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Scout
ScoutStanding Stone Farm
Very private campsite
Super nice owner and its a privately owned farm. Went above and beyond clearing out a spot for us with only 4 hours if advance
Camping near Howard, PA
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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.
Best Campgrounds near Howard (192)
1. Primitive Camping Area — Bald Eagle State Park
"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."
from $16 - $18 / night
Check Availability2. Russell P Letterman Campground — Bald Eagle State Park
"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!"
from $22 - $62 / night
Check Availability3. Bellefonte-State College KOA
"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."
4. Black Moshannon State Park Campground
"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. "
from $20 - $87 / night
Check Availability5. Farm on the Creek
from $15 - $25 / night
Check Availability6. The Nature Inn At Bald Eagle
"It is isolated with a great view of the lake and mountain side."
from $160 - $259 / night
Check Availability7. Poe Paddy State Park Campground
"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."
from $16 - $43 / night
Check Availability8. Poe Valley State Park Campground
"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."
from $20 - $57 / night
Check Availability9. Pear Tree Cove
from $85 / night
Check Availability10. Raymond B. Winter State Park Campground
"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!"
from $20 - $47 / night
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Drive Time
- 23 min from State College, PA
- 39 min from Williamsport, PA
- 51 min from Altoona, PA
- 1 hr 37 min from Harrisburg, PA
Recent Camping Photos near Howard, PA
208 Photos of 192 Howard Campgrounds
Danielle S.
Russell P Letterman Campground — Bald Eagle State Park
Chelsea H.
Primitive Camping Area — Bald Eagle State Park
Mike
Bellefonte-State College KOA
Jennifer D.
Farm on the Creek
sean A.
Sunrise Serenity Campground
Jen R.
Woodward Cave Campground
Amanda O.
Seven Mountains Campground
The Dyrt
Seven Mountains Campground
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Poe Paddy State Park Campground
Joann&WellsThePup I.
Penn Roosevelt State Park Campground
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Holiday Pines Campground
Joann&WellsThePup I.
Bald Eagle State Forest
Recent Reviews near Howard, PA
529 Reviews of 192 Howard Campgrounds
Chance H.ScoutBranch Camp
Great place
Other campers are nice and welcome. The river is close and just a great location.
- AAdam O.
TravelerLyman Run State Park Campground
Nice State campground.
They have 30 amp sites. No water but there is a dump station. Bring your Starlink there is no cell signal. Bathrooms are decent. Good Stargazing(head to nearby Cherry Springs). This is one of the most “out of the way” places in the eastern US. Not quite boon docking but close. There is a guy on the corner that sells firewood. Download maps to get in and out. Listen for the Elk. Watch for Bears.
Bob L.TravelerLeonard Harrison State Park Campground
Amazing campground, well maintained
Leonard Harrison State Park sits directly on the ridge of the Pine Creek Gorge, also known as the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon. Great hiking trails 800 feet down into the gorge where there is a flat rail trail of 65 miles for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. The campsites are roomy and set far apart. There are only about 30 sites and just 8 of them or so have electric. Bathrooms and showers are conveniently located and very clean. No cell service whatsoever, so bring your board games and cards.
Ann P.
RangerMedix Run Camping Area — Moshannon State Forest
Beautiful setting ruined, be warned
What a gorgeous area. Camp site has a path down to Medix Run (which seems quite clean) with a perfect spot to set out camp chairs and watch the water. Beautiful sounds of birds and spring wildflowers all over the site. Sites are well spaced. The road is surprisingly busy day and night, which did take away from the experience. Unfortunately that issue was dwarfed by other behavior.
Imagine you're sitting by the water on your campsite at 6pm, and a man is suddenly standing next to you. On your dispersed, state forest camp site. With a path only accessible by walking through the site. He tells you a beaver dam used to be here and goes into the water to fish. Weird things happen, but THREE different fishermen at different times used our campsite as their fishing base. Not the area next to it, the campsite. Even parked down the driveway next to our car.
Maybe you're not bothered by this. Maybe it's because you've read this and now had the chance to consider the possibility. However, I'd be willing to bet you'd rather not be surprised. Especially when there are no amenities and as a woman, you need to get partially undressed just to take a leak in the morning.
This is unacceptable behavior. There were other unoccupied campsites, turn offs and places to stop and fish. In all my life camping, no one has ever done this sort of thing. You stay off campsites when other people are there, unless you need help or want to pass on information.
If one person had done this, I wouldn't be writing such a cranky review but three instances warrants a warning for other campers. Good luck, folks.
michael R.
GuideCherry Springs State Park Campground
Great Stars, Better Campsites Elsewhere
The campground was decent enough, but I would probably skip it next time and stay in the state forest instead. The campsites are not especially private and while they are not directly on top of each other, you are definitely aware of nearby campers. That said, it is a great location for stargazing and the pit toilets are convenient if you prefer at least some amenities.
The biggest downside was the lack of firewood. None was available on site and there was little opportunity to gather any from the surrounding woods. After one night, I felt like I had gotten the experience. For my money, I would rather camp nearby in Susquehannock State Forest where you can find far more private and secluded spots for less cost. You give up amenities like toilets, but if privacy and a quieter camping experience matter more, the state forest feels like the better option while still keeping you close enough to enjoy the dark skies near Cherry Springs State Park.
One nearby spot that is absolutely worth the short drive is the Water Tank Vista overlook. The view alone makes the trip worthwhile, especially around sunset or on a clear day. If you are camping in the area, it is one of those places that feels like a hidden gem and adds a lot to the overall experience.
MsTrailBlazer 🏔.RangerLittle Buffalo State Park Campground
Campground away from park 👍🏻
Beautiful park, pool and lake. Great for boating and fishing, running or hiking and swimming. In may, it wasn’t busy, but I can imagine it gets packed. I will be back for summer.
- michael R.Guide
East Fork Rd Sites — Susquehannock State Forest
East Fork Road Site 011 Susquehannock Forest
The campsite is located about three miles down from Cherry Springs State Park and Campground, just off the road. It is visible from the road, so if complete privacy is important to you, keep that in mind. That said, the setting itself is beautiful, especially the drive in through the tall pine forests which immediately gave the area a peaceful feel.
The site has two good level tent spots and one semi level spot, all within view of where you park, which made unloading and setup easy. It took me roughly an hour to get camp fully set up. One thing to know going in: there is absolutely no cell service at least with T mobile, which can either be a huge positive or a dealbreaker depending on what you’re looking for.
One of the best features of the site is a nice trail leading back to a creek that you can hear flowing from camp. I spent some time walking along it and tossed a fishing line in a few times. The current was moving pretty fast and I did not see signs of fish during my visit, but it was still a relaxing place to explore.
Firewood was a mixed bag. There are plenty of fallen trees around, but much of it was surrounded by poison ivy, so gathering wood took a little caution. Bugs were present enough that I ended up using a head net in the evening, especially after dark.
For stargazing, the location was solid. I stayed up late and managed to catch three shooting stars. I brought a telescope but the angle of the sky from my setup made it harder to use than expected. If astronomy is your main goal, you may still want to head up to Cherry Springs proper for the best viewing experience.
Overall, this is a peaceful, simple campsite with good access to nature and a quiet atmosphere. Best suited for people who are okay disconnecting completely, enjoy creekside wandering and do not mind a more rustic experience. I would camp here again, especially for a quick getaway near Cherry Springs.
- SSean F.Guide
Pettecote Junction Campground
Full Service Camping on the River
This is a full service RV campground with nightly and seasonal stays. I was tent camping and, unlike most RV campgrounds, the dedicated tent area was very nice and right on the river. There’s a camp store, laundromat, showers and many different boats available for rent right in the campground. Very well run place and everything looked well kept.
The sites face a small mountain wall with the river at the base so very scenic. The river is fairly fast running so boating and swimming are for older kids/adults in this area or put in someplace calmer.
For those riding the MABDR, this is only 5 mins off the trail and a good place to relax before the final 70 miles through the PA Grand Canyon.
Guide to Howard
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.
What to do
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."
What campers like
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."
What you should know
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?
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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