Prince Gallitzin State Park offers basic tent sites, full hook-up RV sites, and cabins along the 1,600-acre Glendale Lake in Pennsylvania's Allegheny Mountains. The park sits at approximately 1,600 feet elevation with heavily wooded campsites providing natural shade during summer months. The campground operates from mid-April through October with most loops containing 30-50 amp electrical hookups at select sites. Water temperature at Glendale Lake ranges from 68-75°F during peak summer months.
What to do
Hiking and biking trails: At Prince Gallitzin State Park, visitors can explore miles of hiking paths through wooded areas. "So many trails so little time. Friendly crew, helpful staff," notes Resa B. about the park's extensive trail network that ranges from easy shoreline walks to more challenging forest routes.
Fishing from shore or boat: Seven Points Campground at Raystown Lake provides excellent fishing access with some waterfront sites allowing boats to be tied up directly at campsites. "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...that was definitely a first for us," explains Tim J., highlighting the convenience of lake access.
BMX track for kids: Crooked Run Campground offers a specialized BMX track that provides young visitors with dedicated cycling terrain. "Great place for kids! We love staying at crooked run campground. Has a beach on the lake. Affordable boat rentals. BMX track for kids," writes Jackie W., pointing out this unique recreational facility that sets the park apart from others in the region.
Winter activities: While most glamping operations near Patton close for winter, Shawnee State Park Campground maintains year-round yurt accommodations for winter camping enthusiasts. "The lake and the trails around it are beautiful. Great swimming and kayaking/small boating," says Casey S., describing some of the warm-weather activities that complement winter options.
What campers like
Clean, modern bathrooms: Seven Points campground features exceptionally well-maintained facilities. "The dump station, as noted above had wide lanes and made the experience an easy and clean one. The restroom at Ridge has 4 shower stalls which were very clean with hot water at a great water pressure," reports Tim J., highlighting the superior maintenance standards.
Waterfront camping options: Susquehannock Campground offers primitive lakeside sites with direct water access. "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. Some site right on the water, can walk right into the lake," explains Ian W., describing the layout that maximizes water views.
Yurt accommodations: Yellow Creek State Park provides alternate glamping near Patton with comfortable yurt options. "We stayed in one of the yurts, and it was perfect for the group of 6 I went with. It dumped rain the first night we were there and the yurt kept us perfectly comfortable and dry," writes Alyssa H., confirming the all-weather durability of these structures.
Marina access: Lake Raystown Resort includes a full-service marina with boat and equipment rentals. "This campground offers tent sites, RV Sites, cabins and hotel accommodation. The campground is relatively flat and on the shore of Lake Raystown. There is a boat hire place located on the grounds that hires pontoon boats and jet skis in season," notes Britt B.
What you should know
Site selection matters: When glamping at Shawnee State Park Campground, site selection significantly impacts the experience. "The campground is okay, there are a fair amount of awkwardly-placed sites that sit on a hill and are difficult to place a tent, equipment or gear. Our site was essentially a grassy plain, no tree cover which was a bit disappointing," cautions Kaley R., emphasizing the importance of careful site selection.
Reservation timing: Book well in advance for summer weekends, especially for waterfront sites. "We wanted a waterfront spot, and although we booked over a month in advance none were available," reports Jennifer R. regarding Susquehannock Campground, highlighting the high demand.
Lake noise considerations: Motor boats create ambient noise at lakefront campgrounds during daytime hours. "Beautiful scenery, be prepared to be woken by bass boats and subsequent wake at sunrise," warns Ian W. about Susquehannock Campground, noting that early morning boat traffic can disrupt sleep.
Seasonal limitations: Most glamping facilities close from late October through early April. Black Moshannon State Park extends operations until December 15, offering late-season camping options. "Pulled in on Friday of Labor Day weekend without a reservation but there were a couple open sites. Stayed one night before moving on in our travels," shares Courtney S.
Tips for camping with families
Group camping options: Black Moshannon State Park offers dedicated group sites ideal for family gatherings. "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," explains Nicole F. from Prince Gallitzin State Park.
Beach facilities: Campgrounds with dedicated swim beaches provide safe water access for children. "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," describes Jennifer D. about Seven Points campground.
Playground proximity: Sites near playgrounds benefit families with young children. "There is a playground near the sites at the entrance also," notes Travis S. about Ridge Camp at Seven Points, pointing out an important amenity for families with children.
Creek play areas: Mirror Lake Campground features a shallow creek perfect for younger children. "Great place to stay! You will not find better campground owners, they are amazing. A lot of their sites are along a small creek which the kids play in and can float down. Site 26 is our favorite," recommends Mathew H.
Tips from RVers
Level site selection: At Ridge Top Retreat and other area campgrounds, site leveling varies significantly. "Our pad was limestone and very flat and level, so setting out our rugs was easy and comfortable underneath our feet," explains Tim J. about Seven Points campground, highlighting the importance of site selection for RVers.
Loop selection matters: Campground design varies significantly between loops at larger parks. "Each loop has a playground and bathhouse. Looking at some of our neighbor's sites, 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," advises Laure D. about Seven Points campground.
Power options: Check amperage availability before booking since options vary by site. "There is a 20 amp plug and 30 amp service at this site," notes Danielle S. about Shawnee State Park, providing specific details about electrical service.
Dump station quality: Seven Points features an exceptionally designed dump station. "We filled up the fresh water tank at the ultra-cool 4 lane dump station. The signage was very well marked and the fresh water spigot was more like a little tank, super-solid, clean and modern," describes Tim J., highlighting a feature that matters significantly to RVers.
