The best camping near State College with wildlife watching

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Looking for the perfect camping experience near State College, Pennsylvania? Look no further than Hipcamp! With over 1,099 options in the area that cater to wildlife watching enthusiasts, you're sure to find the perfect spot. Whether you're a budget traveler or looking for something a bit more luxurious, Hipcamp has got you covered with options as low as $15 per night. Check out some of the top campsites in the area, like Bald Eagle Campsite with 360 reviews, Fairview Farms Airfield with 294 reviews, and Peace and Quiet by the River with 271 reviews. Plus, you'll have access to popular amenities like potable water, pet-friendly campsites, and toilets. Don't miss out on exciting activities such as hiking, whitewater paddling, and boating during your stay. Get ready for an unforgettable camping experience with Hipcamp!

98% (1.2K)

Top-rated campgrounds near State College

1. Bald Eagle Campsite

96%
(1614)
18mi from State College · 33 sites · Tents, RVs
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.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
$30
 / night

2. Wilbur's Shed

99%
(132)
34mi from State College · 1 site · Tent, RV
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 camping site is for those who want to live ruggedly like Lewis Clark. To see the water ditches you must drive over, go to YouTube and search "Wilbur's Shed - Blairs Mills", and it is the account of a cat with a white face. 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. Rental through Hipcamp does not include hunting or the use of firearms, nor the use of dirt bikes and ATVs.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
$41
 / night

6. Ridge Top Retreat

100%
(26)
46mi from State College · 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

18. Meadow View Near PSU

100%
(14)
8.2mi from State College · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
Enjoy the private back acre of our 2-acre parcel. RV parking is separated from the main house by a barn and Morton building. Set up camp overlooking what used to be a grassy yard, but is now a walkable wildflower meadow. Enjoy the meadow paths and entire property's yard. Pets are welcome, but must be leashed at all times - our dog is friendly, but will also be leashed when outside. The house and barn were built in the late 1800s and are currently being restored. There will be no construction activity during your stay, but there may be assorted projects in process visible near buildings. Please do not enter buildings unless accompanied by a property owner. Many restaurants, breweries, distilleries and parks are just minutes away in Bellefonte! When visiting them, we recommend going straight out of our driveway onto Clemens instead of turning right onto Valentine Hill. Valentine has tight turns that are a challenge to navigate in an RV or with a trailer.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from 
$128
 / night

20. Sassafras Hollow

100%
(9)
45mi from State College · 1 site · Lodging
Enjoy a relaxing stay in the cabin tucked away in a quiet corner of our farm. More than just a glamping experience, the cabin is provided with hot and cold running water, a Bathroom with shower and composting toilet, electricity, heat and air-conditioning, a kitchenette for meal preparation and, of course, a great porch where you can enjoy the solitude of Sassafras Hollow. Our farm is conveniently located near state parks, hiking trails, and streams for outdoor activities. Standing Stone Trail is a mile from the farm and it’s a short drive to The East Broad Top Railroad, Lake Raystown and the Thousand Steps. Since we operate an organic vegetable farm, seasonal produce is always available. We are also home to Barn Door Artisans, a collaborative family enterprise offering finished wood products, ceramics and fine art. Visit the Art Studio, just a short walk down the path, to browse the artwork created from materials from the surrounding landscape.
Toilets
Showers
Campfires
from 
$110
 / night

Looking for the perfect camping experience near State College, Pennsylvania? Look no further than Hipcamp! With over 1,099 options in the area that cater to wildlife watching enthusiasts, you're sure to find the perfect spot. Whether you're a budget traveler or looking for something a bit more luxurious, Hipcamp has got you covered with options as low as $15 per night. Check out some of the top campsites in the area, like Bald Eagle Campsite with 360 reviews, Fairview Farms Airfield with 294 reviews, and Peace and Quiet by the River with 271 reviews. Plus, you'll have access to popular amenities like potable water, pet-friendly campsites, and toilets. Don't miss out on exciting activities such as hiking, whitewater paddling, and boating during your stay. Get ready for an unforgettable camping experience with Hipcamp!

98% (1.2K)

Top-rated campgrounds near State College

1. Bald Eagle Campsite

96%
(1614)
18mi from State College · 33 sites · Tents, RVs
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.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
$30
 / night

2. Wilbur's Shed

99%
(132)
34mi from State College · 1 site · Tent, RV
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 camping site is for those who want to live ruggedly like Lewis Clark. To see the water ditches you must drive over, go to YouTube and search "Wilbur's Shed - Blairs Mills", and it is the account of a cat with a white face. 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. Rental through Hipcamp does not include hunting or the use of firearms, nor the use of dirt bikes and ATVs.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Toilets
from 
$41
 / night

6. Ridge Top Retreat

100%
(26)
46mi from State College · 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

18. Meadow View Near PSU

100%
(14)
8.2mi from State College · 2 sites · Tents, RVs
Enjoy the private back acre of our 2-acre parcel. RV parking is separated from the main house by a barn and Morton building. Set up camp overlooking what used to be a grassy yard, but is now a walkable wildflower meadow. Enjoy the meadow paths and entire property's yard. Pets are welcome, but must be leashed at all times - our dog is friendly, but will also be leashed when outside. The house and barn were built in the late 1800s and are currently being restored. There will be no construction activity during your stay, but there may be assorted projects in process visible near buildings. Please do not enter buildings unless accompanied by a property owner. Many restaurants, breweries, distilleries and parks are just minutes away in Bellefonte! When visiting them, we recommend going straight out of our driveway onto Clemens instead of turning right onto Valentine Hill. Valentine has tight turns that are a challenge to navigate in an RV or with a trailer.
Pets
Electrical hookup
Campfires
from 
$128
 / night

20. Sassafras Hollow

100%
(9)
45mi from State College · 1 site · Lodging
Enjoy a relaxing stay in the cabin tucked away in a quiet corner of our farm. More than just a glamping experience, the cabin is provided with hot and cold running water, a Bathroom with shower and composting toilet, electricity, heat and air-conditioning, a kitchenette for meal preparation and, of course, a great porch where you can enjoy the solitude of Sassafras Hollow. Our farm is conveniently located near state parks, hiking trails, and streams for outdoor activities. Standing Stone Trail is a mile from the farm and it’s a short drive to The East Broad Top Railroad, Lake Raystown and the Thousand Steps. Since we operate an organic vegetable farm, seasonal produce is always available. We are also home to Barn Door Artisans, a collaborative family enterprise offering finished wood products, ceramics and fine art. Visit the Art Studio, just a short walk down the path, to browse the artwork created from materials from the surrounding landscape.
Toilets
Showers
Campfires
from 
$110
 / night

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Top-rated campgrounds reviewed by the Hipcamp community.

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Value Prop
Value Prop
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field
Happy farmer sitting in a truck in a grassy field