Tent camping near Renovo, Pennsylvania offers access to two major state forest systems covering more than 300,000 acres of public lands. The region sits within the Allegheny Plateau with elevations ranging from 700-2,300 feet, creating diverse camping microclimates. Most primitive sites remain open year-round while established campgrounds typically operate from April through October, with fall bringing temperatures that can drop below freezing overnight.
What to do
Hiking connections to long-distance trails: The West Rim Trail at Colton Point State Park connects to the 30-mile Pine Creek Trail. "Turkey trail is a rougher climb but you follow a small stream filled with waterfalls down into the canyon," notes a Colton Point camper.
Stargazing at dedicated dark sky sites: Patterson State Park offers reasonably dark skies despite tree coverage. "You can still observe the stars, but difficult for telescopes since trees cover Polaris in most of the sites," explains one camper, who recommends this spot for casual astronomical viewing without traveling to the more crowded Cherry Springs State Park.
Swimming in forest streams: Ravensburg State Park features access points to cool water during summer months. A visitor reports, "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
Self-sufficient primitive camping: Tiadaghton State Forest sites provide minimal amenities but maximum solitude. The Big Trail Road Sites and other forest road camping locations require bringing all supplies but reward with peaceful surroundings and no reservation requirements.
Affordable alternatives to popular parks: Patterson State Park serves as an economical option when other parks reach capacity. "Many consider Patterson State Park an overflow Park for when the famous 'Dark Skies' Cherry Springs State Park or the large Lyman Run State Park with its lake for swimming, boating and fishing gets full," explains a camper who discovered this option.
Natural hammocking opportunities: Many sites feature mature trees spaced appropriately for hammock camping. At Ravensburg State Park, "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."
What you should know
Water availability varies significantly: Many forest sites require bringing water supplies. Patterson State Park offers a manual pump system: "It has a really nice water well with a manual pump."
Road noise impacts: Several campgrounds sit close to roadways. Ravensburg State Park experiences this issue: "It's right near a road so you hear car (and horse & buggy!) noise — would try to get a spot further away from the road if possible."
Seasonal road conditions: Forest roads accessing many primitive sites may become impassable after heavy rain or during winter months. Call ranger stations for current conditions before attempting to reach remote camping areas.
Tips for camping with families
Less crowded weekday options: Patterson State Park offers ample space for children when visiting mid-week. "At any given time you may have the whole park to yourself. If you are camping with children this can be a plus! They will have plenty of room to play," notes a family camper.
Short but scenic hiking options: Ravensburg provides family-friendly trail options with creek access. According to a regular visitor: "There are few hiking trails; short and long that take you to beautiful views along the creek."
Sites with natural boundaries: Look for campgrounds with natural divisions between sites when camping with children. Several Ravensburg campers note: "There are bushes and trees between the sites and it feels very private."
Tips from RVers
Limited hookups available: Most tent camping areas near Renovo cannot accommodate larger RVs. Colton Point offers some options for smaller campers and trailers but lacks electrical hookups.
