Bellefonte / State College KOA

The Great Outdoors

When you camp in an RV near Bellefonte, you’re just a short drive from Bald Eagle State Park, which sprawls across 5,900 acres to the north. It centers around Foster Joseph Sayers Reservoir that was created by the damming of Bald Eagle Creek, with the Allegheny Plateau to the north and the Appalachians Ridge-and-Valley area to the south. Around 11 miles of hiking trails wind through the park, including the wildflower-filled Butterfly Trail and waterfront Lakeside Trail, with most open to cross-country skiers during the winter months. Bald Eagle State Park is also a hub for swimming, boating, and fishing, with bass, crappie, and yellow perch all for the taking.Just south of Bellefonte/State College KOA is the Bald Eagle State Forest, which includes old-growth forest, sandstone ridges, and meandering mountain streams. It’s traversed by the long-distance Pennsylvania Mid-State Trail that will challenge experienced hikers, extending more than 300 miles across the state. The forest is divided into a number of different protected areas where you can focus your visit, including the R.B. Winter State Park. This is a must-visit for kids, with the Halfway Run Environmental Learning Center featuring a hands-on science area and native wildlife exhibits to keep inquisitive minds busy.When you book a rental motorhome near Bellefonte/State College KOA, you can also head west to the Black Moshannon State Park, which centers around a human-made dam on the Black Moshannon Creek. It provides a vital habitat for a range of carnivorous plants and orchids that aren’t common in other areas of Pennsylvania. In addition, it’s also home to a number of former Civilian Conservation Corps buildings that are now listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Aside from an extensive network of trails for viewing the park’s bog habitat, there are also cross-country skiing, boating, and lake fishing on offer. With more than 175 bird species recorded in the park, it’s also a popular destination for twitchers.

Exploring the Area

Bellefonte/State College KOA is just 10 minutes’ drive from Bellefonte, which serves as the seat of Centre County and forms part of the State College, PA Metropolitan Statistical Area. It’s renowned for its fine examples of Victorian architecture, including the Hastings Mansion, as well as the late-19th-century Garman Opera House and the Bush House, one of the first hotels in the country to have electric lights. There are grocery stores here where you can pick up supplies and also a couple of gas stations, as well as a good selection of cafes and restaurants if you want to dine out.If you keep driving southwest, you’ll arrive in State College, which is dominated by the University Park campus of Penn State. Take time to stroll through the historic campus to admire the iconic Old Main building and University House, as well as the Penn State Cottages and the Nittany Lion Shrine. Don’t miss a visit to the Palmer Museum of Art, a small gallery with an impressive collection of art from around the globe. If you’re traveling with kids, the nearby Discovery Space of Central Pennsylvania is a must-visit, with plenty of engaging, hands-on exhibits and toddler-friendly activities.Whether you’re interested in the history of Penn State University or want to explore the rugged Appalachian trails, create a memorable vacation when you book an RV in Centre County.