Tent camping near Pine Grove Mills, Pennsylvania offers options ranging from primitive forest sites to boat-accessible shorelines. The area sits within the Ridge and Valley region of the Appalachian Mountains, with elevations ranging from 700 to 2,300 feet. Most campgrounds in this region experience dramatic seasonal changes, with summer highs averaging 80°F and winter temperatures frequently dropping below freezing.
What to do
Hiking mid-state trails: The area provides direct access to sections of Pennsylvania's extensive trail network. At Penn Roosevelt State Park Campground, campers appreciate the variety of trails. One visitor notes, "The area has lots of hikes to offer including the Alan Seeger State Forest, Midstate Trail and several others."
Stargazing in remote areas: Light pollution is minimal at campsites farther from towns. One camper at STAR LEE FARM reported, "Place was very pretty and secluded... There's a huge field to star gaze as well as taking pictures." Many sites offer unobstructed views of the night sky.
Creek exploration: Several campgrounds feature creek access for wading or fishing. A visitor to Ravensburg State Park mentioned, "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."
What campers like
Seclusion and privacy: Many campers value the quiet atmosphere. At Reeds Gap State Park Campground, visitors find peace away from crowds. One reviewer explained, "This campground is beautiful! It's so peaceful and serene. There's a nice creek that runs through it, picnic pavilions and a playground for the kids!"
Primitive camping experience: For those seeking a back-to-basics approach, options exist with minimal amenities. At Long Acres on Clover Creek, one camper shared, "This campsite was absolutely perfect! The secluded area combined with the creek nearby made for a great escape from reality."
Wildlife viewing: The forest setting provides opportunities to observe native species. Campsites throughout the region report frequent deer sightings, along with wild turkeys, various songbirds, and occasionally black bears at a distance.
What you should know
Limited services and supplies: Most tent camping sites near Pine Grove Mills require preparedness. As one Ravensburg State Park Campground visitor advised, "Get a site that the pad is flush with the surrounding ground... There is no electric but there are spots to get water even placed throughout."
Cell service limitations: Many campsites have poor or no reception. A Reeds Gap camper warned, "Put your phone away cuz there's no cell service here! Nice and peaceful with a dozen or so tent only sites."
Seasonal road conditions: Access to some campgrounds involves unpaved or seasonal roads. One visitor to Ravensburg noted, "Park is easily accessible from I-80, just be aware of your directions and make sure they're taking you to the park via Rocky Road. Mine did not, and I ended up down a seasonal road that did not end at the park entrance."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Some campgrounds offer dedicated children's areas. Reeds Gap State Park features "picnic pavilions and a playground for the kids," making it suitable for families with younger children.
Spacious sites for group camping: Certain campgrounds accommodate larger family groups. A camper at Nancy's Boat To Shore Campground observed, "Some weekend get slightly loud because of college kids, but most are mindful of younger children if you ask them to keep it down."
Off-grid educational opportunities: The lack of connectivity can be leveraged for nature education. One visitor to STAR LEE FARM mentioned, "If you're a bee enthusiast they grow their own honey in the property and you're more than welcome to walk around and look at all the boxes."
Tips from RVers
Limited RV-friendly options: Most tent camping near Pine Grove Mills has few accommodations for larger vehicles. When RVs are permitted, they face significant constraints. One visitor to Penn Roosevelt noted, "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!"
Self-contained requirements: Many sites lack hookups and dump stations. RVers should arrive with full water tanks and empty waste tanks, prepared for primitive camping conditions.
