The best camping near Bald Eagle State Park

This 5,900-acre state park is nestled in the broad Bald Eagle Valley of north central Pennsylvania. As the name might suggest, it's a bastion for bald eagle conservation. Bald Eagle Creek is an especially common place to see these patriotic birds perching throughout the year. Anglers can enjoy the twenty-three miles of shoreline that are well-populated with healthy crappie and other sport fish populations. Hikers can expect long trails at Bald Eagle Mountain and its surrounding forests, grass fields, and wetlands. All in all, this park allows you to enjoy great campgrounds, boating, fishing, swimming activities in the valley of northcentral Pennsylvania.

Camping at this state park is a pretty straightforward affair. Those who want full-service hookups and RV camping will want to book at Russell P. Letterman Campground. Campers can look forward to electrical hookups, warm showers, and even flushable toilets. The rustic camping area has 35 walk-in sites for tents and 35 sites reserved for car camping. Drinking water, restrooms, dubstations, and toilets, however, are only available at Russell P. Letterman Campground.

If you’re not in the mood to rough it, take advantage of the many bookable cottages and yurts at this park. Each include in-unit refrigerators, electrical heaters, and plush bunk beds that can comfortably sleep up to six people. But take note: Both the yurts and cottages at Russell P. Letterman Campground close after the end of deer season in mid-December. We’d recommending booking these far in advance to make sure you’ve got a spot.

Because of how fridged the area gets come winter, we’d recommend rustic camping in the spring and summer. If you plan on visiting this glorious park during those winter months, opt to stay at one of the on-site heated yurts or cottages.

The best time to visit Bald Eagle 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 water activities, though it can be crowded. Winters are cold, and some facilities may be closed, so check ahead.

• Check the weather forecast and dress appropriately for seasonal changes.
• Review the park's rules and regulations to ensure a safe visit.
• Be aware of any park alerts or closures before planning your trip.
• Accessibility varies across different areas of the park; inquire ahead if you have specific needs.
• Remember to pack essentials, including water, snacks, and a first-aid kit.