Joanna H.
Scout
Scoutmoshannon Forest
Great quiet spot
Only one pull in spot but we made do and it was lovely. Perfect for a place to rest when passing through.
Camping near Howard, PA
193 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Search destinations
Add dates
SUMMARY PRESENTED BY
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 (193)
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 $20 - $22 / 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 $26 - $113 / 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 $24 - $159 / 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 $238 - $326 / 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 $20 - $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 $24 - $108 / 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 $24 - $61 / night
Check Availability
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 193 Howard Campgrounds
Cheryl W.
Russell P Letterman Campground — Bald Eagle State Park
Chelsea H.
Primitive Camping Area — Bald Eagle State Park
Nancy W.
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
Joanna H.
Poe Paddy State Park Campground
Chuck M.
Penn Roosevelt State Park Campground
Jamie B.
Holiday Pines Campground
Kassie F.
Bald Eagle State Forest
Recent Reviews near Howard, PA
538 Reviews of 193 Howard Campgrounds
Jess B.ScoutSplash Magic RV Resort
Horrible
Horrible stay brown water Dep had them on boil water went down hill the past 4 yrs
TSWX3475 B.
TravelerShikellamy State Park Campground
Shikallamy Marina
It's a nice park but it's daytime only there's no camping here
christian G.
GuideRussell P Letterman Campground — Bald Eagle State Park
Loved it
Its was great, we stayed in new area, sites had ample room, not many trees at our spot so summer there wouldnt be much shade but we were next to a retention pond/drainage. We brought our dig whole loved running through there.
Not much to say besides it was clean, not crowded (in November) and decent spacing between sites
- christian G.Guide
Bellefonte-State College KOA
Easy
It was overall good, Nice amenities, pool was clean (3ft-5ft) Splash pad, air pillow, playground, pond, etc
It has nice wooded areas but very compact, if you have a large camper id be concerned with trying to make some turns on the upper area
- KKelly S.Scout
Wilson Boondock Hollow
Awesome hospitality !
Micheal met us with a welcome packet, delivered campwood at a very reasonable price (and loaned us a hatchet), clean facilities and hot shower were a bonus!
Very responsive to messages and an overall delightful experience. Great bird watching and a huge herd of deer came to visit too.
Erik C.GuidePrimitive Camping Area — Bald Eagle State Park
Good little campground
Stayed for 2 nights with my pup. Nice, private, walk up tent sites maybe 50 yards or so from the road. Didn’t find too much to do trails wise at the campground but the pond nearby has some lovely views and the park across the bridge has a nice beach for swimming.
- ssusan F.
RangerGreenwood Furnace State Park Campground
Quiet and private - beach and extensive hiking
Fabulous campground, off the beaten path. Stayed here 2 nights and enjoyed walking to the beach and hiking some of the extensive trail system. Campsites are well spaced and private. Although most are on on a slight hill, our parking spot was level and it appeared most others were as well.
- ddonald G.Scout
Riverside Campground & Riverside Roadhouse
Quite local spot
Quiet spot along the river with a nice restaurant, pool, and live music regularly.
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
What camping is available near Howard, PA?
What camping is available near Howard, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Howard, PA offers a wide range of camping options, with 193 campgrounds and RV parks near Howard, PA and 1 free dispersed camping spot.
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 4.5-star rating from 19 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Howard, PA?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Howard, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Howard, PA.
Keep Exploring