RV campgrounds near University Park, Pennsylvania sit in the heart of the Allegheny Mountain region at elevations ranging from 1,000-2,000 feet. The area experiences all four seasons distinctly, with summer highs averaging 82°F and winter temperatures frequently dropping below freezing. Most campgrounds remain open from April through October, with limited winter camping options available at select locations.
What to do
Kayaking on dark waters: Black Moshannon State Park Campground features a unique lake with water stained dark by natural plant tannins. "Beautiful facility- typical Pa mountains, abundant green trees, water...nice Campground AND cabin rentals are really nicely situated. Water was thick with weeds & lilies but ok nonetheless," notes one visitor to Black Moshannon State Park Campground.
Fishing access points: Multiple fishing spots exist around University Park's camping areas, particularly at Bald Eagle State Park. "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," writes a camper at Primitive Camping Area — Bald Eagle State Park.
Drive-in movies: River's Edge RV Park offers a unique entertainment option rarely found at rv campgrounds near University Park. "The campground is literally right next door to a drive-in movie theater!" reports a reviewer who visited this newer facility along the Juniata River in Mifflintown.
What campers like
Clean, hotel-quality facilities: Many RV campgrounds around University Park maintain exceptionally clean bathrooms. At Raystown Lake/Saxton KOA, one visitor specifically mentions "Bathrooms are Soo nice" while another notes "They a friendly, willing to help anyway they can, and keep the place spotless. It looks like they have recently remodeled the bathrooms/showers (3 of the 4 look brand new)."
Waterfront camping: Waterside Campground and RV Park provides prime waterfront sites that campers consistently rate highly. "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!" advises one reviewer.
Seasonal changes: The area transforms dramatically through the seasons, with fall foliage being especially notable. "We needed a break from the rest area sleeping. We found this site on here and on iOverlander. The fireflies were in rare form and the wildflowers that outline the camping were beautiful," reports a summer visitor to Bald Eagle State Park.
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Several campgrounds report spotty connectivity. Black Moshannon is particularly noted for limited service, while areas closer to State College generally have better coverage.
Mountain driving challenges: Bellefonte-State College KOA requires careful navigation. "IMPORTANT— almost got killed getting just off the freeway to make the left turn towards the koa — please be careful. Traffic either side does not stop or slow, and they are going extremely fast. Be patient. Wait for ample time," warns one camper.
Site leveling requirements: Terrain around University Park is often uneven. "Sites are sloped a bit as most are in the mountains. We were able to decently level our motorhome with blocks," reports a visitor to The Bellefonte Campground, reflecting a common challenge at rv campgrounds throughout Pennsylvania's mountain regions.
Tips for camping with families
Activity programming: Raystown Lake / Saxton KOA at Four Seasons offers extensive family activities. "We stayed during Bigfoot weekend. It was super fun as our family likes bigfoot fun. We started out Friday night getting the offered $12 bbq plate that included pork burnt ends, beans and potato salad that were 'oh it's so good'. On Saturday was rock painting and then bingo and ended the night with a DJ dance party," explains a visitor.
Kids' outdoor education: Several parks partner with environmental education programs. At Raystown Lake KOA, a camper mentions: "Sunday we had pancakes and later a visit from RayCEP which is an education program that PA DNCR provides talking about various outdoorsy type things."
Non-peak timing: Visiting outside Penn State football weekends provides a better family experience at most locations. One KOA visitor observed that "Once the weekend was over, the park cleared out and it felt like there was more space and it was much quieter."
Tips from RVers
Water pressure considerations: Bring pressure regulators when visiting University Park rv campgrounds. Multiple reviews note variable water pressure, with Bellefonte-State College KOA specifically mentioned: "Saying it trickled out would be generous. Though there was a lot about the campground that I liked, I won't go back again just based on the water pressure alone."
Site selection at Seven Mountains: Seven Mountains Campground offers full hookup RV sites with various levels of privacy. According to a reviewer, "Comfortable couch pulls out into a comfortable bed. Large covered front porch with again more lighting and a hanging swing. Parking is driveway-close, and they're pretty mellow about blazing conflagrations (IF it's under control)."
Site accessibility considerations: Some RV sites have challenging access due to terrain. At Black Moshannon State Park, many sites work well for smaller units but pose difficulties for larger rigs. Similarly, at Bellefonte KOA, a reviewer noted that "Getting into the site was almost impossible. We didn't think we'd be able to do it. And as it was, our slide out was about an inch away from a tree on one side."
