Camping in the central Pennsylvania region near Karthaus includes both rustic and developed sites at elevations between 1,000-1,800 feet. Most campsites open from April through October, with seasonal closures during winter months when temperatures typically drop below freezing. Cell phone reception varies greatly throughout the area, with most forest camping areas having limited or no service.
What to do
Kayaking on Kettle Creek: Visitors can launch directly from some campsites at Lower Campground — Kettle Creek State Park where creekside sites provide easy water access. "Great kayaking in creek above & below reservoir as well as res itself. Great fishing too!" notes Rebecca E. Sites along the creek offer the convenience of dropping kayaks directly into the water.
Wildlife viewing near Benezette: The camping areas around Karthaus provide access to Pennsylvania's elk country. From Medix Run Camping Area — Moshannon State Forest, campers are just "5-10 minutes away from Benezette and the PA elk herd. Town itself has a store and restaurants," according to Joann&WellsThePup I. Fall is optimal for elk viewing when bulls are bugling during mating season.
Hiking diverse trail systems: The region offers numerous hiking options ranging from easy walks to challenging backcountry routes. At Kettle Creek State Park, campers can create "a 7.5 loop out of the Nature Trail that starts at the upper campground, linking with the Butler Trail to the Kettle Creek Vista and returning on the Donut Hole," as John V. explains. Most trails are best hiked from late spring through fall when conditions are dry.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many top camping spots near Karthaus provide good separation between campsites. At Black Moshannon State Park Campground, campers appreciate that "spaces are clean and spacious, bath house is very well kept. Very peaceful and well maintained," according to Lisa L. The wooded surroundings create natural buffers between many campsites.
Clean shower facilities: Despite the rustic setting, several campgrounds maintain high-quality shower facilities. "The shower houses have always been the cleanest and best maintained of any state park we have been too!" reports Amber W. about Upper Campground — Kettle Creek State Park. Most shower facilities are available from April through October.
Quiet atmosphere: The remote nature of camping in this region means less crowded and quieter campgrounds. Mary H. found that Kettle Creek's upper campground offered "a very restful, quiet week in early June" and noted site 71 as "super quiet back there and totally private." Weekday camping typically offers the most solitude, particularly in May, early June, and September.
What you should know
Limited cell service: Most campgrounds around Karthaus have poor connectivity. At Sinnemahoning State Park Campground, Matt M. notes "No cell service at all - a blessing!!!" Plan routes and download maps before arrival, as GPS may be unreliable in remote areas.
Campground size variations: Campgrounds in the region range from very small to medium-sized. John V. points out that Sinnemahoning "is altogether too small — only 35 sites wedged between Rte. 872 and State Park Road — for the crowds it pulls." Reservations are essential during peak seasons and holiday weekends.
Wildlife encounters: Campers should be prepared for encounters with various wildlife. Travis S. warns that in Parker Dam State Park, "During the eight months the timber rattler is a common site along the roads and in the trails. Keep your eyes open and respect them." Proper food storage is essential at all campgrounds in the region.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer play areas for children. At Woodland Campground, families enjoy "a large play area for the kids" according to Jeff & Steff's Excellent Adventure. The campground also offers "canoes available to explore the lake" making it popular with families seeking diverse activities.
Beach facilities: Some campgrounds provide swimming areas that are particularly appealing to families. Denise D. recommends Black Moshannon State Park for families because "The lake has lots to offer. Swimming, boating, fishing, wildlife watching and a big sky view for star gazing." Swimming areas typically open from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day.
Educational opportunities: Many parks in the region offer educational programs. Lisa L. notes Black Moshannon "runs a ton of classes for different things like fly fishing, hiking, etc." Most ranger-led programs occur on summer weekends and are free with park admission, providing engaging activities for school-age children.
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: RVers should research specific site details before booking. At Parker Dam State Park Campground, Travis S. observes "Sites are all paved and many overlapping with fire rings right on the line between sites. Research your site before reserving." Many parks have limited sites suitable for larger RVs.
Access limitations: Some campgrounds have restrictions on RV size due to narrow roads or tight turns. At Kettle Creek State Park, campers note there's "a 40 ft max campers due to space/turning constraints. Not for class A rigs. Long campers up to that size should use south loop of lower campground." Always verify size restrictions when booking.
Hookup availability: Full hookup sites are limited and concentrated in specific campgrounds. Gary P. reports that at Parker Dam "both ATT & Verizon signals weren't bad. Wouldn't try to watch a movie or stream anything though. For the most part the sites were pretty level." Most electric sites in the region are 30-amp, with fewer 50-amp options available.
