The Newburg area offers diverse camping options surrounded by Pennsylvania's ridge and valley geography. Campgrounds range from 1,100 feet to over 2,800 feet in elevation at Blue Knob State Park, the second-highest peak in Pennsylvania. The region's spring and summer temperatures typically range from 50-85°F with occasional rain showers, particularly at higher elevations where clouds break against the mountains.
What to do
Hiking adventures: Blue Knob State Park features extensive trail systems with varying difficulty levels. "The hiking here is really spectacular with lots of scenery, overlooks, and side trails that extend many miles out into state forest lands which are adjacent to the park," notes Brian S. about Blue Knob State Park Campground.
Water recreation: Raystown Lake provides multiple access points for boating, fishing, and swimming. "The lake is so clean and refreshing and we have such beautiful views from our camp site. We went down to the swim beach and our kiddo made sand castles and swam in the clear water," shares Jennifer D. about Seven Points.
Mountain biking: The Allegrippis Trail system offers IMBA standard built trails accessible year-round. "The mtb trails begin just above the upper camp loops and provide a full day of fast flowing singletrack," according to Travis S., who notes that Ridge camp at Seven Points is "the closest to the Allegrippis Trail system and from the entrance of the camp loop there is a trail head!"
Fishing spots: Multiple access points around Raystown Lake provide fishing opportunities. At Pat's Primitive Place, "Right around the corner from our site was a great spot along the river for sitting out in the sun and fishing for trout," explains Sarah C.
What campers like
Private waterfront sites: Susquehannock Campground offers direct lake access. "Some sites right on the water, can walk right into the lake. Beautiful scenery," writes Ian W. about Susquehannock, who recommends "Spots 51, 52, 53 best waterfront with parking."
Well-maintained facilities: Raystown Lake/Saxton KOA features updated amenities. "It looks like they have recently remodeled the bathrooms/showers (3 of the 4 look brand new), and the pool has been crystal clear," notes Chuck M. about Raystown Lake / Saxton KOA at Four Seasons.
Unique accommodations: Pet friendly camping near Newburg, Pennsylvania includes cabins at various comfort levels. At Canoe Creek State Park, cabins feature "nice bathrooms with hot showers, a common area with a lot of furniture, a kitchen with large table and full sized appliances," according to Sarah C., who adds, "The cabin we stayed in was pet friendly and had two rooms, one with a full size bed and a second one with 2 sets of bunk beds."
Level campsites: Many campers appreciate the topography at some campgrounds. At Seven Points, Tim J. notes, "We pulled into 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."
What you should know
Site selection matters: Consider the topography when booking. "With the slope, however be aware of the kids and adults riding around on bicycles and skateboards," warns Paul B. about Timber Run Campground (formerly Four Seasons). At Seven Points, "depending on where the camper site was located, some had their picnic table and fire ring either above or below them. Definitely worth looking at the pictures."
Weather patterns: The mountainous terrain affects local conditions. Brian S. notes about Blue Knob State Park Campground: "Clouds blowing east from the Midwest tend to break on the mountains here at Blue Knob, so short little bursts of rainfall are frequent, and they don't always show up on weather apps. Come prepared for short rain showers, chilly air even in the summer."
Primitive camping considerations: Some campgrounds have limited facilities. Susquehannock offers "primitive camping with no electricity. Get your water at a hand pump and they have pit toilets," explains Rebecca G., adding that "showers are located at Seven Points" nearby.
Varied access to services: Cell service and supplies availability differ by location. At Pat's Place, Sarah C. mentions "We had great phone service at the site and nearby (Verizon)." For supplies, she notes "There is also a large Walmart about 7 minutes away for any camping needs."
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Look for campgrounds with dedicated recreation 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," says Jackie W. about Crooked Run Campground — Prince Gallitzin State Park.
Educational opportunities: Some parks offer structured learning programs. At Timber Run Campground, Paul B. shares "Sunday we had pancakes and later a visit from RayCEP which is an education program that PA DNCR provides talking about various outdoorsy type things. This is primarily for kids, but we sat and listened too and our 17 year old helped out with the craft."
Group camping options: Seven Points provides designated areas for organized groups. Nicole F. explains: "We used the group tent sites for our Girl Scout weekend. It was a fun weekend. We participated 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."
Family-friendly pricing: Some locations offer affordable recreation options. Prince Gallitzin State Park features "Affordable boat rentals," according to Jackie W., making water activities accessible for families with children.
Tips from RVers
RV loop selection: Different campground areas cater to various needs. At Seven Points, Tim J. recommends: "We liked this campground so much that I tried booking for our last seasonal weekend in October, but there was nothing in Ridge or Point." He also notes, "We drove through Meadow Camp (MCAM) but it was too open for us with not many trees for shade. Bay camp (BCAM) was a bit nicer than Meadow with ample trees, but it wasn't close to anything except for one portion that had access to the lake/bay below."
Dump station quality: Well-designed facilities make departure easier. Seven Points features "the ultra-cool 4 lane dump station," according to Tim J., who adds, "The dump station, as noted above had wide lanes and made the experience an easy and clean one."
Site size considerations: RV campers should check site dimensions before booking. At Valley Camp within Seven Points, Tim J. observed that "the sites appeared too small for our 28' TT." Similarly, at Lake Raystown Resort, Britt B. notes "This campground offers tent sites, RV Sites, cabins and hotel accommodation. The campground is relatively flat and on the shore of Lake Raystown."
Fresh water access: Know where to fill tanks upon arrival. Tim J. appreciated Seven Points' water system: "We arrived and filled up the fresh water tank at the ultra-cool 4 lane dump station...The fresh water spigot was more like a little tank, super-solid, clean and modern."
Legend
