The Pennsylvania Laurel Highlands region where Penn Run sits offers diverse glamping options at elevations between 1,200-2,900 feet. Winter temperatures often drop below freezing, while summer averages 75-85°F with frequent afternoon thunderstorms. Most glamping sites in this area remain open from April through October, with limited winter accessibility due to seasonal road closures.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: At Clear Creek State Park, anglers can access both Clear Creek and the Clarion River. "Very clean and helpful camp. Too bad the fishing isn't the best at yellow creek national park," notes a visitor, suggesting that more productive fishing may be found at Clear Creek.
BMX track access: Prince Gallitzin State Park provides unexpected recreational variety. "Very nice state park in PA. Huge lake for water sports, scenic trails, small dirt bike oval track," reports one camper, highlighting options beyond standard lake activities.
Disc golf courses: Clear Creek State Park offers a complete disc golf course through wooded terrain. A visitor mentions, "Clear Creek State Park is an amazing little gem right outside of Cook Forest. Most of the campsites are right on the water, beautiful bridges, a great disc golf course, and moderate-to-light hiking trails."
Amish cultural experiences: Silver Canoe Campground provides proximity to Amish communities. As one reviewer notes, "Short drive to Smicksburg to shop. You may hear the horse drawn buggies of the Amish who keep their boats here." This offers a cultural dimension to your outdoor experience.
What campers like
Secluded waterfront sites: Laurel Hill State Park offers private camping spots near water. A guest observed, "All sites are wooded but some have more separation than others. Our site backed up to the creek but surprisingly, there was not a lot of water flowing in the spring."
Wildlife encounters: Clear Creek State Park provides opportunities for wildlife viewing. One camper mentioned, "I did have two separate run in with bears but over all a great experience!" Be sure to follow proper food storage protocols when camping here.
Private island camping: At Yellow Creek Campground, unique island sites are available. A camper reported, "The private island is a beautiful campsite and has enough room for several tents. There's plenty of trees on the island so there are plenty of sticks to find for fires."
Community atmosphere: Fox Den Acres Campground fosters social connections. "They provide activities almost every evening, making sure everything age range is catered to throughout the week," notes one visitor, highlighting the organized entertainment schedule.
What you should know
Leveling challenges: Many sites require equipment for leveling. At Clear Creek State Park, "Most of the spots will require leveling blocks," according to one camper. Pack appropriate gear to ensure a comfortable setup.
Site selection importance: Carefully review site details before booking. At Shawnee State Park, "there are a fair amount of awkwardly-placed sites that sit on a hill and are difficult to place a tent, equipment or gear," warns one visitor.
Fluctuating pricing: Some campgrounds have inconsistent fee structures. One camper at Yellow Creek observed, "Clean bathrooms and hot showers but if you like to pay a different price each time you get there, then have fun. I had 3 different prices when I went there last."
Seasonal limitations: Many facilities operate only during warmer months. At Keystone State Park, "a Monday in mid-October had many open sites," indicating lower occupancy in shoulder seasons when services may be limited.
Tips for camping with families
Pool options: Mirror Lake RV Camping & Fishing offers swimming alternatives. "The campgrounds are very nice they have a pool as well as a community building and camp store. We had 8 kids and 8 adults who all had a blast playing on the playground, floating down the creek, swimming in the pool, riding bicycles," a family reported.
Creek exploration: Shallow waterways provide safe play areas. At Fox Den Acres, "We did watch kids fishing and pulling fish out as soon as they put their line in!! So much fun for them," notes one observer.
Educational programming: Ranger-led activities enhance family experiences. At Clear Creek State Park, "This is also a great place to go year-round for kids interested in learning about nature. There is a nature museum. Seek out Ranger Susanne—she is a really great teacher!"
Playground accessibility: Multiple campgrounds feature play equipment. A visitor to Fox Den Acres mentioned, "This is a large campground with play grounds, well maintained pool and grounds, fishing, party pavilions, and store."
Tips from RVers
Site leveling: At Keystone State Park, site conditions vary significantly. A camper observed, "I heeded the advice of other reviewers warning that many sites were not level and did not reserve ahead of time...Most of the non-electric sites were decidedly not level but many of the FHU and electric sites were fairly level."
Pull-through availability: Fox Den Acres provides convenient access sites. "The sites in the lower field, where I was, were roomy and level and all pull-throughs," notes an RV camper, describing the layout.
Site dimensions: Check specific measurements before booking. At Shawnee State Park, "sites have gravel pads that were level and vary in length from 20' to 115'," according to one reviewer, highlighting the importance of knowing your RV size requirements.
Power hookup placement: Consider electrical connection locations when setting up. A camper at Laurel Hill State Park noted, "The electrical hookups are not played out well like an expensive RV park with the shared power post on the entrance side of the camper. You may want to have an extension for your power cable."
