Camping Near Penn State: A Local's Guide

Camping Near Penn State: A Local's Guide

If you are planning a trip to Happy Valley, whether for a Penn State football weekend, a fall foliage getaway, or a summer visit to Penn's Cave, Bellefonte / State College KOA gives you a home base with quick access to campus and to Central Pennsylvania's best attractions.

Where Happy Valley Camping Begins

Set on more than 70 acres in the Alleghenies, the campground sits just 17 miles or about a 25-minute drive to downtown State College and Beaver Stadium, close enough to catch the game and still be back at camp for a fire. It is also right in the middle of Pennsylvania's Ridge-and-Valley region, surrounded by state forests, farmland, and small-town charm. Get directions and check-in details on our general information page, and use our campground map to get familiar with the property before you arrive.

Camping for Penn State Game Days

Penn State football turns State College into one of the busiest college towns in the country every fall, and having a campsite nearby means skipping the downtown hotel scramble and the parking headaches. Whether you are tailgating with a group or just here for the atmosphere, a site at Bellefonte / State College KOA gives you a relaxed place to land before and after the game. For the current season's schedule and ticket information, visit Penn State's official athletics site. For details on what is happening at the campground during game weekends, including Football Seasonal camping packages, check our events page.

Beyond the Stadium: Local Things to Do

Central Pennsylvania has plenty to explore beyond campus. Stroll through Victorian-era Bellefonte, just minutes away, with its historic downtown and Talleyrand Park along Spring Creek. Nature lovers can head to Bald Eagle State Park or take the short drive to Penn's Cave & Wildlife Park, one of the only all-water caverns in the country. For more ideas, visit our local area guide.

On-Site Amenities for Every Kind of Camper

Back at the campground, there is plenty to keep the whole group entertained between adventures. The bike park, jumping pillow, and fishing pond are popular with families, and the Black Bear Mining Sluice is a fun stop for anyone hoping to find a gem or two. Just relax at your site and take in the mountain scenery. See the full list of amenities and recreation options on site.

Choosing the Right Way to Stay

However you like to camp, there is a site built for it. RV Sites offer full hookups for rigs of every size, Deluxe Cabins and lodging give you a comfortable, home-like option with real beds and private bathrooms, and Tent Sites keep it classic for campers who want to sleep under the trees. Planning to stay a while? Ask about our extended stay options for guests who want to settle in for a longer visit, or the whole football season. Traveling with a group? Check out our group camping options for reunions, sports teams, and more.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far is Bellefonte / State College KOA from Beaver Stadium?

The campground is just a short drive (17 miles or about a 25-minute drive) from Beaver Stadium and downtown State College, making it an easy home base for Penn State game days without the downtown traffic and parking.

Is the campground open during Penn State football season?

Yes. The campground is open through the fall, including football season, and offers both short-term camping and Football Seasonal packages for guests who want to lock in a site for the whole season. Visit our events page for current details.

What amenities are available on site?

Guests have access to a bike park, jumping pillow, seasonal swimming pool, fishing pond, and the Black Bear Mining Sluice, along with the full list on our amenities page.

What is nearby besides Penn State?

Victorian Bellefonte, Talleyrand Park, Bald Eagle State Park, and Penn's Cave & Wildlife Park are all a short drive away. See our local area guide for more.

What types of sites are available?

The campground offers RV sites, cabins and lodging, and tent sites, so there is an option for every kind of camper.

Ready to plan your visit? 

Reserve your site at Bellefonte / State College KOA today.

Share This: