100% (307) • 15 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Port Matilda
Serenity Near State College
1. Serenity Near State College
100%
(12)
4.7mi from Port Matilda · 2 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
A third generation family farm located near all the amenities of State College, PA and Penn State University.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$33
/ night
Wilson’s Boondock Hollow
2. Wilson’s Boondock Hollow
100%
(39)
13mi from Port Matilda · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
***We are closed for the winter, we will open back up sometime in April or beginning of May***
Latest updates on weather, local events, photos and videos can be found on our Instagram @wilsons_boondock
If you're in search of a primitive camping location that's perfect for unwinding, offering privacy and seclusion, then we are the destination for you. We have many extras that you can add to your stay like fishing our private spring fed pond. PSU Football fans we can accommodate your group, just send us a message about your group size first. We do welcome drones.
Tucked away in the heart of the Stone Valley Forest a secluded 150+ year old family farm bordering Penn State University Forest and near Rothrock State Forest. Abundant wildlife and scenic hiking, biking trails on site and nearby with Greenwood Furnace and Whipples Damn State parks only a few minutes away. The area has some of the finest trout fishing with the streams and lakes nearby such as Standing Stone Creek, Juniata River, Little Juniata and the famous Spruce Creek. We are centrally situated between State College PA, and historic Huntingdon PA home of Juniata College, and Belleville PA (Home to the second oldest Amish community in the country) where you can attend the famous sale every Wednesday.
Local Restaurants:
Doan's Bones BBQ (eat in & carry out, 5 min drive)
Couch's Subs and Groceries (eat in & carry out, 10 min drive)
McMurtrie's Tavern (eat in & carry out, 15 min drive)
Local churches:
Manor Hill Methodist, service every Sunday at 11am to noon (3 min drive)
St. Stephens Lutheran Church (5 min drive)
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$31
/ night
Ridge Top Retreat
3. Ridge Top Retreat
100%
(30)
36mi from Port Matilda · 5 sites · Tents, Lodging
We are located in beautiful Clearfield county Pennysalvina. Our farm is on over 150 acres. It’s has been in the family for generations. It has beautiful farm views with wooded areas. There is lots of wildlife to see. Including bear, bobcat, deer, eagles, fishers, and many other species. We have lots of hiking trails and our property also boarders state game lands. It’s a short drive to the Susquehanna River and other parks. You can also enjoy the cows, goats, peacocks, chickens, ducks, and turkeys at the farm. Contact the host and set up a time to visit and feed the animals. Learn more about our family farm and the animals. We also have a sawmill and wood shop. Nearby is Bilgers Rocks, Rock Run Atv Park, Prince Gallitzin State Park, the Susquehanna River, and many other fantastic outdoor activities. It’s a place to unwind and relax. And connect with nature. This is in a very rural part of Pennsylvania and camping in the winter weather can be difficult. So please prepare yourself with additional sleeping bags for winter. The tent is heated but because of the unpredictable and sometimes dangerous weather you need to be prepared. The bathroom is also outdoors so there will not be a shower provided till after the freezing weather. And the loo is not heated. It is also recommended that you have all wheel drive or 4 wheel drive to get to the campsite in the winter. It is possible to walk from road to site. But you should consider this when booking. RTR is a very beautiful place in the winter but it can also be dangerous if you’re not prepared.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$25
/ night
Gordon Glen Woods
4. Gordon Glen Woods
100%
(25)
47mi from Port Matilda · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
Gordon Glen Woods is nestled in the picturesque Appalachian Mountains of Pennsylvania and is an eight-acre wooded land adjacent to 8,200 acres of state game land and is 1.5 miles from two trailheads of the Ghost Town Trail, Pennsylvania’s trail of the year 2020. There is 49 miles of trail from Ebensburg to Indiana Pennsylvania. Visit Ghost Town Trail for more information.
We have two campsites that can accommodate campers up to 30 feet and are easily accessible yet secluded. Both campsites include a fire ring, free first load of firewood, a table, and close access to the Bathroom Bungalow that contains a composting toilet, mirror, and plenty of room to change. There is no running water or electricity. A convenient dump station, located at Yellow Creek Campground, is only 8 miles on Rt. 422.
Enjoy a nature walk trail around the property. Avid and novice birdwatchers will enjoy the sounds of the wood thrush and more than 25 species on our wooded property.
Robert Gordon Violin Maker’s studio is on site. Tours are available to learn about the history of violin making, and if your timing is right, enjoy an old-time music circle jam most weekends. Visit Robert Gordon III Violin Maker for more information.
Private camping, non-commercial. Quiet Hours 11:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. We will consider one-night stays for weekdays. Family and dog friendly. Dogs must be controlled.
Within a short drive there are many area attractions:
.5 miles - Ghost Town Trail
5 miles - Duman Lake County Park
8 miles - Yellow Creek State Park
14 miles - Path of the Flood Trail
17 miles - John Mayer Trail
17 miles - Johnstown Flood Museum
19 miles - Johnstown Incline Plane that began service in 1891 (temporarily closed)
19 miles - Cassandra Railroad Overlook
20 miles - Johnstown Flood National Memorial
20 miles - Lemon House Federal Park
26 miles - Horseshoe Curve Historic Landmark
26 miles - Prince Gallitzin State Park
35 miles - Railroaders Memorial Museum
47 miles - Flight 93 National Memorial, Shanksville, PA
Several local breweries and distilleries within 25 miles or less:
Coal Country Brewing, Ebensburg
Moonshine Mine Distillery, Ebensburg
Stonebridge Brewing, Johnstown
Levity Brewing, Indiana
Noble Stein Brewing, Indiana
Disobedient Spirits Distillery, Homer City
Local Eateries:
Krispy Kreme Drive-In, Belsano
The Grove, Belsano
The Break Room, Twin Rocks
Pour on Center, Ebensburg
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$38
/ night
Star Lee Farm
5. Star Lee Farm
100%
(9)
31mi from Port Matilda · 3 sites
Star Lee Farm operates to provide a small farm experience for guests and share a private rustic outdoor experience. We are using agritourism to promote awareness of pollinators through our honeybee experience and educational programs. The Star Lee is an old “family” farm that we are working to grow into a self sufficient working farm.
We encourage our guests to explore nature that encompasses the farm's 104 acres and enjoy the solitude it can provide. We also invite our guests to “look up” into the night sky and behold the majesty and vastness of the universe we share.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from
$73
/ night
100% (307) • 15 campsites
Top-rated campgrounds near Port Matilda
Serenity Near State College
1. Serenity Near State College
100%
(12)
4.7mi from Port Matilda · 2 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging
A third generation family farm located near all the amenities of State College, PA and Penn State University.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$33
/ night
Wilson’s Boondock Hollow
2. Wilson’s Boondock Hollow
100%
(39)
13mi from Port Matilda · 3 sites · Tents, RVs
***We are closed for the winter, we will open back up sometime in April or beginning of May***
Latest updates on weather, local events, photos and videos can be found on our Instagram @wilsons_boondock
If you're in search of a primitive camping location that's perfect for unwinding, offering privacy and seclusion, then we are the destination for you. We have many extras that you can add to your stay like fishing our private spring fed pond. PSU Football fans we can accommodate your group, just send us a message about your group size first. We do welcome drones.
Tucked away in the heart of the Stone Valley Forest a secluded 150+ year old family farm bordering Penn State University Forest and near Rothrock State Forest. Abundant wildlife and scenic hiking, biking trails on site and nearby with Greenwood Furnace and Whipples Damn State parks only a few minutes away. The area has some of the finest trout fishing with the streams and lakes nearby such as Standing Stone Creek, Juniata River, Little Juniata and the famous Spruce Creek. We are centrally situated between State College PA, and historic Huntingdon PA home of Juniata College, and Belleville PA (Home to the second oldest Amish community in the country) where you can attend the famous sale every Wednesday.
Local Restaurants:
Doan's Bones BBQ (eat in & carry out, 5 min drive)
Couch's Subs and Groceries (eat in & carry out, 10 min drive)
McMurtrie's Tavern (eat in & carry out, 15 min drive)
Local churches:
Manor Hill Methodist, service every Sunday at 11am to noon (3 min drive)
St. Stephens Lutheran Church (5 min drive)
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$31
/ night
Ridge Top Retreat
3. Ridge Top Retreat
100%
(30)
36mi from Port Matilda · 5 sites · Tents, Lodging
We are located in beautiful Clearfield county Pennysalvina. Our farm is on over 150 acres. It’s has been in the family for generations. It has beautiful farm views with wooded areas. There is lots of wildlife to see. Including bear, bobcat, deer, eagles, fishers, and many other species. We have lots of hiking trails and our property also boarders state game lands. It’s a short drive to the Susquehanna River and other parks. You can also enjoy the cows, goats, peacocks, chickens, ducks, and turkeys at the farm. Contact the host and set up a time to visit and feed the animals. Learn more about our family farm and the animals. We also have a sawmill and wood shop. Nearby is Bilgers Rocks, Rock Run Atv Park, Prince Gallitzin State Park, the Susquehanna River, and many other fantastic outdoor activities. It’s a place to unwind and relax. And connect with nature. This is in a very rural part of Pennsylvania and camping in the winter weather can be difficult. So please prepare yourself with additional sleeping bags for winter. The tent is heated but because of the unpredictable and sometimes dangerous weather you need to be prepared. The bathroom is also outdoors so there will not be a shower provided till after the freezing weather. And the loo is not heated. It is also recommended that you have all wheel drive or 4 wheel drive to get to the campsite in the winter. It is possible to walk from road to site. But you should consider this when booking. RTR is a very beautiful place in the winter but it can also be dangerous if you’re not prepared.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$25
/ night
Gordon Glen Woods
4. Gordon Glen Woods
100%
(25)
47mi from Port Matilda · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
Gordon Glen Woods is nestled in the picturesque Appalachian Mountains of Pennsylvania and is an eight-acre wooded land adjacent to 8,200 acres of state game land and is 1.5 miles from two trailheads of the Ghost Town Trail, Pennsylvania’s trail of the year 2020. There is 49 miles of trail from Ebensburg to Indiana Pennsylvania. Visit Ghost Town Trail for more information.
We have two campsites that can accommodate campers up to 30 feet and are easily accessible yet secluded. Both campsites include a fire ring, free first load of firewood, a table, and close access to the Bathroom Bungalow that contains a composting toilet, mirror, and plenty of room to change. There is no running water or electricity. A convenient dump station, located at Yellow Creek Campground, is only 8 miles on Rt. 422.
Enjoy a nature walk trail around the property. Avid and novice birdwatchers will enjoy the sounds of the wood thrush and more than 25 species on our wooded property.
Robert Gordon Violin Maker’s studio is on site. Tours are available to learn about the history of violin making, and if your timing is right, enjoy an old-time music circle jam most weekends. Visit Robert Gordon III Violin Maker for more information.
Private camping, non-commercial. Quiet Hours 11:00 p.m. to 8:00 a.m. We will consider one-night stays for weekdays. Family and dog friendly. Dogs must be controlled.
Within a short drive there are many area attractions:
.5 miles - Ghost Town Trail
5 miles - Duman Lake County Park
8 miles - Yellow Creek State Park
14 miles - Path of the Flood Trail
17 miles - John Mayer Trail
17 miles - Johnstown Flood Museum
19 miles - Johnstown Incline Plane that began service in 1891 (temporarily closed)
19 miles - Cassandra Railroad Overlook
20 miles - Johnstown Flood National Memorial
20 miles - Lemon House Federal Park
26 miles - Horseshoe Curve Historic Landmark
26 miles - Prince Gallitzin State Park
35 miles - Railroaders Memorial Museum
47 miles - Flight 93 National Memorial, Shanksville, PA
Several local breweries and distilleries within 25 miles or less:
Coal Country Brewing, Ebensburg
Moonshine Mine Distillery, Ebensburg
Stonebridge Brewing, Johnstown
Levity Brewing, Indiana
Noble Stein Brewing, Indiana
Disobedient Spirits Distillery, Homer City
Local Eateries:
Krispy Kreme Drive-In, Belsano
The Grove, Belsano
The Break Room, Twin Rocks
Pour on Center, Ebensburg
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from
$38
/ night
Star Lee Farm
5. Star Lee Farm
100%
(9)
31mi from Port Matilda · 3 sites
Star Lee Farm operates to provide a small farm experience for guests and share a private rustic outdoor experience. We are using agritourism to promote awareness of pollinators through our honeybee experience and educational programs. The Star Lee is an old “family” farm that we are working to grow into a self sufficient working farm.
We encourage our guests to explore nature that encompasses the farm's 104 acres and enjoy the solitude it can provide. We also invite our guests to “look up” into the night sky and behold the majesty and vastness of the universe we share.
Pets
Toilets
Showers
from
$73
/ night
Recent reviews from the Hipcamp community
K
Kasey
1 week ago
With pets
My husband & I had a great time! We had a late arrival & Rebecca was so kind & accommodating. The tent was so warm & cozy. We can't wait to return!
See moreB
Brielle
February 2026
Weekend Trip to Ridge Top Retreat
We had such a nice time camping here! Beautiful spot with everything you can think of at the site. Host does a wonderful job and is available if you have any questions. The heater in the tent does a wonderful job keeping you warm through the night. Great spot to enjoy the nature and some quiet. Thank you for our stay!
See moreE
Evelyn
February 2026
3 nights at Ridge Top Retreat
We stayed here for 2 nights and absolutely loved it. Our host showed us around her farm and the site was nice and private. It dropped to 2 degrees during our stay but we were able to stay warm with layers and the propane heater kept up just fine. Can’t wait to go back next year!
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M
Meg
December 2025
1 night at Star Lee Farm
Kevin was super accommodating and the cabin was very clean and cozy with lots of little extras. The outside of the cabin had a picnic table and fire pit and was private. Cell service was good enough to stream a movie on netflix on our laptop too. We will definitely stay here on the property again.
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K
Krystin
November 2025
Tent
It was a perfect place to unwind and recharge our batteries. The host seemingly thought of every detail to make it comfortable while still having the rustic charm we hoped for. It’s made us want to build a permanent campsite at our property after experiencing this. It truly is a piece of Heaven and we will be back
See moreN
Nancy
November 2025
With pets
Star Lee is a wonderful setting for a bucolic visit to Central PA. Close to Raystown Lake and other state lands it offers a nice stay for anyone to hike, bike, hunt, or fish in the area. Stargazing and daydreaming also included. As a working bee and hay farm, Star Lee offers the opportunity to settle in, relax and enjoy. It is clean, comfortable, and obviously well cared for. I highly recommend Star Lee and am still enjoying their honey. We’ll be back.
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S
Suzanne
October 2025
With kids
Rebecca and her family were magnificent hosts for our family. They were so kind, and made sure we had everything we needed and more. The tent itself was so cozy and the bathroom very clean. We enjoyed making s’mores atvthe campfire and gazing at the beautiful starry sky. We even got to meet the farm animals before we left. It was a great to have our own private space and we highly recommend staying here!
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j
james
October 2025
25 ft Class C
With pets
The property is easy to get to, yet it is remote enough to be wonderfully quiet and private. The over-all area is rich with farmlands and the dedicated people who provide us with our foods. There are not many areas of our USA that have the qualities of this part of Pennsylvania.
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J
Justin
October 2025
With pets
We loved our stay. Quiet, peaceful, a nice weekend getaway. It gives the “off the grid” vibes, but still has everything you really need. The outdoor shower made the experience unique!
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C
Cheryl
October 2025
Weekend Trip to Star Lee Farm
We have stayed in a lot of hip camps, but this by far is one of the very best that we’ve stayed in. Some of the highlights: cozy cabin nicely decorated. No heat or electricity, but he had lanterns for us, but we brought our own. Nice outdoor area with a picnic table and a fire pit that was perfect. Also a gas grill for us to cook on. He is two other cabin places, but they are so far apart that you can’t really hear or see anyone else. The property is huge and it is a working bee farm and it was very cool. These are located nowhere near the cabin, so you never have to worry about the bees being near your cabin. Highly suggest you learn about raising bees from our host! He has delicious honey for sale and an awesome piece of property with lots of different birds and deer. we walked around his property the first day and went 1.7 miles so it is very large. Also, very nice that it is a close walk to the flushable toilets and hot water showers. This was also a huge plus for us in October. Kevin is very responsive. He is also retired military and very compassionate and energetic about his farm. We came up for the end of the road half marathon/4miler, but in addition to that there is much more in this area if you like the outdoors. We did not go to Raytown Lake / Alpaca farm which we will visit next time. We love to hike and within 15 minutes is beautiful hikes with awesome views in including the thousand steps and the standing stone trail. We highly recommend!!!
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Brenda
October 2025
1 night at Ridge Top Retreat
Ridge Top Retreat is, by far, the most unique and well-done Hipcamps I’ve visited. The interior of the tent is beautifully decorated and the propane furnace kept it toasty warm on a cool fall evening. The “outhouse” has a portable toilet and a hot shower with an instant water heater powered by solar panels. The host provided plenty of firewood and even started a fire for us! With no ambient light, the stars and Milky Way were beautiful! The setting is gorgeous, set on a high spot with an incredible view across the hayfield to a beautiful country church and cemetery. I highly recommend this very special place.
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S
Seth
October 2025
Tent
With kids
The spot was great and a perfect location for us to camp with easy access to Penn State. Would definitely recommend! Mike met us when we arrived with a nice welcome package and some great nearby recommendations for additional sights in the area.
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V
Veronica
October 2025
12 ft travel trailer
With pets
This was our first time booking on Hipcamp and I’m so happy we found Michael’s place. It was peaceful, quiet, private and relaxing. The location was perfect for us, being a short drive to State College. The port-a potty was much appreciated and being able to take a hot shower was a pleasant surprise. Michael personally met us upon arrival to help guide us where to park our truck and pull behind trailer, and to show us how things worked. The hospitality made us feel very welcome and right at home.
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Cassie
October 2025
With kids
We had an amazing time! We traveled with our two boys and enjoyed the fire and all the land, we saw so many stars at night and slept so well. The tent was adorable and so cozy with the heater. Thanks to Becky for a great couple of days!
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Samantha
September 2025
Tent
Great little spot! The host was very accommodating. She greeted us when we arrived and made us a special welcome packet. There was a hot shower for us and an outhouse which is a luxury while camping haha. All and all, my boyfriend and I really enjoyed our stay and will be booking here again in the future!
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Jacob
September 2025
16 ft car
Fantastic getaway not too far from the city. Wonderful location and I loved the hiking trail on the property.
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Peter
September 2025
13 ft travel trailer
Michael's camping spot was outstanding. He really went out of his way to help me out, was quick to respond and even gave me a personalized folder full of information of what to do in the area. The surrounding hills and countryside were outstanding. Nice open spot to camp on with my trailer. Would highly recommend seeking out Michael's camping spot if you're in that area of State College, Pennsylvania.
See moreC
Carson
September 2025
Tent
Michael’s place was great - hot showers and thoughtful welcome package. Came in late but the property was beautiful in the morning.
See moreL
Layla
September 2025
Tent
With pets
Michael and family were very nice and helpful when we arrived. The site was beautiful and just as shown online. Would definitely stay here again.
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B
Briana
September 2025
With pets
This HipCamp is awesome! I am an avid tent camper but wanted something easy and comfortable - Ridge Top Retreat was perfect. I stayed two nights but wished for more. The site is nestled back in the trees next to a field. I was greeted with fresh flowers in multiple vases, adding a nice homey touch. The tent is wonderful. Comfortable bed, clean linens, twinkle lights, cozy blankets and pillows. I was pleased to find lanterns, extra batteries and a first aid kit. Such a cute bathroom! How can a bathroom be cute? You’ll see! The outdoor shower has warm water (turn on the propane tank first, then hit the switch for instant hot water!) and a port-a-potty type bucket toilet. Very very clean bathroom, stocked with towels/soap/etc, and even has a motion sensor nightlight. The fire ring is stocked with plenty of firewood, and lighter fluid if you forget to bring newspaper/starters. A handy grate is available, and a few pans, to cook your food. Bring foil and your lighter and you’re all set. Note that there is a fridge in some photos and reviews- there is no longer a fridge, so make sure you have a cooler. Gas stations aren’t too far if you need ice and snacks. My pup and I did a day trip to Prince Galitzen park (25 minutes). At night, we lit the tiki torches (citronella fluid provided), sat around the fire (chairs provided) and wandered into the field to star gaze. I would love to return.
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