Best Campgrounds near State College, PA

State College, PA has good camping options all around it for different types of campers. Black Moshannon State Park Campground gives you wooded sites with privacy and has clean bathrooms, showers, and a lake where you can fish or take a boat out. Buttonwood Campground works well for families since it has a swimming pool and playground for kids. The pool makes it especially good for summer trips. The best weather for camping here is during spring and fall when it's not too hot or cold and the leaves look great. You can camp in winter too, but be ready for cold and snow. You'll see deer, raccoons and lots of birds around these areas, so keep your food secure in bear-proof containers or hang it from trees. Bald Eagle State Park is another good camping option nearby with nice views and hiking trails. Always check if places are open before you go, especially in off-seasons. While many campgrounds stay open all year, some facilities might not be available in winter. State College has both basic and more developed camping sites depending on what you're looking for.

Best Camping Sites Near State College, Pennsylvania (98)

    1. Black Moshannon State Park Campground

    24 Reviews
    Port Matilda, PA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (814) 342-5960

    $20 - $87 / night

    "The Moss Hanne is still a thrilling trail even in the winter months and there's been a lot of beaver activity since we last visited including a very impressive dam. "

    "Electric motorboats are permitted on Moshannon Lake. Boat rentals are available in season."

    2. Greenwood Furnace State Park Campground

    10 Reviews
    Belleville, PA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (814) 667-1800

    $20 - $29 / night

    "You can also buy firewood at the entrance. Sites have a picnic table + fire ring. There is little to no phone service here and it's not super close to town, so come prepared."

    "It is one of the most peaceful state parks we have been to in PA. The park is great for kids. Paved roads so they can ride their bikes. There is a nice park for the kids to play."

    3. Penn Roosevelt State Park Campground

    5 Reviews
    Boalsburg, PA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (814) 667-1800

    $25 / night

    "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. Short walk to creek and beautiful pond."

    "went there for a picnic with the young ones and it was quite a fun evening. there were not many people around so the kids could frolic and be slightly loud without bothering any other people."

    4. Bellefonte-State College KOA

    11 Reviews
    Howard, PA
    15 miles
    Website
    +1 (814) 355-7912

    "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."

    5. Primitive Camping Area — Bald Eagle State Park

    18 Reviews
    Howard, PA
    19 miles
    Website
    +1 (814) 625-2775

    $16 - $62 / night

    "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."

    6. Russell P Letterman Campground — Bald Eagle State Park

    17 Reviews
    Howard, PA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (814) 625-2775

    "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!"

    7. Seven Mountains Campground

    1 Review
    Milroy, PA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (814) 364-1910

    8. The Bellefonte Campground

    1 Review
    Bellefonte, PA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (814) 810-9161

    $39 - $400 / night

    "Minimal noise from the highway, which was pleasantly unexpected being so close. They have some animals, like goats, as well in a little farm area. Nice new cabins too."

    9. Poe Valley State Park Campground

    5 Reviews
    Coburn, PA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (814) 349-2460

    $20 - $57 / night

    "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."

    10. Reeds Gap State Park Campground

    5 Reviews
    Milroy, PA
    20 miles
    Website
    +1 (717) 667-3622

    $22 / night

    "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."

    "There is a trail head near the entrance of the park for hikers and a geocache showed up close to the trail on a road on my geocache tracker if you are into that."

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Showing results 1-10 of 98 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near State College, PA

422 Reviews of 98 State College Campgrounds



Guide to State College

Camping near State College, Pennsylvania, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and fun activities for everyone. Whether you're looking for a quiet retreat or a family-friendly adventure, there are plenty of campgrounds to choose from.

What to do:

  • Hiking: There are many trails around the campgrounds. For example, at Black Moshannon State Park Campground, you can enjoy "great hiking and a beautiful lake for kayaking," as noted by a visitor.
  • Fishing and Swimming: Seven Points (PA) is a great spot for fishing and swimming. One camper mentioned, "Raystown lake is incredible for fishing and swimming," making it a perfect summer destination.
  • Playgrounds and Activities: Many campgrounds have playgrounds for kids. At Buttonwood Campground, a reviewer said, "There was laser tag, playground, jump pillow, pedal carts!" which makes it a hit for families.

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate clean bathrooms and showers. A visitor at Bald Eagle State Park Primitive Campsite said, "The bathrooms are very bad though," but many others have praised the cleanliness of facilities at various campgrounds.
  • Secluded Sites: Many campers enjoy the privacy offered by certain campgrounds. One reviewer at Greenwood Furnace State Park Campground mentioned, "The sites are spacious and well taken care of," highlighting the peaceful atmosphere.
  • Natural Beauty: The scenery is a big draw. A camper at Poe Paddy State Park Campground said, "The creek is beautiful and the kids were so happy to play in it," showcasing the area's natural charm.

What you should know:

  • Limited Cell Service: Many campgrounds have poor or no cell service. A visitor at Bald Eagle State Forest noted, "No cell phone coverage (that is a plus for us!)" which can be a relief for those wanting to disconnect.
  • Check-in Times: Some campgrounds have late check-in times. A camper at Susquehannock mentioned, "The 4pm check out is nice, but... check in wasn’t until 5pm," which can cut into your camping time.
  • Wildlife Encounters: Be prepared for wildlife. A camper at Black Moshannon State Park Campground shared, "Also had some critters visit my tent at night," so keep food secured.

Tips for camping with families:

  • Activities for Kids: Look for campgrounds with plenty of activities. At Buttonwood Campground, a reviewer said, "My grandkids had a blast," thanks to the variety of fun options available.
  • Safety First: Always supervise kids near water. A visitor at Seven Points (PA) mentioned, "The lake is a great place to kayak," but safety should always come first.
  • Pack Snacks: Keep snacks handy for kids. A camper at Bellefonte-State College KOA noted, "The store had toys, T-shirts, novelty ice cream," which can be a treat for little ones.

Tips from RVers:

  • Level Sites: Look for campgrounds with level sites. A reviewer at Russell P Letterman Campground mentioned, "Sites were nicely laid out with level gravel," which is essential for RV stability.
  • Reservations: Make reservations in advance, especially during peak seasons. A camper at Seven Points (PA) said, "Tough to get waterfront spot during main season," so planning ahead is key.
  • Check Amenities: Always check what amenities are available. A visitor at Bald Eagle State Park Primitive Campsite noted, "There are 3 sets of vault toilets around the one way loop," which can be helpful for RVers.

Camping around State College, PA, has something for everyone, from families to solo adventurers. Just remember to plan ahead and enjoy the great outdoors!

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular campground near State College, PA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near State College, PA is Black Moshannon State Park Campground with a 4.7-star rating from 24 reviews.

What parks are near State College, PA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there are 19 parks near State College, PA that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.