State Parks near State College, PA

Algonkian Regional Park is located in northern Virginia, close to the Maryland border and the cities of Sterling, VA, Gaithersburg, MD, and Ashburn, VA. The park itself acts as a haven for the people of the Virginia - Maryland borderlands, providing the ideal place to escape the city and enjoy some much needed outdoor recreation. Algonkian Regional Park is made up of 838 acres, encompassing grasslands, woodlands, a golf course, and accesses to the mighty Potomac River. This riverside park is great for fishing and boating, while open land is perfect for hiking and nature watching.

All this and more makes Algonkian Regional Park the ideal place to take an RV rental in Virginia. Accessing the park …

Allegany State Park immerses you in the whimsical landscape of the Enchanted Mountains. The park occupies a sprawling 65,000 acres, making it one of the largest state parks in New York. Allegany was once marketed as the "Wilderness Playground of Western New York," and it hasn't lost sight of its roots. Today, the park lures nature lovers with sandy beaches, scenic hiking trails, and excellent fishing in a myriad of streams, ponds, and lakes.

Planning a vacation in the Empire State? Book an RV in Cattaraugus County and you can explore this signature state park at your own pace. From budget-friendly campers to luxury motorhomes, you'll find RV rentals for every occasion. When you've had your fill of Allegany State …

Encompassing over 500,000 acres of dense forest, Allegheny National Forest dominates much of Pennsylvania’s northwestern landscapes. While Interstate Route 80 and 79 run along the southern and western boundaries of the forest, respectively, the fantastic hiking trails, motorhome camping spots, and hidden waterways can all be easily accessed thanks to the developed network of asphalt roads that wind their way through the trees.

Those traveling through Pennsylvania will find the town of DuBois to be the last town of any substantial size before you enter the wilderness. Close to the borders of New York and Ohio, you can also reach Allegheny National Forest in less than three hours when you arrive from Cleveland, OH, and less than two hours …

If your idea of the perfect camping getaway involves spending lots of time on, in, or near the water, you'll jump at the chance to visit Bald Eagle State Park. Located near the town of Howard in central Pennsylvania, this 5,900-acre park is home to the Foster Joseph Sayers Reservoir, which is the site of a host of recreational activities within the park.

Boating, fishing, and swimming are all popular pastimes at Bald Eagle State Park, while 14.5 miles of hiking trails and impressive wildlife watching opportunities are other headline attractions. And because the park is just a handful of miles off Interstate 80, not to mention has a large campground that accommodates RVs, it's easily accessible in a motorhome. …

Camping with an RV is a great way to spend an outdoor adventure, and Beltzville State Park in Pennsylvania is a popular camping destination. Located in the southern foothills of the scenic Pocono Mountains, Beltzville State Park is spread more than over 2900 acres, and its main attraction is the 950-acre large Beltzville Lake. Just five miles from Lehighton and off US Route 209, the state park is a popular recreational escape for campers and nature lovers. As Beltzville Lake is a part of the Lehigh River Basin, it provides ample opportunities for a wide variety of water sports. Renting an RV is a convenient way of getting around the state park, and you’ll find a range of affordable RV …

Big Run State Park is located in western Maryland, close to both the Pennsylvania and West Virginia borders and the towns of Frostburg, Cumberland, and Oakland, MD. The state park lies along the northern shores of Savage River Reservoir and is surrounded by the Savage River State Forest. Being on the fringes of both the reservoir and forest makes Big Run State Park an exceptional site for outdoor recreation. The reservoir offers visitors the chance to fish and boat in the idyllic surroundings of western Maryland and also hike and nature watch through the picturesque woodlands of Savage River State Forest.

This abundance of activities, combined with its closeness to three different states, makes Big Run State …

If you're searching for a remote wilderness escape in the heart of Pennsylvania, look no further than Black Moshannon State Park. Located just east of Philipsburg, this 3,394-acre park sits on the shores of Black Moshannon Lake and is surrounded by the 43,000-acre Moshannon State Forest.

The result is a beautiful, secluded park where campers can enjoy a wide range of recreational activities all year round. Boating, fishing, hiking, swimming, and winter sports are just some of the pastimes on offer, and with a 73-site campground located in the heart of this wilderness area, Black Moshannon State Park has everything you need for a memorable camping getaway.

Keep reading to find out what to do and where to stay …

Nestled near the eastern banks of the tranquil Susquehanna River in Dauphin, mid-way between Harrisburg and Duncannon in Pennsylvania is Boyd Big Tree Preserve Conservation Area. This park is a conservation area that was donated by real estate developer Alex Boyd in 1999. When you’re looking for a serene place away from the hustles of city life, search for an RV in Dauphin and make memories RV camping at Boyd Big Tree Preserve Conservation Area.

Covering more than 940 acres of forests, fields on the foothills of the Blue Mountain, Boyd Big Tree Preserve Conservation Area is a favorite getaway spot for hiking, hunting, and birdwatching. Other activities in the area include fishing and boating at the Susquehanna River, …

Situated within South Mountain, the northern terminus of the Blue Ridge Mountains in Pennsylvania is beautiful, Caledonia State Park. The park covers 1,125 acres, and for those that rent an RV in Franklin County, it is usually a stop-off point for a day or an even longer extended period of time. Caledonia State Park is named for the Caledonia Furnace, and today the area is known for its abundance of recreational opportunities. The furnace was situated and used in the park in the 1800s and was later destroyed in the civil war.

People from miles around head down to Caledonia State Park to go for a walk on one of the hiking trails, play a round of golf, go for …

After decades of plundering Catoctin Mountain for its ore, mining companies sold the land to the state of Maryland in the early 1930s, which promptly turned into a park. Under President Roosevelt’s New Deal program, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) descended upon the park and built cabins and lean-tos, blazed trails, paved roads, and constructed bridges. They also replanted tens of thousands of trees. Catoctin Mountain Park is listed on the National Register of Historic Places due to its significant mining history, which played a large role in growing the nearby towns, and the buildings constructed by CCC, which are still in good condition today.

Contained within Catoctin Mountain Park is Camp David, which was one of the original campgrounds …

Located approximately 39 miles from Bradford and eight miles from Warren Chapman State Park is known for its tranquility. The park covers 862 acres of land and is home to 68-acre Lake Chapman. The lake is popular among Warren campers in part due to its great fishing, swimming, and boating. The lake provides a habitat for both warm and cold-water fish. Other than water recreation, there are a variety of activities, including hunting, hiking, and picnicking. For winter folks, the park offers cross-country skiing, snowmobiling and ice fishing. There are five shelter pavilions and a huge picnic area overlooking the lake. Chapman State Park serves as a trailhead for several trails leading to the adjacent forest. In addition to park …

Cherry Springs State Park in rural Pennsylvania may be a small park, but it has the distinct honor of being named the second International Dark Sky Park in the country and is consistently rated as one of the top ten places in the world for stargazing. If you’re into astronomy, you’d be missing out if you didn’t search for an RV in Potter County to witness the night sky.

Located approximately four hours north of Pittsburgh and not too far south of Syracuse, Cherry Springs State Park sits atop the Allegheny Plateau in an area known for its native black cherry trees. It was initially home to a log cabin hotel where weary homesteaders would stop for a night …

Make your way to Chesapeake and Ohio Canal National Historical Park for a motorhome camping trip this summer. Located very close to Cumberland in the state of Maryland, the park also extends into neighboring Washington, DC. Going by the name, the park was established to preserve the remains of the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal, also referred to as the ‘Grand Old Ditch,’ along with many of its original structures. Set up in 1961 as a National Monument, the canal and trail extend alongside the Potomac River for a distance of over 184 miles. 

Renting an RV is a great way of moving around the park, and you’ll find a range of affordable RV rentals in Allegany County. Not …

The beautiful Clear Creek State Park located in Jefferson County in the state of Pennsylvania is a wilderness oasis for outdoor enthusiasts. Located in the townships of Heath and Barnett, the Clear Creek State Park is in the borough of Brookville and stands at the confluence of the Clear Creek and Clarion River.

Occupying one of the most scenic parts of the Clarion Valley, the park covers over 1600 acres of forested area. Historically, the park has been open to the public since the Great Depression, with many of the recreational facilities being constructed around that time, and still in use today. The river and the excellent hiking trails are a major attraction for Clear Creek State Park campers.

Perched right on the state border of West Virginia and Maryland lies the C&O Canal National Historical Park. The park's headquarters are in Hagerstown, and the park itself is situated about 41 miles away from Frederick. This spectacular park is an ideal spot for camping with an RV when touring the Potomac River region. Ripe in beauty, this park lies along the Chesapeake and Ohio Canal on the Potomac River. To explore more about this region, search for an RV in Hagerstown and adventure the sights and sounds of the District of Columbia.

C&O Canal National Historical Park was established in 1961 by President Dwight D. Eisenhower to neglected areas of the Chesapeake and Ohio canal. When it …

Occupying almost 3500 acres, Codorus State Park is a wonderland of rolling hills, sun-dappled forests and scenic waterways. At the center of it all is shimmering Lake Marburg, where you can cast a line for bluegill, launch a kayak, or enjoy a scenic hike around the shoreline.

Beyond discovering the great outdoors, Codorus State Park is a fantastic jumping point for exploring sites that shaped the face of American history. To the east is the poignant Gettysburg National Military Park, while greater York County cradles historic railroads, 18th-century mansions and heritage museums.

At just one-hour from Baltimore and 2.5 hours from Philadelphia, Codorus State Park is a firm favorite with city dwellers in search of fresh air and Keystone State …