Best Campgrounds near Schellsburg, PA

Campgrounds near Schellsburg, Pennsylvania range from developed state parks to private RV resorts, providing diverse accommodations for outdoor enthusiasts. Shawnee State Park Campground offers tent sites, RV hookups, and cabins surrounded by forest land with a scenic lake. Friendship Village Campground provides full hookup sites, two swimming pools, and organized activities for families. The camping areas in this region benefit from easy access to the Pennsylvania Turnpike while maintaining a natural setting with opportunities for fishing, hiking, and water recreation.

Access to camping facilities around Schellsburg varies throughout the year, with most campgrounds operating from April through October. Shawnee State Park Campground and Friendship Village Campground remain open year-round, though winter camping requires preparation for cold weather conditions. Electric hookups are widely available, but water systems may be shut off during freezing months. Many campgrounds in the area require reservations, particularly during summer weekends and holidays when sites fill quickly. Cell service is generally reliable near Schellsburg, though coverage can be spotty in more remote camping areas. As one camper noted, "Foggy mornings are the best in the beautiful forest near Schellsburg historical sites. Nice lake too. Easy access from the PA Turnpike."

The camping experience in the Schellsburg area combines natural settings with convenient amenities. Several developed campgrounds provide shaded sites with privacy between neighbors, particularly at Shawnee State Park where wooded areas separate campsites. The region includes multiple lakes and streams for water activities, with Shawnee State Park offering swimming and boating opportunities. Campers report that traffic noise from the Pennsylvania Turnpike can be heard at some sites, though most find it minimal. Bathhouses and showers at established campgrounds receive positive reviews for cleanliness and maintenance. Sites with lake views tend to be most popular, with one visitor commenting that "The campground is quite spread out through the property with sites ranging from primitive campsites to full hook up big rig sites."

Best Camping Sites Near Schellsburg, Pennsylvania (136)

    1. Shawnee State Park Campground

    27 Reviews
    Schellsburg, PA
    1 mile
    Website
    +1 (814) 733-4218

    $20 - $110 / night

    "Foggy mornings are the best in the beautiful forest near Schellsburg historical sites. Nice lake too. Easy access from the PA Turnpike."

    "Was pleased by the quiet despite size of campground and proximity to highway. Sites not overly large or private. Has wood vending machine at entrance for firewood."

    2. Friendship Village Campground & RV Park

    13 Reviews
    Bedford, PA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (814) 623-1677

    "The campground is nestled on the outskirts of Bedford Pennsylvania and is a very easy location to travel to regardless of your rig size."

    "One of the best campgrounds I have stayed at so far the pond is nice and has a 1/2 mile walking path around it with trees and beaches to stop and sit dog park is big and has a place for small or large"

    3. Rocky Gap State Park Campground

    52 Reviews
    Flintstone, MD
    23 miles
    Website
    +1 (301) 722-1480

    $23 - $29 / night

    "We stayed in cabin 170 in Fir loop and the site was incredibly spacious, heavily shaded, close to the bath house, path to the beach, and well distanced from other sites."

    "Our friends were in the site next to us (17) which was also nice and there was a wide walking path between them. Family also stayed in one of the rental cabins (21)."

    4. Choice Camping Court

    4 Reviews
    Schellsburg, PA
    4 miles
    Website
    +1 (814) 623-5586

    $25 - $50 / night

    "The trucks passing by on the highway can be loud at night so keep that in mind when choosing a spot if it would bother you. After a little while it was just background noise to us."

    5. Blue Knob State Park Campground

    9 Reviews
    Imler, PA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (814) 608-3034

    $20 - $158 / night

    "it’s small, with shaded sites around the perimeter and two walk in sites just left of the entrance."

    "The hiking here is really spectacular with lots of scenery, overlooks, and side trails that extend many miles out into state forest lands which are adjacent to the park."

    6. Nature's Getaway RV Park

    1 Review
    Schellsburg, PA
    2 miles
    Website
    +1 (814) 733-4380

    7. Green Ridge State Forest

    29 Reviews
    Little Orleans, MD
    29 miles
    Website
    +1 (301) 478-3124

    $10 / night

    "All are roadside, but plenty are tucked away so you feel alone in the woods. You can occupy a site as long as you register at the parks main office. $10/night."

    "Very few sites are within walking distance of each other. The exception is a group of sites near the Potomac Riverand the C&O Canal."

    8. Quemahoning Family Recreation Area

    7 Reviews
    Hollsopple, PA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (814) 233-9512

    $20 - $50 / night

    "Easy walk to beach area and boat launch. Very clean."

    "The location on the water adds for a great view. Electric only."

    9. Pioneer Lakes RV Park

    6 Reviews
    Somerset, PA
    16 miles
    Website

    "Extremely family friendly, lots to do for kiddos on weekend, stocked ponds, bathhouses very close to all sites. Laurel hill cricks/lake are 2 miles up the mountain!"

    "The roads around the camp ground could use some maintenance, especially on the hill side by the pool! All in all, a wonderful place to take your family camping!"

    10. Mountain Ridge

    1 Review
    Stoystown, PA
    10 miles
    Website

    "Nestled between wind turbines on a mountain ridge within sight of the nearby Flight 93 memorial, this is 2500+ acres of atv, utv, and dirt bike riding trails with camping."

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Recent Reviews near Schellsburg, PA

773 Reviews of 136 Schellsburg Campgrounds


  • JThe Dyrt PRO User
    Oct. 26, 2025

    Middle Ridge Campground

    Quite and comfortable in the woods.

    Hosts are great.  Bathhouse was very clean.  Fall folliage was perfect.  The campgound is really 1.6 mi from rte 50 but feels longer the first time due to narrow roads and hills.  For being on the side of a mountain, the sites were suprisining level.  Only needed a few blocks under the wheels.  We chose one of the pull throughs.

    Don't forget to plug in well pump or you won't have water!

    30' TT

  • E
    Oct. 26, 2025

    Middle Ridge Campground

    Terrific

    Just got home from a lovely week in Romney.  We found the perfect campground, a mile or so off route 50, deep in the woods.  Each campsite surrounded by trees.  Since we have a popup, Shelly recommended a site not far from the bathhouse.  Perfect.  We were in Romney to ride the Potomac Eagle, but Shelly also recommended other experiences in Romney (Fort Mill Ridge, Indian Mound Cemetery, historic David House).  A very nice autumn week.

  • Casey L.
    Oct. 25, 2025

    Kentuck Campground — Ohiopyle State Park

    Parts felt crowded

    Some areas of campground felt very congested with little privacy. Our bathhouse was old and smelled moldy but have seen worse. Our site itself was nice, spacious and clean with large tent pad, right across from bathroom.

  • Gina T.
    Oct. 19, 2025

    Middle Ridge Campground

    Loved it!

    This was our first experience camping.  We just retired and rented a camper for a trial run and we just loved it.  It was quiet there and I slept like a baby.  Very positive experience.

  • R
    Oct. 10, 2025

    Middle Ridge Campground

    Good place to stay for a night

    This is a good place to stay in an area along Hwy 50 where there aren’t many other options. The host was friendly and helpful. The campground is clean and safe. The bathrooms are fine with a good shower and hot water. There is a swimming pool although it was closed for the season when I was here.

  • E
    Sep. 30, 2025

    Camp Cacapon

    Great camping in a perfect spot

    We stayed at this campground Sep 26-28 and had a fantastic time. The campsite is in a perfect spot on the Cacapon river, and the facilities are excellent. Nice campsites, clean bathrooms and a charming little pavilion that you can rent and hang out with your group.

    Highly recommend

  • Dana M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Kentuck Campground — Ohiopyle State Park

    Ok for a quick overnight

    Due to a water main break, only one bathroom and showers were available. Bathrooms were quite old and run down. There are over 100 sites. Pets are only allowed on specific loops and cannot be walked on “non pet” loops. We had an electric site which was pretty level for our van. Bike trails were more like hiking trails ( not single track Mtn biking trails). I found this park to be “just ok”.

  • G
    Sep. 29, 2025

    Middle Ridge Campground

    Private

    If you’re looking for quiet and privacy, this is the place.  they laid out the sites so that you’re not side by side. They are all on an angle which moves you further away from anyone on both sides.  The angled site also was great for driving just past you’re site and practically backing straight back into you’re site.  Decent bath house and friendly, low key staff.  Great rates per night.


Guide to Schellsburg

Camping sites near Schellsburg, Pennsylvania range from heavily wooded state park settings to family-focused private resorts. Located in south-central Pennsylvania at elevations between 1,000 and 2,500 feet, the Schellsburg area camping season typically runs April through October with notable temperature variations. Summer nights often cool to the 50s even when days reach the 80s, making campfire gatherings comfortable regardless of season.

What to do

Hiking around lakes: At Shawnee State Park Campground, trails circle the lake and offer good terrain for biking. "The trail around the lake was incredible for biking - highly recommend! Everything in this park and campground are extremely well marked and maintained," notes a visitor who appreciated the clear signage despite rain during their stay.

Boating and water activities: Most campgrounds in the area feature lakes with various water access options. Canoe and kayak rentals are available seasonally at several locations. "The lake and the trails around it are beautiful. Great swimming and kayaking/small boating," reports a camper at Shawnee State Park.

Historic site visits: The Flight 93 Memorial is within driving distance from several area campgrounds. "If you stay here, make sure to travel down the road to see the Flight 93 Memorial," recommends a camper who stayed at Rocky Gap State Park Campground.

What campers like

Spacious, private sites: Many campgrounds feature well-separated sites that provide privacy. "We absolutely loved our stay at this park once we changed sites. The sites are spacious with a ton of tree coverage," explains one Shawnee camper who recommends double-checking site dimensions before booking.

Clean facilities: Despite heavy use, most campgrounds maintain their bathhouses well. "Bathroom and showers were clean, bright, and there is a dish washing sink outside. Showers were push button but pressure was great and the water was hot," notes a reviewer from Shawnee State Park.

Family activities: Friendship Village Campground & RV Park offers extensive children's attractions. "There are many playgrounds spread out across the property as well as a jumping pillow and a very well-built gaga ball pit," writes a visitor who recommends sites 145-171 for families with kids since they're "right beside the jumping pillow, playground and gaga ball pit."

What you should know

Site leveling challenges: Many campsites throughout the region have uneven terrain. "Site 258 on loop D is quiet, but many sites were not level. The fire ring is at an angle so cooking on it proved to be a challenge," advises a Shawnee State Park visitor who brought their own grill grate as a solution.

Highway noise: Several camping areas experience traffic sounds. "As remote as the campground feels, there was a surprising amount of road noise," mentions a Shawnee State Park camper. At Choice Camping Court, "The trucks passing by on the highway can be loud at night so keep that in mind when choosing a spot if it would bother you. After a little while it was just background noise to us."

Water systems: Water availability varies significantly between campgrounds and seasons. Shower facilities may operate on timed push-button systems with varying water quality. "The pool water is terrible. It's so filled with salt that when you get out your skin is extremely dry and your lips shrivel up," reports a visitor to one area campground.

Tips for camping with families

Multiple swimming options: Campgrounds with pools offer structured swimming areas with lifeguards. "There are two pools at each end of the campground and they are very well-maintained and have lifeguard supervision," notes a Friendship Village visitor who adds, "Neither pool has provided seating so you will need to bring your own camp chairs or towels to sit on."

Entertainment scheduling: Weekend activities vary widely. "The property had a movie showing in their barn on Saturday night (Despicable Me) and they also seem to schedule a lot of live entertainment, mostly Bluegrass," explains a reviewer from Friendship Village who appreciated the organized activities.

Playground quality: Check recent reviews for playground conditions at your chosen campground. At Pioneer Lakes RV Park, a recent visitor warned, "The playground area is unsafe. The wood on the playsets are falling apart and splintering. I had to pull a lot of splinters out of my child's hands and feet."

Tips from RVers

Site selection strategy: For larger RVs, reservation planning is crucial. "I heeded the advice of other reviewers warning that many sites were not level and did not reserve ahead of time. A Monday in mid-October had many open sites," shares a Shawnee camper who found that "most of the non-electric sites were decidedly not level but many of the FHU and electric sites were fairly level."

Access road conditions: Some campground roads have rough surfaces that can challenge larger rigs. "The roads are full of potholes going back to the sites," notes a Pioneer Lakes RV Park visitor. At Blue Knob State Park Campground, "camping sites are rocky so be sure to bring a mat if tent camping."

Utility connections: Electric service typically ranges from 20-50 amp depending on campground. "There is a 20 amp plug and 30 amp service at this site," explains a Shawnee State Park visitor who noted that at one campsite "the freshwater connection was held down by racquet straps to keep it together."

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near Schellsburg, PA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Schellsburg, PA is Shawnee State Park Campground with a 4-star rating from 27 reviews.

What parks are near Schellsburg, PA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 24 parks near Schellsburg, PA that allow camping, notably Raystown Lake and Youghiogheny River Lake.