The best camping in Whipple Dam State Park, PA

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Discover the serene beauty of Whipple Dam State Park.  

The best camping near Whipple Dam State Park, PA

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The Bellefonte Campground

3. The Bellefonte Campground

97%
(15)
21mi from Whipple Dam State Park · 11 sites · Lodging · 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.
Potable water
Toilets
Campfires
from 
$180
 / night
Scenic Altoona Camp

4. Scenic Altoona Camp

28mi from Whipple Dam State Park · 1 site · RV · Altoona, PA
Located between the 17th Street and Pinecroft I-99 exits in Altoona, this spot makes for an easy pit stop while traveling through. We’re about 45 minutes south of State College and 35 minutes north of Bedford. The property includes a 100-foot-long parking space below our garage. Our quiet neighborhood sits on a dead-end street, adjacent to hundreds of acres of wooded watershed land. The wide, mile-long street is a popular place for a leisurely stroll. Please note that you will hear traffic from I-99, as the lower end of the property borders the highway. Nearby Adventures Canoe Creek State Park – 911 acres of natural beauty with a 155-acre lake for fishing and boating, plus hiking trails, swimming, and picnic areas. Bells Gap Rail Trail – A multi-use trail offering both easy, flat sections for walking or biking and rugged stretches for mountain biking and hiking. Valley View Park – A 45-acre green space in Altoona with wooded paths, open fields, and family-friendly picnic spots. Chimney Rocks Park – Near Hollidaysburg, featuring striking limestone formations and overlooks with sweeping valley views.
Pets
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from 
$25
 / night
Campfire - site 13

6. Bald Eagle Campsite

96%
(1614)
17mi from Whipple Dam 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
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Toilets
from 
$30
 / night
Lauder Family Campground

7. Lauder Family Campground

100%
(1)
36mi from Whipple Dam State Park · 23 sites · Tents, RVs, Lodging · Frenchville, PA
Discover the charm of Lauder Family Campground, a unique destination that offers a blend of serene nature and convenient amenities for both RV and tent campers, as well as cozy cabin rentals. Nestled near state game lands and the Mosquito Creek Sportsmen's Club, this campground is perfect for outdoor enthusiasts looking to immerse themselves in the beauty of the great outdoors. With ample space for privacy and relaxation, Lauder Family Campground provides a peaceful retreat for families and friends alike. Enjoy a variety of outdoor activities, from hiking and fishing to exploring nearby swimming holes. The campground's proximity to Penn State University in Frenchville makes it an ideal spot for visitors and alumni seeking a tranquil getaway. In addition to its natural attractions, the area boasts local restaurants and shops, ensuring that you have everything you need for a comfortable stay. Whether you're looking to unwind in a cabin or set up camp under the stars, Lauder Family Campground is your gateway to adventure and relaxation in a picturesque setting.
Pets
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Toilets
from 
$17
 / night
Wilbur's Shed

9. Wilbur's Shed

99%
(132)
27mi from Whipple Dam 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.
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from 
$41
 / night
Ridge Top Retreat

11. Ridge Top Retreat

100%
(26)
45mi from Whipple Dam 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
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Toilets
from 
$25
 / night
Treehouse Waters On The River

13. Treehouse Waters On The River

90%
(5)
45mi from Whipple Dam State Park · 1 site · Lodging · Hopewell, PA
This riverfront, fully equipped, beautifully crafted treehouse is not your average child's treehouse, but kids are certainly welcome. Walk up the easy 14 steps into this A Frame tiny house and you'll be surprised at the roominess. Inside you'll discover a full kitchen, full bathroom with shower, living area with sofa bed sectional, dining area, and loft with a queen bed. Step out on the deck, just a stone's throw from the river and listen to the sounds below of the gurgling moving water over the rocks. Move down below the treehouse to find another huge deck with a hot tub, relaxing seating, and a table for dining outside. But that's not all; step off that deck to a fire pit and steps leading to the river. The river is great for swimming, fishing, and boating and we even supply a canoe and kayaks.
Pets
Potable water
Toilets
from 
$250
 / night

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The best camping in Whipple Dam State Park, PA guide

Overview

About

Nestled in the heart of Pennsylvania, Whipple Dam State Park offers a tranquil escape with its picturesque lake and lush surroundings. Visitors can enjoy a refreshing swim, partake in a leisurely picnic, or embark on a scenic hike. The park's diverse wildlife and serene atmosphere make it a perfect spot for bird watching or simply unwinding amid nature's splendor.

When to go

The idyllic Whipple Dam State Park is open year-round, but the best time to visit is from late spring to early fall when the weather is warm and the park's full splendor is on display. Winter offers a quiet, frosty landscape for those who enjoy snow sports and serene beauty.

Know before you go

  • Check the park's official website or contact the Greenwood Furnace State Park office for the latest information on park hours and any potential alerts or closures.
  • Accessibility is a priority; facilities are ADA accessible, ensuring all visitors can enjoy the park's offerings.
  • For emergencies, dial 911 and notify park staff immediately. Hospital directions are posted on bulletin boards for quick reference.
  • Remember to leave no trace and help keep the park lanternfly free by following guidelines on the Penn State Extension's website.
  • Reservations for activities can be made online or by calling the toll-free number provided by the park.
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