Best Campgrounds near St. Marys, PA

Camping near St. Marys, Pennsylvania, offers a mix of beautiful landscapes and family-friendly activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventure-filled getaway, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

• Hiking: Explore the scenic trails at Cook Forest State Park Campground. One camper mentioned, "If you're into hiking, there's lots to see here."
• Stargazing: Visit Cherry Springs State Park Campground for incredible night skies. A reviewer said, "The skies opened up and the stars came out. It was truly breathtaking."
• Fishing and Kayaking: The Clear Creek State Park Campground is great for water activities. One visitor noted, "We were able to turn the RV so the door/awning faced the River."

What campers like:

• Natural Beauty: Campers love the lush surroundings at Black Moshannon State Park Campground. A review stated, "This entire park is beautiful! There are plenty of well-maintained, well-marked trails for all experience levels."
• Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Many families enjoy Prince Gallitzin State Park - Crooked Run Campground. One camper shared, "This is a great campground. Private beach on the lake for campground guest use only as well as a playground."
• Clean Facilities: Campgrounds like Lyman Run State Park Campground are praised for their cleanliness. A visitor remarked, "The site and facilities were very well kept and clean."

What you should know:

• Site Proximity: Some campgrounds, like Parker Dam State Park Campground, have sites that are close together. A camper noted, "The individual camp sites are all right on top of each other."
• Limited Cell Service: Many areas, including Black Moshannon State Park Campground, have poor cell reception. One review mentioned, "Verizon and AT&T cell service were basically non-existent."
• Wildlife Encounters: Campers should be prepared for wildlife, especially at Allegany State Park - Quaker Area. A visitor shared, "We did have visits from wildlife, which was great; the bear boxes help protect the food."

Tips for camping with families:

• Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for places like Crooked Run Campground - Prince Gallitzin State Park, which has a playground and a private beach. A reviewer said, "Bring your bike!"
• Plan Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities, like hiking and fishing, to keep everyone entertained. One camper at Clear Creek State Park Campground mentioned, "We spent a lot of time hiking."
• Pack Snacks: Having snacks on hand can keep the kids happy. A visitor at Lyman Run State Park Campground noted, "Stopping for ice cream at the beach shop is a must!"

Tips from RVers:

• Check Site Sizes: Make sure to check the size of RV sites, especially at Parker Dam State Park Campground. A camper mentioned, "Some of the sites in this campground are wooded and some are basically in an open field."
• Bring Firewood: Some campgrounds do not sell firewood, so it's best to bring your own. A visitor at Red Bridge Recreation Area said, "No firewood available at the campground."
• Plan for Limited Amenities: Be prepared for limited amenities at some sites, like Bald Eagle State Park Primitive Campsite. A reviewer noted, "The bathrooms are very bad though."

Camping near St. Marys, Pennsylvania, offers a variety of experiences for everyone. Whether you're hiking, fishing, or just enjoying the great outdoors, there's something for every camper.