Spring Mills camping areas sit within the Appalachian Mountains region of central Pennsylvania, with elevations ranging from 1,100 to 1,500 feet. This geographic positioning creates distinct seasonal camping conditions, with humid summers averaging 80°F and winters frequently dropping below freezing. Most campgrounds in the area follow a May to October seasonal schedule, though several RV parks near Spring Mills remain open year-round.
What to do
Cave exploration: 20-30 minutes from most campgrounds. Woodward Cave Campground offers a unique camping experience with its own on-site cave. "This campground is off the beaten path which we like. Best part was it had it's own cave! No playground for the kids but with the cave we didn't mind. This place is also about 20 to 30 minutes from Penn's Cave which is the only cave in Pa that you tour by boat," reports Jen R.
Lake activities: Swimming, fishing, and kayaking. Bald Eagle State Park features extensive water recreation options. "The lake is huge with a beautiful beach to spread out on and play in the sand! We kayaked and biked all over the park. We also fished a lot. Due to the large size of the lake we didn't feel like we were on top of other people fishing," notes Jamie M. The park has both a swimming beach and multiple boat launches accessible from camping areas.
Riverside relaxation: Fishing and tubing. Newer RV parks Spring Mills visitors can access include River's Edge, which offers direct water access. "The campground offers direct access to the river for afternoon floats on tubes or kayaks and they're building a large dock for fishing. Beautiful sunsets on the river! And the campground is literally right next door to a drive-in movie theater," says Jenn D.
What campers like
Wooded seclusion: Private sites with shade. Many Spring Mills area campgrounds offer forested sites that provide privacy. At Bellefonte-State College KOA, campers appreciate the more secluded options: "I loved the area. Very peaceful and quiet, but close to State College. Once we were in it, I even loved our site. It was very secluded, private, quiet and woodsy."
Clean facilities: Above-average bathrooms. Several campgrounds in the region maintain excellent bathroom facilities. "The Bathrooms were hotel quality and clean. They were combined with a shower. The water pressure was great and very hot," reports a reviewer at Bellefonte-State College KOA. Another camper at Bald Eagle State Park notes: "The bathrooms were clean and the shower was hot and much needed."
Riverfront camping: Premium waterside sites. Waterside Campground and RV Park (formerly Locust Campground) offers sought-after riverside sites. "Absolutely beautiful if you are riverside. Staff was friendly and helpful. Typical overall, but clean and pretty. Stay on the waterside! Sites 48-53. Stayed at 49, it was absolutely perfection!" shares Matthew S. These premium sites typically cost $5-10 more per night but provide direct river access.
What you should know
Site leveling challenges: Hilly terrain throughout the region. Many RV parks in Spring Mills and surrounding areas require leveling equipment due to the mountainous terrain. At Bellefonte-State College KOA, one camper notes: "Make sure you have leveling tools as the sites are not very level side-to-side. The sites are also small and tightly packed."
Seasonal availability: Limited winter camping options. Most campgrounds in the region operate seasonally. Bald Eagle State Park's primitive camping area runs "May to 3rd Sunday October," while some private campgrounds like Waterside operate year-round. Always call ahead during shoulder seasons (late fall and early spring) as weather can affect openings.
Water pressure variations: Lower pressure in hillside sites. Water pressure can be inconsistent at several campgrounds in the area. At The Bellefonte Campground, a recent visitor noted: "New owners are super friendly. It's an older park they look to be putting some love and work into. Sites are sloped a bit as most are in the mountains. We were able to decently level our motorhome with blocks."
Tips for camping with families
Recreation amenities: Pools, splash pads, and playgrounds. Splash Magic RV Resort offers extensive water features for children. "There is a great water park as well as adults only pool for those wanting a break from the little ones," shares one visitor. Another notes: "The pool was great, the kids loved the water slides."
Animal encounters: Farm animals and wildlife viewing. Several campgrounds in the area feature animals that children can observe. The Bellefonte Campground has "some animals, like goats, as well in a little farm area," according to a recent review. Bald Eagle State Park offers wildlife viewing opportunities with "fireflies in rare form and the wildflowers that outline the camping."
Biking opportunities: Flat trails for young riders. Bald Eagle State Park gets high marks from families with children who enjoy biking. "Our kids loved the freedom of riding their bike and exploring the park with other kids who were camping," notes one parent. The campground roads and surrounding trails offer safer riding away from traffic.
Tips from RVers
Site selection: Premium sites worth the upgrade. For RVers staying at Spring Mills area campgrounds, premium sites offer significant advantages. At Seven Mountains Campground, upgraded sites include amenities like "wall-mounted tv, rustic wood dining set, storage room and hooks/hangers, good natural light, as well as sufficient artificial direct and ambient lighting."
Campground navigation: Tight turns in wooded sections. Several RV parks near Spring Mills feature challenging access roads, especially in more wooded sections. At Bellefonte-State College KOA, "Roads in the back section are narrow and the sites are not very long and suitable for small campers." Plan your arrival during daylight hours for easier navigation.
Riverfront hookup options: Reserve early for premium spots. Waterside Campground offers popular riverfront full-hookup sites that book quickly. "Great setup location. Easy in and out, full utilities. Water is easy access, pool is heated. Rates are reasonable, store is basic. Come here every year, worth the trip," reports Michael L.
