170 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Campgrounds near Waterfall, Pennsylvania range from waterfront campsites along Raystown Lake to sites with full electric hookups and cabin rentals, giving campers options across tent, RV, and glamping setups. Cowans Gap State Park Campground provides tent camping, RV sites with electric hookups, and cabin accommodations approximately 25 miles southwest of Waterfall. Seven Points Campground features waterfront sites along Raystown Lake with boat-in access and accommodations ranging from basic tent sites to glamping options and yurts. Lake Raystown Resort offers similar amenities with additional lodging choices for visitors seeking more comfort while maintaining a connection to the outdoors.
The camping season in this region typically runs from April through October, with some facilities like Ye Olde Mill Campground (formerly Burnt Cabins) and Raystown Lake/Saxton KOA operating year-round. Most state park campgrounds close during deer hunting season in December. Reservations are strongly recommended during summer months when waterfront sites fill quickly. Cell service varies throughout the area, with better coverage at developed campgrounds and limited or no service in more remote locations. Facilities range from primitive sites with vault toilets to full-service campgrounds with showers, electric hookups, and dump stations. As one camper noted, "The sites here are some of the nicest we have ever seen. They are all big and private with stunning views of Raystown Lake."
Waterfront camping receives consistently high ratings from visitors, particularly at Raystown Lake where many sites offer direct lake access. Campers appreciate the spacious, private sites that provide both shade and scenic views. Several campgrounds feature hiking trails, swimming areas, and boat launches, making them popular for water recreation. Mountain biking enthusiasts frequent the area for the extensive trail systems, with one visitor describing Raystown as having "50 miles of single track mountain biking... some of the best flow trails on the East coast and the #1 trail system in Pennsylvania." Wildlife viewing opportunities abound, with campers reporting deer sightings around their sites. The region's state parks typically maintain clean facilities and well-groomed camping areas, though some visitors note that popular swimming areas can become crowded during summer weekends.
"Nestled in the mountains of Pennsylvania, this gem of a campground."
"The bathroom is close by,has showers & is very clean. You can walk or ride a bike to the beach. The water is clean with sand on the bottom. Lakeside trail is short and easy."
from $24 - $69 / night
Check Availability"Fantastic lake side camping resort. Best for campers or using their cabins but it has freeway access to the lake and beautiful views."
"Beautiful lakeside sites."
"It’s close to bathhouse and playground if you want those. There is parking at every bath house. There is trash receptacles at the entrance to the loop as well as firewood or sale."
"Ridge camp is the furthest away from the marina and the public swimming area. However it's the closest to the Allegrippis Trail system and from the entrance of the camp loop there is a trail head!"
from $28 - $200 / night
Check Availability"The pavilion where all those activities happened were right next to our site (22 with the doggie den)."
"The staff here at Raystown Lake/Saxton KOA are great. They a friendly, willing to help anyway they can, and keep the place spotless."
from $100 / night
Check Availability"We ended up with spot 3, which was on a cliff’s edge. So, it looked like it may be near the water, but there was no way down, and the forest obscured any view that may have been there."
"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."
from $25 - $32 / night
Check Availability"We wanted to be close to Raystown Lake. Trough is quiet and small. It's really great if you're looking for a spot to "rough" it (not really, but closer than most!) with the kids. Awesome sites."
"Nice small park with gravel drives/roads and plenty of room for big rigs. All sites level with partial shade. Open, but with plently of space between sites. The trails are nice and very sceinic."
from $23 - $25 / night
Check Availabilityfrom $22 - $95 / night
Check Availability"Lost a star for the long and steep incline walk to the bathrooms. Accessibility note: Careful if you have mobility issues. Many of the sites are terraced and require using steps."
"Wonderful views of the lake and the lake go-ers!"
"Raystown Lake is very close by and so is Trough Creek State Park. There is a suspension bridge at the park, Balanced Rock and Rainbow Falls."
from $100 - $250 / night
Check Availability"Perfect views of the lake and very spaced out."
LegendThis quiet campground has plenty of wooded campsites that offer privacy to campers. We were in the electric loop and it can be a bit tight if your rig is larger, and also you need to be prepared to level your rig in several different directions. But all in all, it was a great spot for an overnight day and we even got to check out some of the trails. Very nice park overall.
ScoutTrip -week before labor day , temps 93 degrees, nothing on website when booked said about peak and non peak days on booking page. Said there were only 7 sites left(complete lie) campground was empty. First time we ever been to a place where EVERYTHING was closed. Campstore, jump pillow and the final straw was we went to go to the pool and that was closed. It was 545 pm sun still bright in the sky , nowhere near dusk( when its suppose to close) . So much conflicting info from what the paper we got handed vs what internet site said. Charged a resort fee ? for what a place to park? This is no resort. Grass was high enough to be seeding itself. My wife was so upset she was actually crying. This was supposed to be a fun trip for our da6ughter before going back to school. We decided this place over Buttonwood just because it was alittle closer. Did a full tour of the place. Realized there is nothing here. Went to dinner in town. Decided we didnt want to stay where we knew our Daughter would be bored. She's pretty easy to entertain but this was just ridiculous. 12 HOURS OF MY LIFE AND $400 BUCKS i will never get back. (Loading , driving , realizing we got screwed, driving, unloading) yup was pretty bad.
ScoutWe absolutely loved it. The camp spaces were a nice and spread out lot not congested actually it was really nobody here which I can’t believe because the place is absolutely beautiful. There is a little bit of noise from route 30 during the day, but you don’t hear really anything at night Plus there is a really great bar/restaurant about 100 yards away. Called Yionnis and their food is actually delicious.
RangerThe sites and roads are well maintained. Some sites are on hilly roads but are acceptable for tenters. The bathhouse is older but the showers are hot. August 2026
ScoutPerfect little campsite with voting access fishing rod says and very clean showers
TravelerVery clean campgrounds with nice trails along the lake and the creek that feeds it! Plenty of space near swimming area and even a geocache to find!
GuideI don’t know what it is about this place but whenever I’m here all my worries are gone! I can honestly say IM RELAXED!!! I’m relaxed- whether I’m riding the golf cart eating ice cream, playing in the arcades, walking around in the campground store, playing mini golf, fishing from our campsite, watching the doggy’s play in the dog park. I’m honestly happy here!!! My favorite sites are by the lake or river. The bathhouses were clean!! We don’t swim but the pools looked great!! I’m always sad to leave but super excited to come back!! I have a video review on my YouTube channel @UpOnTheRidge304 about this campground - feel free to check it out.
TravelerWe had a delightful 2 night stay at Rocky Gap in the Dogwood loop. This campsite was beautiful, well maintained and clean, with great access from our area in Dogwood to both the trails and the beach. The campsite itself was a large pull-through, wooded site, that accommodated our big tent and glamping set up for a family of four. The beach was adorable, with a snack bar, playground, nature center and camp store, and I loved that it was only for the campground's use. We took the lake trail walk one day and got to see the campsites that are right across from the lake with amazing views! Minor complaints are that you can hear the roadway from the campsite (didn't really bother us, just noting it) and there's not a ton of privacy in the campground. Neither of these things detracted from our enjoyment of the park and campground though!
ScoutStaff is friendly and everything is kept up well, newly renovated pool and pavilion area.
Camping near Waterfall, Pennsylvania centers around the Raystown Lake recreation area, a 29-mile long reservoir with 118 miles of shoreline. The forested ridges and valleys of south-central Pennsylvania offer camping elevations ranging from 760 to 1,200 feet above sea level. Most campgrounds operate from mid-April through October, with limited winter options available at year-round facilities like Ye Olde Mill Campground.
Mountain biking: Raystown Lake's Allegrippis Trail system offers extensive riding options. "There is a trail head" at Ridge camp that's "the closest to the Allegrippis Trail system" providing "a full day of fast flowing singletrack," according to a visitor at Seven Points (PA).
Fishing: Multiple lake access points available throughout the area. At Susquehannock, campers note: "Some site right on the water, can walk right into the lake. Beautiful scenery, be prepared to be woken by bass boats and subsequent wake at sunrise."
Hiking: Explore diverse trail networks in state parks and recreation areas. Trough Creek State Park offers "breathtaking views and hiking trails" and features unique geological formations including "a huge rock that appears ready to fall over the cliff with a simple touch," according to campers.
Boating: Boat rentals available at multiple locations around Raystown Lake. A visitor at Lake Raystown Resort mentioned: "There's a few different areas of the campground. Definitely recommend bringing a boat. Large marina, prepared food is expensive though."
Quiet camping options: For those seeking less crowded experiences away from the main recreation areas. A camper at Trough Creek State Park Campground described it as "Nice small park with gravel drives/roads and plenty of room for big rigs. All sites level with partial shade. Open, but with plenty of space between sites."
Waterfront access: Sites directly on Raystown Lake are highly sought after. At Point Campground, campers enjoy being "right on the tip of the Raystown peninsula! Wonderful views of the lake and the lake go-ers!"
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds maintain high standards for bathhouses and common areas. A visitor to Ridge Camp noted: "The bathrooms and showers were some of the nicest I've seen at a campground."
Fall colors: Autumn camping offers spectacular views. A Cowans Gap State Park camper shared: "Absolutely amazing fall color on the lake and great drives surrounding. Bathrooms are clean and hot showers."
Reservation timing: Waterfront sites fill quickly, especially at popular campgrounds. Book well in advance for prime locations. One camper noted that "The lake front sites are beautiful and well maintained, but difficult to book."
Generator noise: Some campgrounds have nearby utilities that can impact the quietness of certain sites. A camper at Cowans Gap State Park Campground reported: "The major negative was generator noise coming from the facility just beyond the dam. Droning generator noise was on/off at all hours of the day and went on until 10pm in the evening."
Variable cell service: Expect limited connectivity in more remote areas. A Cowans Gap camper mentioned having "no cell or wifi to stress us out" during their "5 nights, 6 days" stay, while another noted "Cell service was limited, but had reliable (but low) signal with T-Mobile at my site."
Site elevation changes: Many lakeside campgrounds feature terraced or multi-level sites due to the hilly terrain. A Seven Points camper described: "Depending on where the camper site was located, some had their picnic table and fire ring either above or below them."
Beach activities: Several campgrounds offer dedicated swimming areas with amenities. One family at Ye Olde Mill Campground mentioned: "Superb campground with water and electricity hookups! Playground for children and creek access for fishing!"
Playground access: Consider site proximity to play areas when booking. At Seven Points, a camper noted there's "a playground near the sites at the entrance" of the Ridge loop, making it convenient for families with children.
Holiday weekends: Special activities enhance family camping experiences during peak times. A camper at Cowans Gap shared: "We went to Cowans gap last full for a Halloween weekend and the children loved it. We even won the campsite decorating contest."
Water safety: Boat traffic on Raystown Lake requires caution with children. A camper at Susquehannock mentioned: "be aware that the speedboats on the lake make quite a lot of noise" which might disturb light sleepers, especially children.
Dump station facilities: Several campgrounds offer excellent waste disposal options. A Seven Points camper praised the "ultra-cool 4 lane dump station" and noted: "The dump station, as noted above had wide lanes and made the experience an easy and clean one."
Site leveling: Many campsites in the region are designed with RV leveling in mind. A camper at Seven Points reported: "We pulled into Ridge Camp and drove a little bit down a hill to our site. One backup attempt into the site and (according to our LevelMatePRO app) it was perfectly level...that was definitely a first for us."
Campground selection: Different loops within the same recreation area offer varying RV experiences. A reviewer recommended: "Point was our favorite, but obviously crowded because it is right on the lake. Senoia camp was tied with Ridge, but only the lower portion. Once you go up the hill to sites above #231, it gets very steep and far away from the water."
Site specifications: Review site dimensions carefully before booking. At Raystown Lake / Saxton KOA at Four Seasons, a camper noted: "The only drawback was that the sites were tight and not the most level but we made do."
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the best waterfall camping destinations?
Rocky Gap State Park Campground stands out with spacious sites, mountain views, and a beautiful lake. The park features hiking trails leading to cascades, especially impressive after rainfall. Cowans Gap State Park Campground offers a perfect combination of mountain scenery, waterfall hikes, and lakeside recreation. This gem nestled in Pennsylvania's mountains provides private, shaded sites with easy access to water features. Many campers appreciate the relative quiet of these parks compared to more popular destinations. For those seeking more seclusion, consider the dispersed sites at Green Ridge State Forest which offer privacy near various streams and small falls. The best time to visit waterfall destinations is typically spring through early summer when water flow is strongest.
Where can I find camping sites near waterfalls?
Pennsylvania and Maryland offer excellent options for waterfall camping. Cunningham Falls State Park provides campsites near its namesake waterfall with great hiking opportunities and updated facilities. Catoctin Mountain Park offers a peaceful alternative with Owens Creek Campground featuring sites right along the creek, providing a more serene experience than neighboring parks. Many state parks throughout the region combine water features with camping options, including small cascades and streams. Look for campgrounds located within state parks that have 'falls,' 'gap,' or 'creek' in their names, as these often indicate nearby water features. For the best waterfall camping experience, consider visiting in spring when water levels are typically highest.
What amenities are available at waterfall campgrounds?
Waterfall campgrounds typically offer a range of amenities depending on whether they're developed parks or more rustic settings. Pine Grove Furnace State Park Campground features numerous electric sites and updated bathrooms, making it comfortable for families. The park sits at the midpoint of the Appalachian Trail with nice paths between two lakes. Hidden Springs Campground provides clean, well-lit central shower facilities alongside quiet camping areas. Most waterfall campgrounds include basic amenities like picnic tables, fire rings, and access to potable water. Many state park campgrounds near waterfalls also offer playgrounds, visitor centers, and ranger programs. More developed sites typically provide electric hookups, while primitive sites often trade amenities for proximity to natural features. Bathroom facilities range from flush toilets in developed areas to vault toilets in more remote locations.
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