192 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Howard, Pennsylvania sits adjacent to multiple state park camping areas, with Bald Eagle State Park offering both developed and primitive camping experiences. The primitive camping area provides rustic tent and RV sites with vault toilets and water pumps scattered around a one-way loop, while the Russell P. Letterman Campground offers more modern amenities including electric hookups, showers, and sewer connections. Beyond state parks, the region includes private options like Bellefonte-State College KOA and Farm on the Creek, which accommodate tent campers, RVs, and cabin stays. Most campgrounds in the area feature fire rings, picnic tables, and access to the waters of Bald Eagle Lake.
Camping season varies significantly across Howard-area campgrounds, with most state park facilities operating from April through October or early December. Primitive sites typically have shorter seasons, while more developed areas maintain longer operational periods. Many campgrounds require advance reservations, particularly for weekend stays during summer months. Cell service can be inconsistent throughout the region, with some campgrounds offering good connectivity while others provide a more disconnected experience. Water access points are common but may be crowded during peak season. According to one visitor, "The campground can host tents, as well as RVs/campers, and includes clean bath houses with both toilets and showers. There is little to no phone service here and it's not super close to town, so come prepared."
Several campers highlight the night sky viewing opportunities in the region, with clear dark skies providing excellent stargazing conditions. Bald Eagle State Park receives consistently high ratings for its well-maintained facilities and spacious sites, though visitors note the rustic tent sites require short walks from parking areas along the loop road. Railroad tracks run near some primitive campsites, with one reviewer noting, "An active railroad sits about 75 feet away from several of the rustic sites. We noticed the 7 p.m. train on Saturday evening. What we didn't expect was being awoken at 5 a.m. to a freight train blowing through full steam." Sites vary considerably in privacy and shade coverage, with some offering secluded woodland settings while others are more exposed. Local wildlife sightings commonly include raccoons, with campers occasionally mentioning bears in the vicinity.
"The site itself was fairly uneven and rocky so we had to always use caution when walking around the site but it added to the rugged experience."
"The rustic section was located around a large loop with each site ranging in a few feet from the car-friendly loop to about the 50 foot walk where our site was located."
from $16 - $18 / night
Check Availability"Easy access to camp ground. The check in process was just to drive to the site and set up which was different but very easy. The sites are private on the sides with some green space to play on."
"If you are not the camping type you can stay at the Nature Inn and enjoy the beautiful lodge in an amazing location! Definitely tops on our list of state parks in Pennsylvania!"
from $22 - $68 / night
Check Availability"Very peaceful and quite, but close to State College (a must since we were in town for a Penn State game). I also loved historic Bellefonte (I highly recommend eating at the Governors Pub)."
"The section in the front of the park is open with spotty trees; whereas, sites in the back of the park are tucked in the woods and are a lot more private."
"Electric motorboats are permitted on Moshannon Lake. Boat rentals are available in season."
"Great hiking and a beautiful lake for kayaking. Site 22 is a full hookup. Utilities worked nicely. However, our picnic table had seen better days. "
from $20 - $95 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $15 - $25 / night
Check Availability"It is isolated with a great view of the lake and mountain side."
from $212 - $290 / night
Check Availability"The campground was maybe only 1/2 full and the camp sites near us were empty so we had a very quiet and peaceful weekend. The creek and river are perfect for curious little ones to explore."
"We had site 108 and had a site path right to the creek. I wouldn't recommend big campers as most of the spots would be a pain to back into."
from $16 - $43 / night
Check Availability"Far enough away from cities that it's nice and quiet"
"We did take the hunter's path, off the beach parking lot, to the mid state trail but it was straight up the mountain and quite difficult. The beach was nice, not crowded, soft sand, and warm water."
from $20 - $63 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $85 / night
Check Availability"Bordering bald eagle state forest, RB winter is in a serene wilderness. Nice campground, I have been here many times. The swimming area is a favorite during the summertime."
"So beautiful and away from everything!"
from $20 - $51 / night
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GuideStayed for 2 nights with my pup. Nice, private, walk up tent sites maybe 50 yards or so from the road. Didn’t find too much to do trails wise at the campground but the pond nearby has some lovely views and the park across the bridge has a nice beach for swimming.
GuideFabulous campground, off the beaten path. Stayed here 2 nights and enjoyed walking to the beach and hiking some of the extensive trail system. Campsites are well spaced and private. Although most are on on a slight hill, our parking spot was level and it appeared most others were as well.
ScoutQuiet spot along the river with a nice restaurant, pool, and live music regularly.
ScoutSuper nice owner and its a privately owned farm. Went above and beyond clearing out a spot for us with only 4 hours if advance
ScoutOther campers are nice and welcome. The river is close and just a great location.
TravelerThey have 30 amp sites. No water but there is a dump station. Bring your Starlink there is no cell signal. Bathrooms are decent. Good Stargazing(head to nearby Cherry Springs). This is one of the most “out of the way” places in the eastern US. Not quite boon docking but close. There is a guy on the corner that sells firewood. Download maps to get in and out. Listen for the Elk. Watch for Bears.
TravelerLeonard Harrison State Park sits directly on the ridge of the Pine Creek Gorge, also known as the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon. Great hiking trails 800 feet down into the gorge where there is a flat rail trail of 65 miles for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. The campsites are roomy and set far apart. There are only about 30 sites and just 8 of them or so have electric. Bathrooms and showers are conveniently located and very clean. No cell service whatsoever, so bring your board games and cards.
RangerWhat a gorgeous area. Camp site has a path down to Medix Run (which seems quite clean) with a perfect spot to set out camp chairs and watch the water. Beautiful sounds of birds and spring wildflowers all over the site. Sites are well spaced. The road is surprisingly busy day and night, which did take away from the experience. Unfortunately that issue was dwarfed by other behavior.
Imagine you're sitting by the water on your campsite at 6pm, and a man is suddenly standing next to you. On your dispersed, state forest camp site. With a path only accessible by walking through the site. He tells you a beaver dam used to be here and goes into the water to fish. Weird things happen, but THREE different fishermen at different times used our campsite as their fishing base. Not the area next to it, the campsite. Even parked down the driveway next to our car.
Maybe you're not bothered by this. Maybe it's because you've read this and now had the chance to consider the possibility. However, I'd be willing to bet you'd rather not be surprised. Especially when there are no amenities and as a woman, you need to get partially undressed just to take a leak in the morning.
This is unacceptable behavior. There were other unoccupied campsites, turn offs and places to stop and fish. In all my life camping, no one has ever done this sort of thing. You stay off campsites when other people are there, unless you need help or want to pass on information.
If one person had done this, I wouldn't be writing such a cranky review but three instances warrants a warning for other campers. Good luck, folks.
GuideThe campground was decent enough, but I would probably skip it next time and stay in the state forest instead. The campsites are not especially private and while they are not directly on top of each other, you are definitely aware of nearby campers. That said, it is a great location for stargazing and the pit toilets are convenient if you prefer at least some amenities.
The biggest downside was the lack of firewood. None was available on site and there was little opportunity to gather any from the surrounding woods. After one night, I felt like I had gotten the experience. For my money, I would rather camp nearby in Susquehannock State Forest where you can find far more private and secluded spots for less cost. You give up amenities like toilets, but if privacy and a quieter camping experience matter more, the state forest feels like the better option while still keeping you close enough to enjoy the dark skies near Cherry Springs State Park.
One nearby spot that is absolutely worth the short drive is the Water Tank Vista overlook. The view alone makes the trip worthwhile, especially around sunset or on a clear day. If you are camping in the area, it is one of those places that feels like a hidden gem and adds a lot to the overall experience.
Howard, Pennsylvania sits along the edge of Bald Eagle Mountain at an elevation of approximately 650 feet. Summer temperatures typically range from 55°F to 85°F, while winters can drop below freezing with occasional heavy snowfall. Camping spots near Howard, Pennsylvania include both primitive sites with limited amenities and developed campgrounds with modern facilities, offering varied experiences throughout the three-season camping period.
Hiking trails: Several campgrounds provide direct access to forest trails. At Poe Valley State Park Campground, one visitor noted, "We did take the hunter's path, off the beach parking lot, to the mid state trail but it was straight up the mountain and quite difficult."
Kayaking and paddling: Foster Creek and surrounding lakes offer water recreation opportunities. A camper at Poe Valley mentioned, "It's a great lake to kayak or paddle board on." Another visitor at Black Moshannon State Park Campground reported, "Nice campground with quiet 250 acre lake for kayaking. Good birding."
Creek exploration: Several campgrounds feature small creeks ideal for wading. At Poe Paddy State Park, a reviewer shared, "The creek that runs through Poe Paddy is awesome for wading and people also tube it when conditions are right."
Wildlife viewing: The area hosts diverse bird and animal species. A visitor at Bald Eagle State Park Russell P Letterman Campground observed, "We watched the eagles all day. One of the best experiences ever."
Private, wooded sites: Many campers seek secluded spots away from crowds. At Poe Paddy State Park Campground, one reviewer appreciated that "The sites I prefer are well-shaded, fairly large, surrounded by trees, and private (but you'll be able to hear a couple neighbors)."
Rustic experience: Some campers prefer minimalist accommodations. A visitor at the Primitive Camping Area at Bald Eagle State Park wrote, "The rustic campground has some parking sites, but we are most fond of the sites with a short walk in. Usually they're very private."
Clean facilities: Well-maintained bathrooms receive consistent praise. At Farm on the Creek, a visitor simply stated, "Primitive and quiet in nature. Great little creek for skipping stones and catching crayfish."
Disconnected setting: Limited cell service is viewed positively by many. As one camper at Poe Paddy State Park noted, "No cell phone coverage (that is a plus for us!). The park is small but wonderful, right in the middle of some beautiful country."
Site selection matters: Campground layouts vary significantly. At Bellefonte-State College KOA, one camper advised, "All the regular pull through sites in the old part are very tight and dusty. We had to move the fire ring so it wouldn't be under our awning."
Limited services: Many campgrounds have minimal amenities. A Poe Paddy visitor explained, "It's a great small campground that has basic amenities. There is NO cell service and park rangers do 'rounds' but aren't stationed at the site."
Water access varies: Beach and lake conditions differ between parks. At Black Moshannon, a camper observed, "Water was thick with weeds & lilies but ok nonetheless."
Frequently Asked Questions
Which is the most popular campground near Howard, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Howard, PA is Primitive Camping Area — Bald Eagle State Park with a 4.5-star rating from 19 reviews.
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