Camping sites near Tyrone, Pennsylvania include both primitive options and established campgrounds within the varied terrain of central Pennsylvania's Allegheny Mountains. The region sits at elevations between 800-2,000 feet, creating distinct microclimates that affect camping conditions throughout the year. Cell coverage varies significantly throughout the area with several campgrounds reporting complete dead zones, particularly in valley locations.
What to do
Hiking and mountain biking trails: Greenwood Furnace State Park offers numerous hiking trails directly from the campground. According to visitor Travis S., "extremely close to the rothrock forest mountain biking trails. Less than a mile to trails that take you to the IMBA epic coopers gap loop." Hiking options range from easy family-friendly walks to challenging mountain terrain.
Historical exploration: Greenwood Furnace State Park Campground preserves fascinating industrial history. Visitor Melanie Z. notes it has a "very interesting history of the old furnaces" while another camper mentions "The blacksmith shop was very educational!" The park offers ranger-led programs throughout summer weekends explaining the area's iron-making past.
Kayaking and fishing: The region's lakes provide excellent flat-water recreation opportunities. At Black Moshannon State Park, Matthew U. describes it as a "nice campground with quiet 250 acre lake for kayaking. Good birding." The unusual water color from iron ore mines creates a distinctive paddling experience, with one visitor noting "The Iron Ore mines from the past have left the creek water stained red which is why its called the Red Mo with the locals."
Stargazing: Black Moshannon State Park Campground offers excellent night sky viewing with minimal light pollution. Ann P. reports "little light pollution (we saw the Milky Way!)" while camping at Greenwood Furnace. The higher elevation campgrounds generally offer better star viewing conditions, particularly during new moon phases.
What campers like
Clean facilities: Susquehannock Campground offers primitive camping with surprisingly clean facilities. According to Andrew, "Don't be alarmed by the fact that some reviews call this 'primitive' camping-- there are restrooms with well-ventilated composting toilets, potable water is available at the entrance station, and our campsite was very flat, clean, and safe." The vault toilets are generally well-maintained throughout the season.
Family-friendly activities: Crooked Run Campground at Prince Gallitzin State Park offers numerous amenities for families. Jackie W. reports it's a "Great place for kids! We love staying at crooked run campground. Has a beach on the lake. Affordable boat rentals. Bmx track for kids." Several campgrounds offer organized weekend activities for children during peak summer months.
Waterfront camping: Susquehannock Campground provides direct lake access at some sites. Ian W. notes "Very cool camp. Loops for RVs, higher on the hill, waterfront loops on steeper grounds for tents, and some walk-to sites adjacent to parking right at the point which double as boat-in. Some site right on the water, can walk right into the lake." Water access varies significantly between sites, with some allowing boats to tie up directly at campsites.
Level, spacious sites: Ridge Camp at Seven Points receives high marks for site quality. Tim J. shares "We pulled into Ridge Camp (RCAM on Recreation.gov) and drove a little bit down a hill to our site. One backup attempt into the site and it was perfectly level...that was definitely a first for us." Site terrain varies dramatically throughout the region's campgrounds.
What you should know
Reservation timing: Campgrounds in the region book quickly, especially waterfront sites. Denise D. advises for Black Moshannon: "Make a reservation way ahead of your date as this campground is very popular and sites book early." Reservations open 11 months in advance for most state parks in the area.
No cell service: Most campgrounds have limited or no connectivity. Diane T. confirms at Greenwood Furnace: "There is little to no phone service here and it's not super close to town, so come prepared." This can affect navigation, so download offline maps before arrival.
Late-season options: Seven Points campground offers camping through late October. Tim J. notes, "We liked this campground so much that I tried booking for our last seasonal weekend in October." Several campgrounds extend their seasons through fall foliage.
Waterfront noise levels: Lake Raystown can be noisy during peak boating season. According to Amelie B., "be aware that the speedboats on the lake make quite a lot of noise." Weekdays typically offer quieter conditions than weekends at lakefront campgrounds.
Tips for camping with families
Educational opportunities: Lake Raystown Family Camping Resort (now Honey Bear Campground) offers family learning activities. Nicole F. shares her Girl Scout experience at Prince Gallitzin: "Rangers were wonderful to work with in setting up teaching opportunities for the girls. We will definitely go back." Many parks offer junior ranger programs during summer months.
Kid-friendly amenities: Look for campgrounds with playgrounds and beaches. At Crooked Run Campground, A.R. R. notes "it's perfect for families. Good trails, kayak rentals, and a private beach for the campgrounds make it a nice vacation spot." Most state park campgrounds include dedicated swimming areas with lifeguards during summer months.
Weather preparedness: Mountain weather can change rapidly. Diane T. advises: "We came here in mid June so it was a bit chilly at night and warm during the day - bring layers + raincoats as the PA mountain weather can be iffy!" Temperature swings of 30+ degrees between day and night are common in spring and fall.
Site selection for families: Choose sites near amenities when camping with children. For Greenwood Furnace, one visitor recommends: "The campground can host tents, as well as RVs/campers, and includes clean bath houses with both toilets and showers. Sites have a picnic table + fire ring."
Tips from RVers
Dump station quality: Seven Points campground offers excellent dump facilities. Tim J. shares: "From the time we arrived and filled up the fresh water tank at the ultra-cool 4 lane dump station, I knew we were in for a great weekend. The signage was very well marked and the fresh water spigot was more like a little tank, super-solid, clean and modern."
Site leveling challenges: Many campgrounds feature uneven terrain. At Greenwood Furnace, Kassie F. recommends: "I think we had the best site w/electric hookup that was also dog-friendly: #48. We loved how it was nicely shaded by hemlocks, oaks, some maples." Check site photos carefully when booking.
Water access for larger rigs: Not all campgrounds accommodate big rigs. Lake Raystown Resort provides options for larger RVs with Mary C. noting: "Sites across the way were on the water. They had cement pads only as wide as your rv/tt but then the surrounding grass dropped off sharply." Research pad dimensions before booking.
