Rustic camping experiences surround Woodward, Pennsylvania, a rural community nestled in the rolling hills of Centre County at approximately 1,200 feet elevation. The region features a mix of private and state-operated campgrounds within a 30-mile radius, offering diverse camping options beyond traditional RV parks. Several campgrounds provide lake and river access, with seasonal availability typically running from April through October due to Pennsylvania's four-season climate.
What to do
Lake activities: Bald Eagle State Park provides swimming, fishing, and boating opportunities on its large lake. "The beach is beautiful, very calm, warm water for early July, soft sand and nice large trees for shade," notes one visitor to Bald Eagle State Park Primitive Camping Area. Kayakers appreciate the spacious waterways: "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."
Cave exploration: Tour underground formations at multiple locations near Woodward. "This campground is off the beaten path which we like. Best part was it had its own cave! No playground for the kids but with the cave we didn't mind," shares a guest at Woodward Cave Campground. The area also features Penn's Cave, described as "the only cave in PA that you tour by boat" located about 20-30 minutes away.
River tubing: Float down the Juniata River during summer months. "The campground offers direct access to the river for afternoon floats on tubes or kayaks and they're building a large dock for fishing," according to a visitor at River's Edge RV Park & Campground.
What campers like
Privacy levels: Campgrounds offer varying degrees of seclusion. At Lake Heron Retreat, a camper notes, "Secluded camp site was well kept and lovely. We will definitely visit again." Another camper contrasts: "The rustic campground has some parking sites, but we are most fond of the sites with a short walk in. Usually they're very private."
Water views: Riverfront and lakeside sites are highly sought after. "Our site was right along the river, the view was amazing and the site was huge," reports a visitor at Splash Magic RV Resort. At Waterside Campground, a camper advises: "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!"
Cell service: Coverage varies significantly by location, with some sites offering better connectivity. One traveler at Holiday Pines Campground mentions, "The campground has excellent service, I work online so that was a relief. Full bars on at&t and Verizon."
What you should know
Water pressure concerns: Some campgrounds experience utility issues. At Lake Heron Retreat, a camper notes: "Our water pressure wasn't great, however not sure if it's the campground or us as hubby found a possible issue with our hookup."
Pay showers: Some facilities charge for shower usage. "Bring quarters if you are going to use the showers...25 cent a minute," advises a Lake Heron Retreat visitor.
Site spacing: Campground density varies considerably between locations. At Holiday Pines Campground, a visitor describes it as "Small quiet and clean. Helpful owner." In contrast, at Splash Magic RV Resort, a camper reports: "Sites were SUPER tight. We were packed in like sardines."
Road conditions: Access roads to some campgrounds may present challenges. A Bald Eagle State Park visitor mentions: "It's a bit of a drive to Primitive Campground on not so good road, but worth it, I think."
Tips for camping with families
Water activities: Many campgrounds offer swimming options for children. At Splash Magic RV Resort, "The pool was great, the kids loved the water slides," shares one family. Another notes, "There is so much to do. We should have looked into a pass to do more because the extras can get expensive."
Playground access: Some campgrounds offer play areas while others don't. A visitor at Bald Eagle State Park mentions, "Our kids loved the freedom of riding their bike and exploring the park with other kids who were camping." In contrast, at Woodward Cave Campground, a visitor notes, "No playground for the kids but with the cave we didn't mind."
Activity fees: Be prepared for additional costs at some locations. "Charging extra for certain activities (bumper boats, mini golf, & jump pillow) was strange to me," reports a visitor at Splash Magic RV Resort.
Tips from RVers
Big rig navigation: Several RV sites near Woodward, Pennsylvania can accommodate larger motorhomes. At Seven Mountains Campground, a camper notes: "Parking is driveway-close," making it easier for larger rigs to maneuver.
Electrical service: Most campgrounds offer varying levels of electrical service. River's Edge RV Park provides "water and electric hookups with sewer to be added (currently, a honey wagon comes through to pump out anyone who needs it on Saturdays)."
Site leveling: Terrain varies across campgrounds, affecting RV setup. At Waterside Campground, a visitor reports: "Easy in and out, full utilities." At another campground, a traveler mentions, "Leveling was fine. Verizon service was fine."
Seasonal sites: Some RV campgrounds offer longer-term options. One visitor to River's Edge explains, "We stumbled upon this brand new campground along the Juniata River in Mifflintown PA, fell in love with it, and purchased our first seasonal site!"
