Best Campgrounds near University Park, PA
Campgrounds near University Park, Pennsylvania range from state parks with full amenities to more primitive tent-only areas, providing options for different camping styles. Several established campgrounds, including Black Moshannon State Park (40 miles northwest) and Greenwood Furnace State Park (25 miles southeast), offer mixed-use sites accommodating tents, RVs, and in some cases, cabins or glamping facilities. Penn Roosevelt State Park provides a more rustic experience with tent-only sites and minimal facilities, while commercial options like Bellefonte-State College KOA and Seven Mountains Campground supplement the state park system with additional amenities for both RV and tent campers.
The camping season in central Pennsylvania generally runs from April through October, with some facilities extending into November or December. Most state parks require reservations, particularly for weekend stays during summer months. "Make a reservation way ahead of your date as this campground is very popular and sites book early," noted one visitor about Black Moshannon State Park. Terrain varies considerably, with some campgrounds featuring level sites suitable for larger RVs while others have more rugged, uneven grounds best for tent camping. Weather conditions can change rapidly in the mountainous areas, with cooler temperatures at night even during summer months. Cell phone coverage is limited at several of the more remote campgrounds, with Penn Roosevelt State Park and Greenwood Furnace noted for their lack of connectivity.
Campers frequently mention the natural beauty of the region's forested landscapes and water features. One reviewer described Black Moshannon as having a "nice unique lake that is incredibly dark in color. Lilly pads abound with great flowers." The state parks provide access to hiking trails directly from campgrounds, with several visitors highlighting the outdoor recreational opportunities available. Greenwood Furnace State Park combines camping with historical features, as it preserves an old iron furnace site. The more remote sites at Penn Roosevelt are described as "very secluded and you really feel like you're away from it all," making them popular with campers seeking quiet and privacy. Several campgrounds feature amenities like clean shower facilities, electric hookups, and sanitary dump stations for RVs, though tent-only areas typically offer more basic facilities with pit toilets and water spigots.
