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Camping near Moshannon, Pennsylvania spans a mix of state park campgrounds, private facilities, and lakeside recreation areas within the forested central region of the state, ranging from full-service RV sites with electric hookups to rustic tent-only areas. Black Moshannon State Park Campground serves as a centerpiece for outdoor recreation in the area, featuring 73 sites with electric hookups and 20 cabins along Moshannon Lake. Nearby Bald Eagle State Park offers both modern and primitive camping options, while private facilities like Woodland Campground and Bellefonte-State College KOA provide additional accommodations. The region sits within easy access to Penn State University and is surrounded by the rolling hills and forests of central Pennsylvania.
Most campgrounds in the Moshannon area operate seasonally from mid-April through mid-December, with peak season running May through October. Winter camping is limited, and reservations are strongly recommended during summer months and Penn State football weekends when facilities fill quickly. Cell service varies significantly throughout the region, with many state park locations having limited to no connectivity. Pennsylvania state parks enforce firewood restrictions to prevent the spread of invasive species, requiring campers to purchase wood locally or at campground offices. Weather in the region can be unpredictable, with temperatures often 5-15 degrees cooler in forested areas than in surrounding towns.
State parks typically offer clean, well-maintained facilities with modern bathhouses that receive consistent praise from visitors. According to reviews, "Pennsylvania State Parks have clean bathrooms offered at all the state parks we have visited." Family-friendly amenities include swimming beaches, boat rentals, and hiking trails. Pet-friendly sites are available at most campgrounds but may be limited to designated loops or areas. Many campgrounds feature water recreation, with Black Moshannon Lake permitting electric motorboats and offering rentals during the summer season. Fishing opportunities abound throughout the region's lakes and streams.
"Ive 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."
"Electric motorboats are permitted on Moshannon Lake. Boat rentals are available in season."
from $20 - $87 / night
Check Availability"The site itself was fairly uneven and rocky so we had to always use caution when walking around the site but it added to the rugged experience."
"The rustic section was located around a large loop with each site ranging in a few feet from the car-friendly loop to about the 50 foot walk where our site was located."
from $16 - $18 / night
Check Availability"Easy access to camp ground. The check in process was just to drive to the site and set up which was different but very easy. The sites are private on the sides with some green space to play on."
"If you are not the camping type you can stay at the Nature Inn and enjoy the beautiful lodge in an amazing location! Definitely tops on our list of state parks in Pennsylvania!"
from $22 - $62 / night
Check Availability"The section in the front of the park is open with spotty trees; whereas, sites in the back of the park are tucked in the woods and are a lot more private."
"Very peaceful and quite, but close to State College (a must since we were in town for a Penn State game). I also loved historic Bellefonte (I highly recommend eating at the Governors Pub)."
"A standard Ford Explorer handled the drive without trouble, though bringing a trailer would likely only be practical if it is set up for overlanding conditions."
from $10 / night
Check Availability"Woodland campground in Woodland, Pennsylvania is a friendly family-owned campground. The grounds are a beautiful park-like setting with a lake and trails."
"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."
"No water on sites but bibs near by to fill campers & jugs. Cindy in Admin VERY helpful."
from $27 / night
Check Availability"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."
from $20 - $72 / night
Check Availability"Step inside to view elk bear birds and other wildlife! Learn about the building of the dam and the early days of the CCC camps."
"There are a few nice scenic trails that go to the lake and through the woods. Some are kid bike friendly. The nature center is great! Kid friendly and fun!"
from $22 - $29 / night
Check Availability
TravelerThey have 30 amp sites. No water but there is a dump station. Bring your Starlink there is no cell signal. Bathrooms are decent. Good Stargazing(head to nearby Cherry Springs). This is one of the most “out of the way” places in the eastern US. Not quite boon docking but close. There is a guy on the corner that sells firewood. Download maps to get in and out. Listen for the Elk. Watch for Bears.
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.
GuideThe campground was decent enough, but I would probably skip it next time and stay in the state forest instead. The campsites are not especially private and while they are not directly on top of each other, you are definitely aware of nearby campers. That said, it is a great location for stargazing and the pit toilets are convenient if you prefer at least some amenities.
The biggest downside was the lack of firewood. None was available on site and there was little opportunity to gather any from the surrounding woods. After one night, I felt like I had gotten the experience. For my money, I would rather camp nearby in Susquehannock State Forest where you can find far more private and secluded spots for less cost. You give up amenities like toilets, but if privacy and a quieter camping experience matter more, the state forest feels like the better option while still keeping you close enough to enjoy the dark skies near Cherry Springs State Park.
One nearby spot that is absolutely worth the short drive is the Water Tank Vista overlook. The view alone makes the trip worthwhile, especially around sunset or on a clear day. If you are camping in the area, it is one of those places that feels like a hidden gem and adds a lot to the overall experience.
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.
GuideThis is a full service RV campground with nightly and seasonal stays. I was tent camping and, unlike most RV campgrounds, the dedicated tent area was very nice and right on the river. There’s a camp store, laundromat, showers and many different boats available for rent right in the campground. Very well run place and everything looked well kept.
The sites face a small mountain wall with the river at the base so very scenic. The river is fairly fast running so boating and swimming are for older kids/adults in this area or put in someplace calmer.
For those riding the MABDR, this is only 5 mins off the trail and a good place to relax before the final 70 miles through the PA Grand Canyon.
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!!
TravelerNice campground, level site, very clean. (Here early in season though!) $40/night. Lost a star for the long and steep incline walk to the bathrooms. Accessibility note: Careful if you have mobility issues. Many of the sites are terraced and require using steps.
GuideSite SS007 sits roughly two miles off pavement along a fairly rough access road. A standard Ford Explorer handled the drive without trouble, though bringing a trailer would likely only be practical if it is set up for overlanding conditions.
The location offers excellent views of the Susquehanna River and exceptionally clear night skies with strong stargazing opportunities. There was no existing fire ring on site, so we built one using nearby stones. The site does not include a picnic table or other amenities, making it a primative experience.
Cell service was limited but usable, averaging about one bar with AT&T and two bars with T-Mobile.
Overall, it is a quiet, scenic roadside site best suited for campers comfortable with minimal facilities and no other people around.
Camping spots near Moshannon, Pennsylvania sit within the Moshannon State Forest, which spans over 190,000 acres across Centre and Clearfield counties at elevations between 1,000-2,300 feet. The region's distinctive red-tinted waters, caused by natural tannins from the surrounding hemlock forests, create unique fishing and paddling conditions. Campers should note that nighttime temperatures can drop 15-20 degrees below daytime highs, even during summer months.
Kayaking and canoeing on dark waters: Black Moshannon Lake offers distinctive paddling experiences on tannin-stained waters. "Nice campground with quiet 250 acre lake for kayaking. Good birding," notes Matthew U. about Black Moshannon State Park Campground. The water's dark color creates unique photo opportunities, especially during sunrise and sunset.
Elk viewing excursions: Multiple camping areas provide access to Pennsylvania's elk range. "Scenic Elk drive just north with high probability of spotting the majestic animal," explains Travis S. from Parker Dam State Park Campground. Most successful viewing occurs during dawn and dusk hours, with September and October being peak rutting season.
Star gazing without light pollution: The region's limited development creates exceptional night sky viewing. "Peaceful and remote" with "zero cell service/WiFi at the park," according to Shayna at Sinnemahoning State Park, making it ideal for night photography and constellation spotting when skies are clear.
Fishing opportunities: Creek and lake fishing provide varied angling experiences. "Great day trip spot," shares Rebecca E. about Black Moshannon's fishing. The distinctive red-tinted waters support different fish species than clear-water lakes in other parts of Pennsylvania.
Spacious, private sites: Many campers appreciate the well-designed camping spaces. "Very pretty campground with a nice clean wash house. The sites are situated nicely, your neighbors are not 'right there'," reports Sandi G. about Primitive Camping Area at Bald Eagle State Park. The primitive camping areas typically offer more seclusion than the modern campgrounds.
Clean facilities: Consistently mentioned in reviews is the cleanliness of bathhouses. "Clean facilities, nice little beach with playground, warm showers available—all-around good place!" shares Karie Anne P. about Primitive Camping Area at Bald Eagle State Park. Most campgrounds maintain shower facilities from April through October.
Nature education centers: Several parks feature educational components. "Adults and Children alike will love the park office/Wildlife Center at Sinnemahoning State Park. Learn about this buildings green construction (LEED) geo thermal heat, rain water harvesting system, recycled materials and more!" describes Paula L. These centers typically open 9am-4pm most days, with extended summer hours.
Site accessibility options: Many campgrounds offer accessible camping experiences. "The restrooms and some campsites are ADA accessible," notes Paula L. about Sinnemahoning State Park Campground, making outdoor experiences available to campers with mobility concerns.
Limited connectivity: Cell service is minimal or nonexistent throughout much of the region. "There is zero cell service/WiFi at the park, or for at least 5-10 miles from it," explains Shayna about Sinnemahoning. This creates a true disconnect opportunity but requires advance planning.
Reservations essential: Popular weekends fill quickly, especially during peak seasons. "Make a reservation way ahead of your date as this campground is very popular and sites book early," advises Denise D. about Black Moshannon State Park. Holiday weekends often book 6-9 months in advance.
Site-specific features vary significantly: Research individual sites before booking. "Research your site before reserving," recommends Travis S. about Parker Dam State Park, noting that "sites are all paved and many overlapping with fire rings right on the line between sites."
Wildlife encounters common: Visitors should prepare for interactions with local fauna. "I had a close encounter with a massive bull elk just walking from my campsite to the restrooms at dawn!" reports John V. at Woodland Campground. Proper food storage is essential as black bears are present throughout the region.
Educational programs: Many parks offer ranger-led activities for children. "The park also runs a ton of classes for different things like fly fishing, hiking, etc," mentions Lisa L. about Black Moshannon State Park. Programs typically run weekends from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Kid-friendly recreation areas: Multiple campgrounds feature designated play zones. "There is a nice little dog park, nice play ground, bouncy pillow, gem mining, pool, etc.—what you expect to find at a KOA," shares Gayle B. about Bellefonte-State College KOA. The splash pad and pool are typically open from late May through early September.
Biking opportunities: Several campgrounds offer safe cycling for children. "My kids love riding their bikes here. There are a few nice scenic trails that go to the lake and through the woods. Some are kid bike friendly," explains Amber N. about Sinnemahoning State Park Campground. Most paths are relatively flat with minimal elevation changes.
Wildlife viewing with children: Structured wildlife viewing opportunities abound. "During the fall at the nearby dam rangers set up an elk viewing spot with binoculars," notes Amber N. about Sinnemahoning. Many parks also offer free guided nature walks specifically designed for families with children.
Site leveling challenges: Many RVers note the need for leveling equipment. "Make sure you have leveling tools as the sites are not very level side-to-side," advises Joel A. about Bellefonte-State College KOA. The mountainous terrain means most sites require some degree of leveling.
Navigation considerations: Larger rigs face access limitations at some campgrounds. "40 ft max campers due to space/turning contraints. Not for class A rigs," warns Cheryl W. about Russell P Letterman Campground. Some access roads feature tight turns that can be challenging for longer trailers.
Water access varies: Not all sites offer direct water hookups. "I'm not sure about other sites, but we did not have a water hookup, just a spigot we could fill from," shares Greg J. about Russell P Letterman Campground. RVers should arrive with full freshwater tanks at many locations.
Electrical service differences: Amperage varies between campgrounds and specific loops. "Primitive Area with RV which is MUCH QUIETER & MUCH MORE PRIVATE with many trees than the full hookups down in the main park area," notes Rebecca E. about Primitive Camping Area at Bald Eagle State Park, highlighting the tradeoff between amenities and privacy.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near Moshannon, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Moshannon, PA is Black Moshannon State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 25 reviews.
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