Tent camping in Pennsylvania Furnace, Pennsylvania sits at roughly 1,500 feet elevation along the Tussey Mountain ridge. The area experiences four distinct seasons with summer temperatures typically ranging 60-85°F and winter frequently dropping below freezing. Fall color changes peak mid-October through early November, creating ideal seasonal tent camping conditions throughout Rothrock State Forest and surrounding natural areas.
What to do
Creek exploration: At Ravensburg State Park Campground, water activities are popular during summer months. "There are few hiking trails, short and long, that take you to beautiful views along the creek with a couple of places deep enough to swim," notes Laura, mentioning the accessibility of swimming holes even during drier periods.
Stargazing opportunities: STAR LEE FARM offers exceptional night sky viewing from open fields surrounding the primitive tent sites. "Place was very pretty and secluded...There's a huge field to star gaze as well as taking pictures," reports Tiana S., highlighting the minimal light pollution that makes this spot ideal for astrophotography.
Hiking nearby trails: Penn Roosevelt State Park Campground provides access to multiple trail systems. According to Denise D., "The area has lots of hikes to offer including the Alan Seeger State Forest, Midstate Trail and several others," making it suitable for day hikes directly from campsites.
What campers like
Secluded creek-side camping: Long Acres on Clover Creek offers premium waterfront tent sites. Sarah A. describes it as "absolutely perfect! The secluded area combined with the creek nearby made for a great escape from reality," noting the accessibility to nearby state game lands for additional outdoor activities.
Hammock-friendly sites: Many campers appreciate the tree density at Ravensburg State Park for hammock setup options. "There are plenty of trees that are good for hammocking. And in a few sites, you can set them up right by the creek, which is my favorite part," explains one camper who enjoys the sound of flowing water while relaxing.
Technology disconnect: STAR LEE FARM offers true unplugged camping. "Service is a little sketch but it's perfect for those who want to completely escape the business of modern world," writes Tiana S., mentioning the honey production on-site provides an interesting agricultural element to explore while camping.
What you should know
First-come camping options: Many tent sites near Pennsylvania Furnace operate without reservations. Traci F. shares about Ravensburg State Park Campground: "It's rarely busy and it's first come first serve. They have tent pads which are nice but we have a 10x20 tent so we pick a site that the pad is flush with the surrounding ground."
Road noise considerations: Some campgrounds have sites near roadways affecting quietness. "The road that park is on is busier than one would think, not bad at night, but busy in the morning," notes Sarah C. about Ravensburg, suggesting selecting sites farther from the entrance for improved sound conditions.
Water volume fluctuations: Stream noise varies significantly based on recent rainfall. Sarah C. mentions, "If you camp on the sites by the river, be prepared for lots of noise from the rapids. It had been raining quite heavily all day, so this may have impacted the volume levels."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Reeds Gap State Park Campground features family-friendly facilities. Rebecca G. notes, "There's a nice creek that runs through it, picnic pavilions and a playground for the kids! They used to have a swimming pool but they removed it a few years ago."
Low-traffic tent sites: Finding quiet spaces for families requires strategic site selection. At Penn Roosevelt State Park, Joann&WellsThePup I. suggests, "Get a site on the outside towards the water. They are spaced out and peaceful. Has restrooms (no shower), picnic table, and fire pit at each site. Short walk to creek and beautiful pond."
Shower facilities for kids: When camping with children, Reeds Gap offers particularly clean facilities. Paula L. highlights the "super clean, eco-shower. Timed water, lights (solar?) etc. are spot on for me!" making after-hike cleanups with children more manageable.
Tips from RVers
Small trailer considerations: Nancy's Boat To Shore Campground offers unique boat-in camping. Kristen H. explains, "These campsites are accessible by boat ONLY! They are in an area of the lake that has a lot of boat traffic, the waterfront spots usually book a few weeks in advance and are in a wake zone."
Access challenges: Steep roads impact vehicle access to many tent campgrounds. Chuck M. advises about Penn Roosevelt: "If you have a trailer, I do not recommend this spot. There is a very tight hairpin turn on the way in. My six foot long trailer barely made the turn!"
