Camping opportunities near Weikert, Pennsylvania range from primitive to modern sites within Bald Eagle State Forest and surrounding state parks. The area sits within the Ridge and Valley Province of the Appalachian Mountains, with elevations ranging from 500 to 2,300 feet. Seasonal temperature swings are significant, with average summer highs around 80°F and winter lows often below freezing, requiring appropriate camping gear year-round.
What to do
Fishing at Penns Creek: Access prime trout waters directly from Penns Creek Campground, where sites are positioned along the water. "Though mixed with camper trailers, small RVs and camper residents, it was easy to find a site where we had privacy and great river access" reports one visitor.
Swimming at Raymond B. Winter State Park: The small lake offers a family-friendly swimming beach with amenities. "The lake is small, more like a pond, but super cold and clean water, as it is fed by two mountains streams. The beach is amazing. Tons and tons of clean sand, no rocks, and lots of space to play and swim," according to a camper at Raymond B. Winter State Park Campground.
Hiking trail exploration: Multiple interconnected trail systems provide terrain for all skill levels. "Amazing Hiking, Lots Of Fun, Nice Fishing, Friendly, And Nice Beach And Store," notes a visitor about Raymond B. Winter State Park, while another adds, "trails galore leading directly from the campground."
What campers like
Night sky viewing: The region's minimal light pollution creates exceptional stargazing conditions. A camper at Poe Paddy State Park Campground describes it as "Very primitive, only 2 sites with electric and no playground (but 4 swings), however the creek is beautiful and the kids were so happy to play in it."
Creek access: Multiple campgrounds feature direct water access for wading and cooling off. "We stayed at site 108 and had a site path right to the creek," reports a Poe Paddy visitor, while another notes, "Penn's Creek runs beside it...it's a lot of fun to float the creek."
Forest seclusion: The heavily wooded setting provides natural privacy between sites. "Pretty nice campground, camp sites all over and and very secluded and private. 10/10," according to a Raymond B. Winter State Park visitor, while another camper at Reeds Gap State Park Campground describes "a nice one tucked back in the trees."
What you should know
No cell service: Nearly all campgrounds in the region lack reliable cell coverage. A Primitive Camping Area — Bald Eagle State Park visitor warns, "There is an old Unimart Gas station on Howard PA that is now closed. There is a pizza place that sells bags of ice as well as a small outdoors store."
Bathroom facilities vary widely: Some campgrounds offer modern facilities while others have vault toilets or none at all. At Poe Paddy State Park, "There are a couple of water pumps, several well-maintained pit toilets, and an emergency phone," while Reeds Gap features "a super clean, eco-shower. Yep that's right, the shower! Timed water, lights (solar?)etc."
Weather preparedness: Mountain weather changes rapidly, requiring appropriate gear year-round. One camper notes, "Weather conditions change rapidly in the Pennsylvania mountains, with cool nights even during summer months."
Tips for camping with families
Beach activities: Raymond B. Winter State Park offers a sandy beach with amenities for children. "The concession stand is so cool. They have great food, lots of treats, and beach supplies and toys too, all reasonably priced," shares a visitor.
Playground options: Several parks feature play areas for children. "The campground is clean and well kept. The beach area is clean, there's a big playground on it as well as a concession stand and store (open during the summer)," notes a Raymond B. Winter visitor.
Creek exploration: Shallow creek access points provide natural play areas. At Poe Valley State Park Campground, "Lovely area with many shaded spots. Electric hookup but no sewer or water hookups. The bath house is extremely clean and they have warm showers which was nice."
Tips from RVers
Site selection matters: Many campgrounds have limited sites suitable for larger rigs. A Bald Eagle State Forest visitor cautions, "I wouldn't recommend big campers as most of the spots would be a pain to back into. But if you're looking for a quiet campground in the woods, this is it!"
Hookup availability: Full hookups are limited to specific campgrounds. One camper from Russell P. Letterman Campground notes, "The park has basic, water & electric as well as a few full hookup up sites. The sites are very spacious with a picnic table and fire rings and are easy to back into even with a rig as big as ours."
Road conditions: Access roads to more remote areas may be challenging for larger vehicles. "It's a bit of a drive to Primitive Campground on not so good road, but worth it, I think," explains a visitor, while another warns, "the road getting here involved a hairpin turn (from Long Run Rd. onto Ransaires Rd.) that large set ups would not be able to make."
