Tent camping near Rebersburg, Pennsylvania centers primarily in state forests and parks within a 30-mile radius. The region sits at elevations ranging from 1,200 to 2,000 feet in the Ridge and Valley province of the Appalachian Mountains. Most campgrounds remain open from April/May through September/October, with Penn Roosevelt State Park offering year-round tent camping options.
What to do
Trout fishing in Honey Creek: Reeds Gap State Park Campground provides direct access to Honey Creek, which contains both native and stocked trout populations. "This pearl hunt is a completely individualistic process. For example the beautiful stream (Honey Creek) running through it might be the pearl for a fisherman (It has native and stocked trout)," notes Paula L.
Hiking along creek trails: Ravensburg State Park Campground offers hiking opportunities alongside its creek. "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," reports Laura.
Hammocking by water: Set up hammocks between trees near creeks at several sites. "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," writes a Ravensburg camper.
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Penn Roosevelt State Park Campground offers secluded tent sites separated by natural vegetation. "The sites are tent only and pretty close together but some still feel secluded," notes Paige L.
Self-registration convenience: Many areas offer straightforward check-in processes without staff interaction. At Ravensburg, campers appreciate the "pretty clean bathroom, easy self-registration process, and not too many folks," according to reviewer KK.
Water proximity: Reeds Gap State Park Campground features sites near running water. "We got a nice one tucked back in the trees, but a few of them are pretty close to the road - not like it's terribly busy. There's a creek along the outside and a nice easy hiking trail that follows it," explains Danielle C.
What you should know
Limited cell service: Expect minimal to no phone reception at most tent sites in the region. "Put your phone away cuz there's no cell service here!" advises a Reeds Gap camper.
Winter camping considerations: For cold-weather camping at Penn Roosevelt, prepare for limited facilities. "Stayed during the winter so the park wasn't very busy but there was one other group of campers," reports a winter visitor.
Direction challenges: Some GPS systems route incorrectly to these remote locations. At Ravensburg State Park Campground, "Use lat and long coordinates for directions or you will be in the wrong spot," recommends Becky, while another camper adds, "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 options: Reeds Gap offers facilities specifically for children. "There's a nice creek that runs through it, picnic pavilions and a playground for the kids!" mentions Rebecca G.
Noise considerations: Sites near roads experience occasional traffic sounds. At Ravensburg, "the campgrounds are close to the road and therefore are loud at night occasionally," notes Andrew G.
Large group camping: New Lancaster Valley Roadside Campsites in Bald Eagle State Forest can accommodate multiple families camping together. Ravensburg State Park is "good for large groups (you can get sites in a row) or just you," according to a camper.
Tips from RVers
Tight turns on forest roads: Large vehicles face challenges on narrow access roads. At 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!" warns Chuck M.
Self-sufficiency requirements: Hickernell Roadside Campsites in Bald Eagle State Forest have no water or toilet facilities, requiring complete self-sufficiency. Penn Roosevelt is similarly primitive, as Denise D. notes: "It's a bit primitive having only bathrooms and water in several spots in the campground. It's a beautiful natural area and some sites are very private. Make sure you bring everything you need as the isn't a store nearby."
