Black Moshannon State Park Campground offers a variety of rustic and modern cabin options nestled within Pennsylvania's scenic mountain terrain. The cabins range from basic rustic structures to modern units with full amenities. Located at 4216 Beaver Road in Philipsburg, the park serves as a central hub for exploring the surrounding natural areas. Cabin sites throughout the region remain popular for visitors seeking more shelter than tent camping but still wanting a forest experience.
What to do
Kayaking and lake activities: Black Moshannon State Park Campground features a unique 250-acre lake with distinctive dark water for boating. "Nice campground with quiet 250 acre lake for kayaking. Good birding," notes visitor Matthew U. The lake's unusual coloration comes from natural plant materials.
Mountain biking trails: The Seven Points area offers extensive trail networks specifically designed for mountain bikers. "The mtb trails begin just above the upper camp loops and provide a full day of fast flowing singletrack," explains Travis S., who appreciated the well-maintained IMBA standard trails that remain open year-round regardless of weather conditions.
Wildlife viewing: Make time for elk watching near Parker Dam State Park Campground. "During the eight months the timber rattler is a common site along the roads and in the trails. Keep your eyes open and respect them," advises Travis S. The park provides easy access to nearby Benezette for prime elk viewing areas.
What campers like
Well-maintained cabins: The modern cabins at Bellefonte-State College KOA provide reliable accommodations. "My family and I stayed here one night during a motorcycle trip. We rented 1 of the cabins they have on the property and it was great all of us fit comfortably we were able to have a campfire out front and sit at a picnic table," reports Danielle W.
Rustic forest setting: Woodland Campground offers peaceful cabin stays amid natural surroundings. "We stayed on a primitive site in our van, it was only for one night but we wished we'd booked more, the facilities are great and everyone is friendly. It feels homey," shares Shona S. about her cabin camping experience.
Lake access and water recreation: The lake at Black Moshannon State Park draws visitors seeking water activities. "The lake has lots to offer. Swimming, boating, fishing, wildlife watching and a big sky view for star gazing," explains Denise D. The distinctive dark water creates a unique paddling experience.
What you should know
Winter closure periods: Most cabin facilities close during winter months. Parker Dam State Park operates from "2nd Friday April to mid December," with similar seasonal limitations at other parks. Plan accordingly if visiting during shoulder seasons.
Variable amenities between cabins: Cabin facilities differ significantly between locations and within the same park. "We stayed in site 6. It was a very small site and had no established spot to put our tent so we actually had to encroach on site 7," notes Casey L. about Simon B. Elliott State Park.
Limited connectivity: Cell service remains inconsistent throughout the region. "The campground was very nice. The spaces were all very level, and many were waterfront. Unfortunately there was a pipeline being put right through the middle and equipment/workers everywhere and a generator that ran all night," reports Rachel B. about construction activity affecting the camping experience.
Tips for camping with families
Beach activities: Poe Valley State Park Campground offers family-friendly swimming. "The beach was nice, not crowded, soft sand, and warm water. It's a great lake to kayak or paddle board on," shares Taylor V. The beach area includes amenities like a concession stand and changing facilities.
Playground access: Several campgrounds include play areas for children. "Great place for kids! We love staying at crooked run campground. Has a beach on the lake. Affordable boat rentals. Bmx track for kids," explains Jackie W. about the recreational options available for younger campers.
Educational opportunities: Look for ranger programs at various parks during summer months. "We discovered one of the evening talks about the eagles nesting in the park and the ranger set up binoculars for us to try and see the nest," writes Cheryl W., highlighting the educational experiences available at Bald Eagle State Park.
Tips from RVers
Site selection considerations: Russell P Letterman Campground requires careful site selection. "Definitely look at pictures of your site before reserving. The distance between spots was good. Roads were a little narrow but manageable," advises Greg J. Many sites lack water hookups, offering only access to fill stations.
Dump station facilities: Seven Points campground offers excellent dumping facilities. "We pulled into Ridge Camp and drove a little bit down a hill to our site. One backup attempt into the site and it was perfectly level," reports Tim J., who also noted the "ultra-cool 4 lane dump station" with a well-designed freshwater filling system.
Leveling challenges: The mountainous terrain creates uneven sites at many campgrounds. "Make sure you have leveling tools as the sites are not very level side-to-side," warns Joel A. about the Bellefonte-State College KOA, where the terraced hillside layout requires additional equipment for comfortable setup.
