Russell P. Letterman Campground

Hello, fellow Pennsylvanians! Are you dreaming of a relaxing outdoor getaway where you can truly unwind amidst nature's beauty, with the convenience of top-notch facilities and plenty of activities right at your fingertips? Look no further than Russell P. Letterman Campground, nestled within the expansive and picturesque Bald Eagle State Park in Howard, PA. This beloved state park campground offers an exceptional camping experience, blending natural tranquility with modern comforts, making it an ideal destination for families, couples, and solo adventurers across our great state.

Russell P. Letterman Campground is consistently lauded by visitors for its welcoming atmosphere, cleanliness, and the sheer abundance of recreational opportunities available within Bald Eagle State Park. Unlike some secluded, rustic campgrounds, this modern facility provides a balance, offering shaded sites with a "woodsy feeling" while maintaining open spaces and easy access. Imagine waking up to the sounds of nature, enjoying a delicious meal at your paved campsite, and then spending your day exploring a vast lake, sandy beach, and miles of scenic trails. The dedication of the DCNR staff to maintaining immaculate bathroom and shower houses further enhances the comfort of your stay. Whether you're looking to park your RV with full hookups, pitch a tent, or even stay in a cozy yurt or camping cottage, Russell P. Letterman Campground provides a variety of options at very reasonable prices, ensuring an enjoyable and hassle-free camping adventure for all Pennsylvania locals. It's a testament to the quality of Pennsylvania's state park system.

Russell P. Letterman Campground is conveniently located within Bald Eagle State Park, at Modern Campground Rd, Howard, PA 16841, USA. This prime location places it in Centre County, a beautiful region of Central Pennsylvania. The campground is situated along PA Route 150, between the towns of Milesburg and Lock Haven, making it remarkably accessible from various parts of the state.

For Pennsylvania residents, especially those in the central and eastern regions, reaching the campground is a straightforward journey. If you're traveling from Interstate 80, a major east-west artery across Pennsylvania, the park is easily accessed from Exit 158 (if coming from the west) or Exit 178 (if coming from the east), leading you directly onto PA Route 150. This direct highway access minimizes complicated rural routes, ensuring a relatively smooth drive for RVs and trailers. From cities like State College, Harrisburg, or Williamsport, the drive is manageable, making it an excellent choice for a weekend getaway or a longer vacation. Once inside Bald Eagle State Park, clear signage will guide you to Russell P. Letterman Campground. The convenience of its location, combined with the comprehensive amenities and natural beauty of a state park, makes it a highly appealing and accessible choice for Pennsylvania locals looking for quality outdoor recreation. Personal vehicle travel is the most practical way to reach the campground, allowing you to easily bring your camping gear and explore the vast park and surrounding areas.

Russell P. Letterman Campground, as a modern state park campground, offers an impressive array of services and facilities designed to cater to a wide range of campers, ensuring comfort and convenience during your stay:

• Modern Campsites: The campground features 94 modern campsites, including options for electric-only, full-service (electric, water, sewer), and non-hookup sites.
• Paved Parking Spurs: Each campsite boasts a paved parking spur, providing a level and stable surface for RVs and vehicles.
• Picnic Table & Fire Ring: Every site is equipped with a picnic table and a fire ring, perfect for outdoor dining and campfires.
• Flush Toilets & Warm Showers: The bathhouses are kept "immaculate by DCNR staff" and include flush toilets and warm showers, a significant comfort for campers.
• Sanitary Dump Station: A convenient sanitary dump station is available for RVs, making waste disposal hassle-free.
• Yurts: Two round, canvas and wood yurts are available, sleeping up to six people each, featuring electric heat, a cooking stove, refrigerator, beds, and a table and chairs.
• Camping Cottages: Four camping cottages are offered, sleeping up to five people, with wooden walls and floors, electric heat, lights, and outlets, bunk beds, and a porch. One deluxe cottage includes additional kitchen amenities.
• Amphitheater: The campground includes an amphitheater, likely used for interpretive programs, ranger talks, or entertainment.
• Volleyball Courts & Horseshoe Pits: Recreational facilities like two volleyball courts and horseshoe pits are available for camper enjoyment.
• ADA Accessible Sites & Lodging: Two campsites and one yurt are designed to accommodate people with disabilities, ensuring accessibility for all.
• Pet-Friendly Sites: Specific campsites are designated as pet-friendly, allowing your furry companions to join your adventure (check policies when booking).
• Potable Water: Drinking water spigots are available throughout the campground.

Russell P. Letterman Campground within Bald Eagle State Park is renowned for several key features and highlights that make it a standout choice for campers in Pennsylvania:

• Immaculately Maintained Facilities: A consistent highlight from customer reviews is the exceptional cleanliness and maintenance of the campground, particularly the "immaculate" bathroom and shower houses, which are diligently cared for by DCNR staff. This high standard of cleanliness significantly enhances the camping experience.
• Spacious and Well-Kept Sites: Campers appreciate the "large and well kept" campsites, noting that they are "fairly level and paved" and include a "small stone area," a picnic table, and a fire ring. The generous spacing ensures you are "not very close to your neighbor campers," providing a sense of privacy.
• Diverse Accommodation Options: Beyond traditional tent and RV sites (with both electric-only and full hookup options), the campground offers comfortable yurts and camping cottages. These alternative lodging options are perfect for those seeking a "glamping" experience or traveling without their own equipment.
• Proximity to Sayers Lake & Beach: The campground is less than a mile from the beautiful 1,730-acre Sayers Lake, offering a wide array of water-based activities. There's a sandy swimming beach, a nice boat launch, and even boat rentals available, making it easy to enjoy kayaking, motorboating, fishing, and swimming.
• Extensive Outdoor Recreation: Bald Eagle State Park itself is a hub for activity. Beyond the lake, visitors have access to over 14 miles of hiking and cycling trails (like the Foot Bridge Trail from Sycamore Loop or trails to the marina and beach from Oak Loop), ample fishing opportunities (with 23 miles of shoreline and an ADA-accessible pier), and wildlife viewing.
• Friendly and Quiet Atmosphere: Despite its popularity and numerous amenities, the campground maintains a "very friendly and quiet place to camp," fostering a peaceful and welcoming environment.
• Reasonable Prices: Campers consistently note that the "prices are very reasonable" for the quality of the sites and facilities offered at a Pennsylvania state park.
• Pet-Friendly Options: Designated pet-friendly sites ensure that furry family members can join the outdoor adventure, adding to the inclusive nature of the campground.

As a Pennsylvania State Park campground, Russell P. Letterman Campground operates under the pricing and reservation policies set by the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR). While they do not typically offer "promotions" in the commercial sense, their pricing is generally considered very reasonable for the quality of the facilities and the access to natural resources they provide.

However, campers can often find value through:

• Seasonal Rates: Prices may vary slightly depending on the season (peak summer vs. shoulder seasons like spring and fall), offering potential savings during less busy times.
• Mid-Week Stays: Weekday camping is often less expensive and less crowded than weekend stays, making it a great option for those with flexible schedules.
• Longer Stay Value: While not always a direct discount, booking for multiple nights (e.g., a full week) can sometimes offer better value per night than single-night bookings, though this depends on DCNR's specific rate structure.
• Senior & ADA Discounts: Pennsylvania State Parks may offer discounts for senior citizens or individuals with disabilities; it's always worth inquiring about these when making a reservation.
• Early Reservations: For popular sites, especially those with full hookups or yurts/cottages, the "promotion" is the ability to secure a spot by booking up to 11 months in advance through the state park reservation system.

For the most accurate and up-to-date information on rates, availability, and reservation policies, it is highly recommended to visit the official Pennsylvania State Parks website for Bald Eagle State Park or use their centralized reservation system.

For all inquiries, reservations, or to learn more about Russell P. Letterman Campground and Bald Eagle State Park, please use the following contact information:

• Address: Modern Campground Rd, Howard, PA 16841, USA (within Bald Eagle State Park)
• General Park Phone: (814) 625-2775 (Bald Eagle State Park Office)
• State Park Reservation Center: 888-PA-PARKS (888-727-2757) - Monday to Saturday, 7:00 AM to 5:00 PM

Reservations are highly recommended, especially for weekends, holidays, or during peak season, and can be made up to 11 months in advance through the Pennsylvania State Parks Reservation System (online or by phone). For specific questions about the campground's facilities or local conditions, contacting the Bald Eagle State Park office directly would be beneficial.

For Pennsylvania locals, Russell P. Letterman Campground at Bald Eagle State Park is an exceptional choice for a memorable outdoor adventure, perfectly balancing natural beauty with convenient amenities. Its location in Central Pennsylvania, with easy access from major highways, makes it a readily accessible retreat for residents across the state, minimizing travel time and maximizing relaxation.

The campground's strong reputation for being "friendly and quiet" immediately sets a welcoming tone, fostering a peaceful environment where campers can truly unwind. The "immaculate" bathroom and shower houses, a hallmark of Pennsylvania State Parks, provide a level of comfort and hygiene that enhances the overall experience. With spacious, paved sites, each equipped with a picnic table and fire ring, along with options for full hookups, tent sites, and even yurts or camping cottages, the campground caters to every type of camper and group size.

Beyond the campsite itself, the extensive offerings of Bald Eagle State Park, including the vast Sayers Lake for boating, swimming at the sandy beach, excellent fishing opportunities, and a network of hiking trails, ensure there's never a dull moment. Whether you're seeking a tranquil lakeside retreat, an active outdoor adventure, or a comfortable base for exploring the central PA region, Russell P. Letterman Campground provides it all at a very reasonable price. It represents the best of Pennsylvania's state park system, offering a clean, friendly, and activity-rich environment that locals will undoubtedly come to love and return to year after year.

Russell P. Letterman Campground

Modern Campground Rd, Howard, PA 16841, USA