Pine Grove Mills sits at the base of Tussey Mountain in central Pennsylvania, with elevations ranging from 1,200 to 2,200 feet across nearby camping areas. The region features a humid continental climate with distinct seasons, including relatively warm summers and cold winters that limit year-round camping at many sites. Tent campers should prepare for frequent summer afternoon thunderstorms that move quickly through the mountain valleys from June through August.
What to do
Hiking along water features: At Reeds Gap State Park Campground, Honey Creek offers accessible trails for all skill levels. "There's a creek along the outside and a nice easy hiking trail that follows it," notes a visitor who appreciated the natural setting and quiet surroundings.
Mountain biking on established trails: The areas near Seven Points Campground feature extensive trail systems perfect for mountain biking enthusiasts. "The mtb trails begin just above the upper camp loops and provide a full day of fast flowing singletrack," according to an experienced rider who camped specifically to access these trails.
Star gazing without light pollution: Campsites near Pine Grove Mills offer excellent night sky viewing opportunities. A camper at Greenwood Furnace noted, "We saw the Milky Way!" The minimal light pollution at many of these more remote locations creates ideal conditions for astronomy enthusiasts.
Educational outdoor programs: Several parks offer ranger-led activities and educational opportunities. "The park also runs a ton of classes for different things like fly fishing, hiking, etc.," reports a visitor to Black Moshannon State Park, making it ideal for those wanting to learn new outdoor skills.
What campers like
Private, wooded sites: Many campers praise the secluded feeling at certain campgrounds. At Penn Roosevelt State Park Campground, one visitor noted, "The sites are tent only and pretty close together but some still feel secluded. Very accessible and the park has some good trails."
Clean, modern bathroom facilities: Quality bathrooms consistently receive positive mentions. A visitor to Bellefonte-State College KOA was impressed with "hotel quality and clean" bathrooms that were "combined with a shower. The water pressure was great and very hot."
Waterfront access: Lakeside camping options are popular in the region. A camper at Bald Eagle State Park mentioned, "We stayed in Primitive Area with RV which is MUCH QUIETER & MUCH MORE PRIVATE with many trees than the full hookups down in the main park area."
Peace and quiet: Many campers specifically mention the lack of connectivity as a positive. "Put your phone away cuz there's no cell service here! Nice and peaceful with a dozen or so tent only sites," remarked a visitor about their experience at Reeds Gap, highlighting the digital detox opportunity.
What you should know
Reservation timing: Popular campsites fill quickly, especially during peak season. At Bald Eagle State Park Primitive Camping Area, a regular visitor advises, "this is my favorite campground been coming here for the past 4 years. some of the sites are a little hard to get into because of the loop."
Site selection considerations: Not all sites are created equal, even within the same campground. "Definitely look at pictures of your site before reserving. The distance between spots was good. Roads were a little narrow but manageable," shares a camper from Bald Eagle State Park.
Water pressure variations: Water systems can be inconsistent at some campgrounds. A visitor to Bellefonte-State College KOA noted, "water pressure was 18psi," which can affect shower quality and RV water systems.
Limited supplies nearby: Many campgrounds are remote with few nearby services. A Penn Roosevelt State Park visitor advised, "Make sure you bring everything you need as the isn't a store nearby."
Tips for camping with families
Accessible activities for children: Russell P Letterman Campground offers family-friendly amenities. "The kids had fun riding the bikes around the loop and taking the short cuts cut in around the loop. We had fun walking to the foot bridge to go fishing," shares a parent who camped there with children.
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature play areas for younger campers. At Bellefonte-State College KOA, "There were toys, T-shirts, novelty ice cream, supplies, drinks, and a slush machine," plus "a bounce pillow and several playgrounds," according to visitors with children.
Educational opportunities: Family learning experiences are available at several parks. A visitor to Greenwood Furnace noted, "The blacksmith shop was very educational! Great trails to hike! You can pick up a compass at the ranger station and complete a compass course! Beginner course available!"
Wildlife viewing with kids: Animal sightings can create memorable experiences. "The racoons were a fun surprise on our last night! We left the grease trap from the Blackstone out and they found it. We did not see any bears though we heard they are there," reported a family at Russell P Letterman Campground.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Many campsites require careful preparation. A camper at Seven Points noted, "Make sure you have leveling tools as the sites are not very level side-to-side. The sites are also small and tightly packed."
Access road conditions: Some campgrounds have difficult approach roads. At Rothrock Roadside Campsites, a reviewer cautioned, "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!"
Hookup considerations: Know what utilities are available before arriving. At Bald Eagle State Park, a camper mentioned, "I'm not sure about other sites, but we did not have a water hookup, just a spigot we could fill from."
Traffic and navigation hazards: Some campgrounds have challenging entry points. A visitor to Bellefonte-State College KOA warned, "IMPORTANT— almost got killed getting just off the freeway to make the left turn towards the koa — please be careful. Traffic either side does not stop or slow, and they are going extremely fast."
