Black Moshannon State Park serves as a primary base for camping near Sandy Ridge, Pennsylvania, with over 70 campsites spread across its 3,394 acres of forests and wetlands. The park sits at an elevation of approximately 1,900 feet in the Allegheny Mountains, creating distinct seasonal camping conditions with warm summers and cold, often snowy winters. Nearby camping options include primitive sites at Susquehannock Campground and full-service accommodations at Seven Points Campground on Raystown Lake.
What to do
Hiking with unique views: At Black Moshannon State Park, trails offer distinctive forest and bog environments. "Very beautiful with plenty to do for everyone, tons of hiking along the whole park. Spaces are clean and spacious, bath house is very well kept," notes Lisa L. about the park's well-maintained trail system.
Fishing in colored waters: The lake at Black Moshannon has a distinctive color due to natural processes. "Nice campground, wooded sites and most were okay for tent camping... The Iron Ore mines from the past have left the creek water stained red which is why its called the Red Mo with the locals," explains Travis S. about this unique fishing environment.
Birding opportunities: Greenwood Furnace State Park provides excellent birding with its mix of forest habitats. "We saw the Milky Way! and hearing screech owls at night," shares Ann P. after staying at one of the park's walk-in sites, highlighting the wildlife viewing opportunities.
Water-based recreation: Seven Points on Raystown Lake offers extensive water activities. "The lake is so clean and refreshing and we have such beautiful views from our camp site. We went down to the swim beach and our kiddo made sand castles and swam in the clear water," reports Jennifer D., emphasizing the family-friendly swimming areas.
What campers like
Historic features: Greenwood Furnace State Park preserves industrial history alongside natural areas. "Beautiful campgrounds with spacious camp sites. Well maintained bathroom and firewood plus ice available at the entrance (this is a great plus for those car/tent camping," writes Travis S., also noting the park's "fascinating history."
Dark skies for stargazing: The region's limited light pollution creates exceptional night sky viewing. "We saw the Milky Way!" reports Ann P. about Greenwood Furnace, while another camper at Black Moshannon mentions "a big sky view for star gazing" as one of the area's natural highlights.
Privacy between sites: Susquehannock Campground offers secluded waterfront camping. "We were right on the water, secluded from other campsites visually, though we could hear them on either side," notes Karie Anne P., describing the balance of privacy and community at this primitive campground.
Well-maintained facilities: Despite their rustic settings, many campgrounds maintain clean facilities. "Bathrooms are decent and clean. This is our go to campsite for a quick weekend not too far from home," shares Megan W. about Seven Points' Senoia campground area.
What you should know
Reservation timing: Popular sites book quickly, especially waterfront options. "Make a reservation way ahead of your date as this campground is very popular and sites book early," advises Denise D. about Black Moshannon State Park, which applies to most camping areas near Sandy Ridge.
Primitive vs. modern options: Susquehannock Campground provides a more basic camping experience. "Camping at Lake Raystown...it's a primitive campground with no electricity. Get your water at a hand pump and they have pit toilets," explains Rebecca G., contrasting with the electric sites available at other nearby campgrounds.
Site selection importance: Research specific sites before booking. "Definitely look at pictures of your site before reserving. The distance between spots was good. Roads were a little narrow but manageable," recommends Greg J. about Bald Eagle State Park, advice applicable to most campgrounds in the region.
Cell service limitations: Many campgrounds have limited connectivity. "No cell phone reception unless you drive a few miles down the road," reports Amanda H. about Greenwood Furnace State Park, a common situation throughout the more remote camping areas near Sandy Ridge.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Bald Eagle State Park offers family-friendly recreation areas. "Good bike riding areas for kids. Ranger station is under construction," notes Greg J., highlighting amenities important for families with children.
Educational opportunities: Many parks offer ranger-led programs. "The park also runs a ton of classes for different things like fly fishing, hiking, etc," shares Lisa L. about Black Moshannon, while another camper mentioned "The blacksmith shop was very educational!" at Greenwood Furnace.
Beach access considerations: When glamping near Sandy Ridge, Pennsylvania, beach areas provide kid-friendly water access. "We have stayed at Bald Eagle several times and have enjoyed our stay. The park has basic, water & electric as well as a few full hookup sites," notes Cheryl W., adding that the "sites are very spacious."
Safety features: Some campgrounds have challenging terrain for small children. "Get your water at a hand pump and they have pit toilets. Nice place to camp along the lake. Water sites are available," explains Rebecca G. about Susquehannock, indicating parents should consider amenity levels when planning with young children.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling challenges: Lake Raystown Resort has variable site conditions. "We camped out on Poplar. Our site had a gravel pad. But the surrounding area was not level and you had to climb up a 2-3' incline to get to the fire pit area," cautions Mary C., suggesting careful site selection for RVs.
Hookup availability: Water access points vary between campgrounds. "I'm not sure about other sites, but we did not have a water hookup, just a spigot we could fill from. The dump station worked fine and was clean," notes Greg J. about Bald Eagle State Park's arrangement for RVs.
Road conditions: Navigate carefully on narrow campground roads. "Very pretty campground with a nice clean wash house. The sites are situated nicely, your neighbors are not 'right there'. Our only trouble was our GPS brought us in the most difficult way. We suggest avoiding heading south from I80 on Casanova road," advises Sandi G. about accessing Black Moshannon.
Electrical capacity: Check the power supply before booking. "Power pole was in rough shape but worked," reports Greg J. about facilities at Bald Eagle State Park, a consideration for RVers with higher electrical needs.
