Crooked Run Campground

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Introduction / Overview

For Pennsylvania residents seeking a truly comprehensive and beloved outdoor experience, **Crooked Run Campground** within Prince Gallitzin State Park in Patton, PA, stands out as a premier destination. This isn't just a place to pitch a tent; it's a vast, well-maintained hub for all kinds of outdoor activities, centered around the beautiful Glendale Lake. Many Pennsylvanians cherish fond memories of camping here for generations, with one reviewer stating they've been coming "since I was born" and consider it "the nicest campground in Pennsylvania." It’s a place where families return year after year, testament to its enduring appeal and the quality of the experiences it offers. The campground provides a diverse range of accommodations, from spacious tent and RV sites to charming cottages, ensuring there's an option for every type of camper. With a focus on cleanliness, convenience, and a wealth of recreational opportunities both on and off the lake, Crooked Run Campground consistently delivers a high-quality camping adventure. Whether you're an avid angler, a water sports enthusiast, a hiking aficionado, or simply looking for a relaxing family getaway, this state park campground is designed to meet your needs, all set within the stunning natural landscapes of central Pennsylvania.

Location and Accessibility

Crooked Run Campground is conveniently located at **233 Campground Road, Patton, PA 16668, USA**, situated within the expansive Prince Gallitzin State Park. The campground and cabins are specifically "off Beaver Valley Road," providing clear directional access once inside the park. For Pennsylvania residents, reaching this popular destination is relatively straightforward, as Prince Gallitzin State Park is nestled in Cambria County, making it accessible from various points across the state via major routes. The park is known for its rolling hills and picturesque landscapes, creating a scenic journey to the campground itself. Once at the campground, the layout is designed for ease of use, with "paved sites" that simplify parking and setup for both tents and trailers. While the park is vast, the campground area is well-signposted, guiding visitors efficiently to their reserved spots or cabins. Its central Pennsylvania location also offers reasonable proximity to larger towns for supplies, while still providing the immersive natural environment that campers seek. The combination of easy road access and well-organized internal pathways ensures a smooth arrival and comfortable navigation throughout your stay at this highly recommended Pennsylvania campground.

Services Offered

Crooked Run Campground offers a comprehensive array of services and facilities, making it an incredibly well-equipped destination for various camping styles and preferences. For Pennsylvania residents, these services enhance the overall comfort and enjoyment of their stay:

• **Extensive Campsites**: It boasts a substantial "398-site tent and trailer campground," with a variety of options including "some with electric hookups" and some with "full-hookup, which includes sewer, water, and electricity." Many sites are "paved" and "most are fairly level," each typically having a "table, fire ring and grill."
• **Cabin & Cottage Rentals**: The campground area features "three cottages and two deluxe cottages" as well as "ten modern cabins."
  • **Cottages**: These "sleep five people in bunk beds and has lights, outlets, and electric heat." They include a "porch, picnic table and fire ring."
  • **Deluxe Cottages**: These provide enhanced amenities, including a "small kitchenette with a mini-refrigerator, range, and microwave oven," in addition to lights, outlets, electric heat, bunk beds, porch, picnic table, and fire ring.
  • **Modern Cabins**: These are fully furnished with a "living area, kitchen and dining area, bathroom/shower, and two or three bedrooms" (sleeping six to eight people). They have "heat and air conditioning."
• **Camp Store**: A well-equipped "camp store (picture 2) with coin-operated laundry" is available, offering essentials, snacks, and potentially camping supplies. Reviews mention it's "one of the best!" and that they "delivered wood to your site."
• **Swimming Beach**: A "swimming beach" (guarded during peak season) provides a dedicated area for lake enjoyment and cooling off on warm days.
• **Boat Mooring & Rental**: The campground offers a "boat mooring area" for campers who bring their own watercraft, along with "boat rental" services, making it easy to get out on Glendale Lake.
• **Playgrounds**: Multiple "playgrounds" are available, providing entertainment for younger campers.
• **Restroom Facilities**: "Nice bathrooms for the most part" are available, including "showers, flush toilets," and "hot showers." Some reviews specifically praise the "clean and plentiful restrooms/shower rooms" and "excellent water pressure" in showers. Each of the seven main loops has its own shower house.
• **Sanitary Dump Stations**: "Sanitary dump stations" are available for RVs and trailers, though one review noted a "back-up at the dump stations" during peak times.
• **WiFi Access**: "Wi-Fi within the Crooked Run Campground for a fee" is available, and "cell service is fair in the area," though it can vary by site.
• **ADA Accessible Facilities**: "Cottages A and E are ADA accessible," and some campsites are also ADA accessible.
• **Pet-Friendly Options**: "Pets are allowed on certain loops" and in specific cabins (Cabins #1, #9, and #10).
• **Rustic Organized Group Tenting Site**: A "rustic tenting area may be reserved by organized adult and youth groups from Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day," offering picnic tables, restrooms, and drinking water nearby.

Features / Highlights

• **Premier Lake Access & Recreation**: Central to Crooked Run Campground's appeal is its direct relationship with Glendale Lake. It offers a "swimming beach," "boat mooring area," and "boat rental," making water activities incredibly convenient. The lake is a "favorite of anglers and boaters."
• **Diverse Accommodation Options**: From 398 "tent and trailer" sites (many with electric or full hookups) to "three cottages and two deluxe cottages" and "ten modern cabins," the campground caters to every camping style, from rustic to glamping. The cottages are available seasonally, while modern cabins are available year-round.
• **Family-Friendly Amenities**: "Playgrounds," a "camp store" (described as "one of the best!"), and generally clean "bathrooms" and "hot showers" ensure a comfortable and entertaining stay for families.
• **Long-Standing Tradition**: Many visitors have been "camping here since I was born," highlighting a strong legacy and a sense of belonging among returning campers. This multi-generational appeal speaks volumes about the enduring quality of the experience.
• **Well-Maintained Facilities**: Reviewers consistently praise the campground's upkeep, noting it's "well maintained" and has "nice bathrooms for the most part." Recent upgrades to bathhouses and the addition of electric hookups to some non-electric sites are mentioned.
• **Accessible Options**: With specific "ADA accessible" cottages and some accessible campsites and facilities, the campground strives to be inclusive for visitors with disabilities.
• **Varied Fishing Opportunities**: While one long-term camper noted changes in stocking (walleye replaced by northern pike), the lake still offers fishing for "walleye and crappie," as well as "rainbow trout, small and largemouth bass, catfish," and "crayfish." The flexibility to fish "year-round by boat or from shore" is a significant perk.
• **Paved and Level Sites**: The presence of "paved sites" that are generally "level" makes setting up tents and parking RVs much easier and more comfortable.
• **Seasonal Operation**: The campground operates from the "second Friday in April and closes the last Monday in October" for tent and trailer sites, while cabins are available year-round, offering flexibility for different camping seasons.

Promotions or Special Offers

As a state park campground, **Crooked Run Campground** at Prince Gallitzin State Park primarily operates under the standardized pricing structure set by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR). While specific, limited-time "promotions" in the commercial sense are not typically offered, the inherent value of a state park experience, combined with its extensive amenities, serves as its own compelling "special offer" for Pennsylvania residents. The availability of diverse accommodation types, from basic tent sites to deluxe cabins, allows campers to choose an option that fits their budget and comfort level. Furthermore, the inclusion of features like a guarded swimming beach, boat mooring, playgrounds, and well-maintained facilities within the standard reservation fee offers significant value compared to many private campgrounds. Any specific program discounts, such as those for senior citizens or specific state park passes, would be managed through the official DCNR reservation system. To inquire about current rates for campsites or cabin rentals, seasonal availability, or any specific park programs that might be running during your desired visit, Pennsylvania residents are encouraged to visit the official Pennsylvania DCNR website for Prince Gallitzin State Park or utilize the Reserve America platform for bookings. It's always advisable to book well in advance, especially for peak season and popular cabin rentals, to secure your preferred spot at this highly regarded Pennsylvania camping destination.

Contact Information

To plan your memorable camping trip or cabin stay at Crooked Run Campground within Prince Gallitzin State Park, Pennsylvania residents can use the following contact details:

Address: 233 Campground Road, Patton, PA 16668, USA

Phone: (814) 674-1007

Mobile Phone: +1 814-674-1007

For reservations, especially for specific campsites or cabins, it is highly recommended to utilize the official Pennsylvania State Parks online reservation system, typically found through the DCNR website or ReserveAmerica. This ensures you can view real-time availability and secure your preferred spot. Direct contact with the park office via phone can also provide valuable information regarding current park conditions, fishing updates, or specific facility details to help you plan your visit to this beloved Pennsylvania destination.

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For Pennsylvania residents, **Crooked Run Campground at Prince Gallitzin State Park** is an exceptionally suitable and highly recommended destination, offering a comprehensive and deeply cherished outdoor experience. Its long-standing reputation, with many families returning "since I was born," speaks volumes about its quality and family-friendly atmosphere. The sheer scale and diversity of its offerings, from 398 varied campsites (including full hookups and paved sites) to comfortable cottages and modern cabins, ensure there's a perfect fit for every local camper, whether you prefer primitive tent camping or a more luxurious cabin stay. The abundant amenities like a "swimming beach," "boat mooring area," "boat rental," and numerous "playgrounds" provide endless entertainment, particularly for families. The consistently "nice bathrooms" and "hot showers" contribute significantly to a comfortable camping experience. For anglers, despite changes in stocking, Glendale Lake remains a viable spot for various fish species. Its accessibility from across Pennsylvania, combined with the comprehensive services and the general sense of a "beautiful park" and "beautiful lake," make it an ideal choice for a convenient yet immersive getaway. Crooked Run Campground truly embodies the best of Pennsylvania's state park system, offering a reliable, enjoyable, and memorable outdoor adventure that generations of locals have come to love and appreciate.

Crooked Run Campground

233 Campground Road, Patton, PA 16668, USA