141 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Camping options near Olanta, Pennsylvania include several established campgrounds within a short drive. Prince Gallitzin State Park's Crooked Run Campground offers a mix of tent, RV, cabin, and glamping accommodations with lakeside access. Black Moshannon State Park Campground, approximately 30 miles from Olanta, provides electric hookups and full-service sites in a forested setting. Most campgrounds in the region accommodate both tent and RV camping, with several offering cabin rentals for those seeking more shelter from the elements.
The camping season in this part of Pennsylvania typically runs from mid-April through October, with some facilities extending into December. Parker Dam State Park Campground operates from the second Friday in April to mid-December, while Black Moshannon remains open until December 15th. Many campgrounds require reservations, especially for weekend stays during peak summer months. Cell service varies significantly throughout the region, with several campgrounds having limited to no coverage. A review noted, "No cell service is extremely limited to non-existent (Verizon)" at Black Moshannon State Park, adding that "Pennsylvania State Parks have clean bathrooms" and excellent amenities.
Waterfront camping receives consistently positive reviews from visitors to the area. Raystown Lake, though farther from Olanta, offers highly-rated waterfront sites where "you are literally 10 feet away from the water as you enjoy a sunset while sitting around the fire." Closer to Olanta, Curwensville Lake Recreation Area provides water access with electric hookups and pet-friendly sites. Campers frequently mention the region's scenic beauty, with one visitor describing Clear Creek State Park as "a beautifully maintained, scenic park, right on the Clarion River." The area's state parks typically feature clean facilities, hiking trails, and water recreation opportunities, with many campgrounds offering both secluded wooded sites and more open areas for larger RVs or groups.
"This campground is perfect for people who are looking to get away from busy city life or just want to relax next to a lake."
"The site was roomy enough, but next time I know to try to reserve on the outside perimeter for more room. Dogs are permitted in this area of the campground and honestly they were all well behaved."
from $20 - $57 / night
Check Availability"This spot allows you to relax without to much concern,dogs welcome ,boating and swimming was awesome for around this area. Camping is great especially at night with boats on the water."
"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"Electric motorboats are permitted on Moshannon Lake. Boat rentals are available in season."
"Great hiking and a beautiful lake for kayaking. Site 22 is a full hookup. Utilities worked nicely. However, our picnic table had seen better days. "
from $20 - $87 / night
Check Availability"Lots of trails to hike. Decent camp store."
"Woodland campground in Woodland, Pennsylvania is a friendly family-owned campground. The grounds are a beautiful park-like setting with a lake and trails."
"Staff drives around periodically on a ranger and can be flagged down if help is needed. There is a fishing pond on site for the kids to fish."
from $40 / night
Check Availability"We enjoyed just walking around the cabin loop and back roads. There is wood for sale at the maitenance barn for $5 a bundle self serve honor system. Parker Dam is closeby with more to do and a store."
"There isn't a camp store, but I-80 is 2 miles down the road and there are places to shop/eat in nearby Clearfield. "
from $18 - $67 / night
Check Availability"It is very close to I80, however, there is a 5 mile drive thru a housing development where the 25 MPH speed limit is enforced by an overly zealous security guard."
"Dog run is ok and have to walk a good was to the trash bin depending on campsite. Will be back. Some sites have concrete patio which I do recommend."
"We rolled through the area later than ideal and Dale welcomed us as a walk-in. Waited up for us and showed us a spot - it was perfect. Beautiful view and easy to get in and out."
ScoutWow, the weekends were fun. They were quite a bit of people there and my kids had a good time. The weekdays were different story we were told we had to be quiet. We had a lot of craziness go on
ScoutClean campground, water, electric. Saw a turkey upon arrival and a deer and multiple black squirrels when departing. Nice little store with arcade, snacks and pizza they will deliver to your site on Fridays! Heated pool and pretty nice bathrooms
TravelerA great place to spend some time. Very quiet plenty of hiking trails, the river is great for kayaking. Lots of big hemlock trees. Definitely will return in the fall.
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.
TravelerWe arrived mid week for Memorial Day camping. No hookups obviously but beautiful large site with room for probably up to 30’ RV. The sites are WAY further apart than you think they are. Like spread more than 10 miles.
TravelerM9, short RVsM6 under 25’ or less big drop off. M8 tents only, M7 parking spot filled with gravel (for maintenance?), M6 short RVs under 22’ with tent area behind, M5 gravel again, M3 & M4 are together with one side good for RVs and a tent site that is a significant hike through the woods. M2 tents only, M1 good size for RV but it’s shaped like a T so you need to maneuver it in.
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!!
GuideCamping in late October 25. Spot on the River. Very quiet and peaceful.
Camping in Olanta, Pennsylvania sits amid the Moshannon State Forest region where elevations range from 1,200 to 2,300 feet. The area features numerous glacial lakes with distinctive tea-colored water caused by natural tannins. Most campgrounds in this part of central Pennsylvania operate seasonally with varying levels of amenities, though several offer year-round cabin options with advance reservations.
Fishing in unique tea-colored waters: Parker Dam State Park Campground offers excellent trout fishing opportunities in its distinctive lake. A camper noted, "The lake has good trout fishing and the beach area offers a nice place for a relaxing summer retreat." The park also provides boat and kayak rentals for those without their own equipment.
Elk viewing excursions: The Pennsylvania Wilds region near Parker Dam State Park Campground provides excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. "Spent time driving to Benezette - about 30 minute trip - to see the Elk. Great experience seeing approximately 100 elk. Several very large bulls," shares one visitor. The best viewing times are dawn and dusk during fall mating season.
Disc golf: Curwensville Lake Recreation Area has an unexpected amenity for outdoor enthusiasts. One camper mentioned, "I had no idea there was disc golf, I keep a couple in my truck and so i played more game then fished." The course offers a nice alternative activity when taking a break from water recreation.
Family-friendly amenities: Crooked Run Campground at Prince Gallitzin State Park receives high marks from families with children. A reviewer stated, "Great place for kids! We love staying at crooked run campground. Has a beach on the lake. Affordable boat rentals. Bmx track for kids." The campground also features paved roads and sites, making it accessible for bikes and strollers.
Clean facilities: Woodland Campground maintains high standards of cleanliness that campers consistently appreciate. "Very clean, could be a bit more level. Great amenities, boat, fish, games, hike," notes one visitor. The campground offers a park-like setting with spacious sites that can accommodate larger rigs.
Peaceful environment: The low-key atmosphere at many campgrounds near Olanta provides a true escape. At Clearview Campground, one camper observed, "Even though there were quite a few other campers there it was very quiet and peaceful." Many sites in the region offer scenic valley views from hillside settings.
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies significantly throughout the Olanta region. At Black Moshannon State Park Campground, approximately 30 miles from Olanta, campers report: "No cell service is extremely limited" but this creates an opportunity to disconnect in nature.
Advance reservations essential: Particularly during summer weekends, campgrounds fill quickly. One camper advises, "Make a reservation way ahead of your date as this campground is very popular and sites book early. It has sites to accommodate any R.V. and lot of tent sites."
Limited tent pads at some locations: Not all campgrounds have designated tent spots. A review of Simon B. Elliott State Park noted, "It was a very small site and had no established spot to put our tent so we actually had to encroach on site 7... Everywhere else was unlevel/uneven/rocky/rooty/muddy/etc. They should put in tent pads."
Group tent sites: For larger family gatherings, seek out designated group areas. At Crooked Run Campground, a visitor shared: "We used the group tent sites for our Girl Scout weekend. It was a fun weekend... The site was clean, decently level area for tents, accessible to potable water and bathrooms with showers."
Playgrounds for energy release: Multiple campgrounds feature playground equipment to keep children entertained. One camper at Curwensville Lake Recreation Area reported, "Solo with my dog and my canoe. Had a great time... The dog swimming area was pretty cool." The campground provides dedicated pet areas where both children and dogs can safely play.
Consider off-season visits: Camping near Olanta can be more peaceful during shoulder seasons. A visitor to DuBois/Treasure Lake KOA noted, "We went in the beginning of May so luckily, we mostly had the vicinity to ourselves." Many campgrounds have fewer visitors during weekdays and in spring/fall.
Site selection for big rigs: For those with larger RVs, specific areas work better. At Woodland Campground, a visitor observed, "The sights are spacious and can accommodate large rigs. There are back-in and pull-thru sites with FHU 30/50 amp." This campground lies just one mile north of Interstate 80 for easy access.
Be prepared for varied site conditions: Leveling can be an issue at some campgrounds. One RVer at Woodland Campground mentioned, "Very clean, could be a bit more level." Consider bringing additional leveling blocks, especially for older campgrounds in the region.
Check concrete pad availability: Some campgrounds offer premium sites with concrete features. A camper at DuBois/Treasure Lake KOA advised, "Some sites have concrete patio which I do recommend." These sites often cost more but provide better stability for larger rigs.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Olanta, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Olanta, PA offers a wide range of camping options, with 141 campgrounds and RV parks near Olanta, PA and 4 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Olanta, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Olanta, PA is Crooked Run Campground — Prince Gallitzin State Park with a 4.3-star rating from 26 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Olanta, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 4 free dispersed camping spots near Olanta, PA.
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