Prince Gallitzin State Park Crooked Run Campground features 6 camping loops across a hilly, wooded landscape. Located in the Allegheny Mountains at 1,600 feet elevation, the region experiences warm summers and cold winters with significant snowfall. Waterfront campsites on the 1,635-acre Glendale Lake provide access to 26 miles of shoreline with boat-in options available at several locations.
What to do
Kayaking on Raystown Lake: Seven Points campground provides excellent water access with multiple boat launches. "A beautiful campground with waterfront sites and wooded camping areas for tents and rv/pull behind," notes Kristen H. about the Senoia section of Seven Points.
Mountain biking on Allegrippis Trails: The trail system begins just above the upper camp loops at Ridge Camp and provides a full day of riding options. Travis S. mentions, "The mtb trails begin just above the upper camp loops and provide a full day of fast flowing singletrack."
Swimming at the beach area: Black Moshannon State Park offers a unique swimming experience on its dark-colored lake. Clay P. explains, "Great camping area stop a mountain...nice unique lake that is incredibly dark in color. Lilly pads abound with great flowers" at Black Moshannon State Park Campground.
Hiking at Trough Creek: The park features numerous scenic trails including the popular Leaning Rock hike. "It has a nice hike up above a creek with a huge rock that appears ready to fall over the cliff with a simple touch. Very neat," according to Nick S.
What campers like
Primitive waterfront camping: Susquehannock Campground offers direct lake access without electricity. "Very cool camp. Loops for RVs, higher on the hill, waterfront loops on steeper grounds for tents, and some walk-to sites adjacent to parking right at the point which double as boat-in," reports Ian W. about Susquehannock.
Clean facilities: The bathhouses and shower facilities at most area campgrounds receive positive reviews. One camper at Prince Gallitzin noted, "All sites are paved as are the roads. Bathrooms are fairly modern and clean."
Spacious sites: Lake Raystown Resort campground features well-designed sites with privacy. "The campground is relatively flat and on the shore of Lake Raystown. The amenities are great and located centrally in each section of the park. Lots of trees which adds to the privacy of the sites," according to Britt B. about Lake Raystown Resort.
Yurt options for glamping: Several campgrounds near Newburg, Pennsylvania offer yurt accommodations for those seeking an alternative to tent or RV camping. Lake Raystown Resort and Seven Points both feature yurt camping options that provide a comfortable middle ground between tent camping and cabins.
What you should know
Site selection matters: Many campgrounds feature hilly terrain with significant differences between loops. Tim J. advises about Seven Points: "We stayed in Ridge Camp (RCAM on Recreation.gov) and drove a little bit down a hill to our site. One backup attempt into the site and (according to our LevelMatePRO app) it was perfectly level...that was definitely a first for us."
Road noise at some locations: Traffic can be heard at certain campgrounds. Aaron S. noted about Friendship Village Campground: "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."
Limited cell service: Connectivity can be spotty in the mountains. Gary P. reports about Trough Creek: "No cell service at all, nor OTA TV. Water is available in the campground at various spots."
Early reservations recommended: Waterfront sites book quickly, especially during peak summer months. According to Megan W., "The lake front sites are beautiful and well maintained, but difficult to book."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Friendship Village Campground offers numerous play areas for children. "There is 3 play grounds all different and all well kept," notes Steve K.
Educational opportunities: Crooked Run Campground — Prince Gallitzin State Park offers ranger programs for young campers. Nicole F. shares, "Rangers were wonderful to work with in setting up teaching opportunities for the girls. We will definitely go back."
Safety considerations for hilly terrain: Some campgrounds feature steep elevation changes that may be hazardous for young children. One camper warns about Senoia camp at Seven Points: "Once you go up the hill to sites above #231, it gets very steep and far away from the water. Probably not too safe for kids on bikes."
Family-friendly activities: Many campgrounds organize scheduled events throughout the summer. Dawn N. mentions about Friendship Village: "Lots of activities for the kids throughout the summer, one of the nicest parks we have camped at! Kid and pet friendly."
Tips from RVers
Check site dimensions carefully: Shawnee State Park Campground has variable site sizes that may not accommodate larger rigs. Gerard notes, "Many of the sites had very awkward back-in approaches that did not provide sufficient area to maneuver a large rig into them," about Shawnee State Park Campground.
Utility locations matter: Some campgrounds have poorly placed hookups that require extensions. At Seven Points, site selection can significantly impact your setup experience and accessibility to facilities.
Dump station efficiency: Many reviewers praise the design of Seven Points' dump station. Tim J. observes, "From the time we arrived and filled up the fresh water tank at the ultra-cool 4 lane dump station, I knew we were in for a great weekend."
Level site availability varies: RVers should research specific loops for level sites. At Trough Creek State Park, Gary P. reports, "All sites level with partial shade. Open, but with plenty of space between sites."
