The Pennsylvania Furnace region sits at elevations between 1,000-2,500 feet in the Appalachian Mountains, creating varied camping conditions across seasons. Winter temperatures regularly drop below freezing from November through March, with summer highs averaging in the mid-80s. Most area campgrounds close for winter, though several private RV parks remain open year-round with limited services.
What to do
Fishing opportunities: Black Moshannon State Park Campground offers a unique fishing experience on its 250-acre lake. The water has a distinctive dark color due to past iron ore mining. As one camper notes, "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."
Wildlife viewing: The wetland environments around many campgrounds provide excellent bird watching. A visitor to Black Moshannon State Park Campground mentioned it has "Good birding" opportunities along with "quiet 250 acre lake for kayaking."
Educational programs: Several parks offer structured activities for campers of all ages. At Timber Run Campground, one visitor shared they "stayed during Bigfoot weekend... On Saturday was rock painting and then bingo and ended the night with a DJ dance party... Then Sunday we had pancakes and later a visit from RayCEP which is an education program that PA DNCR provides talking about various outdoorsy type things."
What campers like
Waterfront sites: Campers consistently rate riverside locations highest. At Waterside Campground and RV Park, a visitor advised: "Absolutely beautiful if you are riverside. Staff was friendly and helpful. Typical overall, but clean and pretty. Stay on the waterside! Sites 48-53. Stayed at 49, it was absolutely perfection!"
Clean facilities: Multiple reviews highlight well-maintained bathroom facilities as a key factor in positive experiences. One camper at Raystown Lake/Saxton KOA remarked, "Bathrooms are Soo nice" while another noted they "keep the place spotless. It looks like they have recently remodeled the bathrooms/showers (3 of the 4 look brand new), and the pool has been crystal clear."
Family activities: Honey Bear Campground offers various recreation options suitable for different age groups. As one work camper with 11 seasons of experience mentioned, "Nice Sites, both RV and tent as well as cabins. I know my opinion is biased, but I keep coming back because it is so great."
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Network coverage varies dramatically across the region. This differs significantly by carrier, with some campgrounds having virtually no service, requiring planning ahead for navigation and communication.
Seasonal operation schedules: Most state park campgrounds in the area operate from April through mid-December. One visitor to Black Moshannon noted they "Pulled in on Friday of Labor Day weekend without a reservation but there were a couple open sites."
Reservation requirements: Popular campgrounds fill quickly during peak season. At River's Edge RV Park & Campground, a camper observed: "The campground currently has 40 sites but is adding 40 more for 2021. There are water and electric hookups with sewer to be added (currently, a honey wagon comes through to pump out anyone who needs it on Saturdays)."
Tips for camping with families
Educational opportunities: Look for campgrounds with structured learning activities. Black Moshannon State Park runs various programs as one camper mentioned: "The park also runs a ton of classes for different things like fly fishing, hiking, etc."
Cabin options for mixed camping experiences: For families new to RV camping near Pennsylvania Furnace, cabins offer a comfortable alternative. At Seven Mountains Campground, cabins include "Bunk room had 2 bunk beds, each with a full size mattress AND room to move, plus good natural light. Living/dining area is large with a wall-mounted tv, rustic wood dining set, storage room and hooks/hangers."
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature dedicated play areas for children. A visitor to Lumber City RV Park noted, "Staff drives around periodically on a ranger and can be flagged down if help is needed. There is a fishing pond on site for the kids to fish."
Tips from RVers
Site access considerations: Mountain roads leading to campgrounds can present challenges for larger rigs. At Timber Run Campground, a visitor observed "the sites are hilly and in fact the whole park is on a hill."
Utility service variability: While full hookup sites exist, availability changes seasonally. At Waterside Campground, an RVer reported "Great setup location. Easy in and out, full utilities. Separate tenting area near bathrooms. Water is easy access, pool is heated."
Advance arrival planning: Some parks have limited office hours. At Honey Bear Campground, one camper shared: "We called to make the reservation and told them we would be pulling in around 7 pm. Danielle (one of the owners) stated no problem, I will be here. On arrival we noticed the hours were till 5 pm and we apologized. Danielle stated, no problem, glad we could help."
