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Best Tent Camping near Karthaus, PA

379 Reviews

Tent campsites in the Karthaus, Pennsylvania region offer a mix of established state park campgrounds and more remote forest sites. Penn Roosevelt State Park Campground provides tent-only camping with sites spaced along the water, while Ravensburg State Park Campground offers tent sites with privacy barriers of bushes and trees between campsites. Both parks are within reasonable driving distance of Karthaus and provide access to hiking trails and natural water features.

Most tent campgrounds in this area feature raised tent pads to keep campers dry, though site conditions vary by location. Penn Roosevelt offers primitive camping with basic amenities including restrooms without showers, picnic tables, and fire pits at each site. Ravensburg provides clean modern toilets and showers at their tent-only sites. Many campgrounds operate on a first-come, first-serve basis, though some like Reeds Gap State Park require reservations. Water access points are strategically placed throughout most campgrounds, but campers should verify availability as seasonal closures may affect services.

The tent camping experience near Karthaus provides genuine seclusion, especially at smaller campgrounds like Patterson State Park where visitors often report having the entire park to themselves. Sites along creeks are particularly popular, offering both scenic views and natural white noise. The region's state forests provide excellent stargazing opportunities from tent sites, though tree cover varies by location. Hiking trails connect many of the campgrounds, with the STS trail system running directly through Patterson State Park. A camper noted that "Penn Roosevelt State Park was so secluded, I heard nothing but nature for over an hour before a plane flew over." Cell service is limited at most tent campgrounds, creating a true disconnect from urban life that tent campers specifically seek.

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Best Tent Sites Near Karthaus, Pennsylvania (37)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Karthaus, PA

9 Photos of 37 Karthaus Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Karthaus, PA

379 Reviews of 37 Karthaus Campgrounds

  • 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.

  • Joann&WellsThePup I.
    Jul. 14, 2021

    Penn Roosevelt State Park Campground

    Quiet camping

    Beautiful primitive campground (tent only). Get a site on the outside towards the water. They are spaced out and peaceful. Has restrooms (no shower), picnic table, and fire pit at each site. Short walk to creek and beautiful pond.

  • Cam N.
    Aug. 16, 2018

    Primitive Camping Area — Bald Eagle State Park

    Watch for trains

    I throughly enjoyed my time at Bald Eagle State Park. We stayed at a tent site, I believe 58 in the rustic camping section. 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. While this is a primitive site, planning ahead you can place yourself near the vault toilets. If there was running water in the bathrooms– we didn’t find it! There are several water pumps located around the loop and we used that for washing dishes. Our site had space for two tents with a nice fire ring and picnic table. The fire ring was actually one of the best I have experienced– featuring a grill grate with adjustable levels for exposure to heat. The site also had a hook for keeping food or garage elevated from critters. Hammock lovers: we had plenty of trees to easily string our hammock near the picnic table/fire ring. Now the trains. An active railroad sits about 75 feet away from several of the rustic sites. We noticed the 7 p.m. train on Saturday evening. What we didn’t expect was being awoken at 5 a.m. to a freight train blowing through full steam– really gets your heart pumping– did not need coffee that morning. The rustic area also has access to a trail that loops about two miles near the lake and rustic campground. It was a fun place!

  • Mary H.
    Jun. 13, 2019

    Upper Campground — Kettle Creek State Park

    Upper campground: Rustic, remote, restful

    The upper campground has a rustic feel, beautiful views and is a great location for wildlife encounters. While it has some amenities (electric on a few RV sites; scullery area near the pit toilets; showers available at lower campground), these grounds are away from the bustle of the outside world. We are tent campers, and without the need for hookup and never having been there, we reserved site 45--but do not recommend it for its challenging slope. When a loud, disrespectful family set up nearby that first night for a long weekend, we spoke with the camp host (helpful, amenable Jim), who suggested we ask about site 71, the most removed of all the sites. Went to the camp office and obtained it for the rest of our week-long stay--and it was perfect. (While it had a hookup that we didn't need/use, we did pay extra for it--but well worth the seclusion.) Super quiet back there and totally private. Some of the rustic tent sites looked lovely, too (did not note best site numbers; sorry), but we cannot recommend #71 enough. If you're an RV camper, however, the sites with the vista views overlooking the reservoir are amazing, if not somewhat close together. 

    We wanted to encounter wildlife; went looking for it and found it! Everything seemed to be about an hour or more away on winding roads, but that was okay; love the meandering. We went to:  

    • Hyner View (gorgeous vistas -- and also came across a mama rattlesnake sunning on a back road and took photos from the safety of our car!); 
    • Pine Creek Gorge (Leonard Harrison State Park) more amazing views; 
    • Benezette to find elk (wild herd at dusk on Winslow Hill, complete with mama and baby--then three buck sauntering through town!); and 
    • lovely nearby Kettle Creek Vista. We also saw a few elk and lots of deer as we drove along the river's edge over the Leidy Bridge. 

    Pennsylvania is gorgeous!

    We also enjoyed meeting Julie at the Lock Haven Visitors' Center and had our only meal out at Deb's in Cross Fork. For ice cream treats (a weakness): Ice Shack near Lock Haven; Old Bull Cafe in Benezette; the kiosk at the top of Pine Creek Gorge. 

    A very restful, quiet week in early June was just what we needed, and Kettle Creek State Park Upper Campground was wonderful.

  • Napunani
    Jun. 25, 2022

    Russell P Letterman Campground — Bald Eagle State Park

    Park Mowers Trashed Our Campsite

    PROS

    Senior discount $18 

    Able to reserve 334 days prior to arriving

    Campground quiet but can hear PA 150 road noise 

    Great night sky viewing 

    Nice privacy from side neighbor's campsite 

    Asphalt parking pad 

    Large gravel around pad to include firepit and utility hook up 

    Grass around gravel, but was mid-calf high 

    Metal fire pit which was cleaned out upon arrival 

    Lantern pole 

    8 miles off of Interstate 80 

    Firewood for sale at the campground; $6 bundle 

    Park is good proximity to Penn State University and Central Pennsylvania 

    Country Pride Restaurant Milesburg (TA truck stop off of Interstate 80) has some terrific food! 

    4 bars Verizon 

    CONS

    $6.50 reservation fee for self made online reservation 

    One day while away from our campsite, park personnel mowed  mid-cafe high grass at and around our site and the mowers threw grass all over our table with a table cloth, chairs, trailer, driveway...you name it...it was covered with grass. Why the mowers didn’t direct the mowed grass AWAY from our items is beyond me. What a mess!!! 

    Check-in clerk at park office was disturbed we checked in with her. Told us just to go to site. Could not tell us if site was vacated. We had to ask for a park map and directions to campground/campsite since this was first time visiting 

    Site MO45 unlevel from side to side 

    Site MO45 NO shade as was the case with most of the FHU campsites

    Metal frame wood top table in bad condition 

    Need pathway from upper campsite to toilet/shower building…have to wade thru mid-calf high grass if you don’t walk on the roadway 

    Toilet/shower facility lit up like a Christmas tree 

    Toilet/shower facility cleaned on Wednesdays only, according to sign on door 

    No WiFi

  • J
    Sep. 19, 2021

    Poe Paddy State Park Campground

    Great little campground

    I’ve stayed here twice for camping trips. It’s a great small campground that has basic amenities. The experience is likely highly site dependent, as there are a few distinct areas to stay depending on your needs and luck. There is NO cell service and park rangers do “rounds” but aren’t stationed at the site. There are a couple of water pumps, several well-maintained pit toilets, and an emergency phone. It’s about 20-30 min to gas. There’s no camp store here but about 3.5 miles away at Poe Valley there’s a store, real bathrooms and showers, kayaking rentals, etc. There’s a guy that sells firewood just past Poe Valley. The Poe Paddy sites I prefer are well-shaded, fairly large, surrounded by trees, and private (but you’ll be able to hear a couple neighbors). Dogs are only allowed in the RV loop, which is intense gravel, so be sure you have a good sleeping pad if you’re tent camping. The campground is in the middle of the dense Bald Eagle State Forest with lots of hiking opportunities. The creek that runs through Poe Paddy is awesome for wading and people also tube it when conditions are right. Get a Purple Lizard map for best enjoyment of the area.

  • Danielle
    Apr. 12, 2021

    Bald Eagle State Forest

    Dispersed Site #13; Pretty, loud, not accessible for pop up campers

    Husband and I set off for a weekend of boon docking at Bald Eagle State Forest in our little pop up camper. We stayed at site #13, which is a dispersed site- not in the campground. 

    Picture a lovely large, round grassy meadow surrounded by trees at the end of a long gravel road. Picnic table, fire ring, one pretty tree in the center, and a babbling brook down below the site. It looks so perfect! Now picture large boulders preventing any wheeled vehicle (including a light little pop up) from rolling into said field. Add in that the I-80 interstate is so close that you can see trucks through the trees in some places- not to mention hear them all.night.long. Would we camp here again? Nope. We would not. Would this be right for some? Probably yes- especially tent campers, loud groups, and those who feel safer with road noise in the background. 

    This site was not listed as"tent only", and I suppose being able to set up on the gravel road did work. But I was majorly bummed we couldn't set up at the back of the actual site itself. The road set up was not nearly as nice. You can see in my photos the size of the site, and the boulders, and where we ended up setting up. 

    I will also mention that the road getting here involved a hairpin turn (from Long Run Rd. onto Ransaires Rd.) that large set ups would not be able to make. We made it work and we had a great trip.

    Not what we expected, but we still had a good time. We will try again at Bald Eagle State Forest, but would not choose this site again.

  • Travis S.
    Jul. 27, 2017

    Black Moshannon State Park Campground

    Red Mo

    Nice campground, wooded sites and most were okay for tent camping however some required your tent to be set up a small distance from the fire ring. Clean showerhouses and bathrooms. Big Lake and a few miles of hiking and biking trails right from the campground.

    The Iron Ore mines from the past have left the creek water stained red which is why its called the Red Mo with the locals.

  • Paula L.
    Jun. 29, 2019

    Sinnemahoning State Park Campground

    Come inside to really enjoy all that’s outside!

    Adults and Children alike will love the park office / Wildlife Center at Sinnemahoning State Park. Learn about this buildings green construction (LEED)geo thermal heat, rain water harvesting system, recycled materials and more! 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. If you can get the children out of the office or bring yourself to leave ... make a souvenir penny on your way out before walking across the parking lot and around the corner to visit the arch tree. This park is a long narrow park with a road running through it that is perfect for a bike ride or stroll. On one end is a wildlife viewing area, the other end offers great fishing and a boat launch. Between is a picnic day use area and a 35 site campground with a dump station, a modern restroom with flush toilets and showers. The restrooms and some campsites are ADA accessible. Electric hookups are available and each pet friendly camp site has its own picnic table, lantern hold and fire ring. Elk, eagles deer and many other varieties of wild life can be seen here on a regular basis! There is much to explore here during any season and even on a rainy day the kids will have the opportunity to learn about the world around them! 5 stars Sinnemahoning! What a treasure in the PA Wilds!

Guide to Karthaus

Tent campsites near Karthaus, Pennsylvania offer camping experiences across various microclimates due to the region's position between the Allegheny Plateau and Ridge and Valley regions. This transition zone creates diverse camping environments within short distances. Winter camping remains available at select locations like Penn Roosevelt State Park, while others close seasonally from October through April.

What to do

Fishing access points: Ravensburg State Park Campground features camping spots alongside a creek with rapids and swimming holes. A camper noted, "There are few hiking trails; short and long that take you to beautiful views along the creek with a couple of places deep enough to swim."

Trail connections: The STS (Susquehannock Trail System) runs directly through Patterson State Park Campground, making it an excellent basecamp for section hikers. "If Hiking is your thing, the STS trail system runs right through it. On one side of the road they must allow horse back riding on that section of the trail as we saw trailers of horses pull in to trail ride."

Stargazing spots: While not as renowned as nearby Cherry Springs, tent sites at several campgrounds offer night sky viewing. A camper at Patterson State Park reported, "You can still observe the stars, but difficult for telescopes since trees cover Polaris in most of the sites."

What campers like

Secluded experiences: Many campgrounds in the region provide genuine isolation. A camper at Long Acres on Clover Creek shared, "This campsite was absolutely perfect! The secluded area combined with the creek nearby made for a great escape from reality. The stars are so bright out here."

Natural water features: Waterside campsites are particularly valued. At Ravensburg, one camper explained, "There are plenty of trees that are good for hammocking. And in a few sites, you can set them up right by the creek, which is my favorite part."

Low-traffic camping: Many tent campsites near Karthaus offer minimal crowds. A camper at Patterson State Park mentioned, "One of the best features and why we will definitely be back is that at any given time you may have the whole park to yourself."

What you should know

Direction challenges: Some campgrounds have confusing access routes. A camper at Reeds Gap State Park Campground advised, "Put your phone away cuz there's no cell service here! Nice and peaceful with a dozen or so tent only sites."

Site selection factors: Campsite layout varies significantly across parks. For Ravensburg, a camper suggested, "We pick a site that the pad is flush with the surrounding ground. There are bushes and trees between the sites and it feels very private."

Road noise concerns: Several campgrounds sit near roadways. A camper noted about Patterson State Park, "It is just next to the road, so its noisy at night when cars pass."

Tips for camping with families

Child-friendly spaces: Look for campgrounds with room for activities. At Patterson State Park, a camper observed, "If you are camping with children this can be a plus! They will have plenty of room to play, and it is a poke-stop."

Playground access: Reeds Gap State Park Campground offers recreational facilities. One visitor mentioned, "This campground is beautiful! It's so peaceful and serene. There's a nice creek that runs through it, picnic pavilions and a playground for the kids!"

Honor system registration: Some campgrounds use self-registration. A camper at Reeds Gap reported, "Stayed here on a Sunday night without a reservation. We were the only ones there. Pay by honor system at the park office."

Tips from RVers

Tight turns awareness: Some forest roads have challenging turns. A Penn Roosevelt State Park Campground visitor warned, "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!"

Tent-only restrictions: Several campgrounds limit or prohibit RVs entirely. A visitor to Reeds Gap noted, "Campground was quiet and lovely. Only 14 sites. Bathroom with hot showers is nearby."

Water pump locations: Access to water varies by campground. At Patterson State Park, a camper mentioned, "It has a really nice water well with a manual pump. Restroom is the typical hole with no flush, but is very clean."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Karthaus, PA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Karthaus, PA is Penn Roosevelt State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 5 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Karthaus, PA?

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