Kevin M.
Traveler
TravelerDogwood Acres Campground
Well run
The staff here are amazing. Quiet time is respected, clean campground. Will come again.
Tent Camping near Spring Mills, PA
30 campgrounds with availability this weekend
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Tent camping near Spring Mills, Pennsylvania provides access to several secluded state park and forest campgrounds nestled in the central Pennsylvania woodlands. Penn Roosevelt State Park Campground offers year-round tent-only camping with sites spaced along a peaceful pond, while Reeds Gap State Park Campground provides tent campsites in a rustic setting along Honey Creek from April through October. Both parks are located within 30 minutes of Spring Mills, with additional primitive tent camping options available at New Lancaster Valley and Hickernell Roadside Campsites in Bald Eagle State Forest.
Most tent campgrounds in the region offer both drive-in and walk-in tent sites with basic amenities. Penn Roosevelt features primitive tent camping with vault toilets and drinking water available at central locations, but no electric hookups or showers. Reeds Gap provides more developed facilities including showers and electric hookups at some sites. Fire rings and picnic tables are standard at most locations. Seasonal considerations are important, as Penn Roosevelt remains open year-round while Reeds Gap operates from mid-April through mid-October. Campers should note that cell service is limited or non-existent at most sites, particularly at Reeds Gap.
The backcountry tent camping experience near Spring Mills is characterized by quiet, wooded settings and proximity to streams or ponds. According to reviews, Penn Roosevelt offers particularly secluded tent sites where "it was so secluded, I heard nothing but nature for over an hour before a plane flew over." Reeds Gap campers noted the park is "everything anyone who really just wants to relax needs. It's only tents and it's dog and family friendly." Many sites feature access to hiking trails, including connections to the Midstate Trail from Penn Roosevelt. The region's tent campgrounds typically see low to moderate usage, even during peak season, making them ideal for campers seeking solitude. Wildlife viewing opportunities are abundant, with most tent sites situated in forested settings that provide natural shade and privacy.
Best Tent Campgrounds near Spring Mills (45)
1. Reeds Gap State Park Campground
"Then I go find a deserted section and a picnic table and just sit down. Immediately I can feel every bit is stress or anxiety dissipate."
"Nice and peaceful with a dozen or so tent only sites. We got a nice one tucked back in the trees, but a few of them are pretty close to the road - not like it's terribly busy."
Check AvailabilityCampground full this weekend
Get a text when availablefrom $22 / night
2. Penn Roosevelt State Park Campground
"Beautiful primitive campground (tent only). Get a site on the outside towards the water. They are spaced out and peaceful. Has restrooms (no shower), picnic table, and fire pit at each site."
"The sites are tent only and pretty close together but some still feel secluded. Very accessible and the park has some good trails."
Check Availabilityfrom $25 / night
3. Ravensburg State Park Campground
"It's our favorite place to tent camp. It's rarely busy and it's first come first serve."
"Nice and shaded! No one there but us in site 6, not even a ranger checked on us. Has modern toilets and shower. Most sites are spacious. They have nice raised tent pads."
4. New Lancaster Valley Roadside Campsites — Bald Eagle State Forest
Check Availabilityfrom $10 / night
5. Standing Stone Farm
from $25 - $50 / night
6. Wilson Boondock Hollow
Check Availabilityfrom $40 - $50 / night
7. Hickernell Roadside Campsites — Bald Eagle State Forest
Check Availabilityfrom $10 / night
8. Sand Spring Road Site — Tiadaghton State Forest
Check Availabilityfrom $10 / night
9. Shikellamy State Park Campground
"Had a great time walking the trails and enjoying a picnic at the cliff-side pavilion."
10. Walters Road Site — Tiadaghton State Forest
Check Availabilityfrom $10 / night
Drive Time
- 17 min from State College, PA
- 52 min from Altoona, PA
- 1 hr 1 min from Williamsport, PA
- 1 hr 15 min from Harrisburg, PA
Recent Tent Camping Photos near Spring Mills, PA
16 Photos of 45 Spring Mills Campgrounds • uploaded by The Dyrt campers
Tent Camping Reviews near Spring Mills, PA
438 Reviews of 45 Spring Mills Campgrounds
Matt S.
LegendLake Raystown Resort and Lodge
Enormous property, but...
We spent a long weekend for walks in the woods, seeing the fall colors, and all around a huge lake.
What We Liked:
- Even though the sites are sloped, they’re huge. I like that a lot.
- This property is enormous. They have a marina on the lake, a wedding facility, conference center, lots of cabins which look pretty good, and tent sites in addition to the RV sites. Go say hi to the goats behind the store. The property is amazing!
- If you’re interested, it’s a 90-minute drive to the Flight 93 Memorial— well worth the trip!
Things to Keep in Mind:
- The roads getting there are like a roller coaster. This isn’t the resort’s fault, but something you need to know if you’re going there.
- The sites are sloped. Took several blocks to get even close to level. I may be spoiled, but I really appreciate a level site.
- No sewer connection. There’s a dump station available, but just know the sites are water and electric only.
Would We Return?
- Probably not. It’s not fun driving in that area and there’s nothing much to do in the area.
Troy P.TravelerShikellamy State Park Campground
meh
i mean meh with the most enthusiasm as you can live your entire life & be oki not going here. the trails are small & the overlook is fenced high for falls. it’s about as much scenery as going for a walk deer hunting. it’s beginner friendly if anyone wants to start getting into parks but i feel there’s more focus on pavilions & playgrounds than calling it a state park. for anything boating or canoeing on the river it’s a good place to be but your in town so it take it for what it is
- Jake F.
ScoutSunsational Family Campground
I would not recommend to anyone
This campground is nothing as stated in the reviews. And now I know why. The one review on here besides mine is from the owner. The bathrooms are not clean. I was told for Labor Day weekend I could stay for two nights had reserved and all. They then abruptly cancelled my reservation and took three days to respond and say I could have a different cabin and tent sight but would need to stay three nights because of the holiday. They also charged a cleaning for a service pet which is not legal. We then showed up and were the only people staying that weren’t seasonal site people and very not welcomed. The first comment made was here come the weekend warriors. We look at the cabin which was ironically filthy and covered in mouse poop yet we got charged a cleaning fee. The grass was not mowed the porter potty’s so gross bugs are crawling in the bottom. The camp store was closed during the car show they had and when we asked when it will be open they stated it will not. It was 1 pm on a Saturday. The reservation process was unorganized. The playground was not mowed or weed whacked and a slide is ratchet strapped together. I would not recommend this place to anyone.
Corey T.TravelerSlate Run Trestle Sites — Tiadaghton State Forest
Awesome camp location
Great campsite nestled right against Slate run. Plenty of trout right next to camp that I could catch. No cell service which was also a plus.
Jess B.ScoutSplash Magic RV Resort
Horrible
Horrible stay brown water Dep had them on boil water went down hill the past 4 yrs
TSWX3475 B.TravelerShikellamy State Park Campground
Shikallamy Marina
It's a nice park but it's daytime only there's no camping here
christian G.
GuideRussell P Letterman Campground — Bald Eagle State Park
Loved it
Its was great, we stayed in new area, sites had ample room, not many trees at our spot so summer there wouldnt be much shade but we were next to a retention pond/drainage. We brought our dig whole loved running through there.
Not much to say besides it was clean, not crowded (in November) and decent spacing between sites
- christian G.Guide
Bellefonte-State College KOA
Easy
It was overall good, Nice amenities, pool was clean (3ft-5ft) Splash pad, air pillow, playground, pond, etc
It has nice wooded areas but very compact, if you have a large camper id be concerned with trying to make some turns on the upper area
Guide to Spring Mills
Tent camping options near Spring Mills, Pennsylvania include primitive forest sites and established state park campgrounds within Pennsylvania's ridge and valley region. This area lies at elevations between 1,000-2,000 feet, creating distinct microclimates that affect camping conditions throughout the seasons. Winter temperatures regularly drop below freezing while summer nights typically cool to the 50s even after warm days.
What to do
Creek exploration: Ravensburg State Park Campground offers access to creek swimming and wading. "There are few hiking trails; short and long that take you to beautiful views along the creek with a couple of places deep enough to swim," notes camper Laura.
Hiking trails: Penn Roosevelt State Park Campground connects to multiple trail networks. "The area has lots of hikes to offer including the Alan Seeger State Forest, Midstate Trail and several others," according to reviewer Denise D.
Wildlife observation: Primitive sites in Bald Eagle State Forest provide excellent wildlife viewing opportunities. Morning and evening hours offer the best chance to spot deer, turkey, and various bird species common to the region.
What campers like
Primitive camping solitude: Campers appreciate the remote feel of sites. "It was so secluded, I heard nothing but nature for over an hour before a plane flew over," writes Chuck M. about Penn Roosevelt.
Natural surroundings: Reeds Gap State Park Campground offers sites integrated with the natural environment. "This campground is beautiful! It's so peaceful and serene. There's a nice creek that runs through it," reports Rebecca G.
Unplugged experience: Limited or no cell service creates a technology break. "Put your phone away cuz there's no cell service here! Nice and peaceful with a dozen or so tent only sites," writes Danielle C. about Reeds Gap.
What you should know
Campsite reservation systems vary: Most state park campgrounds require advance reservations through the Pennsylvania DCNR website, while New Lancaster Valley Roadside Campsites and other primitive forest sites operate on a first-come basis.
Bathroom facilities differ greatly: Some campgrounds offer modern facilities while others are very basic. "The bathhouses were a little far away," notes John Z. about Reeds Gap State Park.
Weather preparedness essential: The region's valley terrain can create unexpected weather patterns. Evening temperatures can drop significantly even in summer, requiring proper sleeping gear.
Water access limitations: At primitive sites, campers must bring their own water supply. Even at developed campgrounds, water sources may be centralized rather than at individual sites.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Several campgrounds feature play areas for children. Reeds Gap offers family-friendly amenities as Kelly C. notes: "It's only tents and it's dog and family friendly!"
Creek-side sites for water play: Ravensburg State Park Campground offers creek access at several sites. "You can set hammocks up right by the creek, which is my favorite part," explains Laura.
Road noise considerations: When booking with children, check site locations relative to nearby roads. "The campgrounds are close to the road and therefore are loud at night occasionally," warns Andrew G. about Ravensburg.
Site selection for family privacy: Choose sites away from main paths. "Get a site on the outside towards the water. They are spaced out and peaceful," recommends Joann at Penn Roosevelt.
Tips from RVers
Access challenges for trailers: Standing Stone Farm and similar primitive sites have limited access for trailers. Even small trailers may struggle with forest roads and tight turns.
Limited hookup options: Most tent-focused campgrounds in the Spring Mills area lack standard RV hookups. Small camper vans and truck campers fare better than larger RVs at most locations.
Road condition awareness: Forest roads to primitive sites can deteriorate after rain. "If you have a trailer, I do not recommend this spot. There is a very tight hairpin turn on the way in. My six foot long trailer barely made the turn!" warns Chuck M. about Penn Roosevelt.
Frequently Asked Questions
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campsite near Spring Mills, PA?
Which is the most popular tent campsite near Spring Mills, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Spring Mills, PA is Reeds Gap State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 6 reviews.
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Spring Mills, PA?
What is the best site to find tent camping near Spring Mills, PA?
TheDyrt.com has all 45 tent camping locations near Spring Mills, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.
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