Best Campgrounds near Karthaus, PA

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.

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.

Best Camping Sites Near Karthaus, Pennsylvania (165)

    1. Black Moshannon State Park Campground

    24 Reviews
    Port Matilda, PA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (814) 342-5960

    $20 - $87 / night

    "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. "

    2. Parker Dam State Park Campground

    18 Reviews
    Mill Run, PA
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (814) 765-0630

    $20 - $80 / night

    "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."

    3. Woodland Campground

    4 Reviews
    Clearfield, PA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (814) 857-5388

    "Woodland campground in Woodland, Pennsylvania is a friendly family-owned campground. The grounds are a beautiful park-like setting with a lake and trails."

    4. Centre County Snow Shoe City Park

    3 Reviews
    Snow Shoe, PA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (814) 387-6299

    5. Sinnemahoning State Park Campground

    9 Reviews
    Driftwood, PA
    21 miles
    Website
    +1 (814) 647-8401

    $22 - $29 / night

    "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!"

    6. Primitive Camping Area — Bald Eagle State Park

    18 Reviews
    Howard, PA
    26 miles
    Website
    +1 (814) 625-2775

    $16 - $18 / night

    "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."

    7. Russell P Letterman Campground — Bald Eagle State Park

    17 Reviews
    Howard, PA
    25 miles
    Website
    +1 (814) 625-2775

    $22 - $62 / night

    "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!"

    8. Lower Campground — Kettle Creek State Park

    5 Reviews
    Westport, PA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (570) 923-6004

    $27 / night

    "No water on sites but bibs near by to fill campers & jugs. Cindy in Admin VERY helpful."

    "great lake for kayaking or fishing. Nice campground and picnic area too. some very pretty views. lots of wildlife and trails too."

    9. Medix Run Camping Area — Moshannon State Forest

    4 Reviews
    Weedville, PA
    18 miles
    +1 (814) 765-0821

    $10 / night

    "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."

    10. Upper Campground — Kettle Creek State Park

    4 Reviews
    Westport, PA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (570) 923-6004

    $18 - $25 / night

    "The upper campground has a rustic feel, beautiful views and is a great location for wildlife encounters."

    "It would be nice if the DCNR added some walk/hike-in sites, or even Adirondack shelters along the long-distance Donut Hole Trail that cuts through the park south of the dam.)"

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Recent Reviews near Karthaus, PA

394 Reviews of 165 Karthaus Campgrounds


  • I
    Oct. 29, 2025

    Austin Campground

    Super nice owner and very clean bathroom

    First, I highly recommend this campsite to everyone. I'm a camping beginner and don't know many other places, but at least the owner here was extremely kind and the bathrooms were super clean. It makes me worry about going to other campsites. lol I think beginners can use this campsite with peace of mind. Actually, right before I left the site this time, my car battery died. A man staying nearby noticed immediately, told the owner, and got me help. He seemed to have left for somewhere else right after, so I couldn't thank him in person. So, I'd like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude. The owner also handled everything very kindly, without a single frown. Thank you so, so much. I will definitely come back here. Next time, in a warmer season. lol Everyone, please give it a try. You won't regret it!

  • christian G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 19, 2025

    Hartman Center Campground

    Nice, quiet, & clean

    Clean and well taken care of, pretty quiet. Would definitely stay here again but a few things to keep in mind.

    For kids the play grounds are run down. Also no real “dog run”. All in all if your a couple wanting to go relax its great, but if you have pets and or younger kids there isn’t much on the grounds.

  • Dana M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 30, 2025

    Lyman Run State Park Campground

    Quiet, Quaint and Clean!

    We love the lower loop! We were there on a Monday night and there were 4 sites occupied on our loop. Great stars. Clean bathrooms!

  • Daniel S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Curwensville Lake Campground

    Amazing

    Having PTSD and serious anxiety. This spot allows you to relax without to much concern,dogs welcome ,boating and swimming was awesome for around this area. Camping is great especially at night with boats on the water.

  • 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.

  • Dani T.
    Aug. 7, 2025

    Clarion River Campground

    Possibly 5 Stars IF...

    This camp area could be 5 Stars if you get lucky. We got here very late, and almost all the sites were full... the one nice one that was available had food everywhere. Don't do this! There were chicken carcasses and popcorn, eggs, and a bag of food in a fire ring. Having seen racoons & other wildlife on the road in, obviously we couldn't tent there. We car c(r)amped at another site. M7(?). There was no place for a tent & no fire ring at that spot. The river view in the morning was nice though. Had we arrived earlier or gotten lucky, this area is probably an awesome camp spot! There's an information station along River Rd with a pit toilet house. On the billboard you'll find a map of the designated camp spots along both River Rd and Millstone. Take a picture of it. There's no reception here but that's how you know it's a nice area!

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 21, 2025

    Ravensburg State Park Campground

    Use lat and long to find peaceful woods by stream

    Nice and shaded! No one there but us in site 6, not even a ranger checked on us. Has modern toilets and shower. Most sites are spacious. They have nice raised tent pads. It’s very humid so many picnic tables have green moss.

    First come first serve but still had to pay transaction fee! which was annoying for our one night stay as if rather the state parks get that.

    Use lat and long coordinates for directions or you will be in the wrong spot.

  • eThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 8, 2025

    Clarion River Campground

    Beautiful if you can find a spot

    Busy spot. There are various large sized spots on both sides of the road. We were lucky to snag a spot on the side of the river-with our RV. We had direct River access! Quite road-We were able to walk. There were some people kayaking in the river. Dispersed spot-no cell service.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 7, 2025

    Reeds Gap State Park Campground

    Awesome !

    Stayed here on a Sunday night without a reservation. We were the only ones there. Pay by honor system at the park office. Campground was quiet and lovely. Only 14 sites. Bathroom with hot showers is nearby. One shower stall in each bathroom and the showers had a large dressing area. Water is near the picnic pavilion.


Guide to Karthaus

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.

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.