Best Campgrounds near Castanea, PA

Campgrounds near Castanea, Pennsylvania range from state parks with modern amenities to more rustic options in scenic settings. Bald Eagle State Park offers two distinct camping areas—the Primitive Camping Area and Russell P. Letterman Campground—providing options for tent camping, RVs, cabins, and yurts. Other nearby established campgrounds include Raymond B. Winter State Park, Ravensburg State Park, and Little Pine State Park, all within driving distance of Castanea. The region contains both public and private facilities, with KOA campgrounds and independent operations like Holiday Pines and Farm on the Creek supplementing the state park system.

The camping season in central Pennsylvania typically runs from April through October, with exact dates varying by location. Bald Eagle State Park's primitive area operates from May to the third Sunday in October, while the Russell P. Letterman Campground extends from April to mid-December. "The sites are clean, flat and spread out. You can see everyone but you don't feel like you are on top of one another," noted one visitor to Bald Eagle's primitive camping area. Road access to most developed campgrounds is suitable for standard vehicles, though some of the more remote sites may require careful navigation. Cell service varies throughout the region, with many campers reporting limited or no connectivity at locations like Raymond B. Winter State Park, making these areas ideal for unplugging.

Campers frequently mention the natural setting and wildlife viewing opportunities as highlights of the area. The camping experience at Bald Eagle State Park includes potential wildlife encounters, with one reviewer noting, "We saw the park rangers drive through multiple times per day. The raccoons were a fun surprise on our last night!" Water activities are central to many camping experiences in the region, with several campgrounds situated near lakes or creeks that permit swimming, fishing, and boating. Visitors appreciate the clean facilities, with bathroom cleanliness consistently mentioned as a positive feature across Pennsylvania state parks. Tent sites in wooded areas provide shade and privacy, while more open sites with RV hookups offer convenience but less seclusion.

Best Camping Sites Near Castanea, Pennsylvania (190)

    1. Primitive Camping Area — Bald Eagle State Park

    18 Reviews
    Howard, PA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (814) 625-2775

    $16 - $18 / night

    "The site itself was fairly uneven and rocky so we had to always use caution when walking around the site but it added to the rugged experience."

    "The rustic section was located around a large loop with each site ranging in a few feet from the car-friendly loop to about the 50 foot walk where our site was located."

    2. Russell P Letterman Campground — Bald Eagle State Park

    17 Reviews
    Howard, PA
    13 miles
    Website
    +1 (814) 625-2775

    $22 - $62 / night

    "Easy access to camp ground. The check in process was just to drive to the site and set up which was different but very easy. The sites are private on the sides with some green space to play on."

    "If you are not the camping type you can stay at the Nature Inn and enjoy the beautiful lodge in an amazing location! Definitely tops on our list of state parks in Pennsylvania!"

    3. Raymond B. Winter State Park Campground

    15 Reviews
    Hartleton, PA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (570) 966-1455

    $20 - $47 / night

    "Bordering bald eagle state forest, RB winter is in a serene wilderness. Nice campground, I have been here many times. The swimming area is a favorite during the summertime."

    "So beautiful and away from everything!"

    4. Ravensburg State Park Campground

    6 Reviews
    Loganton, PA
    10 miles
    Website
    +1 (570) 745-7770

    "The 1000 step trail is fun! Only issue is the campgrounds are close to the road and therefore are loud at night occasionally"

    "As other reviewers mention, it’s right near a road so you hear car (and horse & buggy!) noise — would try to get a spot further away from the road if possible."

    5. Little Pine State Park Campground

    12 Reviews
    Jersey Mills, PA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (570) 753-6000

    $20 - $48 / night

    "Electric only but water fill up is in convenient locations. Dump station is provided. Well maintained and clean. So many outdoor activities abound."

    "Close to Pine Creek bike trail. Nice bar at entrance with live music we enjoyed. Peaceful and quiet"

    6. Bellefonte-State College KOA

    11 Reviews
    Howard, PA
    17 miles
    Website
    +1 (814) 355-7912

    "Very peaceful and quite, but close to State College (a must since we were in town for a Penn State game). I also loved historic Bellefonte (I highly recommend eating at the Governors Pub)."

    "The section in the front of the park is open with spotty trees; whereas, sites in the back of the park are tucked in the woods and are a lot more private."

    7. Pear Tree Cove

    1 Review
    Mill Hall, PA
    5 miles
    Website

    $85 / night

    8. Holiday Pines Campground

    2 Reviews
    Loganton, PA
    9 miles
    Website
    +1 (570) 725-2267

    "We called the campground around 5:30, we were an hour away. She said no big deal just give me a call when you get here. We arrive and she takes care of us and sells us a nice bundle of firewood."

    9. Farm on the Creek

    2 Reviews
    Mississippi River Headwaters - Leech Lake, PA
    10 miles
    Website

    $15 - $25 / night

    10. Yogi At Shangri-La On the Creek

    3 Reviews
    Jersey Shore, PA
    14 miles
    Website
    +1 (570) 524-4561

    "Near to Knoebels amusement park which is a must visit too."

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Recent Reviews near Castanea, PA

444 Reviews of 190 Castanea Campgrounds


  • S
    Sep. 3, 2025

    Rothrock Roadside Campsites — Rothrock State Forest

    Nice spot to camp in the mountains

    First I'll just say that the Rothrock campsites should probably each be listed separately, rather than as a group; they are very spread out throughout the State Forest and each is a different experience.  This review will be for site 002 Colerain Road.  

    This site is accessed by driving up a bit of a winding dirt road up the mountain.  It's easy enough during the summer, though the road is narrow and you've got some sharp bends depending on which way you come from.  This road is not safe to access in the winter in my opinion.  

    The parking is just right off the road, and there's a picnic table and large stone fire ring near the parking.  There's a small path further up the hill into the woods where there is a tent pad, another fire ring and another picnic table.  There are also a lot of flat spots nearby for additional tents to be set up.  

    Just behind the upper tent site is the top of the mountain, and the site has their own private overlook to the valley below.  The site is pretty remote, though there were vehicles and the occasional biker coming up the road.  Traffic may have been busier than usual the weekend we went because there was the Mid Atlantic Overland festival nearby at the same time.  At one point a family parked in the campsite's parking to start a walk... (there's a better trailhead up closer to Indian Lookout they should have used).

    No hookups, water, bathrooms, etc; its fully primitive camping here.  Cell coverage was fine on Xfinity Mobile (Verizon). 

    These sites used to be totally free but they're now $10 a night.  You still need to book a while out if you want to be here on a weekend, especially during the fall when Penn State is playing.

  • B
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Leonard Harrison State Park Campground

    Small campground with clean bathrooms

    We stayed here Wednesday through Saturday of Labor Day weekend.  On Wednesday and Thursday nights there were about 5 sites that were taken. By Friday they were all full

    The campground is a simple loop of 28 sites.  19 are non -electric and 9 are electric. Sites are spacious and easy to back in to. I believe there are two pull throughs. Water spigots are continently located around the campground.  

    The PA Grand Canyon Visitor center and the Turkey Path (main path down into the canyon) are a short 5 minute walk across the parking lot from the campground.  For biking there is the  Pine Creek Rail Trail, that runs the length of the canyon at the bottom. To access from the campground you can drive there in 16 minutes Darling Run trail access area.

  • David A.
    Aug. 23, 2025

    Tiadaghton Campground — Tioga State Forest

    Tiadaghaton State Forest, PA

    Roadside site 1/4 mile from the nearest site. You can drive right to the site on Hackett Rd. Very secluded and peaceful. Picnic table and fire ring, but no water or latrine.

  • Jennifer H.The Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 16, 2025

    Riverside Campground & Riverside Roadhouse

    Great location & proximity to Williamsport

    Came thru for a night and wanted to catch a game at the Little League World Series. Stayed here one night and caught an uber to the museum and game. Got the last site for the night. Did a few loads of laundry, ate a good dinner at the restaurant, kids enjoyed the pool and swam in the river. Big huge park and tons of grassy areas. Really lovely. Nice staff.

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 21, 2025

    Ravensburg State Park Campground

    Use lat and long to find peaceful woods by stream

    Nice and shaded! No one there but us in site 6, not even a ranger checked on us. Has modern toilets and shower. Most sites are spacious. They have nice raised tent pads. It’s very humid so many picnic tables have green moss.

    First come first serve but still had to pay transaction fee! which was annoying for our one night stay as if rather the state parks get that.

    Use lat and long coordinates for directions or you will be in the wrong spot.

  • CThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 7, 2025

    Reeds Gap State Park Campground

    Awesome !

    Stayed here on a Sunday night without a reservation. We were the only ones there. Pay by honor system at the park office. Campground was quiet and lovely. Only 14 sites. Bathroom with hot showers is nearby. One shower stall in each bathroom and the showers had a large dressing area. Water is near the picnic pavilion.

  • Whitney W.The Dyrt PRO User
    May. 10, 2025

    Leonard Harrison State Park Campground

    Clean, quiet & completely unexpected!

    My family of 4 stopped at the Leonard Harrison campground for a 2-night camp while on our way to Maine from Indiana. It was a lovely 2-night stay and awesome area to explore as we discovered the “Pennsylvania Grand Canyon”!!! Who knew!?

    The campground is situated directly next to the beautiful and accessible overlook area with new restrooms and completely new outdoor area to explore the canyon views and get direct access to hiking trails. It also had a new nature center that my kids enjoyed.

    The campground had nice & clean restrooms and shower areas. And a larger room that’s perfect for camping families with little ones so you can shower & use the restroom all in a one single, larger secure room.

    There was a cute little playground onsite. And the ranger station was next to the campground with friendly staff giving trail maps, advice and directions.

    100% recommend exploring this area AND driving to nearby Kolten State Park. It has amazing outlook views and trails that are fun and run along the canyon.

    If you’re a cyclist- definitely ride the nearby paved Pine Creek Trail. My husband rode a century on his own on Fathers Day while here. The trail goes through small towns and has spots to grab a bite to eat.

    Don’t sleep on this area. It’s really cool and unknown for those looking for a neat spot to explore!

  • TheKajrak
    Mar. 26, 2025

    Cherry Springs State Park Campground

    Absolutely worth it

    I'm disabled so kinda limited in what I can enjoy, but this place makes it pretty easy. All you really have to do is look up. We went during a full moon so didn't get the most out of it, but it was still beautiful. Plenty of space. Easy areas to walk if you have difficulty and can't go uphill, or struggle with balance and stability. But worst case, sitting around the fire and just enjoying gorgeous views, skies and time with family... Makes any trip worth it. Absolutely going again.

  • M
    Mar. 5, 2025

    Cherry Springs State Park Campground

    Nice peaceful campground

    It was cloudy the first night we stayed but I woke up in the middle of the night to the bright beautiful stars. The campground is beautiful and we had a great view of the sunset.


Guide to Castanea

Camping near Castanea, Pennsylvania, offers a fantastic escape into nature with a variety of campgrounds to choose from. Whether you're looking for a rustic experience or a family-friendly spot, there's something for everyone.

What to do:

  • Hiking: Explore the stunning trails at Ricketts Glen State Park Campground. One reviewer mentioned, "The trails are very well maintained. If you want to do the Falls Trail (21 beautiful waterfalls), it is quite challenging."
  • Swimming: Enjoy a refreshing dip at Lake Jean, which is accessible from the campground. A visitor noted, "The lake felt clean and wasn't too cold in July."
  • Fishing and Kayaking: At Worlds End State Park Campground, you can fish or rent kayaks. One camper shared, "Great hiking and vistas. Beautiful river and great fishing."

What campers like:

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the well-maintained restrooms and showers. A review for Black Moshannon State Park Campground stated, "The bathhouse was pristine, and the shower was clean with plentiful hot water."
  • Privacy: Many sites offer a sense of seclusion. A visitor at Lyman Run State Park Campground mentioned, "The sites are well spaced so you don’t feel like it’s crowded."
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Campgrounds like Knoebels Campground are great for families. One parent said, "This place is awesome for the kids. You camp right at the park."

What you should know:

  • Limited Cell Service: Many campgrounds, such as Parker Dam State Park Campground, have little to no cell service. A camper noted, "Zero cell signal, great sites, clean bath houses."
  • Crowded Sites: Some campgrounds can feel cramped, especially during peak season. A review for Seven Points Campground mentioned, "The clientele just ruins it... hearing adjacent sites having hootenannies."
  • No Alcohol Policies: Certain parks, like Little Buffalo State Park Campground, enforce strict no alcohol rules. A visitor shared, "Rangers are on site a lot and enforce the no alcohol policy."

Tips for camping with families:

  • Choose Family-Friendly Campgrounds: Look for spots like Knoebels Campground that cater to families. One reviewer said, "Great place for kids and adults and extremely dog friendly."
  • Plan Activities: Make sure to have activities lined up. A camper at Ricketts Glen State Park Campground mentioned, "There is a nice beach for swimming, the lake felt clean."
  • Bring Games and Outdoor Gear: Keep the kids entertained with games or outdoor gear. A visitor at Lyman Run State Park Campground noted, "We really enjoyed our time here and will be back."

Tips from RVers:

  • Check Site Sizes: Make sure your RV fits the site. A review for Little Buffalo State Park Campground mentioned, "The spot was hard to maneuver for a 41 ft 5th wheel."
  • Look for Full Hookups: Campgrounds like Black Moshannon State Park Campground offer full hookups. One camper said, "Most have electric hookups, and some are FHU."
  • Be Prepared for Limited Amenities: Some campgrounds may not have all the amenities you’re used to. A visitor at Seven Points Campground noted, "There are many loops and some WC's do not have showers."

Camping near Castanea, Pennsylvania, is a great way to enjoy the outdoors, whether you're hiking, swimming, or just relaxing by the campfire.

Frequently Asked Questions

What camping is available near Castanea, PA?

According to TheDyrt.com, Castanea, PA offers a wide range of camping options, with 190 campgrounds and RV parks near Castanea, PA and 1 free dispersed camping spot.

Which is the most popular campground near Castanea, PA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Castanea, PA is Primitive Camping Area — Bald Eagle State Park with a 4.4-star rating from 18 reviews.

Where can I find free dispersed camping near Castanea, PA?

According to TheDyrt.com, there is 1 free dispersed camping spot near Castanea, PA.