State parks and forests dominate the camping landscape in the Reedsville, Pennsylvania vicinity. The region includes multiple established campgrounds such as Greenwood Furnace State Park, Penn Roosevelt State Park, and Reeds Gap State Park, all situated within 20 miles of Reedsville. Accommodation types range from primitive tent-only sites at Penn Roosevelt to more developed facilities with electric hookups at Greenwood Furnace and Poe Valley State Parks. Several campgrounds in the area feature cabin options, including Seven Mountains Campground and Waterside Campground (formerly Locust Campground), providing alternatives for those seeking more shelter. Most mixed-use campgrounds support both tent and RV camping, though size restrictions apply at some locations.
Road access varies significantly between camping areas, with some sites requiring navigation of forest roads. "Penn Roosevelt is beautiful and secluded. Driving in I got a little worried I was getting lost, but I drove on," noted one visitor, highlighting the remote nature of some campgrounds. Most state park campgrounds in the region operate seasonally, typically from April through October or November, though Penn Roosevelt remains open year-round. Cell phone coverage is limited or nonexistent at many campgrounds, particularly those in Rothrock State Forest and Bald Eagle State Forest. Weather can be variable in the mountain terrain, with cooler nights even during summer months. Campground facilities range from primitive (vault toilets only) to more developed sites with electric hookups, showers, and sanitary dump stations.
Campers report high satisfaction with waterfront locations, particularly at Waterside Campground along the Juniata River. State park campgrounds receive praise for their peaceful settings and natural features. According to visitor feedback, "Reeds Gap State Park is everything anyone who really just wants to relax needs. It's only tents and it's dog and family friendly." Many camping areas feature hiking trails, fishing opportunities, and historical attractions like the iron furnace at Greenwood Furnace State Park. Several reviews mention the area's dark skies for stargazing due to minimal light pollution. Site spacing varies considerably, with some campgrounds offering more privacy than others. For those seeking more solitude, the tent-only sites at Penn Roosevelt State Park and walk-in sites at Greenwood Furnace provide greater separation from neighboring campers.
$20 - $29 / night
"You can also buy firewood at the entrance. Sites have a picnic table + fire ring. There is little to no phone service here and it's not super close to town, so come prepared."
"Well maintained bathroom and firewood plus ice available at the entrance (this is a great plus for those car/tent camping. extremely close to the rothrock forest mountain biking trails."
$30 - $78 / night
"One is along the River and the other is situated near the camp store, playground and pool. This campground had it all! There was laser tag, playground, jump pillow, pedal carts!"
"Buttonwood is actually divided in to two sections with the upper lot, which is near all the activities and pool; and the lower area, which is near the Juniata River. "
$22 / night
"We got a nice one tucked back in the trees, but a few of them are pretty close to the road - not like it's terribly busy."
"There is a trail head near the entrance of the park for hikers and a geocache showed up close to the trail on a road on my geocache tracker if you are into that."
$25 / night
"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."
"went there for a picnic with the young ones and it was quite a fun evening. there were not many people around so the kids could frolic and be slightly loud without bothering any other people."
$15 - $52 / night
"Far enough away from cities that it's nice and quiet"
"We did take the hunter's path, off the beach parking lot, to the mid state trail but it was straight up the mountain and quite difficult. The beach was nice, not crowded, soft sand, and warm water."
"Great setup location. Easy in and out, full utilities. Separate tenting area near bathrooms Water is easy access, pool is heated."
$16 - $43 / night
"The campground was maybe only 1/2 full and the camp sites near us were empty so we had a very quiet and peaceful weekend. The creek and river are perfect for curious little ones to explore."
"We had site 108 and had a site path right to the creek. I wouldn't recommend big campers as most of the spots would be a pain to back into."
"Our first experience was spectacular- we had a site set back from the road surrounded by mountain laurel and ferns. The second site we tried was a tad too close to the road, hence the 4-stars."
"Nice little spot with no one around. Maybe 2-3 cars passed on the SF road each day. Primitive camping with picnic table and fire ring - that’s it. Have to carry your gear from your car a little ways."
GuideThe weather wasn’t too great, but the campaign joy could not be hampered. We had a great spot along the creek, which was also a short walk from the lake. The bathroom facilities are fantastic nice and clean couldn’t be happier.
TravelerIve camped at Black Moshannon State Park many times both in a tent and our camper. The Park has tent only, electric and full hookup sites. It is well cared for and clean. The bathhouses are nice and well maintained. The Park itself offers a lot to do with fishing. Hiking, the beach, kayak rentals, etc. I've never had a bad time at Black Moshannon and will keep coming back.
TravelerWe camped for the first time here in June 2025 for a few nights. 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. The state park itself is okay. Not one of my favorites.
TravelerWe absolutely love camping here, we've been at multiple sites, electric only and full hookup and they never disappoint. The sites are big and spaced far apart. Its a quiet park at night, but thers plenty to do during the day.
TravelerWe didn’t stay over night, we just need to use the dump and refill water. We paid $15 and drove around the place.
ScoutVery nice PA State Park Campground. 30/50A pedestals, but water is available only at scattered nearby potable hydrants to fill tanks. One is available right at the campground entrance adjacent to the dump station, but others are available amongst the campsites. Very peaceful & quiet during my Nov. 2025 visit, but there’s only very few campers here. Getting here is off the beaten path but worth it if you want to electronically disconnect.
ScoutClean 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.
ScoutStaying for two weeks.
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.
Camping options near Reedsville, Pennsylvania include numerous primitive sites as well as more developed facilities for different comfort levels. The region sits at the foothills of the Appalachian Mountains with elevations ranging from 700 to 2,300 feet, creating temperature variations even in summer months. Cell service can drop completely in many camping areas, particularly in valleys and densely forested sections.
Fishing in Penns Creek: Near Poe Paddy State Park, visitors have access to excellent fishing opportunities. "Penn's Creek runs beside it...it's a lot of fun to float the creek. Great fishing too!" notes a regular camper. The creek is suitable for wading and tubing when water conditions permit.
Iron Furnace history tour: At Greenwood Furnace State Park, visitors can explore the historical iron industry. "The blacksmith shop was very educational! Great trails to hike! You can pick up a compass at the ranger station and complete a compass course!" This activity works well for beginners and families with children.
Stargazing opportunities: Many campgrounds in the region offer excellent night sky viewing. A visitor to Greenwood Furnace noted, "We saw the Milky Way!" The area has minimal light pollution, making it ideal for amateur astronomers and night sky photography. Clearest skies typically occur on cool fall nights after weather fronts pass through.
Private tent sites: Many campers appreciate the secluded spots available at Penn Roosevelt State Park. One visitor noted, "The sites are tent only and pretty close together but some still feel secluded." Another mentioned, "I arrived on a Wednesday evening. I had my pick of campsites, because I was the only person there!"
River access: Waterfront camping along the Juniata River draws many visitors to Waterside Campground and RV Park. A camper shared, "Great setup location. Easy in and out, full utilities. Water is easy access, pool is heated." Sites 48-53 are particularly recommended for river views.
Natural swimming areas: Several parks feature lakes or beaches that campers enjoy. At Poe Valley State Park, a visitor observed: "The beach was nice, not crowded, soft sand, and warm water. It's a great lake to kayak or paddle board on." Swimming areas typically open Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day weekend.
Limited supplies nearby: Many campgrounds require planning ahead for supplies. At Penn Roosevelt, a visitor advised, "Make sure you bring everything you need as there isn't a store nearby." Grocery stores in Lewistown and State College are typically 20-30 minutes from most campgrounds.
Road access challenges: Some campgrounds have difficult access roads. A Penn Roosevelt visitor cautioned, "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!"
Winter camping options: Unlike many area campgrounds that close seasonally, Penn Roosevelt remains open year-round. Winter campers report: "Stayed during the winter so the park wasn't very busy but there was one other group of campers." Winter visitors should bring additional cold-weather gear as temperatures can drop below freezing overnight even in early fall and late spring.
Playground access: Poe Valley State Park offers facilities particularly suitable for children. "Great campground! Lots of fishing, swimming and you can rent kayaks or paddle boats. Beach had a concession stand and camping was very shaded and secluded!" the visitor adds.
Electronics-free activities: Parents appreciate the natural entertainment options. At Greenwood Furnace, a visitor suggested, "Don't bring your electronics you won't need them here! No cell phone reception unless you drive a few miles down the road to a cute little store called Couch's!"
Creek exploration for children: Several campgrounds feature safe water features for children. At Poe Paddy State Park, a camper noted, "The creek and river are perfect for curious little ones to explore. Great fishing spot. The walk to the tunnel is quick and easy for all ages."
Site leveling challenges: Reeds Gap State Park campsites may require extra preparation. One RVer mentioned, "Clean nice sites. Bathhouses were a little far away. Quite camping and hiking."
Pull-through limitations: Many state park campgrounds have back-in sites that can be challenging for larger rigs. At Bald Eagle State Forest, a visitor warned, "The road getting here involved a hairpin turn that large set ups would not be able to make."
Seasonal RV options: Some campgrounds offer seasonal arrangements for RVers who want a regular spot. At River's Edge RV Park, a camper shared, "We stumbled upon this brand new campground along the Juniata River in Mifflintown PA, fell in love with it, and purchased our first seasonal site!"
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near Reedsville, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Reedsville, PA is Greenwood Furnace State Park Campground with a 4.4-star rating from 10 reviews.
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