Shinglehouse, Pennsylvania sits at an elevation of 1,660 feet within the northern Appalachian plateau, creating distinct temperature variations between seasons. Winter temperatures typically drop below freezing from December through March, with snowfall averaging 60-80 inches annually. Summer camping season runs primarily from late May through early October, with typical daytime highs reaching 75-85°F and nighttime temperatures dropping to 50-60°F.
What to do
Stargazing at dedicated areas: Cherry Springs State Park Campground offers exceptional night sky viewing opportunities as Pennsylvania's premier dark sky destination. According to one camper, "We had a chance to lay out in the public viewing field and star gaze. Also, there were telescopes set up and knowledeable folks to tell you what you were viewing! Surprisingly, it was all free and even the fireworks created barely any light pollution for star gazing!" The park provides specialized astronomy fields and programs for optimal viewing conditions.
ATV trail access: Lyman Run State Park Campground offers direct access to ATV trails. A visitor notes, "This park we learned is actually open all year round, so if you come at the right season, it can be magically scenic. We stayed here for a few nights and enjoyed the area because of it having ATV trails that lead out of the park." Trail maps are available at the park office, with routes ranging from beginner to advanced.
River recreation: Riverhurst Park Campground provides excellent water access for fishing and kayaking. One visitor shared, "My family and I had a wonderful stay tent camping here. The grounds are huge and very well maintained, including the grass being mowed. There's entrance spots to kayak/play in the river." Rental equipment is available seasonally at several locations along the Allegheny River.
What campers like
Well-maintained facilities: Visitors consistently praise the cleanliness of campgrounds in the region. A guest at Allegheny River Campground remarked, "I love this place, cleanest campground i ever saw, peaceful, quiet and friendly." This campground offers water and electric hookups with a swimming pool for summer recreation.
Private camping options: For those seeking seclusion, several areas offer more isolated experiences. A Palmers Pond State Forest visitor noted, "Abundant flat and grassy terrain under pines near a beautiful lake. Fire pits, a table, and parking area are in place but nothing else. Lots of beavers to watch throughout the day." This free dispersed camping area requires following leave-no-trace principles.
Winter camping opportunities: While most campgrounds close seasonally, some remain open for winter enthusiasts. One Allegheny River Campground visitor shared their winter experience: "We set up our tent and allegany national Forest deer camp area, a snow storm came overnight 5 plus inches so we settled in, the place is absolutely beautiful just for the solidarity and the wonderful animal noises and complete darkness at night." Winter campers should prepare for temperatures that regularly drop below freezing.
What you should know
Road access limitations: Some dispersed camping areas have restricted access routes. A Palmers Pond visitor warned, "The directions took us to a dead end like the other reviews stated. Do not take Palmers pond road. When you get off of Interstate 86 you will want to take turnpike rd to south road. There are not any lights to show the sign so it's kinda hard to find." High-clearance vehicles are recommended for many forest service roads.
Cell service gaps: Many of the best places to camp near Shinglehouse, Pennsylvania have limited connectivity. A camper at Quaker Area — Allegany State Park observed, "Poor, to no cell phone reception in the Quaker Area adds to the remoteness. I love Allegany so much that I got married in the Quaker Pavilion 2 years ago!" Download offline maps before arrival.
Seasonal availability: Operating seasons vary significantly by location. Trout Run Camp Resort operates from April 15 to October 31, while Cherry Springs State Park Campground runs from the second Friday in April through November. Some primitive areas remain accessible year-round but without winter maintenance.
Tips for camping with families
Activity-centered campgrounds: Trout Run Camp Resort offers numerous recreational facilities. A recent visitor reported, "Lots of things to do for young ones; heated pool, splash pad, pickleball court, basketball hoops and Gaga ball court. Opportunity to rent kayaks, bikes and golf carts." Daily activity schedules are available during peak summer months.
Kid-friendly beach options: Several campgrounds feature swimming areas with dedicated children's sections. One visitor to Lyman Run noted, "There is a lake to do many activities, and a beach there. ATV trails, hiking, beautiful overlooks. No cell service, so you really get to get away from everything." The beach area includes a concession stand operating from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
Spacious group sites: Families traveling together should look for campgrounds with larger group areas. A Riverhurst Park visitor recommended, "We got site 18 & I highly recommend! It's an amazing site! Dogs were playing in the water all day plus they have a large field a few yard from our site where we would play fetch!" Group sites typically require reservations 3-6 months in advance.
Tips from RVers
Campsite spacing considerations: Some campgrounds have tightly arranged sites. A Lyman Run visitor cautioned, "We booked a tent site, and there was only one small patch of grass where we could set up our tent. But the people next to us were in a big group and already had their tents set up very close to our grass, and we didn't feel comfortable camping that close to people." RVers should request specific site dimensions when booking.
Utility hookup availability: Most developed campgrounds offer water and electric connections, but fewer provide full sewer hookups. At Retreat at Fern Hill, a visitor noted the cabin amenities: "Cabin is clean, large firepit, huge patio, great swimming pond with a slide. Cabin included many kitchen items as well as there being a full size freezer/fridge, tables and chairs on the patio." RVs requiring 50-amp service should confirm availability, as many older campgrounds only offer 30-amp.
Off-season accommodations: Some RV-friendly locations remain open during shoulder seasons with reduced services. An Allegheny River Campground visitor mentioned, "Perfect location for us. Quiet spacious sites. Very pleasant owner allowed us to stay even though they were technically closed for the season." Winterization of RV systems is necessary from November through March.
