Camping near Clearfield, PA ranges from full-hookup RV and cabin sites to rustic electric-only campgrounds in north-central Pennsylvania's forested landscape. Parker Dam State Park Campground and Woodland Campground offer full-hookup sites accommodating tents, RVs, and cabin rentals. Most campgrounds in the region are wooded, with some offering access to lakes and streams. Curwensville Lake Campground and Clearfield County Recreation Area provide waterfront sites with options for water activities. The Simon B. Elliott State Park Campground offers a smaller, more rustic camping experience while still providing electric hookups for visitors seeking a quieter stay.
The primary camping season in this area runs from April through October, with most facilities closing for winter by mid-December. As one camper noted, "Parker Dam State Park is a quiet low tea office campground with paved sites and a modern shower house." Road conditions are generally suitable for most vehicles, though some campgrounds have limitations for larger RVs. Cellular coverage varies throughout the region, with stronger signals near Interstate 80 and diminished service in more remote areas. Reservations are recommended, particularly for weekend stays during summer months and during autumn leaf-viewing season when many visitors come to observe wildlife, including elk in nearby Benezette.
Many campers highlight the region's natural amenities as standout features. The fishing opportunities receive consistent praise, with ponds and lakes accessible from several campgrounds near Clearfield. Woodland Campground receives positive reviews for its "beautiful park-like setting with a lake and trails" and canoe rentals. Family-friendly amenities are common, with multiple campgrounds featuring playgrounds and recreational areas. While some campgrounds like Parker Dam offer modern facilities with full hookups and hot showers, others like Simon B. Elliott State Park provide a more basic camping experience with limited amenities. Visitors seeking more adventurous experiences can access the surrounding Pennsylvania Wilds region, which offers additional hiking trails and wildlife viewing opportunities.
$20 - $72 / night
"There’s a little lake there, and a stream and some trails but in general it’s all pretty uninspiring."
"These two sites are shaded, surrounded by trees and pretty much private to the rest of the "Modern" campground."
$20 - $87 / night
"Electric motorboats are permitted on Moshannon Lake. Boat rentals are available in season."
"Great hiking and a beautiful lake for kayaking. Site 22 is a full hookup. Utilities worked nicely. However, our picnic table had seen better days. "
"Woodland campground in Woodland, Pennsylvania is a friendly family-owned campground. The grounds are a beautiful park-like setting with a lake and trails."
"This spot allows you to relax without to much concern,dogs welcome ,boating and swimming was awesome for around this area. Camping is great especially at night with boats on the water."
$18 - $67 / night
"There isn't a camp store, but I-80 is 2 miles down the road and there are places to shop/eat in nearby Clearfield. "
"We enjoyed just walking around the cabin loop and back roads. There is wood for sale at the maitenance barn for $5 a bundle self serve honor system. Parker Dam is closeby with more to do and a store."
"It is very close to I80, however, there is a 5 mile drive thru a housing development where the 25 MPH speed limit is enforced by an overly zealous security guard."
"Dog run is ok and have to walk a good was to the trash bin depending on campsite. Will be back. Some sites have concrete patio which I do recommend."
$20 - $57 / night
"This campground is perfect for people who are looking to get away from busy city life or just want to relax next to a lake."
"The site was roomy enough, but next time I know to try to reserve on the outside perimeter for more room. Dogs are permitted in this area of the campground and honestly they were all well behaved."
"Lots of trails to hike. Decent camp store."
$10 / night
"Nice sit with fire pit, picnic table, and short walk to a beautiful creek so no need to bring water if you can filter it. Only 5-10 minutes away from Benezette and the PA elk herd."
"Have your own little driveway to park your car right next to the site. Comes with a picnic table and fire pit. Need lots of rope for setting up tarps as trees are far apart."
$40 / night
"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."
ScoutClean campground, water, electric. Saw a turkey upon arrival and a deer and multiple black squirrels when departing. Nice little store with arcade, snacks and pizza they will deliver to your site on Fridays! Heated pool and pretty nice bathrooms
TravelerA great place to spend some time. Very quiet plenty of hiking trails, the river is great for kayaking. Lots of big hemlock trees. Definitely will return in the fall.
RangerWhat a gorgeous area. Camp site has a path down to Medix Run (which seems quite clean) with a perfect spot to set out camp chairs and watch the water. Beautiful sounds of birds and spring wildflowers all over the site. Sites are well spaced. The road is surprisingly busy day and night, which did take away from the experience. Unfortunately that issue was dwarfed by other behavior.
Imagine you're sitting by the water on your campsite at 6pm, and a man is suddenly standing next to you. On your dispersed, state forest camp site. With a path only accessible by walking through the site. He tells you a beaver dam used to be here and goes into the water to fish. Weird things happen, but THREE different fishermen at different times used our campsite as their fishing base. Not the area next to it, the campsite. Even parked down the driveway next to our car.
Maybe you're not bothered by this. Maybe it's because you've read this and now had the chance to consider the possibility. However, I'd be willing to bet you'd rather not be surprised. Especially when there are no amenities and as a woman, you need to get partially undressed just to take a leak in the morning.
This is unacceptable behavior. There were other unoccupied campsites, turn offs and places to stop and fish. In all my life camping, no one has ever done this sort of thing. You stay off campsites when other people are there, unless you need help or want to pass on information.
If one person had done this, I wouldn't be writing such a cranky review but three instances warrants a warning for other campers. Good luck, folks.
TravelerWe arrived mid week for Memorial Day camping. No hookups obviously but beautiful large site with room for probably up to 30’ RV. The sites are WAY further apart than you think they are. Like spread more than 10 miles.
GuideThe campsite is located about three miles down from Cherry Springs State Park and Campground, just off the road. It is visible from the road, so if complete privacy is important to you, keep that in mind. That said, the setting itself is beautiful, especially the drive in through the tall pine forests which immediately gave the area a peaceful feel.
The site has two good level tent spots and one semi level spot, all within view of where you park, which made unloading and setup easy. It took me roughly an hour to get camp fully set up. One thing to know going in: there is absolutely no cell service at least with T mobile, which can either be a huge positive or a dealbreaker depending on what you’re looking for.
One of the best features of the site is a nice trail leading back to a creek that you can hear flowing from camp. I spent some time walking along it and tossed a fishing line in a few times. The current was moving pretty fast and I did not see signs of fish during my visit, but it was still a relaxing place to explore.
Firewood was a mixed bag. There are plenty of fallen trees around, but much of it was surrounded by poison ivy, so gathering wood took a little caution. Bugs were present enough that I ended up using a head net in the evening, especially after dark.
For stargazing, the location was solid. I stayed up late and managed to catch three shooting stars. I brought a telescope but the angle of the sky from my setup made it harder to use than expected. If astronomy is your main goal, you may still want to head up to Cherry Springs proper for the best viewing experience.
Overall, this is a peaceful, simple campsite with good access to nature and a quiet atmosphere. Best suited for people who are okay disconnecting completely, enjoy creekside wandering and do not mind a more rustic experience. I would camp here again, especially for a quick getaway near Cherry Springs.
TravelerM9, short RVsM6 under 25’ or less big drop off. M8 tents only, M7 parking spot filled with gravel (for maintenance?), M6 short RVs under 22’ with tent area behind, M5 gravel again, M3 & M4 are together with one side good for RVs and a tent site that is a significant hike through the woods. M2 tents only, M1 good size for RV but it’s shaped like a T so you need to maneuver it in.
TravelerShort term area was basically an open field with a few trees. Restrooms were large but plumbing has a lot to be desired. Friendly staff, quiet and lots of amenities to include a snack shop with panini’s, pizza, tacos and more. Super good WiFi
TravelerThis campground (now named "Orchard Station Campground" is under new management, and is open all year (I think). They are in the process of upgrading sites with new utility lines and level gravel pads.
Owner was very friendly & helpful.
Allowed me to charge my Rivian onsite (I paid him for the extra power).
Adjacent huge cemetery site is accessible via a goat path at the back of the campground and provided a great place to walk our dog every day.
We were attending the Alleghany Ukulele Soiree at the Altoona Grand Hotel, and this was a perfect spot (less than 5 minutes away).
Will definitely return!!
GuideCamping in late October 25. Spot on the River. Very quiet and peaceful.
Camping sites near Clearfield, Pennsylvania sit within the Moshannon State Forest region at elevations between 1,600-2,200 feet. The area receives approximately 42 inches of annual rainfall, supporting the diverse hardwood forests that characterize the region. Spring camping (April-June) often sees temperature fluctuations between 40°F nights and 70°F days, while fall camping offers more stable temperatures but increased wildlife activity.
Elk viewing opportunities: Just 30-40 minutes north of Clearfield in Benezette, visitors can observe Pennsylvania's wild elk herd. "We spent time driving to Benezette - about 30 minute trip - to see the Elk. Great experience seeing approximately 100 elk. Several very large bulls," notes a camper from Parker Dam State Park Campground. Another visitor mentions, "Close to dam where the fish are plentiful."
Disc golf courses: The recreation areas around Curwensville Lake offer unexpected activities. "Solo with my dog and my canoe. Had a great time I had no idea there was disc golf, I keep a couple in my truck and so i played more game then fished," reports a visitor to Curwensville Lake Campground.
Hiking diversity: Black Moshannon offers trail systems ranging from easy lake loops to more challenging forest terrain. "Great camping area stop a mountain...nice unique lake that is incredibly dark in color. Lilly pads abound with great flowers," writes one visitor. Another notes the campground has "tons of hiking along the whole park" and "runs a ton of classes for different things like fly fishing, hiking, etc."
Access to waterways: Numerous camping areas provide direct water access. At Woodland Campground, visitors appreciate the "beautiful park-like setting with a lake and trails" and that "they have canoes available to explore the lake." The campground features "a fishing pond (catch and release)" according to another review.
Wildlife encounters: Many campgrounds offer opportunities for wildlife viewing. A Crooked Run Campground visitor describes it as "Great place for kids! We love staying at crooked run campground. Has a beach on the lake. Affordable boat rentals. Bmx track for kids." Deer sightings are common, with one Parker Dam camper noting "Deer came up to campsite every morning."
Designated swimming areas: Several campgrounds maintain dedicated swimming beaches with amenities. "Very nice state park in PA. Huge lake for water sports, scenic trails, small dirt bike oval track," writes one Crooked Run visitor. Another camper at Black Moshannon notes the lake has "Swimming, boating, fishing, wildlife watching and a big sky view for star gazing."
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies widely across the region. A camper at Medix Run Camping Area reports "no cell service" but mentions being "near town with free wifi." Another notes using "total wireless which uses Verizon towers" with no service at their site.
Weather considerations: The area experiences frequent, brief rain showers even during camping season. "It rained almost every day but only for a half hour or so and went back to being sunny. Bring bug spray and tick collars for your pets," advises a Medix Run visitor.
Site selection importance: Many campgrounds feature varied site layouts and privacy levels. At Simon B. Elliott State Park, a camper noted it was "a tiny campground with quite a few flat places to take a stroll. The sites are decently sized for the size of the campground itself." Another camper cautions about site choice, stating "We stayed in site 6. It was a very small site and had no established spot to put our tent."
Kid-friendly amenities: Look for campgrounds with dedicated play areas. "Great place for kids! We love staying at crooked run campground. Has a beach on the lake. Affordable boat rentals. Bmx track for kids," shares a Prince Gallitzin visitor. Another family at Curwensville reports, "Our kiddo loved playing at the playground right by our campsite."
Educational programming: Some parks offer structured activities. "The park also runs a ton of classes for different things like fly fishing, hiking, etc," notes a Black Moshannon visitor. Another camper mentions participating in "the Outdoors for Everyone event. The site was clean, decently level area for tents, accessible to potable water and bathrooms with showers. Rangers were wonderful to work with in setting up teaching opportunities for the girls."
Pet-friendly options: Many campgrounds welcome four-legged family members. At Curwensville Lake, "The dog swimming area was pretty cool," according to one visitor. Some campgrounds have dedicated pet sections - a camper at Simon B. Elliott State Park Campground noted it has "a bathroom at the campground and pit toilets across the street at the picnic area" but reminded visitors "There aren't showers. Sites offer a picnic table and a fire ring."
Hookup availability: RV sites vary in amenities across the region. At DuBois/Treasure Lake KOA, "Rock sites mostly level. Most sites are huge. Dog run is ok and have to walk a good was to the trash bin depending on campsite. Some sites have concrete patio which I do recommend." Another visitor notes the campground is "way back in the woods. Love it."
Navigation challenges: Some campgrounds present access difficulties. A KOA visitor warned, "This KOA is located 5 miles in the back of a gated community. Signage is lacking and it's confusing to locate once past the gate, especially after a long day of driving."
Shade considerations: Many RV areas lack natural shade. "RV spots had zero trees/shade," notes one DuBois/Treasure Lake visitor, while another mentions "A lot of their sites were in an open field." For more wooded options, consider Woodland Campground where "The sites are spacious and can accommodate large rigs" and offer "a beautiful park-like setting."
Frequently Asked Questions
What fun activities are available when camping in Clearfield, PA?
Clearfield's surrounding area offers abundant outdoor recreation opportunities. Water enthusiasts can enjoy kayaking on the Clarion River, swimming, fishing, and boating at Crooked Run Campground — Prince Gallitzin State Park, which offers easy lake access within a 10-minute walk from most sites. Hikers and nature lovers will appreciate the numerous trails throughout the region, including those at Kettle Creek State Park, known for its rustic feel and excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. Mountain biking trails, breweries, stargazing, and scenic drives are also popular activities. The Pennsylvania Wilds region surrounding Clearfield provides ample opportunities for photography, birdwatching, and simply enjoying the peace and quiet of the great outdoors.
What are the best campgrounds near Clearfield, PA?
The Clearfield area offers several excellent camping options. Clear Creek State Park Campground is highly recommended with tent sites, RV sites, cabins, and even yurts along the scenic Clarion River. The park features clean facilities and secluded upper loop tent sites. For a more intimate experience, Simon B. Elliott State Park Campground provides decent-sized sites with picnic tables and flat walking trails, though note there are no showers. Other notable options include Curwensville Lake Recreation Area for water activities and Medix Run in Moshannon State Forest for a more rustic experience. Most campgrounds in the region offer beautiful natural surroundings with varying levels of amenities and access to outdoor recreation.
Is Woodland Campground in Clearfield, PA worth visiting?
Yes, Woodland Campground is worth visiting for campers seeking a peaceful getaway in the Pennsylvania wilderness. While specific reviews for this campground are limited, it's situated in an area known for natural beauty and outdoor recreation opportunities. For comparison, nearby Hemlock Acres Camp Ground receives excellent reviews for its peace and quiet in the great outdoors. When planning a visit to Woodland Campground, check ahead for amenity details, site availability, and seasonal considerations. The campground's location provides good access to the region's hiking trails, fishing spots, and scenic drives through Pennsylvania's forests.
Keep Exploring
