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.
$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. "
$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."
"Woodland campground in Woodland, Pennsylvania is a friendly family-owned campground. The grounds are a beautiful park-like setting with a lake and trails."
$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!"
$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."
$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!"
$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."
$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."
$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.)"
GuideHaving 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.
TravelerFirst 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.
GuideThis 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!
TravelerNice 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.
GuideBusy 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.
GuideStayed 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.
GuideSolo with my dog and my canoe. Had a great time I had no idea there was disc golf,I keep a couple in my truck and so i played more game then fished. The dog swimming area was pretty cool. I'll be back.
TravelerI'm disabled so kinda limited in what I can enjoy, but this place makes it pretty easy. All you really have to do is look up. We went during a full moon so didn't get the most out of it, but it was still beautiful. Plenty of space. Easy areas to walk if you have difficulty and can't go uphill, or struggle with balance and stability. But worst case, sitting around the fire and just enjoying gorgeous views, skies and time with family... Makes any trip worth it. Absolutely going again.
TravelerIt was cloudy the first night we stayed but I woke up in the middle of the night to the bright beautiful stars. The campground is beautiful and we had a great view of the sunset.
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 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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