Five Points Organized Group Campground

camping moraine state park pa

### Introduction / Overview

For organized groups in Pennsylvania seeking an authentic and serene natural retreat, Five Points Organized Group Campground offers a unique and intimate camping experience. Tucked away within the sprawling beauty of Moraine State Park in Portersville, this campground provides a rustic setting designed specifically for groups to connect with nature and each other. It’s a destination that resonates deeply with those who appreciate the tranquility of the outdoors and the vast recreational opportunities that Lake Arthur provides.

Unlike larger, more amenity-rich campgrounds, Five Points focuses on a more traditional, primitive camping experience. It's an "out-of-the-way part of the lake, perched right on the shore," offering a sense of seclusion and direct access to the water's edge. This focus makes it particularly appealing for groups looking to truly disconnect and immerse themselves in the natural environment. As one long-time visitor fondly recalled, "Having grown up in the area this lake has been an intimate part of my life. In fact, it was formed when I was born! I believe I've made all of my major life decisions while sitting on its shores under the moonlight." This personal connection to the landscape speaks volumes about the peaceful and reflective atmosphere Five Points provides.

Operated as part of the Pennsylvania State Parks system, reservations for Five Points Organized Group Campground are essential and must be made in advance. This ensures that the site is exclusively available for your group, promoting a sense of privacy and dedicated space. If your organized group is seeking a straightforward, beautiful, and deeply connected experience with nature in the heart of Western Pennsylvania, Five Points offers an ideal backdrop for building camaraderie and creating lasting memories.

### Location and Accessibility

Five Points Organized Group Campground is strategically located on Five Points Rd, Portersville, PA 16051, USA. This address places it directly within the boundaries of Moraine State Park, one of Pennsylvania’s most beloved and expansive natural recreation areas. For Pennsylvania residents, its location offers both a sense of secluded natural beauty and relatively easy accessibility.

The campground’s position within Moraine State Park means it’s just a stone's throw from the iconic Lake Arthur. Access to the lake's shores is a defining feature, providing a direct gateway to boating, kayaking, fishing, and enjoying the water. While it's in a more "out-of-the-way" section of the park, as described, its overall location in Butler County, near major routes, makes it reachable for groups traveling from various parts of the state. Those familiar with Moraine State Park will appreciate being able to utilize the park's extensive trail system for hiking and biking, which are easily accessible from the campground area.

It's important to note that while it offers a rustic and secluded feel, the convenience of being within a well-maintained state park means essential services and attractions of the broader park are still within reach, albeit sometimes requiring a short drive. The blend of remote tranquility with the amenities of a large state park ensures that groups can enjoy both deep nature immersion and practical conveniences, making it an excellent choice for local Pennsylvanians.

### Services Offered

Five Points Organized Group Campground provides essential services geared towards a rustic group camping experience within a state park setting. Designed for organized groups, its offerings focus on facilitating a comfortable and functional base camp for an outdoor adventure.

• Rustic Group Tent Sites: The campground is specifically designated for rustic group tent camping. It is only available to organized groups, ensuring a communal yet private experience for your party.

• Fire Rings with Cooking Grates: Each campsite is equipped with a fire ring, complete with a cooking grate. This allows groups to enjoy traditional campfire cooking and gatherings, a fundamental aspect of the camping experience, as highlighted by a reviewer: "Great campsite with a nice fire ring with cooking grate..."

• Picnic Tables: Picnic tables are provided at each site, offering a convenient surface for meal preparation, dining, and group activities.

• Clean Bathrooms/Toilets: While rustic, the campground features clean bathrooms with toilets within walking distance of the campsites. This is a significant convenience for group camping. It's noted that non-flush toilets may be present, particularly during colder months when flush toilets might be closed due to freezing temperatures.

• Potable Water Access: Drinking water is available, typically through water wells or spigots, providing essential hydration for campers.

• Advanced Reservations Required: As a Pennsylvania State Park organized group campground, advanced reservations are mandatory. These reservations can typically be made up to 11 months in advance through the Pennsylvania State Parks reservation system.

It's important to remember that this is a primitive group camping area, so features like showers, electricity at sites, or sewage hookups are generally not available directly at the campsites. Campers should be prepared for a more self-sufficient experience while still benefiting from essential facilities provided by the state park.

### Features / Highlights

• Secluded Lakeside Setting: A significant highlight of Five Points Organized Group Campground is its tranquil and secluded location. Perched directly on the shore of Lake Arthur, it offers stunning water views and a peaceful environment away from the busier areas of Moraine State Park. This direct lakeside access is a major draw for water enthusiasts.

• Ideal for Organized Groups: The campground is specifically designed and exclusively available for organized groups. This ensures that your group has a dedicated space, fostering camaraderie and a sense of shared adventure without interference from individual campers.

• Access to Lake Arthur: Guests have unparalleled access to Lake Arthur for various water-based activities. While specific rentals aren't at the campground itself, the lake is perfect for boating (20 horsepower limit), kayaking, canoeing, and fishing. The presence of the lake is consistently highlighted as a cherished part of the experience by visitors, as one mentioned, "this lake has been an intimate part of my life."

• Rustic Charm with Essential Amenities: While offering a primitive camping experience, the availability of clean bathrooms within walking distance and fire rings with cooking grates provides a comfortable balance, ensuring that essential needs are met while maintaining a close-to-nature feel. "Great campsite with a nice fire ring with cooking grate...has clean bathrooms within walking distance," noted a happy camper.

• Proximity to Moraine State Park Trails: Being within Moraine State Park means groups have immediate access to miles of hiking and biking trails, allowing for extensive outdoor exploration and wildlife viewing.

• Scenic Beauty and Nature Immersion: The campground is surrounded by the natural beauty of Butler County, offering opportunities for birdwatching, stargazing, and simply enjoying the peaceful forest and lake environment.

• Community and Connection: While it’s for organized groups, the very nature of group camping fosters a strong sense of community and connection among participants, creating shared experiences and lasting memories in a beautiful setting.

### Promotions or Special Offers

As a facility operated by Pennsylvania State Parks, Five Points Organized Group Campground typically does not offer commercial "promotions" or "special offers" in the way a private campground might. State park campgrounds, including organized group sites, operate on a standardized fee schedule set by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR). The pricing for group sites is generally a flat rate per night, designed to accommodate a certain number of individuals within an organized group.

However, what can be considered a "benefit" or "value" for locals is the inherent affordability and consistent pricing that state parks offer, especially for group camping. These rates are often significantly lower than comparable private facilities, making them an excellent budget-friendly option for clubs, scout groups, church organizations, or family reunions within Pennsylvania.

Key points regarding reservations and potential "value":

• Standardized Pricing: Fees are set by the DCNR and are consistent across the state park system for similar types of sites. You won't find flash sales, but you'll benefit from reliable, accessible pricing.

• Advance Booking Window: While not a discount, the ability to reserve sites up to 11 months in advance is a significant "perk" for organized groups, especially for popular weekends or seasons. This allows ample time for planning and coordination.

• Exclusive Use: The "organized group" designation means your group has the site to yourselves, a valuable feature for privacy and tailored activities that might cost extra at other venues.

• Permits for Events: For larger or specific group activities that might require a special permit within the state park, the park staff can guide groups through the necessary procedures, which is a form of supportive service rather than a promotion.

Therefore, while there aren't traditional "buy one get one free" type promotions, the value of Five Points Organized Group Campground lies in its consistent affordability, exclusive group access, and integration into the vast recreational resources of Moraine State Park, all managed by the reliable Pennsylvania State Parks system.

### Contact Information

For organized groups interested in reserving a spot at Five Points Organized Group Campground, the primary method for inquiries and reservations is through the Pennsylvania State Parks system. Since this campground is part of Moraine State Park, direct contact with the park office or the state's reservation system is recommended.

While a direct phone number for the specific campground site might not be publicly listed, you can typically find contact information for Moraine State Park's main office, which can assist with group camping inquiries. Reservations are handled centrally by the Pennsylvania State Parks reservation system.

• Address: Five Points Rd, Portersville, PA 16051, USA (located within Moraine State Park)

• For Reservations and General Inquiries:

  • Visit the official Pennsylvania State Parks website and navigate to Moraine State Park's camping section or the organized group camping reservation portal.

  • Utilize the statewide Pennsylvania State Parks reservation phone number (if available for direct inquiries about Moraine State Park group sites).

It's crucial to remember that advance reservations are required, and walk-ins are generally not accommodated for this specific type of group site. Planning ahead and using the official state park channels for booking will ensure a smooth experience for your organized group.

### Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For organized groups across Pennsylvania, Five Points Organized Group Campground in Portersville offers an incredibly suitable and uniquely valuable camping experience. Its primary appeal for locals lies in its unparalleled access to the natural beauty and recreational opportunities of Moraine State Park and Lake Arthur. Being "perched right on the shore" of Lake Arthur means easy access for activities like kayaking, canoeing, and fishing, allowing groups to truly immerse themselves in the region's aquatic charms. This intimate connection to the lake is often a deeply cherished aspect of the local experience, as evidenced by a long-time visitor's reflection on making "major life decisions while sitting on its shores under the moonlight."

The campground's designation exclusively for organized groups is another key advantage for Pennsylvania-based clubs, scout troops, church groups, or large family gatherings. It provides a dedicated, secluded space that fosters community and shared experiences, allowing groups to tailor their activities without the distractions of a general public campground. While it offers a rustic and primitive feel, the presence of clean bathrooms with toilets and fire rings with cooking grates ensures a level of comfort that makes the outdoor experience accessible and enjoyable for various group members. The "clean bathrooms within walking distance" are a definite plus for maintaining comfort during a rustic outing.

Furthermore, booking through the reliable Pennsylvania State Parks system means transparent pricing and a well-managed environment, ensuring a predictable and positive experience. For Pennsylvanians looking for an affordable, authentic, and naturally rich setting to bring their group together for outdoor adventure, team-building, or simply a peaceful retreat, Five Points Organized Group Campground provides an ideal and memorable backdrop.

Five Points Organized Group Campground

Five Points Rd, Portersville, PA 16051, USA