Putts Campground

Welcome to Putts Campground, a truly unique and "remote but amazing" camping destination located directly on the beautiful Raystown Lake, near Saxton, Pennsylvania. For residents across the Keystone State who yearn for a genuine outdoor experience, far from the hustle and bustle, Putts Campground offers a back-to-basics approach that truly connects you with nature. This isn't your average commercial campground with extensive amenities; instead, it's a primitive, waterfront group tenting area that celebrates the tranquility and natural beauty of its surroundings. Operated and maintained by the Friends of Raystown Lake, Putts Campground embodies a love for the outdoors and a commitment to preserving the "old Boy Scout camp" spirit. This article aims to provide a clear, engaging, and informative overview of Putts Campground, highlighting what makes it a suitable and inviting destination for local users in the Pennsylvania region.

Pennsylvania is a state rich in natural beauty, offering vast forests, rolling mountains, and impressive waterways. Raystown Lake, in particular, is a crown jewel for outdoor enthusiasts, renowned for its clear waters and surrounding untouched landscapes. Putts Campground capitalizes on this prime location, providing a secluded yet accessible spot for groups looking to immerse themselves in the Raystown experience. It caters to those who find joy in simplicity, where the rustle of leaves and the lapping of lake water are the primary soundtracks, and shared experiences around a campfire become cherished memories.

Understanding the specific nature of a primitive campground like Putts is essential for prospective visitors. We will delve into its location and accessibility, acknowledging its remote character while emphasizing its connection to the lake. We'll outline the services and facilities available, which, while basic, are thoughtfully designed to enhance a rustic outdoor adventure. Furthermore, we'll highlight the key features that define its unique appeal, drawing from available public data and valuable insights from real customers who have experienced its charm. This detailed guide aims to equip Pennsylvania residents with all the necessary information to determine if Putts Campground aligns with their desire for an authentic, nature-immersive camping getaway.

As you explore the specifics of Putts Campground, you'll discover that its allure lies not in luxury, but in its serene setting, its direct access to Raystown Lake, and the dedication of its hosts, who "couldn’t be more gracious and clearly love the old Boy Scout camp." It's a place where the simplicity of camping is celebrated, offering a refreshing contrast to more developed recreational sites.

Putts Campground is uniquely situated north of mile marker 26 on Raystown Lake, with an address associated with Saxton, PA 16678, USA. This places it in Huntingdon County, Central Pennsylvania, renowned for its scenic beauty and outdoor recreation, particularly centered around Raystown Lake. For residents across Pennsylvania, especially those seeking a truly immersive natural experience, this location offers a genuine escape.

While the reviews correctly note that the "road leading to the camp is a little rough" and that the camp is "Remote," this is part of its charm, ensuring a secluded and peaceful environment. Access is possible by foot via the Terrace Mountain Trail, for the adventurous, or by vehicle along a "limited access road." It's important for visitors to be prepared for rural roads, especially since GPS might not always be reliable in these mountainous areas. The distance from Saxton to the access gate is approximately 3 miles, and then 3.4 miles from the access gate to the camp itself.

Despite its remote feel, Putts Campground's location directly on Raystown Lake is its greatest asset. The lake is a hub for boating, fishing, swimming, and paddling, all of which are directly accessible from the campground's "premier waterfront access" of 300 yards. The camp is bordered by Rothrock State Forest, offering extensive opportunities for hiking and exploring the natural surroundings. While the camp itself provides a primitive experience, more developed amenities like paddle boat rentals, motor boat rentals, restaurants, and a water park are within hiking distance at the nearby Lake Raystown Resort or the Seven Points Recreation Area. This blend of secluded natural beauty with proximity to significant recreational resources makes Putts Campground an ideal choice for Pennsylvanians looking for an authentic, yet adventurous, outdoor retreat.

• Group Primitive Camping: Putts Campground is primarily a "primitive, waterfront group tenting area," making it ideal for organized groups such as families, friends, or other associations. It's open to all groups for reservation.

• Campsite Availability: The camp covers 26 acres of open fields, wooded areas, and shoreline, offering eight designated campsites: five wooded, two field, and one waterfront. This provides options for different camping preferences.

• Water Access: Hand pumps provide access to water, reinforcing the primitive camping experience while ensuring essential hydration.

• Vault Toilets: The campground features vault toilets (pit toilets), offering basic restroom facilities in line with its primitive nature.

• Picnic Shelter: A spacious picnic shelter with a hand-built fireplace is available, capable of accommodating large groups, making it suitable for communal gatherings and meals.

• All-Faith Chapel: The presence of an all-faith chapel provides a dedicated space for reflection or worship, catering to the spiritual needs of campers.

• Adirondack Shelters: Two newly constructed Adirondack shelters are available for lodging, providing a rustic, open-fronted shelter option. These can be rented for an additional fee.

• Boat Launch Access: The campground offers "plenty of space to launch canoes and kayak," providing direct water access for paddlers.

• Solar Electric System: In 2022, a solar electric system was installed, indicating a commitment to sustainable practices and potentially providing limited power for communal needs.

• Direct Raystown Lake Access: The most significant highlight is its direct "waterfront access" to Raystown Lake, allowing for immediate enjoyment of swimming, fishing, and paddling. Being "right on Raystown Lake" is a major draw.

• Secluded & Peaceful Environment: Described as "remote but amazing," the campground offers a quiet and tranquil setting, ideal for those seeking to disconnect and immerse themselves in nature.

• Gracious Hosts: Reviewers consistently praise the hosts, noting they "couldn’t be more gracious and clearly love the old Boy Scout camp," fostering a welcoming and supportive atmosphere.

• Well-Maintained Facilities: Despite its primitive nature, facilities are "well maintained," ensuring cleanliness and functionality for campers.

• Opportunity for Winter Camping: Putts Camp is open year-round, offering the unique experience of "winter camping" for the adventurous.

• Adjacent to Hiking Trails: The camp is bordered by Rothrock State Forest and can be accessed by foot on the Terrace Mountain Trail, providing direct access to extensive hiking opportunities.

• Spacious Grounds: Covering 26 acres of varied terrain, the campground offers ample space for groups to spread out and enjoy their surroundings.

• "Old Boy Scout Camp" Charm: The camp retains the nostalgic appeal of its origins, offering a classic, rugged camping experience that many find appealing.

As a primitive group camping area operated by the Friends of Raystown Lake, a non-profit organization, Putts Campground does not typically offer commercial "promotions" in the traditional sense. Its pricing structure is set to support the maintenance and operation of the camp.

The fee to stay at Putts Camp is $3.00 per person per night, with a minimum fee of $50.00 per stay. There is an additional $50.00 reservation fee, which is refunded upon satisfactory inspection of the camp after your stay or if cancellation occurs at least one week prior to arrival. This transparent pricing model focuses on providing an affordable and accessible outdoor experience for groups.

For specific details on booking, availability, and any particular requirements for group reservations (such as a Certificate of Insurance from a local council for Boy Scout Troops or a signed "Agreement of Use"), prospective campers in Pennsylvania should directly contact the Friends of Raystown Lake or Putts Campground. While there may not be "special offers," the value lies in the unique, remote, and well-maintained primitive camping experience at a reasonable group rate.

For those interested in booking a stay at Putts Campground, inquiring about group reservations, or seeking more detailed information about the camp's policies and facilities, please use the following contact details:

• Address: RR 1, James Creek, PA 16657, USA (Note: While the mailing address is James Creek, the camp is closer to Saxton and on Raystown Lake)

• Phone: (814) 635-3235

• Mobile Phone: +1 814-635-3235

Direct communication with the Friends of Raystown Lake, who operate Putts Campground, is the most effective way to obtain the most current and comprehensive information regarding bookings, specific site details, and any guidelines for your group's stay.

Putts Campground offers a profoundly suitable and distinctive camping experience for locals in the Pennsylvania region, particularly for those who appreciate the raw beauty of the outdoors and seek a meaningful escape. Its suitability stems from several key attributes that resonate deeply with the spirit of adventurers and nature lovers across the state.

Firstly, its "remote but amazing" setting on Raystown Lake is a major draw. For Pennsylvanians yearning to disconnect from urban noise and immerse themselves in natural tranquility, Putts offers an unparalleled opportunity. Being "right on Raystown Lake" provides direct access to one of Pennsylvania's premier waterways, ideal for fishing, swimming, kayaking, and canoeing. This immediate connection to the water, coupled with the surrounding Rothrock State Forest and its hiking trails, makes it an idyllic playground for outdoor enthusiasts.

Secondly, Putts Campground embraces a primitive group camping philosophy, which is perfect for clubs, organizations, families, or groups of friends who prefer a more authentic and self-reliant outdoor adventure. The provision of spacious sites, hand-pumped water, and vault toilets reinforces this back-to-basics approach, allowing campers to truly connect with nature without the distractions of over-commercialization. This focus on essential amenities and a respectful coexistence with the environment appeals to those who understand and appreciate true wilderness camping.

Furthermore, the dedication of the hosts, who "couldn’t be more gracious and clearly love the old Boy Scout camp," adds a personal touch that enhances the experience. This passion for the camp's heritage and its natural surroundings translates into a well-maintained and welcoming environment, even in its rustic form. Knowing that the camp is operated by the Friends of Raystown Lake, a non-profit, also provides reassurance that the focus is on conservation and community benefit rather than purely commercial gain.

The unique availability for winter camping also offers adventurous Pennsylvanians a chance to experience the serene beauty of the lake in a different season, making it a year-round destination for hardy enthusiasts. While the access road might be a "little rough," this contributes to its secluded charm, ensuring that those who seek true wilderness will find it here.

In conclusion, Putts Campground is ideally suited for Pennsylvania locals who are passionate about outdoor adventure, value a strong connection with nature, and prefer a primitive, group-oriented camping experience. It offers an authentic, remote, and highly rewarding retreat on the shores of Raystown Lake, providing countless opportunities for cherished memories amidst the stunning landscapes of Central Pennsylvania.

Putts Campground

Saxton, PA 16678, USA