Raystown Lake

[PSUNYGNYY]

I was thinking of camping at Raystown Lake with the family during a football weekend as my daughter starts PSU main this fall. I’m curious if this is a good idea and how convenient it is to go to a game. I did see that there were DOGE cuts that may have affected if the lake will be staffed. Not in any way trying to start a political pissing match, although I’m sure I will. Just want to know if this is a cheaper and viable option to paying a grand for two nights in State College.

 

[Rip_E_2_Joe_PA]

I was thinking of camping at Raystown Lake with the family during a football weekend as my daughter starts PSU main this fall. I’m curious if this is a good idea and how convenient it is to go to a game. I did see that there were DOGE cuts that may have affected if the lake will be staffed. Not in any way trying to start a political pissing match, although I’m sure I will. Just want to know if this is a cheaper and viable option to paying a grand for two nights in State College.

This probably doesn't help you but love that place. Used many of the rain water management devices developed there in a few projects. I will be using one on my final project which I am working on now. I look forward to others feedback to your request.

 

[palmettolion]

Only thing I can offer, the mountain bike trails are pretty great.

 

[Little J]

Yep - the Allegripis trail system is a gem. There are a few other campgrounds in the State College area to consider. Might want to look into some of the rustic cabins. It all depends on your preferences. Easy to get to stadium from Raystown.

 

[creamery]

Stayed at 7 pts campground on Raystown but not for a game. . Beautiful. Some steep hills. About 1 hour from the stadium.

Give Greenwood furnace a look…

 

[GSPMax]

PSU has housekeeping cabins at Stone Valley Rec Area but I suspect they could very well be booked for the faĺl.
If you are full in for camping Poe Valley State Park and Black Moshannon State Park are both excellent and close by.

 

[GSPMax]

Also, Bald Eagle State Park is very close. DCNR operates a resort style lodge which is 1st rate.

 

[Ian]

PSU has housekeeping cabins at Stone Valley Rec Area but I suspect they could very well be booked for the faĺl.
If you are full in for camping Poe Valley State Park and Black Moshannon State Park are both excellent and close by.

The whole area… Happy Valley is an outdoor rec heaven. Campgrounds abound. Top trails everywhere. People are flocking to the area to escape the crowds, traffic, and chaos of the big cities. Total decompression in HV. Raystown is great. But PVSP, Black Mo, BESP, all over Rothrock, and areas north of Rt. 80 are awesome!

 

[Fayette_LION]

I was thinking of camping at Raystown Lake with the family during a football weekend as my daughter starts PSU main this fall. I’m curious if this is a good idea and how convenient it is to go to a game. I did see that there were DOGE cuts that may have affected if the lake will be staffed. Not in any way trying to start a political pissing match, although I’m sure I will. Just want to know if this is a cheaper and viable option to paying a grand for two nights in State Colalege.

Look at Canoe creek state park . I've stayed there for games. Really nice and quiet.

 

[Gitzit]

Raystown campgrounds close end of October, the Army Corps ones anyway. Trumps hiring freeze that's keeping them closed expires July 15 but he will probably keep it going. We had 2 campsites booked and paid for this summer totaling 1300.00 dollars they will have to pay us back.
Raystown resort is a large private campground on Raystown you could check with them. It would be a 1 hour and 15 minute drive from there though.
As someone else stated Greenwood Furnace has nice campground, and lots of hiking trails. Also, Whipple Dam is even closer to State College.

 

[palmettolion]

Yep - the Allegripis trail system is a gem. There are a few other campgrounds in the State College area to consider. Might want to look into some of the rustic cabins. It all depends on your preferences. Easy to get to stadium from Raystown.

Are there any other trails/ trail systems you'd recommend in Central PA? Just curious if there is somewhere else I need to ride the next time I'm home.

 

[87 Penn St8]

Raystown campgrounds close end of October, the Army Corps ones anyway. Trumps hiring freeze that's keeping them closed expires July 15 but he will probably keep it going. We had 2 campsites booked and paid for this summer totaling 1300.00 dollars they will have to pay us back.
Raystown resort is a large private campground on Raystown you could check with them. It would be a 1 hour and 15 minute drive from there though.
As someone else stated Greenwood Furnace has nice campground, and lots of hiking trails. Also, Whipple Dam is even closer to State College.

I've done Greenwood a few times for games with family/younger kids. Excellent spot and value- plus easy backdoor into State College from West on 26.

Decent fishing on the pond. I've caught trout every time by dropping straight down by the dam. Did a few games too with a buddy and my son. Good times.

My fatal flaw was underestimating the temperature drop in the mountains for a mid September game vs Navy under Bill O"Brien.

It was an unpredicted cold snap- but Wife froze. Shortly after we cut bait on a pre-paid spot vs Bama in the Rob Boldin game where they humiliated us. There had been crazy storms and flooding in SEPA so we bailed.

Game, set and match. We never returned : ) One thing to note re Greenwood is no alcohol allowed. That isn't to say it is not there....especially in the rvs....but definitely not the place to openly consume a lot at by your bonfire.

 

[jshell65]

Raystown Resort offers camping and they have a number of cabins, condos, yurts and park model style campers for rent. They also have the lodge which is like a hotel. They are open until the end of October.

 

[Obliviax]

Raystown Resort offers camping and they have a number of cabins, condos, yurts and park model style campers for rent. They also have the lodge which is like a hotel. They are open until the end of October.

I've heard the yurts are nice. I don't know about Raystown lake but I know people that go "Glamping" (Glamour Camping) and love them for families.

Yurt Camping in Central Pennsylvania | Lake Raystown Resort

Our first class yurts offer a perfect combination of luxury and nature at your doorstep.

rvcoutdoors.com

 

[joeaubie21]

Raystown campgrounds close end of October, the Army Corps ones anyway. Trumps hiring freeze that's keeping them closed expires July 15 but he will probably keep it going. We had 2 campsites booked and paid for this summer totaling 1300.00 dollars they will have to pay us back.
Raystown resort is a large private campground on Raystown you could check with them. It would be a 1 hour and 15 minute drive from there though.
As someone else stated Greenwood Furnace has nice campground, and lots of hiking trails. Also, Whipple Dam is even closer to State College.

Great place for fishing and family fun. Just shower before you go to any game!

 

[The Spin Meister]

I have a friend that goes to Raystown to fish for striped bass. They get pretty big. A couple guys charter there.

But the lake is unlimited horse power and the big boats kick up wakes in the summer. By fall should be much quieter.

 

[Phil's Rug]

Penn-Roosevelt state park is a nice little spot. Out past Geenwood Furnace and Whipple Dam

 

[Little J]

Are there any other trails/ trail systems you'd recommend in Central PA? Just curious if there is somewhere else I need to ride the next time I'm home.

Shingletown gap is/was a wild ride especially in muddy conditions.