The best camping near Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site

Discover the most magical spots to pitch your tent or park your rig on your next Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site adventure.

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Top-rated campgrounds near Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site

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Grouseland Hospitality

5 sites · RVs, Tents100 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 we do ask that you clean up after them, waste can be thrown into the trash can at the sites. Also all dogs must be kept on leads when on site or on leashes when on walks. No exceptions to this rule to ensure the safety of all of our guests. Tall Oaks Campsite: Tall Oaks Campsite is a private site, great for families and friends and is our only rustic style site, so no water or electricity, designed for 1-6 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, and charcoal grill. Only a short walk from our tree house where guests can relax and enjoy forest bathing. Guests are given an allotted amount of free firewood, miles of hiking trails, and use of communal facilities including a hot shower and flush toilet. Twisted Oak: Twisted Oak Campsite is a private site great for families and friends. This medium sized luxury site includes water and electricity on site, designed for 1-10 guests with parking for 4 cars on site and has space for 16 average sized tents. This site has a 10-foot picnic table, portable toilet, scenic overlook, hammock, fireplace, charcoal grill, and on-site lights. Guests are given an allotted amount of free firewood, miles of hiking trails, and use of communal facilities including a hot shower and flush toilet. Red Maple Campsite: Red Maple Campsite is a private site great for large groups. This large luxury site includes water and electricity on site, designed for 1-12 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 pulled or backed into and then backed our pulled out of. This site can handle several tents and has two 6-foot picnic tables, two portable toilets, a scenic overlook, hammock, fireplace, a charcoal grill, and on-site lights. Guests are given an allotted amount of free firewood, miles of hiking trails, and use of communal facilities including a hot shower and flush toilet. Aspen RV Campsite: Aspen RV Campsite is a private site great for a family in their RV. This medium sized luxury site includes water and electricity on site, designed for a single RV number of guests is dependent on RV size, maximum 6 people. This site is a drive through site, so guests don’t have to back in or out. The site can also handle a couple of tents and extra cars. This site also has a 10-foot picnic table, portable toilet, scenic overlook, hammock, fireplace, charcoal grill, and bench. Guests are given an allotted amount of free firewood, miles of hiking trails, and use of communal facilities including a hot shower and flush toilet.

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Somerset Resort

36 sites · Lodging, RVs10 acres · Friedens, PA

Somerset Resort, formerly known as Rainbow Woods Campground, was brought under new ownership in 2024. Our goal is to provide a family-friendly atmosphere for you to enjoy the outdoors. We are located in the heart of the Laurel Highlands in Somerset County. We are a mixed-use 33-site resort with modern cabins, log cabins, and transient RV sites available for nightly and monthly bookings. Explore scenic trails, majestic waterfalls, and charming small towns. Indulge in outdoor adventures like hiking, skiing, and whitewater rafting. Discover serenity and adventure in this picturesque Pennsylvania paradise. Forget the camping supplies, and come stay in our luxurious modern cabins. These cabins are complete with beds, a living room, a kitchen, and a full bathroom. Enjoy the outdoors like never before. Enjoy the Somerset woods by bringing your RV to Somerset Resort. With pull-through and back-in sites available, enjoy a quiet campground in the heart of the Laurel Highlands. We look forward to seeing you. A highlight of Somerset Resort is the luxury cabins. With both modern and log styles to choose from, enjoy the peacefulness of the outdoors from the comfort of a park model cabin.

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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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Ridge Top Retreat

5 sites · Lodging, Tents150 acres · 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.

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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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Burnhead Grazings

3 sites · Lodging, Tents68 acres · Indiana , PA

The rich history of Burnhead Grazings is enveloped in a love for God's creation. Dr. Gib and Emmy Lou McLaughlin purchased Burnhead, which is Gaelic for the head of the stream, from William H. Stevens. The once pasture for Hilltop Dairy's cows became a pasture for sheep. Gib and Emmy had been in search of land for years after getting their first border collie and falling in love with the Shepherd lifestyle. Gib trained dozens of border collies to work the sheep and did hundreds of demonstrations highlighting the herding abilities of the collie across the country. Their love for Scotland and the border collie took them Scotland on many occasions. Burnhead Grazings is a snapshot of Scotland, "in bye" or close to, the beautiful college town of Indiana, PA. Less than two miles from two hotels, three miles from downtown, and within minutes from Amish country, it is amazing that this respite still exists so close to civilization. Gib and Emmy's daughter, Moire McLaughlin Bridges and her husband Randy have endeavored to bring the sheep back to Burnhead Grazings and to continue the family tradition as well as to share in the experience. You can listen to an interview on The Christian Witness Program on this page for some history about Moire and Randy in Tennessee where they were residing before coming to Indiana. They are producing lamb, wool for spinning and felting, and hay and are opening up the farm for small events such as weddings or family reunions. Moire is also the author and illustrator of a children's book available for sale on iBooks called Sissy & The King. In November of 2014, with the help of Hilltop Baptist Church and many others, they began hosting an event, LIFE Nativity, the weekend before Thanksgiving, which benefits Life-Way Pregnancy Center. Moire is also a fine artist and gives classes on wool felting. Ask about signing up for a class or book a private felting party.

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Tuckaway Tree Farm

4 sites · Lodging, RVs, Tents36 acres · Belleville, PA

Come camp on a beautiful 36 acre Christmas tree farm. Located 15 miles from Huntingdon and State College, Tuckaway Tree Farm has easy access to hiking and exploring in Rothrock State Forest, Greenwood Furnace. Property is located along Backcountry Discovery Route (BDR). Two ponds on the property and a trout stream down the road are perfect for fishing.

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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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Star Lee Farm

4 sites · Lodging104 acres · Huntingdon, PA

Our mission at Star Lee Farm is to provide a small farm experience for guests and share a private glamping 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.

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4722 Retreat

1 site · RV5 acres · Petersburg, PA

This is a single hookup campsite for any size RV or pull-type campers up to 35 feet long. It has full hookups: water, 15 or 50 amp electric and sewer. Every stay comes with one complimentary wheel barrow full of firewood. There is one nature trail (more to come!) Enjoy the privacy of a campsite where you’re the only camper! The owners of the property live nearby and are available if there are any problems.

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Hidden valley camp

2 sites · RVs, Tents10 acres · Bedford, PA

Pitch your tent, park your RV, or sleep under the stars in this tranquil and private campsite surrounded by ten acres of forest for you to explore. Enjoy the deer and abundant wildlife as you hike the mountain trails or relax by the firepit. If you're looking for a peaceful and relaxing break from the hustle of everyday life, this is it. Looking for some fun by the water? Beautiful Lake Gordon and Lake Koon are less than one mile away for fishing and kayaking, or take a bike ride and enjoy the gorgeous scenery. Historic downtown Cumberland, MD is just a short drive away, with shops, restaurants, train rides, and beautiful mountain views. Check out the canal towpath and Great Allegheny Passage for ample hiking and biking. Rocky Gap State Park is also nearby, offering hiking, swimming, boating, and a large state of the art casino. On your way back, don't forget to grab a handcrafted brew or listen to some live music at 1812 Brewery, just a ten minute drive from camp. For over 20 years our family has enjoyed the peace, quiet, and wildlife of the mountain we call home, and we can't wait to share it with you!! FYI: - Firewood and farm fresh eggs are available from your hosts. Don't hesitate to reach out. We'll deliver! - One kayak and one canoe are available for rent, however trasportation is not provided at this time. Contact your hosts for details. - A picnic table, fire pit, and port-a-john are available at the campsite for your use. -Please note, the campsite is located off a dirt road. Four wheel drive is recommended but not required. - Hunting is prohibited at the campsite and the surrounding 10 acres, however hunters may be present in other areas of the mountain during the fall. Always be aware of your surroundings. - Wifi is not available, however there is adequate cell phone reception for all common carriers. -As always, leave no trace. A dumpster is available along the road for disposing of your trash as you leave. Enjoy your stay!

Creekside Getaway

1 site · Lodging40 acres · Mapleton, PA

Escape to tranquility in this serene space, nestled at the base of a mountain. The house offers a peaceful getaway, providing you with exclusive access. Unwind in the expansive living room, or bask in the natural surroundings on the deck, spacious yard, or alongside the gentle stream flowing through the property. Conveniently located, the house is in proximity to Raystown Lake and just over an hour from Penn State/State College. Immerse yourself in a range of local outdoor activities, promising an abundance of enjoyment. Whether you prefer the comforts of the indoors or the beauty of nature, this retreat offers the perfect balance for a relaxing and rejuvenating experience.

The best camping near Allegheny Portage Railroad National Historic Site guide

Overview

About

Train enthusiasts, history buffs and outdoor lovers will all delight in this historic site. It celebrates what was considered a modern marvel in its day. The Allegheny Portage Railroad was the first railroad constructed over the Allegheny Mountains, significantly cutting time off the long and arduous journey across Pennsylvania during the 1800s.

When you visit this historic site, start off at the Summit Level Visitor Center. Here you'll get a great overview of what it was like to work and travel on the rails. Also of interest to visitors will be the Lemon House, which served as a restaurant to patrons of the railroad. The building has been restored to show what it may have looked like during the 1840s, with period furnishings inside. Make sure to check out Engine House #6, the Skew Arch Bridge, and all of the nearby hike and bike trails. The popular 6 to 10 Trail takes hikers on an 8-mile journey from the visitor's center at Incline 6 to Incline 10, the last incline of the railroad. At the base of the trail is the Foot of Ten Trail that takes you to where Engine House 10 once stood.

Don't forget to pack a picnic! The site has a large, wooded picnic area about a half-mile walk from the visitor center. Here you'll find over twenty tables, and a dozen grills for your use. One table is also handicap accessible, with parking and a short, paved path nearby.

Afraid you won't be able to explore it all in one day? Not to worry! Hipcamp has plenty of nearby camping options so you can extend your visit.