RV campsites near Mill Creek, Pennsylvania cluster around Raystown Lake, Pennsylvania's largest inland lake. This Huntingdon County recreation area sits within the ridge-and-valley region of the Appalachian Mountains, with elevations ranging from 760 to 2,400 feet. Several camping facilities feature concrete pads for RVs, but most sites have gravel surfaces requiring self-leveling.
What to do
Water activities at Raystown Lake: Visitors staying at Honey Bear Campground can access lake activities including paddle sports and fishing. "Can paddle and hike year round and camp in the spring, summer and fall. Amazing camp sites and several have beautiful lookouts over the lake," notes one camper.
Fishing without licenses: Some campgrounds maintain private fishing ponds where no license is required. At Friendship Village Campground & RV Park, campers can fish the stocked pond. "There are multiple ponds on the property however only one of them can be fished in. No license is required for fishing here," explains a visitor.
Off-site exploration: The Raystown Lake region provides numerous recreation opportunities within 20 minutes of most campgrounds. "Raystown Lake has multiple access areas that are probably 15-20 minutes away - we fished at Tautman Run and Aitch - both were accessible and had lots of bluegill to steal our worms," reports a visitor to Timber Run Campground.
What campers like
Weekend activities: Many RV parks organize scheduled events, particularly during peak season. Timber Run Campground hosts themed weekends with various activities. One visitor described: "We stayed during Bigfoot weekend. It was super fun as our family likes bigfoot fun. We started out Friday night getting the offered $12 bbq plate that included pork burnt ends, beans and potato salad."
Clean facilities: Several campgrounds near Mill Creek maintain exceptionally clean restrooms and shower areas. A Waterside Campground and RV Park visitor noted: "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!"
Pool amenities: Multiple campgrounds offer swimming pools, some with extended hours compared to other regions. One Friendship Village camper mentioned: "There are also two pools at each end of the campground and they are very well-maintained and have lifeguard supervision. The pool hours or a little later than most campgrounds as they open at 11 through the week and 12 on Sunday."
What you should know
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds in the area require leveling equipment due to the mountainous terrain. At Raystown Lake / Saxton KOA at Four Seasons, a visitor observed: "This was a nice campground! The staff were super friendly and the whole campground was tidy and clean. The only drawback was that the sites were tight and not the most level but we made do."
Highway noise: Some campgrounds experience significant road noise from nearby highways. "Nice campground, clean and plenty of activities for the kids. The only thing we didn't like was all of the road noise. This campground is located by 2 major highways and truck traffic and Jake brake are constant all night long," reports a Friendship Village camper.
Cell service variability: Signal strength differs dramatically across the region due to mountain interference. At some locations, connectivity remains excellent while others have limited or no service, particularly in valleys and remote areas.
Tips for camping with families
Activity planning: Most family-friendly RV sites near Mill Creek, Pennsylvania offer multiple recreation options on-site. Friendship Village provides extensive children's amenities: "There are many playgrounds spread out across the property as well as a jumping pillow and a very well-built gaga ball pit. In my opinion, the best sites to stay at if you have kids are sites 145–171 as those are right beside the jumping pillow, playground and gaga ball pit."
Off-season options: Many campgrounds remain open with limited activities during shoulder seasons. "Went camping here for the first time this weekend. Although it was the off season there was still tons to do. The kids played mini golf, jumped on the pillow, played on multiple playgrounds, enjoyed ice cream and went fishing," shared a Friendship Village visitor in November.
Bathroom proximity: When camping with young children, select sites near bathhouses. At Friendship Village, "For tent campers I recommend staying in the area of sites 5-25 as there is a very nice bathhouse very close by."
Tips from RVers
Navigation considerations: Reaching RV campsites often requires navigating mountainous roads. For Timber Run Campground, one visitor advised: "If traveling from the Altoona area, go out through Martinsburg over Cove Mountain Rd - it saves you 30 minutes to an hour."
Site selection for large rigs: At River's Edge RV Park & Campground, newer sites accommodate larger RVs. "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). Sites are good sized, mostly shaded, and grassy."
Limited pull-through availability: Most campgrounds have limited pull-through sites that should be reserved well in advance. Back-in sites predominate throughout the region, particularly at smaller facilities and state parks.
