Best Campgrounds near McClure, PA
Central Pennsylvania's Bald Eagle State Forest and surrounding state parks constitute a major camping area near McClure, Pennsylvania, with tent, RV, cabin, and limited glamping options available across multiple campgrounds. Within a 30-mile radius, campers can find a mixture of primitive sites at Poe Paddy State Park and Bald Eagle State Forest, alongside more developed facilities at Reeds Gap and Poe Valley State Parks. Most campgrounds in this region combine rustic elements with basic amenities, though several private campgrounds like Buttonwood and Sunsational Family Campground offer more extensive services including hookups and cabin rentals.
Road conditions throughout the region vary significantly, with some forest roads requiring high-clearance vehicles. "Our first experience was spectacular- we had a site set back from the road surrounded by mountain laurel and ferns," noted one visitor to Bald Eagle State Forest. Cell service is notably limited or nonexistent in many camping areas, particularly at Poe Paddy and Poe Valley. Most state park campgrounds operate seasonally from April through October, with several closing by mid-December. Permits are required for camping in Bald Eagle State Forest dispersed sites, while state park campgrounds typically require reservations through the Pennsylvania reservation system, especially during summer weekends and fall foliage season.
Several visitors highlight the waterfront camping opportunities as standout features in the region's campgrounds. Poe Valley State Park offers a popular lake with beach access, while Poe Paddy State Park and several forest campgrounds provide creek and river access. A camper at Poe Paddy State Park commented, "The creek that runs through Poe Paddy is awesome for wading and people also tube it when conditions are right." The primitive nature of many sites appeals to those seeking quiet, with most campgrounds featuring well-spaced, shaded sites surrounded by dense forest. Hiking trails connect many of the camping areas, with the Mid-State Trail running through portions of Bald Eagle State Forest, providing extensive recreational opportunities beyond the campgrounds themselves.
