The best camping near Raystown Lake

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Raystown Lake adventure.

The best camping near Raystown Lake

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Raystown Lake adventure.
87% (15 reviews)

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Raystown Lake adventure.

Fishing, paddling, and lakeside camping are on the menu at Pennsylvania’s largest lake.  

Popular ways to camp

Community favorites near Raystown Lake

Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

Public campgrounds in the park

Stay at a public campground in Raystown Lake

Top-rated campgrounds near Raystown Lake

98%
(245)

Grouseland Hospitality

5 sites · RVs, Tents80 acres · Clearville, PA
We have 4 sites ready for you here at Grouseland! Please read their descriptions and book the one best for you! We encourage guests to bring dogs, however dogs must be kept on leads when on site or on leashes when on walks. There are no exceptions to this rule to ensure the safety of all of our guests. All sites include an allotted amount of free firewood, miles of hiking trails, and use of communal facilities including a hot shower and flush toilet. Tall Oaks Campsite: Tall Oaks Campsite is a small private site and is our only rustic style site, so no water or electricity, designed maximum 6 people with parking for 3 cars on site and space for 4 average size tents. This site has a single 8-foot picnic table, portable toilet, scenic overlook, hammock, fireplace, a bench and charcoal grill. Twisted Oak: Twisted Oak Campsite is a medium-sized luxury private site includes potable water and electricity on site, designed for maximum 8 guests with parking for 4 cars on site and has space for several tents. This site has a 10-foot picnic table, portable toilet, scenic overlook, hammock, fireplace, benches, charcoal grill, and on-site string lights. Red Maple Campsite: Red Maple Campsite is a large luxury private site that includes potable water and electricity on site, designed for a maximum 10 guests with on-site parking space that is 90ft long and 20ft wide, for an RV or 6-8 cars and overflow parking for several more cars. It is designed to be backed into with an RV and then pulled out of. This site can handle several tents and has two 6-foot picnic tables, two portable toilets, a scenic overlook, hammock, fireplace, benches, a charcoal grill, and on-site string lights. Aspen RV Campsite: Aspen RV Campsite is a medium private luxury drive through site great for RVs, rooftop tents, pop ups or camper vans. This site includes potable water and electricity on site, designed with water and electric hookups for a single camping vehicle, maximum 6 people. This site is a drive through site, so guests don’t have to back in or out. This site also has a 10-foot picnic table, portable toilet, scenic overlook, hammock, fireplace, charcoal grill, and a bench.
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$51.75
 / night
99%
(97)

Wilbur's Shed

1 site · RV, Tent60 acres · Blairs Mills, PA
Let your children and dogs roam free without a leash. This property is remote and private. There are no neighbors nearby. This location is; twenty minutes north of I-76 Turnpike Willow Hill Exit forty-five minutes from Raystown Lake one hour and thirty minutes north of Gettysburg one hour and thirty minutes south of PSU three hours east of Pittsburgh three hours west of Philadelphia five hours west of NYC There is some cell service, but it is limited. Can you hear me now? Be sure to save site information on your phone before you leave, in case you lose cell-service. This is not Alaska, but it is not a KOA campground, either. We recommend you print of bring a paper map. Your GPS will not bring you to the exact driveway location. You need to be personally observant. This is the top of a mountain ridge. The access lane is steep, rocky, and has water erosion ditches you must drive over. Do not attempt this if you have a low profile car or a new/fragile camper. 4WD/AWD is highly recommended. Low profile and fancy cars are not recommended. This is not Alaska, but it is not a paved KOA campground, either. This camping site is for those who want to live ruggedly like Lewis & Clark, or Teddy Roosevelt. It is NOT for those who like their campground to be like The Villages of Florida where everything is flat, paved over, and you drive golf carts. This location is in a mix of farmland and mountain Appalachia. You will see common species such as chipmunks, squirrels turkey and deer. Many bird species. There are also porcupines, skunks, and black snakes around. You may also see black bear - it is rare, but possible. You are visiting wildlife species in their natural habitat. Please be self-aware of your own level comfort with wildlife. Once again, this is not an RVs park where you will socialize with a hundred other campers. This is primitive and isolated. This is an ideal camping spot if you want to escape from people. Nearby is the Tuscarora Creek which is excellent for trout fishing. The Tuscarora has a small but lovely window for kayaking from mid-March through the end of May. Please contact the host if you would like help to plan some paddle logistics. Twenty minutes south is Big Spring State Park which has an abandoned RR tunnel form the late 1800s. Forty-five minutes away is the 1,000 steps near Mt. Union which is part of the Standing Stone Trail that runs from Cowan’s Gap State Park to PSU. The Steps provides and amazing view of the Juniata River, and is a strenuous heart work-out. If you are interested in historic trains, East Broad Top Railroad is in Mt. Union. If members of your party would like a more pampered camping experience that includes real beds and hot showers, there is an adjoining property for rent on air b and b. Google search for The Crowe's Lounge.
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$36
 / night
96%
(1445)

Bald Eagle Campsite

33 sites · RVs, Tents11 acres · Tyrone, PA
Originally opened as a family campground owned and operated by Denis and Kay Snyder in 1964. Bald Eagle Campsite has been owned and operated by the Snyder family to this day! Come join us in the beautiful forested landscape of Central Pennsylvania. Located a mere 20 miles south of Penn State University, we are surrounded by the many amenities Central PA has to offer. We are welcoming to LGBTQ+ campers as well as all ethnicities. Pitch a tent on a quiet site and drop a line into one of our two trout streams crossing the campground. Hang a hammock between two towering poplar trees surrounded by flowering rhododendron. Or pull up in your camper and relax before and after a Penn State Football game under the blue and white sky. We have small, secluded sites to get away from it all, as well as conjoined sites to accommodate larger groups. On property we have bathrooms, hot showers, and a recreation hall with free ping pong, board games, and billiards. For a fee, we also have firewood, electricity, and a large event tent for rent. Campers must be less than 25 feet. Generators are not allowed. Music should not reach outside your own site after 9pm. There are no water hookups. Vehicle noise is audible from route 350, especially on Friday afternoons. Noise is diminished at sites further back from route 350. Our sites are wheelchair accessible, but the bathrooms and showers do have one step up into them. Walk to Snappy's 24-hour convenience store to use their free Wi-Fi, buy bags of ice, or to pickup snacks and a sub in the attached Snappy's Grille. An ice cream stand and restaurant are within walking distance. We require a minimum two nights stay for the recognized holiday weekends for Memorial Day, Independence Day, and Labor Day.
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$30
 / night
100%
(4)

Montside Orchard Camp,Cabin & Sauna

2 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents1 acre · Chambersburg, PA
The Cabin and campsites at Montside Orchard boast one of the most magical sunset views in the Cumberland Valley. And—Expect a daily show of wildlife—herds of white tail deer, wild turkeys and hundreds of wild birds make Montside Orchard their home! Bring your binoculars--its a wooded wonderland! The Cabin is hugged by woodlands at the back and bucolic green hills dotted with orchards and small farms out the front. Yet within 15 minutes you will have arrived in quaint, well appointed downtown Chambersburg-- a small town bursting with good art and good food! We are also conveniently located 10 minutes from I-81, a major North/South interstate and 10 minutes from Rt 30 which takes you into Micheaux Forest, the Appalachian Trail and Caledonia State Park within 15 min and the historic Gettysburg National Park within 35. White Tail Ski Resort is 40 minutes South and Ski Liberty is 40 miles East.
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$36
 / night
100%
(2)

The Bellefonte Campground

11 sites · Lodging40 acres · Bellefonte, PA
Bellefonte Campground is situated on close to 40 acres in the heart of central Pennslyvania, just minutes from State College and near some of the best fishing spots in Pennsylvania, including Fisherman's Paradise on Spring Creek. At Bellefonte Campground, you'll have plenty of space to enjoy! Our expansive campground offers lots of wide-open Pennsylvania acreage for you to explore. Each site features a picnic table and fire ring, providing the perfect setting for family gatherings. And don't forget: We are a pet-friendly campground. Bellefonte Campground is your gateway to a host of exciting local attractions. Experience the thrill of a Penn State football game: Beaver Stadium is about 15 minutes away. Looking for something a little more relaxing? Nearby Spring Creek offers excellent fly fishing opportunities. Or head out to Bald Eagle State Park, where you'll find an abundance of scenic trails and fascinating wildlife. With such an array of activities, your stay at Bellefonte Campground promises to be a truly unforgettable one.
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$180
 / night
100%
(12)

Estes Place

2 sites · RVs, Tents45 acres · Hancock, MD
Nestled within 45 acres of wooded hills and valleys, Estes Place offers a tranquil retreat just 5 miles from the Town of Hancock. Situated near the scenic C&O Rail Trail, ideal for paved walking, running, and biking, our location also boasts proximity to popular eateries such as IHOP, Burger King, Pizza Hut, and a variety of local dining options. With capacity for over a dozen tent sites, each offering unique accessibility, seclusion, and amenities, Estes Place caters to a range of camping preferences. Our two main sites feature fire rings for campfires (weather permitting), along with a porta-potty for convenience. Site one is accessible to small campers and pop-up trailers, while sites 3 and beyond are accessible by walking, backpacking, ATV, or very small compact 4WD vehicles. Explore approximately 2 miles of moderate to intense loop hiking trails and gravel roads, meandering past half a dozen year-round streams and foot-long waterfalls teeming with salamanders, frogs, and crayfish. Experience the vibrant wildlife that inhabits our surroundings, from daily sightings of deer and squirrels to nightly visits from barred owls and bats. Keep an eye out for occasional appearances by turkey, sapsuckers, woodpeckers, porcupines, raccoons, foxes, and coyotes, with the possibility of encountering a black bear annually and even a rare sighting of a mountain lion. During March through June, lucky visitors may stumble upon up to 8-inch black morel mushrooms, while certain years bring the elusive cicada and their deafening buzz. Summer nights are illuminated by enchanting displays of lightning bugs (fireflies) amidst the warmer temperatures.
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$18.38
 / night
98%
(31)

River Mountain Glamping Retreat

17 sites · Lodging150 acres · Everett, PA
We love our guests and their comfort, safety, satisfaction is our top priority! We are happy to be available during the duration of your stay to guide and help plan your outdoor adventures, sightseeing, nature wanders, and local explorations. We have over 150 experiences available to our guests, just let us know what type of stay you're looking for. Trade in the city for fresh mountain air and open space! River Mountain is the change of scenery we're all looking for -- perfect for a road trip, staycation, or weekend getaway. Your mountain oasis -- discover open space and fresh air in the mountains while nestling into one of our canvas tipis! The perfect escape for privacy and peace of mind in nature. Guests also have access to a gathering and sitting area, bonfire pits, bbq charcoal grill, portable charging stations, and shared, common area indoor restrooms and showers. This one-of-a-kind experience offers guests a way to connect with the outdoors with the comfort and security of being under shelter. All the amenities at River Mountain, including our daily complimentary happy hour, bonfire, hiking trails, fishing pond, activity barn (ping pong, cornhole, bocce, and many other games), free fiber internet wifi, and concierge service to activities in the area. Graze Kitchen at River Mountain - Inspired + FreshBorn to provide delicious, healthy, and environmentally conscious cuisine to our guests. Graze Kitchen prides itself on featuring fresh, regionally sourced meals with an unexpected, modern flare that is true to River Mountain. Guests may order off of Graze's menu at time of booking for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, at an additional charge. With River Mountain being a remote getaway, Graze provides delicious, convenient meals so our guests may relax and enjoy this mountain oasis. River Mountain offers guests endless access to the outdoors and nature. Our property features private hiking trails, seven natural springs, Sweet Root Creek, outdoor yoga platforms, Hammock Hideaway, forest bathing, complimentary sunset happy hour, and evening private bonfires. We are bordered by Buchanan State Forest, home of Pennsylvania's Trail of the Year, The Mid State Trail and thousands of acres of outdoor recreation. Our guest guides feature self-guided hikes and outdoor recreation, designed for all skill levels to enjoy during their stay. Our on-site spaces and amenities are created to satisfy the needs of our guests during their stay. The historic 1807 log cabin has been restored into our community dining area. Our beautifully restored Mennonite barn is a communal lounge space with open air walls for guests to relax, read, or recreate. The main lodge features an expansive coworking space with floor to ceiling windows, natural light, and office amenities for remote work. There's so much to experience at River Mountain, we look forward to welcoming you to this little slice of paradise. For the safety and comfort of other guests and staff, all guests are required to abide by our on-site rules and policies.
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$161
 / night

The best camping near Raystown Lake guide

Overview

About

The 8,300-acre Raystown Lake is the largest lake within Pennsylvania’s borders, fringed by lush oak-hickory forests and sandy swimming beaches. With 12 public access areas, there are plenty of ways to enjoy the lake, whether camping at a lakeside campsite, launching your boat from a marina, or taking to the water to swim, kayak, or even scuba dive. Fishing is big business at Raystown Lake, so bring your fishing gear and hook a striper, trout, bass, or walleye to cook up over the campfire. Need a break from the lake? Escape to the woodlands to explore miles of hiking and mountain biking trails. 

Notable campgrounds

  • Best for boaters: Nancy's Boat to Shore Campground has secluded tent sites by a swimming beach, reachable only by boat.
  • Best for RVs: Seven Points Campground has six camping loops and spacious sites with electric hookups, picnic tables, and fire grills.
  • Best for lake views: Susquehannock Campground has more than 60 tent-only and RV sites, with vault toilets, drinking water, and easy access to the lake.

Tips for snagging a campsite

  1. You can reserve the park’s campsites in advance via the Recreation.gov website. 
  2. Campsite reservations open six months in advance, and same-day bookings are possible. 
  3. Weekend bookings require a minimum 2-night booking; holiday weekends require a minimum 3-night booking.
  4. Campsites can book up fast on summer and holiday weekends, so reserve your site as early as possible to avoid disappointment.

When to go

Lake lovers flock to Raystown Lake from April through October, which is the best time for fishing, boating, and outdoor activities. Come in July and August to cool off at the lakeside beaches and enjoy water sports, or in fall to admire the fall foliage around the lakeside. Some marinas and services close down in the low season but don’t write off a winter visit—several campgrounds stay open year-round.

Know before you go

  • Raystown Lake is in Huntingdon County, 14 miles south of Huntingdon or about a 20-minute drive away.
  • Facilities at Raystown Lake include a visitor center, several boat launches, picnic areas, and restrooms. Grocery stores, bait shops, and gas stations can be found in the nearby villages, but Huntingdon has the best selection of shops and restaurants. 
  • There are accessible campsites, restrooms, and picnic areas at Raystown Lake.
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