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Best Tent Camping near Howard, PA

502 Reviews

Central Pennsylvania's forested terrain near Howard provides several tent camping options within surrounding state forests and parks. Penn Roosevelt State Park Campground offers tent-only sites, some of which are situated near water with good spacing between campsites. Additional tent sites can be found at Ravensburg State Park Campground approximately 20 miles north of Howard and Reeds Gap State Park Campground about 25 miles to the east, both offering varying levels of accessibility and amenities.

Most tent campgrounds feature basic facilities with picnic tables and fire rings at each site. Penn Roosevelt provides a primitive camping experience with toilets but no showers, making it suitable for campers seeking a more rustic experience. Ravensburg offers clean, modern toilets and sites with raised tent pads, though some picnic tables may develop moss due to the humid conditions. Both parks operate on a first-come, first-serve basis, though Reeds Gap does accept reservations. Water access varies between locations, with Penn Roosevelt offering drinking water at several spots throughout the campground, while some of the more remote forest sites require campers to bring their own supplies.

Sites farther from main roads provide greater seclusion for tent campers seeking quiet experiences. The natural surroundings offer opportunities for hiking, with trail access available from many of the campgrounds. Penn Roosevelt connects to numerous trails within Rothrock State Forest, while Ravensburg features sites near a stream that adds ambient natural sound. According to one visitor, "Penn Roosevelt is a quiet, peaceful campground with lots of hikes to offer including the Alan Seeger State Forest, Midstate Trail and several others." Another camper noted that at Reeds Gap, "There's a creek along the outside and a nice easy hiking trail that follows it," highlighting the natural features that enhance the tent camping experience in the region.

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Best Tent Sites Near Howard, Pennsylvania (50)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Howard, PA

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Tent Camping Reviews near Howard, PA

502 Reviews of 50 Howard Campgrounds

  • S
    Sep. 3, 2025

    Rothrock Roadside Campsites — Rothrock State Forest

    Nice spot to camp in the mountains

    First I'll just say that the Rothrock campsites should probably each be listed separately, rather than as a group; they are very spread out throughout the State Forest and each is a different experience.  This review will be for site 002 Colerain Road.  

    This site is accessed by driving up a bit of a winding dirt road up the mountain.  It's easy enough during the summer, though the road is narrow and you've got some sharp bends depending on which way you come from.  This road is not safe to access in the winter in my opinion.  

    The parking is just right off the road, and there's a picnic table and large stone fire ring near the parking.  There's a small path further up the hill into the woods where there is a tent pad, another fire ring and another picnic table.  There are also a lot of flat spots nearby for additional tents to be set up.  

    Just behind the upper tent site is the top of the mountain, and the site has their own private overlook to the valley below.  The site is pretty remote, though there were vehicles and the occasional biker coming up the road.  Traffic may have been busier than usual the weekend we went because there was the Mid Atlantic Overland festival nearby at the same time.  At one point a family parked in the campsite's parking to start a walk... (there's a better trailhead up closer to Indian Lookout they should have used).

    No hookups, water, bathrooms, etc; its fully primitive camping here.  Cell coverage was fine on Xfinity Mobile (Verizon). 

    These sites used to be totally free but they're now $10 a night.  You still need to book a while out if you want to be here on a weekend, especially during the fall when Penn State is playing.

  • Joann&WellsThePup I.
    Jul. 14, 2021

    Penn Roosevelt State Park Campground

    Quiet camping

    Beautiful primitive campground (tent only). Get a site on the outside towards the water. They are spaced out and peaceful. Has restrooms (no shower), picnic table, and fire pit at each site. Short walk to creek and beautiful pond.

  • Cam N.
    Aug. 16, 2018

    Primitive Camping Area — Bald Eagle State Park

    Watch for trains

    I throughly enjoyed my time at Bald Eagle State Park. We stayed at a tent site, I believe 58 in the rustic camping section. 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. While this is a primitive site, planning ahead you can place yourself near the vault toilets. If there was running water in the bathrooms– we didn’t find it! There are several water pumps located around the loop and we used that for washing dishes. Our site had space for two tents with a nice fire ring and picnic table. The fire ring was actually one of the best I have experienced– featuring a grill grate with adjustable levels for exposure to heat. The site also had a hook for keeping food or garage elevated from critters. Hammock lovers: we had plenty of trees to easily string our hammock near the picnic table/fire ring. Now the trains. 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– really gets your heart pumping– did not need coffee that morning. The rustic area also has access to a trail that loops about two miles near the lake and rustic campground. It was a fun place!

  • Mary H.
    Jun. 13, 2019

    Upper Campground — Kettle Creek State Park

    Upper campground: Rustic, remote, restful

    The upper campground has a rustic feel, beautiful views and is a great location for wildlife encounters. While it has some amenities (electric on a few RV sites; scullery area near the pit toilets; showers available at lower campground), these grounds are away from the bustle of the outside world. We are tent campers, and without the need for hookup and never having been there, we reserved site 45--but do not recommend it for its challenging slope. When a loud, disrespectful family set up nearby that first night for a long weekend, we spoke with the camp host (helpful, amenable Jim), who suggested we ask about site 71, the most removed of all the sites. Went to the camp office and obtained it for the rest of our week-long stay--and it was perfect. (While it had a hookup that we didn't need/use, we did pay extra for it--but well worth the seclusion.) Super quiet back there and totally private. Some of the rustic tent sites looked lovely, too (did not note best site numbers; sorry), but we cannot recommend #71 enough. If you're an RV camper, however, the sites with the vista views overlooking the reservoir are amazing, if not somewhat close together. 

    We wanted to encounter wildlife; went looking for it and found it! Everything seemed to be about an hour or more away on winding roads, but that was okay; love the meandering. We went to:  

    • Hyner View (gorgeous vistas -- and also came across a mama rattlesnake sunning on a back road and took photos from the safety of our car!); 
    • Pine Creek Gorge (Leonard Harrison State Park) more amazing views; 
    • Benezette to find elk (wild herd at dusk on Winslow Hill, complete with mama and baby--then three buck sauntering through town!); and 
    • lovely nearby Kettle Creek Vista. We also saw a few elk and lots of deer as we drove along the river's edge over the Leidy Bridge. 

    Pennsylvania is gorgeous!

    We also enjoyed meeting Julie at the Lock Haven Visitors' Center and had our only meal out at Deb's in Cross Fork. For ice cream treats (a weakness): Ice Shack near Lock Haven; Old Bull Cafe in Benezette; the kiosk at the top of Pine Creek Gorge. 

    A very restful, quiet week in early June was just what we needed, and Kettle Creek State Park Upper Campground was wonderful.

  • Napunani
    Jun. 25, 2022

    Russell P Letterman Campground — Bald Eagle State Park

    Park Mowers Trashed Our Campsite

    PROS

    Senior discount $18 

    Able to reserve 334 days prior to arriving

    Campground quiet but can hear PA 150 road noise 

    Great night sky viewing 

    Nice privacy from side neighbor's campsite 

    Asphalt parking pad 

    Large gravel around pad to include firepit and utility hook up 

    Grass around gravel, but was mid-calf high 

    Metal fire pit which was cleaned out upon arrival 

    Lantern pole 

    8 miles off of Interstate 80 

    Firewood for sale at the campground; $6 bundle 

    Park is good proximity to Penn State University and Central Pennsylvania 

    Country Pride Restaurant Milesburg (TA truck stop off of Interstate 80) has some terrific food! 

    4 bars Verizon 

    CONS

    $6.50 reservation fee for self made online reservation 

    One day while away from our campsite, park personnel mowed  mid-cafe high grass at and around our site and the mowers threw grass all over our table with a table cloth, chairs, trailer, driveway...you name it...it was covered with grass. Why the mowers didn’t direct the mowed grass AWAY from our items is beyond me. What a mess!!! 

    Check-in clerk at park office was disturbed we checked in with her. Told us just to go to site. Could not tell us if site was vacated. We had to ask for a park map and directions to campground/campsite since this was first time visiting 

    Site MO45 unlevel from side to side 

    Site MO45 NO shade as was the case with most of the FHU campsites

    Metal frame wood top table in bad condition 

    Need pathway from upper campsite to toilet/shower building…have to wade thru mid-calf high grass if you don’t walk on the roadway 

    Toilet/shower facility lit up like a Christmas tree 

    Toilet/shower facility cleaned on Wednesdays only, according to sign on door 

    No WiFi

  • J
    Sep. 19, 2021

    Poe Paddy State Park Campground

    Great little campground

    I’ve stayed here twice for camping trips. It’s a great small campground that has basic amenities. The experience is likely highly site dependent, as there are a few distinct areas to stay depending on your needs and luck. There is NO cell service and park rangers do “rounds” but aren’t stationed at the site. There are a couple of water pumps, several well-maintained pit toilets, and an emergency phone. It’s about 20-30 min to gas. There’s no camp store here but about 3.5 miles away at Poe Valley there’s a store, real bathrooms and showers, kayaking rentals, etc. There’s a guy that sells firewood just past Poe Valley. The Poe Paddy sites I prefer are well-shaded, fairly large, surrounded by trees, and private (but you’ll be able to hear a couple neighbors). Dogs are only allowed in the RV loop, which is intense gravel, so be sure you have a good sleeping pad if you’re tent camping. The campground is in the middle of the dense Bald Eagle State Forest with lots of hiking opportunities. The creek that runs through Poe Paddy is awesome for wading and people also tube it when conditions are right. Get a Purple Lizard map for best enjoyment of the area.

  • Danielle
    Apr. 12, 2021

    Bald Eagle State Forest

    Dispersed Site #13; Pretty, loud, not accessible for pop up campers

    Husband and I set off for a weekend of boon docking at Bald Eagle State Forest in our little pop up camper. We stayed at site #13, which is a dispersed site- not in the campground. 

    Picture a lovely large, round grassy meadow surrounded by trees at the end of a long gravel road. Picnic table, fire ring, one pretty tree in the center, and a babbling brook down below the site. It looks so perfect! Now picture large boulders preventing any wheeled vehicle (including a light little pop up) from rolling into said field. Add in that the I-80 interstate is so close that you can see trucks through the trees in some places- not to mention hear them all.night.long. Would we camp here again? Nope. We would not. Would this be right for some? Probably yes- especially tent campers, loud groups, and those who feel safer with road noise in the background. 

    This site was not listed as"tent only", and I suppose being able to set up on the gravel road did work. But I was majorly bummed we couldn't set up at the back of the actual site itself. The road set up was not nearly as nice. You can see in my photos the size of the site, and the boulders, and where we ended up setting up. 

    I will also mention that the road getting here involved a hairpin turn (from Long Run Rd. onto Ransaires Rd.) that large set ups would not be able to make. We made it work and we had a great trip.

    Not what we expected, but we still had a good time. We will try again at Bald Eagle State Forest, but would not choose this site again.

  • Travis S.
    Jul. 27, 2017

    Black Moshannon State Park Campground

    Red Mo

    Nice campground, wooded sites and most were okay for tent camping however some required your tent to be set up a small distance from the fire ring. Clean showerhouses and bathrooms. Big Lake and a few miles of hiking and biking trails right from the campground.

    The Iron Ore mines from the past have left the creek water stained red which is why its called the Red Mo with the locals.

  • David A.
    Aug. 23, 2025

    Tiadaghton Campground — Tioga State Forest

    Tiadaghaton State Forest, PA

    Roadside site 1/4 mile from the nearest site. You can drive right to the site on Hackett Rd. Very secluded and peaceful. Picnic table and fire ring, but no water or latrine.

Guide to Howard

Howard, Pennsylvania tent camping options span several state forests at elevations between 1,200-2,000 feet. The heavily wooded region contains multiple stream-fed camping areas within Bald Eagle, Tiadaghton, and Rothrock State Forests. Seasonal considerations are significant with campgrounds typically closing from late fall through early spring, though Penn Roosevelt remains open year-round.

What to do

Hiking access from campsites: Ravensburg State Park offers trails right from the campground. "There are few hiking trails; short and long that take you to beautiful views along the creek with a couple of places deep enough to swim," notes camper Laura about Ravensburg State Park Campground.

Creek exploration: Many campsites provide water access. At Reeds Gap State Park Campground, Rebecca G. shares that "There's a nice creek that rund through it, picnic pavilions and a playground for the kids!"

Digital detox: Several campgrounds have minimal or no cell service. "Put your phone away cuz there's no cell service here! Nice and peaceful with a dozen or so tent only sites," reports Danielle C. about Reeds Gap.

What campers like

Primitive camping experience: Sites at Penn Roosevelt offer a more rustic experience. "Beautiful primitive campground (tent only). Get a site on the outside towards the water. They are spaced out and peaceful. Has restrooms (no shower), picnic table, and fire pit at each site," writes Joann&WellsThePup I. about Penn Roosevelt State Park Campground.

Privacy between sites: Vegetation provides screening at many campgrounds. At Ravensburg, Traci F. notes, "There are bushes and trees between the sites and it feels very private. Sometimes it can feel too secluded but the park ranger drives through a number of times."

First-come availability: Many sites operate without reservation systems. "Stayed here on a Sunday night without a reservation. We were the only ones there. Pay by honor system at the park office," reports Cheryl K. about Reeds Gap.

What you should know

Seasonal variations: Winter camping presents specific challenges. Paige L. mentions about New Lancaster Valley Roadside Campsites, "Stayed during the winter so the park wasn't very busy but there was one other group of campers."

Road access considerations: Some campgrounds have challenging access roads. Chuck M. warns about Penn Roosevelt, "If you have a trailer, I do not recommend this spot. There is a very tight hairpin turn on the way in. My six foot long trailer barely made the turn!"

Navigation challenges: GPS directions can be unreliable. "Park is easily accessible from I-80, just be aware of your directions and make sure they're taking you to the park via Rocky Road. Mine did not, and I ended up down a seasonal road," reports Sarah C. about Ravensburg.

Tips for camping with families

Playground facilities: Some parks offer recreational facilities for children. At Reeds Gap, Paula L. notes, "The playground might be the pearl for a mom or dad," highlighting family-friendly amenities.

Tent pads for easy setup: Dedicated tent platforms make family setup easier. "They have nice raised tent pads," mentions Becky about Bonnell Flats Campground, pointing out features that facilitate tent setup.

Bathroom access: Consider proximity to facilities with children. John Z. notes about Reeds Gap, "Clean nice sites. Bathhouses were a little far away," which can be important information for families.

Tips from RVers

Limited RV amenities: Most sites are tent-focused with few RV accommodations. KK observes about Ravensburg, "Tent camped here one night, perfect for a quick little stopover. As other reviewers mention, it's right near a road so you hear car (and horse & buggy!) noise."

Small trailer warnings: Forest roads can present challenges. "Driving in I got a little worried I was getting lost, but I drove on," explains Chuck M. about Haneyville ATV Trail Site, highlighting access concerns.

Stream proximity noise: Water sounds can affect sleep for light sleepers. Sarah C. reports about Ravensburg, "If you camp on the sites by the river, be prepared for lots of noise from the rapids. It had been raining quite heavily all day, so this may have impacted the volume levels."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Howard, PA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Howard, PA is Penn Roosevelt State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 5 reviews.

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