Karthaus is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. Karthaus is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Karthaus and user-submitted reviews.
Black Moshannon State Park covers 3,394 acres of forests and wetlands and conserves unique, natural environments. More than 43,000 acres of the Moshannon State Forest surround the park and help create a remote and wild setting that provides recreational opportunities in all seasons for camping near State College.
The 73 campsites each have a picnic table and a fire ring. Most sites can accommodate either a tent or a trailer. Many sites have electrical hookups. Some sites have full service hook up, which includes sewer, water, and electricity.Pets are permitted on designated sites.
The campground features:
-Washhouses with flush toilets
-Showers
-Coin-operated laundry machines
-Sanitary dump station
$20 - $22 / night
$30 / night
There are numerous designated primitive campsites without developed facilities within Moshannon State Forest that can be reserved on a first-come, first-served basis. Campers are required to obtain a camping permit at no charge.
For information about campsite availability in Moshannon State Forest and to request a permit, please contact the district office at 814-765-0821.
Primitive backpack camping also is allowed throughout the entire forest. Backpack campers do not need a permit if they stay no more than one night at any campsite.
Primitive backpack campers should register at any trailhead near a state park office.
Roadside campsites are singular, remote sites located along dirt and gravel state forest roads. They may be pull offs or have a short driveway. These sites allow for overnight camping in or very near a vehicle. Depending on layout, the sites may accommodate different types of equipment such as tents, small RVs, or trailers. Some sites are also appropriate for equestrian use. Nineteen designated motorized, roadside campsites are available in Moshannon State Forest:
$10 / night
Black Moshannon State Park covers 3,394 acres of forests and wetlands and conserves unique, natural environments. More than 43,000 acres of the Moshannon State Forest surround the park and help create a remote and wild setting that provides recreational opportunities in all seasons for camping near State College.
The 73 campsites each have a picnic table and a fire ring. Most sites can accommodate either a tent or a trailer. Many sites have electrical hookups. Some sites have full service hook up, which includes sewer, water, and electricity.Pets are permitted on designated sites.
The campground features:
-Washhouses with flush toilets
-Showers
-Coin-operated laundry machines
-Sanitary dump station
$20 - $22 / night
$30 / night
Traveler
Better off just pulling off the side of the road. Nothing here worth the $25 out of state fee.
Ranger
Came in on a Sunday afternoon and nobody was there. Several hunters drove past but no other campers.
There is no vaulted toilet at this site any more. Repeated vandalism resulted in its closure.
Overall a nice secluded camping spot.
Guide
In the middle of the woods vibe. The sites had good privacy and it was just a pretty area. Neighbors were respectful and relatively quiet.. There was zero cell service at this campground. Bathrooms were clean.
Guide
Very clean, could be a bit more level. Great amenities, boat, fish, games, hike.
Traveler
Beautiful state park. The campground is clean and well kept. The beach area is clean, there's a big playground on it as well as a concession stand and store (open during the summer). Spots 57 and 18 offer the most privacy. There are spots that have little creek side access but they are closer together. There are showers in the campground too. DCNR patrols it like a hawk though...so beware any visiting cars to your spot must be moved or pay $5. Borderline harassment from the DCNR guy for my friend visiting for an hour. It is a state park so no alcohol if that's your thing. Beautiful hiking trails and bike trails. 10/10 recommend
Traveler
This is a nice clean quiet campground. It's a great stop if you're doing rails to trails or swimming at the beach up the road. (Note to get to both places you'll need to drive). We went on a weekday and it wasn't crowded but I've heard on the weekends it gets packed. There are two sets of swings and one slide. The bathrooms have showers and were clean. Some of the spots are smaller and right next to each other (down by the creek and up around top). But spots 68,69,70 are prime. We were in spot 75 right next to the bridge and not ideal
GuideA dingy place. The ground was swampy the only dry places are the gravel pads in the sites. I wouldn't tent camp here.
On the plus side, strong AT&T and T-Mobile cell signals. (I don't have a verizon device)
ScoutThe campground is beautifully kept. Bathrooms and sites were nice. Some sites are alittle closer personally esp in the dog area. It was extremely buggy when we went. Our dogs wouldn't come out of the camper because there was no relief. It was the height of rattle snake season. A site near ours and very close to the playground had a rattler under their camper. Alittle too close for comfort. Otherwise, campers, rangers and hosts were nice to deal!
Traveler
Would go back here again! Very primitive, only 2 sites with electric and no playground (but 4 swings), however the creek is beautiful and the kids were so happy to play in it. 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. But if you're looking for a quiet campground in the woods, this is it!
Ranger
New owners are super friendly. It's an older park they look to be putting some love and work into. Sites are sloped a bit as most are in the mountains. We were able to decently level our motorhome with blocks. Minimal noise from the highway, which was pleasantly unexpected being so close. They have some animals, like goats, as well in a little farm area. Nice new cabins too.
Scout
Nice quiet & small campground on a hillside. Loved how remote this location was, but be prepared to be a billy goat when trekking to the restroom no matter your site location. Even though it was a busy holiday weekend, it was a very peaceful weekend. Very clean restrooms. No signage to sites if you aren't familiar with the campground. Terrible "slow bumps" in/out of campground . . . a little excessive. Beautiful lake/area, but must drive from campground to water's edge. Will likely visit again! PS--Currently issues with potable water; must bring your own.
Guide
This is one of the best campgrounds we've ever stayed at. Beautifully maintained and landscaped, and the sites are level. Our site was literally on the river, we even saw an eagle. Their bathrooms are so clean I almost swept from joy. Keep in mind you need quarters for a hot shower but I only needed 2 quarters for 6 minutes, plenty of time. What I love most is how accessible the biking trail and river are. The staff will even shuttle you to the kayak drop off site for a fee, and then you just pull in right to the campground. We have been coming to this area for years and this is the first time we were lucky to snag a site for a Holiday weekend. We won't stay anywhere else from now on.
Guide
As a rule we always try to stay in parks if possible. Really like the layout here, and the k9s love it. We couldn’t see the lake from the camper, but in the woods we could see the lake and the camper from the same spot.
Guide
Our first time in the Moshannan National Forrest area. Simply stunning. Beautiful area.
The campground was adequate. Bath houses were relatively clean.
My biggest criticism is how close the sites are to each other. This may only be true of the full hookup sites. Felt like we were camping with our neighbors.
Traveler
One of the most beautiful camping spots we’ve ever had. Complete with a fire pit & wood available, pavilion with an upstairs lounge and all kinds of sports utilities like golf clubs, frisbees, volleyball & tether ball setup,.. to enjoy yourself while camping out there. The toilet and outdoor shower facilities are a bit rudimentary but it wouldn’t be camping without + the shower was warm & clean!
The host & family is also very friendly and welcoming
Guide
Driving in I got a little worried I was getting lost, but I drove on. I arrived on a Wednesday evening. I had my pick of campsites, because I was the only person there!
The water was off, but I was prepared to wilderness camp later in my trip so, that was no big deal.
It was so secluded, I heard nothing but nature for over an hour before a plane flew over.
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!
Traveler
Great tent site with lots of room. Have your own little driveway to park your car right next to the site. Comes with a picnic table and fire pit. Need lots of rope for setting up tarps as trees are far apart. Cute little stream in the back with a log crossing. No cell service, near town with free wifi. No toilets or garbage. Good amount of traffic coming down the road but isn't an issue at night time.
Legend
Jake from the Dyrt here! We're excited to have this campground on the Dyrt and ready for you to book, check them out and make sure to leave a review!
Scout
Stayed in sites 36 and 37 with friends of ours. Campsites were very large. Pulled our 23 ft and 32 ft campers sideways across the sites. No cell reception. Clean and very nice. Only one shower house in the mountain view entrance so it would be a short drive if you do not use your camper bathroom.
Scout
Great little creek for skipping stones and catching crayfish.
Guide
The bike trails/course at the KOA were absolutely awesome! Even though we don't have kids to bring along, I couldn't help but wish I could hit those trails myself– what a cool feature they have.
Now, onto the bathrooms– they were impressively spacious and private, and the best part? Always clean. No complaints there. We appreciated the added security with the entrance gate, it gave us a sense of safety during our stay.
And speaking of people, everyone there was super polite and friendly. We had a wonderful time and can't wait to visit again!"
TravelerWe stayed on a primitive site in our van, it was only for one night but we wished we'd booked more, the facilities are great and everyone is friendly. It feels homey, would definitely come back if I have the chance 🥰
GuideGetting to the park had some sharp turns and windy roads. Small campground but nicely equipped. 2 bath houses were dated but clean. Nice playground at the campground and also one at the beach. Small camp concessions with a few camping items as well as ice cream cones. 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. The site sat down off the road but once you were backed in the spot it was pretty level. This site also had a separate tent pad located down a few stone steps. Verizon and AT&T cell service were basically non existent. Every once in a while a text would come in or send but very spotty. Sorry I failed to get a pic of the site in the daylight. It was spacious and we had plenty of room for our 30' trailer, truck, and easy up over the table. 6+ chairs around the fire pit, cooking ring could have been better. Grassy area for cornhole or playing.
ScoutPro: There was a pond, campfire rings, and a big spot to maneuver a van. Neutral: No amenities Con: the road in was bumpy with a lot of pot holes
Scout
We needed a place to spend the night with our 30 ft RV. Dale met us there and was very hospitable and directed us to the perfect site. He even brought us firewood. Even though there were quite a few other campers there it was very quiet and peaceful. If you’re in the area be sure to stop in. If you’re lucky you might even hear nuts falling on your roof dropped by the squirrels!
LegendAshley here with The Dyrt! We're so excited to have this expansive property on our platform. Give them a try and come back and give them some love!
ScoutBeen there with camper van No facilities, only some fireplaces. Good for a short stay, quiet
Camping near Karthaus, Pennsylvania, offers a great mix of outdoor fun and relaxation. With beautiful parks and campgrounds, it’s a perfect spot for families, RVers, and nature lovers alike.
Camping near Karthaus, Pennsylvania, has something for everyone, whether you're looking for adventure or a peaceful getaway.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Karthaus, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Karthaus, PA offers a wide range of camping options, with 85 campgrounds and RV parks near Karthaus, PA and 2 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Karthaus, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Karthaus, PA is Black Moshannon State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 24 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Karthaus, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 2 free dispersed camping spots near Karthaus, PA.
What parks are near Karthaus, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 12 parks near Karthaus, PA that allow camping, notably Raystown Lake and Allegheny National Forest.
