The camping region surrounding Slate Run, Pennsylvania sits at elevations ranging from 700 to 1,800 feet with diverse terrain including valleys, gorges, and plateaus. Summer temperatures typically reach 75-85°F during the day, dropping to 50-60°F at night. Fall brings earlier temperature drops with potential for frost by mid-October, when many seasonal campgrounds begin closing for winter.
What to do
Hiking trails access: Little Pine State Park Campground offers direct entry to the Mid-State Trail with several connecting paths. "Beautiful setting for camping along a stream and the mountains. The Mid State hiking trail comes right through the Campground and there are numerous other trails within the park," notes James P.
Water recreation: Little Pine State Park Campground provides a lake for multiple activities during summer months. "So many activities you can do, such as walks & hikes, swimming, and fishing!" explains Kelsey B. The lake offers a designated swimming area with a beach for families.
Canyon exploration: From Canyon Country Campground, visitors can hike directly to the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon rim. "The owners were extremely helpful concerning the Pa. Grand Canyon, where to go, the trails, etc," shares Sheilah C. The campground provides a connecting trail to the Turkey Path trail system.
Local attractions: The area's historic lookout points provide panoramic views of the valley. "The whole area is beautiful. If you're a cyclist- definitely ride the nearby paved Pine Creek Trail. My husband rode a century on his own on Fathers Day while here. The trail goes through small towns and has spots to grab a bite to eat," writes Whitney W.
What campers like
Spacious, private sites: Leonard Harrison State Park Campground offers well-separated camping areas that provide privacy. "Sites are spacious and easy to back in to. I believe there are two pull throughs. Water spigots are continently located around the campground," notes Brad W.
Wildlife viewing: The natural setting attracts diverse wildlife throughout the seasons. "There is a lot of wildlife around. Deer come right through the campsites. Many raccoons too so you must stow your food in the evening," explains Denice S. Bird watching opportunities are abundant throughout spring and fall.
Clean facilities: Stony Fork Creek Campground maintains high standards of cleanliness throughout its facilities. "The campground was exceptionally maintained, bathrooms and showers virtually spotless and the pool was clearly and consistently maintained at all times," says Greg W.
Proximity to recreation: Many campgrounds provide direct access to outdoor activities. "The PA Grand Canyon Visitor center and the Turkey Path (main path down into the canyon) are a short 5 minute walk across the parking lot from the campground," explains Brad W. from Leonard Harrison State Park.
What you should know
Wildlife precautions: Venomous snakes may be encountered during warm months. "The campground is beautifully kept. Bathrooms and sites were nice. It was extremely buggy when we went. Our dogs wouldn't come out of the camper because there was no relief. It was the height of rattle snake season. A site near ours and very close to the playground had a rattler under their camper," warns Amber C. at Little Pine State Park.
Seasonal changes: Most campgrounds operate from April through October or early December, with facilities reducing as temperatures drop. "The campground is pretty decent. The part you want to go See is the biking trails on the pine Creek rail trail," advises Danielle W.
Terrain challenges: Hyner Run State Park Campground has sites with varying accessibility. "We stayed at site 8 which is creekside. It was a large, beautiful site and the sound of the burbling water lulled us to sleep every night," describes Danielle S., though noting wildlife encounters can occur.
Road conditions: Access roads to campgrounds may include mountain driving. "The entry road to the campground itself is a very steep, narrow road with a small curve at the top. It's well-maintained but keep an eye out for campers coming down. There's space for getting by but it's tight," observes one camper at Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park.
Tips for camping with families
Playgrounds and amenities: Yogi Bear's Jellystone Park PA Wilds offers extensive family-focused facilities. "Kids had a great time at this campground. Two playgrounds, a pool, two jumping pillows, mini train, carousel, and activities. Good for bike riding although hilly," reports B C.
Site selection strategies: Families should consider proximity to bathrooms and recreational areas. "We always get a site on the outside of the main circle by the tower slide. There's lots of shade and optimum view of both playgrounds to keep an eye on the kiddos," suggests Missy at Jellystone Park.
Educational opportunities: Several campgrounds feature nature centers with programming for children. "The campground had nice & clean restrooms and shower areas. And a larger room that's perfect for camping families with little ones so you can shower & use the restroom all in a one single, larger secure room," shares Whitney W. about Leonard Harrison State Park.
Swimming options: Multiple rv parks near Slate Run, Pennsylvania offer swimming facilities during summer months. "Beautiful little State Park with a lake for swimming, kayaking and fishing," notes a visitor to Little Pine State Park. Most park swimming areas have designated hours and seasonal closures.
Tips from RVers
Site leveling considerations: Many RV sites at Slate Run area campgrounds require adjustments for proper leveling. "Sites are not very level nor private, but the staff is great and the grounds are walking distance to the canyon," explains Pamela H. at Canyon Country Campground.
Hookup availability: Throughout the motorhome parks near Slate Run, hookup types vary significantly. "Small quiet and clean. Helpful owner," shares Timpug about Holiday Pines Campground, which offers full hookup sites including water, electric, and sewer.
Privacy factors: Site spacing differs considerably between rv parks in the Slate Run vicinity. "The sites we selected was not busy. Campsite appeared to have a lot of seasonal campers. My husband does not like staying in crowded campgrounds with people surrounding you and up all night screaming and singing. Area is open, not offering a lot of privacy, but we had shade and woods behind us," explains MJ B. at Stony Fork Creek.
Connectivity concerns: Internet and cell service quality varies across the region. "The campground has excellent service, I work online so that was a relief. Full bars on at&t and Verizon," notes AdventureStang about Holiday Pines.
