Bellefonte / State College KOA Holiday Introduce
For those of us in the Keystone State, the region known as "Happy Valley" holds a special place in our hearts. Whether it is the roar of the crowd at Beaver Stadium or the historic charm of Victorian Bellefonte, Central Pennsylvania offers an unparalleled blend of excitement and serenity. Nestled right in the middle of this beautiful landscape is the Bellefonte / State College KOA Holiday, a premier destination that serves as the perfect home base for local families, alumni, and outdoor enthusiasts alike. This award-winning campground isn't just a place to park an RV; it is a full-scale resort experience designed to make the most of our beautiful Pennsylvania seasons.
From the perspective of a local user, the Bellefonte / State College KOA Holiday stands out for its commitment to providing a high-quality, "holiday" grade experience. As a KOA Holiday designation, this park is specifically equipped to handle both short-term stays for Penn State event weekends and longer family vacations. The grounds are meticulously maintained, featuring a mix of open, sunny spaces and shaded wooded areas that reflect the natural beauty of the Ridge-and-Valley province. For many Pennsylvania families, this has become an annual tradition—a place where the staff knows your name and the amenities are constantly being updated to ensure every visit is better than the last.
Location and Accessibility
Conveniently located at 2481 Jacksonville Rd, Bellefonte, PA 16823, the campground sits just minutes away from I-80 and I-99, making it exceptionally accessible for travelers coming from Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, or anywhere in between. Its proximity to State College means you are less than 15 minutes away from the Penn State University campus, allowing you to enjoy the vibrant energy of a college town during the day and retreat to a quiet, star-filled mountain setting at night. For those visiting during the winter or spring of 2025, it is important to note that local road construction on Jacksonville Rd may require using Exit 161 off I-80 for the smoothest approach.
Accessibility is a core value at this KOA. The facility provides a wheelchair-accessible parking lot and fully accessible restrooms and bathhouses, ensuring that all members of the family can navigate the park with ease. The campground’s layout includes wide, well-maintained gravel roads and level sites, which are essential for those operating larger motorhomes or trailers. Whether you are arriving in a small camper van or a 45-foot luxury coach, the entrance and site designs are optimized for stress-free arrival and setup.
Services Offered
- Full-service RV camping including premium patio sites with stone fire pits and high-quality outdoor furniture.
- RV hookups featuring individual electric (up to 50 amp), sewer, and water connections at most sites.
- Diverse lodging options including rustic Camping Cabins and upgraded Deluxe Cabins with full bathrooms and kitchenettes.
- Traditional tent camping sites for those who prefer a more classic, back-to-nature experience.
- Onsite services such as a fully stocked general store, propane refills, and firewood delivery.
- 24-hour laundry facilities and family-style bathhouses for maximum convenience during long stays.
- High-speed Wi-Fi and cable TV access at designated sites to keep you connected.
- Professional onsite management and a dedicated maintenance team to assist with any site needs.
Features and Highlights
- A resort-style heated swimming pool and a modern splash pad open from Memorial Day through Labor Day.
- A full-scale bike park on-site, featuring various elements and paths for all skill levels.
- Multiple playground areas designed to keep children of all ages active and entertained.
- The Black Bear Mining Sluice, where kids can discover gems and fossils just like a real prospector.
- A dedicated KampK9® dog park, ensuring that four-legged family members have a safe space to play off-leash.
- The massive "Jumping Pillow," a perennial favorite for children and the young at heart.
- Planned weekend activities including hayrides, arts and crafts, and themed seasonal events.
- Proximity to world-class fly fishing on Spring Creek and hiking trails in the nearby Bald Eagle State Park.
Contact Information
For reservations or specific inquiries about Penn State football weekend availability, you can reach the office directly. Please be aware that special event weekends (like graduation or home games) often require advanced booking and have specific cancellation policies.
Address: 2481 Jacksonville Rd, Bellefonte, PA 16823, USA
Phone: (814) 355-7912
Reservations: 1-800-562-8127
What is Worth Choosing
When deciding where to stay in the State College area, the Bellefonte / State College KOA Holiday is worth choosing for its unmatched variety of amenities. While some campgrounds offer only a place to sleep, this KOA offers a community. It is the ideal choice for families who want to ensure their children are never bored—between the bike park, the jumping pillow, and the splash pad, there is enough activity to fill an entire weekend without ever leaving the grounds. For those attending games at Penn State, the campground offers a social atmosphere that rivals the best tailgates, but with the added comfort of a private fire ring and a hot shower waiting for you at the end of the night.
Furthermore, the Deluxe Cabins are a standout choice for those who want the camping experience without the "roughing it" part. These cabins provide a comfortable, climate-controlled environment that is especially appreciated during the crisp Pennsylvania autumn or the humid peaks of summer. For pet owners, the inclusion of KampK9® and the overall pet-friendly culture means your dog is treated as a guest, not an afterthought. Choosing this KOA means choosing reliability; you know the facilities will be clean, the staff will be helpful, and the memories will be lasting. It is a local gem that truly represents the best of Central Pennsylvania hospitality.
Would you like me to create a customized itinerary for a three-day weekend at the Bellefonte KOA, including the best local spots for Berkey Creamery ice cream and historic Bellefonte tours?
Location
Customer Reviews
We booked a cabin to come up and visit Penn State with our son with plans to stay the weekend and see the football game. 3 weeks prior, we found out our son's team might qualify for states. I called the campground and was informed by the staff that we could cancel up to one week prior to our dates. We found out we had to cancel 10 days prior, and I called the campground to amend our reservations. I was informed we actually needed 2 weeks notice and we were given poor information. I emailed the owner about the situation and explained everything. Within 5 minutes, I got an email back saying sorry but you signed the cancellation agreement so they would not offer us anything.While I did sign the cancellation agreement, I would have hoped for some consideration given their staff providing erroneous information to me. I would have hoped the owner would work with me on something (some portion of refund, credit for a future stay, etc.), but apparently repeat business is not a priority. My wife tried again when we checked out early with the manager, but received a very cold response then as well.As for the campground, it is well maintained. The cabins are VERY small and the floorplans online do not prepare you for how little space is in them. We would definitely have used them again for a larger cabin had we received better customer service.
The owner Casey and the rest of the staff at KOA have gone above and beyond for us and our family for over seven years. We come the same week every year and every year Casey, the owner, is constantly on the ground working on improvements and making sure the campers are happy and accommodated. He hires people who follow the same moral tactic he has instilled in this campground. It’s truly a wonderful place and our family truly enjoys gathering here every year. The amount of memories the KOA campground has provided us is nothing short of incredible. Thank you KOA for another amazing year in the books. See you next year!
Our family had an awesome time staying at this KOA campground on a recent visit to Penn State. All the hotels closer to Penn State were full… So we stumbled upon this option. We will probably look at staying in this campground cabins as a primary option. next time we go to Penn State!Thank you, Casey and team!
Beautiful campground. Spotless, and quiet. My teen boys enjoyed the fishing pond and bike course. We did the nearby Penns Cave and Wildlife tour which was awesome, and had dinner in the lovely historic Bellefonte. Koa staff was very friendly, we really enjoyed our trip.
Best campground I’d ever stayed in. Clean, quiet, bathrooms were spacious, plenty of hot water. People had dogs, but none of them barked. It was a pleasure to stay here. Will be back.
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