The best camping in Trough Creek State Park, PA

·
100% (3)

Discover Trough Creek State Park's natural splendor and outdoor activities.  

The best camping in Trough Creek State Park, PA

Public campgrounds here are often sold out.
Wilbur's Shed

4. Wilbur's Shed

99%
(132)
21mi from Trough Creek State Park · 1 site · Tent, RV · 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 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
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$41
 / night
We love drone photos and videos! Drones are always welcome at our property.

5. Wilson’s Boondock Hollow

100%
(39)
25mi from Trough Creek State Park · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · Ramblewood, PA
***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 
$28
 / night
Campfire - site 13

8. Bald Eagle Campsite

96%
(1614)
29mi from Trough Creek State Park · 33 sites · Tents, RVs · 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.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$30
 / night
Large open space

13. Slice of Solitude

100%
(37)
36mi from Trough Creek State Park · 1 site · Tent, RV · Windber, PA
Our property was once an overgrown field that in the past was strip mined for coal. This area was purchased by a local church congregation and has been transformed into a fun, peaceful picnic/recreation area. We enjoy using this area for picnics, birthday/graduation parties, family reunions and other fun, meaningful events. We have even had a few weddings here. Recently we decided that we want to give more people the opportunity to enjoy this beautiful, serene area. We hope you choose to come and relax and enjoy a "Slice of Solitude" Learn more about this land: Rustic camping area not far from town. We have a sand volleyball court, horseshoes, children's playground, tether ball, corn hole. A walking trail, running water, electricity (we do now have two 30 amp outlets), a fire pit, and a few other options. A nice quiet area. In 2024 we add a very nice shower house/restroom.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$36
 / night
Grouseland Hospitality

14. Grouseland Hospitality

98%
(316)
38mi from Trough Creek State Park · 6 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Clearville, PA
Grouseland's Private Campsites are located on top of our ridge offering a unique scenic overlook and a near virgin sky perfect for stargazing. 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: 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 picnic table, portable toilet, scenic overlook, hammock, fireplace, a bench and charcoal grill. Twisted Oak Campsite: 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 picnic table, portable toilet, scenic overlook, hammock, fireplace, benches, charcoal grill, and on-site string lights. Red Maple Campsite: 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 picnic tables, two portable toilets, a scenic overlook, hammock, fireplace, benches, a charcoal grill, and on-site string lights. Aspen RV Campsite: 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 picnic table, portable toilet, scenic overlook, hammock, fireplace, charcoal grill, and a bench.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$44
 / night
Montside Orchard Camp, Cabin&Sauna

15. Montside Orchard Camp, Cabin&Sauna

100%
(18)
39mi from Trough Creek State Park · 2 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Chambersburg, PA
The Cabin, Wood-Fired Sauna, and Meadow campsites at Montside Orchard boast one of the most magical sunset views in the Cumberland Valley. You can also expect to see 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--it's 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. While we don't allow hiking on the property Rt 30 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.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$45
 / night
Gordon Glen Woods

17. Gordon Glen Woods

100%
(25)
42mi from Trough Creek State Park · 2 sites · Tents, RVs · Belsano, PA
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
Estes Place

18. Estes Place

98%
(32)
42mi from Trough Creek State Park · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · 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.
Pets
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$21
 / night
Ridge Top Retreat

19. Ridge Top Retreat

100%
(26)
42mi from Trough Creek State Park · 5 sites · Tents, Lodging · Westover, PA
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
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$25
 / night
Cosey Cabin

20. Cosey Cabin

100%
(21)
44mi from Trough Creek State Park · 3 sites · Lodging · Greencastle, PA
This is a 160 square foot tiny house/cabin in a small wooded area at the rear of my 2 acre property. A separate 90 square foot bath house is also provided. Both are primitive, ie, no electric or running water. The are some solar lights and candles for nighttime. Enjoy laying in the hammocks with a nice camp fire in the evening. The house is heated with a small wood stove but there is no air conditioning. Cook either on the wood stove or over the fire outside. In the summertime it is nice and private with the surrounding vegetation Please keep in mind. This is a primitive setting in the woods. It will be hot in the summer and temperature must be maintained in the winter with the wood stove or Buddy Heater. While I do spray for bugs to the best of my ability, there is a good chance you will encounter at least a few. We are in a residential country setting, so you may experience other wildlife as well. In the summertime while the foliage is up it is quite private, although you can still hear the neighbors. In the winter you will be able to see the neighbors as the trees are bare.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$88
 / night
100% (3)

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Top-rated campgrounds

Wilbur's Shed

99%
(132)
21mi from Trough Creek State Park · 1 site · Tent, RV · 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 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
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$41
 / night

Wilson’s Boondock Hollow

100%
(39)
25mi from Trough Creek State Park · 3 sites · Tents, RVs · Ramblewood, PA
***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 
$28
 / night

Bald Eagle Campsite

96%
(1614)
29mi from Trough Creek State Park · 33 sites · Tents, RVs · 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.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$30
 / night

Slice of Solitude

100%
(37)
36mi from Trough Creek State Park · 1 site · Tent, RV · Windber, PA
Our property was once an overgrown field that in the past was strip mined for coal. This area was purchased by a local church congregation and has been transformed into a fun, peaceful picnic/recreation area. We enjoy using this area for picnics, birthday/graduation parties, family reunions and other fun, meaningful events. We have even had a few weddings here. Recently we decided that we want to give more people the opportunity to enjoy this beautiful, serene area. We hope you choose to come and relax and enjoy a "Slice of Solitude" Learn more about this land: Rustic camping area not far from town. We have a sand volleyball court, horseshoes, children's playground, tether ball, corn hole. A walking trail, running water, electricity (we do now have two 30 amp outlets), a fire pit, and a few other options. A nice quiet area. In 2024 we add a very nice shower house/restroom.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$36
 / night

Other options near Trough Creek State Park

The best camping in Trough Creek State Park, PA guide

Overview

About

Hiking, hunting, fishing and outdoor sportsmanship of all kinds are just one great reason to visit Trough Creek State Park. 541 acres of gorge and gorgeousness, bordered by Raystown Lake Recreation Area and Rothrock State Forest, Trough Creek promises a getaway you won’t soon forget. With 12 miles of beautiful, intense trails, dazzling views of Great Trough Creek and modern camping, you can be sure to build some lasting memories here. If you feel like treating yourself, Trough Creek Lodge is an 1800s home available to rent year-round. Speaking of year-round, this park is also a prime spot for snowmobiling in winter. Whenever you visit, the larger-than-life presence of Mother Nature will make you feel both spoiled and intrepid.

When to go

The ideal time to visit Trough Creek State Park is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild and the natural scenery is at its peak. Summer offers warm days perfect for exploring, though it can be busy. Winters are cold and may limit access to certain areas of the park, so it's best to check conditions ahead of your visit.

Know before you go

  • Check the weather forecast before your trip to ensure a safe and enjoyable experience.
  • Be aware of park hours, typically from dawn until dusk, and plan your activities accordingly.
  • Wear appropriate footwear for hiking on rugged and potentially uneven terrain.
  • Remember to pack out all trash and respect wildlife by observing from a distance.
  • Visit the park's website or contact the visitor center for the latest information on closures and accessibility.
100%
3 ratings · 2 reviews