to go relax its great, but if you have pets and or younger kids there isn’t much on the grounds.
ScoutNice campsite and cool view but be prepared to have a lot of bikers walking around the campground or stopping for lunch at near by sites. Also would recommend 4 wheel drive vehicles to drive to site, steep dirt roads to access it. It has a nice water front view but if seclusion is something you would like this spot may not be for you.
Howard, Pennsylvania sits along the edge of Bald Eagle Mountain at an elevation of approximately 650 feet. Summer temperatures typically range from 55°F to 85°F, while winters can drop below freezing with occasional heavy snowfall. Camping spots near Howard, Pennsylvania include both primitive sites with limited amenities and developed campgrounds with modern facilities, offering varied experiences throughout the three-season camping period.
Hiking trails: Several campgrounds provide direct access to forest trails. At Poe Valley State Park Campground, one visitor noted, "We did take the hunter's path, off the beach parking lot, to the mid state trail but it was straight up the mountain and quite difficult."
Kayaking and paddling: Foster Creek and surrounding lakes offer water recreation opportunities. A camper at Poe Valley mentioned, "It's a great lake to kayak or paddle board on." Another visitor at Black Moshannon State Park Campground reported, "Nice campground with quiet 250 acre lake for kayaking. Good birding."
Creek exploration: Several campgrounds feature small creeks ideal for wading. At Poe Paddy State Park, a reviewer shared, "The creek that runs through Poe Paddy is awesome for wading and people also tube it when conditions are right."
Wildlife viewing: The area hosts diverse bird and animal species. A visitor at Bald Eagle State Park Russell P Letterman Campground observed, "We watched the eagles all day. One of the best experiences ever."
Private, wooded sites: Many campers seek secluded spots away from crowds. At Poe Paddy State Park Campground, one reviewer appreciated that "The sites I prefer are well-shaded, fairly large, surrounded by trees, and private (but you'll be able to hear a couple neighbors)."
Rustic experience: Some campers prefer minimalist accommodations. A visitor at the Primitive Camping Area at Bald Eagle State Park wrote, "The rustic campground has some parking sites, but we are most fond of the sites with a short walk in. Usually they're very private."
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathrooms receive consistent praise. At Farm on the Creek, a visitor simply stated, "Primitive and quiet in nature. Great little creek for skipping stones and catching crayfish."
Disconnected setting: Limited cell service is viewed positively by many. As one camper at Poe Paddy State Park noted, "No cell phone coverage (that is a plus for us!). The park is small but wonderful, right in the middle of some beautiful country."
Site selection matters: Campground layouts vary significantly. At Bellefonte-State College KOA, one camper advised, "All the regular pull through sites in the old part are very tight and dusty. We had to move the fire ring so it wouldn't be under our awning."
Limited services: Many campgrounds have minimal amenities. A Poe Paddy visitor explained, "It's a great small campground that has basic amenities. There is NO cell service and park rangers do 'rounds' but aren't stationed at the site."
Water access varies: Beach and lake conditions differ between parks. At Black Moshannon, a camper observed, "Water was thick with weeds & lilies but ok nonetheless."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near Howard, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Howard, PA is Primitive Camping Area — Bald Eagle State Park with a 4.4-star rating from 18 reviews.
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