170 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Karthaus, Pennsylvania serves as a gateway to numerous camping areas in the central Pennsylvania region. The surrounding area includes several state parks and campgrounds, notably Black Moshannon State Park Campground and Woodland Campground, that provide a mix of accommodation types. Options range from developed campgrounds with electric hookups to more primitive tent sites, with most facilities offering RV access and cabin rentals. The Parker Dam and Kettle Creek State Parks also maintain camping areas within a reasonable driving distance, expanding the range of available sites in the region. Campers visiting Karthaus can choose from over 100 campgrounds that showcase central Pennsylvania's diverse natural landscapes.
Camping seasons generally run from early April through mid-December, with most developed campgrounds closing during winter months. "The sites are large and relatively private. The showers in the bath house are clean and nice. There wasn't much in the camp store when we were there, but it was the end of the season," noted one visitor to Black Moshannon State Park. Cell service is limited throughout much of the region, particularly in the state parks, which can affect planning and navigation. Many campgrounds require reservations, especially during peak summer weekends and fall foliage season when sites fill quickly. The terrain varies from lakeside camping areas to more secluded forest settings, with most campgrounds situated between 1,500-2,000 feet in elevation.
The natural environment defines the camping experience in this region. Black Moshannon State Park features a distinctive bog lake environment with unusual plants and dark water. As one camper explained, "Pitcher plants, sundews and water lilies are not 'weeds.' They are unique to bog environments and don't grow in other places. The vegetation in the lake is what makes Black Mo black, so picturesque and unlike other PA parks!" Fishing, boating, and hiking opportunities abound near most camping areas, with several parks offering boat rentals and swimming beaches during summer months. Mixed-use campgrounds like Woodland provide family-friendly amenities including playgrounds and fishing ponds, while the state forest camping areas tend to offer more rustic experiences with fewer facilities but greater solitude.
"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 Availability"There’s a little lake there, and a stream and some trails but in general it’s all pretty uninspiring."
"These two sites are shaded, surrounded by trees and pretty much private to the rest of the "Modern" campground."
from $24 - $126 / night
Check Availability"Woodland campground in Woodland, Pennsylvania is a friendly family-owned campground. The grounds are a beautiful park-like setting with a lake and trails."
"A standard Ford Explorer handled the drive without trouble, though bringing a trailer would likely only be practical if it is set up for overlanding conditions."
from $10 / night
Check Availability"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 Availability"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 Availability"The lower campground is nicely situated right next to the creek, perfect for fishing. I will say some of the sites a very tight if you have a large camper. The bathhouse was very clean and modern."
"No water on sites but bibs near by to fill campers & jugs. Cindy in Admin VERY helpful."
from $31 / night
Check Availability"Step inside to view elk bear birds and other wildlife! Learn about the building of the dam and the early days of the CCC camps."
"There are a few nice scenic trails that go to the lake and through the woods. Some are kid bike friendly. The nature center is great! Kid friendly and fun!"
from $26 - $33 / night
Check Availability"Nice sit with fire pit, picnic table, and short walk to a beautiful creek so no need to bring water if you can filter it. Only 5-10 minutes away from Benezette and the PA elk herd."
"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."
from $10 / night
Check Availability
GuideIts 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
GuideIt 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
ScoutMicheal 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.
GuideStayed 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.
GuideFabulous 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.
ScoutOther campers are nice and welcome. The river is close and just a great location.
TravelerThey 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.
RangerWhat 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.
TravelerWe arrived mid week for Memorial Day camping. No hookups obviously but beautiful large site with room for probably up to 30’ RV. The sites are WAY further apart than you think they are. Like spread more than 10 miles.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best camping sites in Karthaus, PA?
The Karthaus area offers several excellent camping options within a short drive. Upper Campground — Kettle Creek State Park provides a rustic feel with beautiful views and frequent wildlife encounters. It offers electric hookups at select RV sites and peaceful seclusion. Another great option is Hemlock Acres Camp Ground, known for its peace and quiet in the Pennsylvania Wilds. For those seeking more amenities, nearby state parks like Bald Eagle and Little Pine also offer well-maintained facilities. The region's campgrounds typically feature fire rings, picnic tables, and access to hiking trails, with most sites accommodating both tents and RVs.
Is fishing allowed at Karthaus campgrounds?
Fishing is widely available at campgrounds near Karthaus, with several excellent options for anglers. Little Pine State Park Campground offers beautiful streamside camping with direct access to fishing. The park is situated along a stream that provides great fishing opportunities right from the campground. Russell P Letterman Campground — Bald Eagle State Park also offers excellent fishing access. Remember that a valid Pennsylvania fishing license is required for anyone 16 or older. Most area campgrounds provide easy access to streams, creeks, and lakes where various fish species can be caught throughout the camping season.
What permits do I need for camping in Karthaus?
For camping near Karthaus, you'll primarily need campsite reservations rather than special permits. At Ole Bull State Park Campground, reservations can be made up to 11 months in advance, with electric sites available but no water hookups. Greenwood Furnace State Park Campground follows similar reservation policies. Most Pennsylvania state parks charge camping fees ranging from $15-$30 per night depending on amenities. For primitive camping in state forests near Karthaus, a free permit may be required from the district forestry office. These permits are typically valid for up to 14 consecutive days. Always check with the specific park or forest office before your trip as regulations may change seasonally.
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