Crooked Run Campground

Crooked Run Campground stands as a hallmark of the Pennsylvania state park experience, nestled within the expansive 6,467-acre Prince Gallitzin State Park in Patton. Known to generations of local families as one of the premier outdoor destinations in the Commonwealth, this campground offers a harmonious blend of forested seclusion and waterfront recreation. The park is situated on the Allegheny Plateau, where the rolling hills cradle the stunning 1,635-acre Glendale Lake. For residents of Central Pennsylvania, Crooked Run is more than just a place to pitch a tent; it is a seasonal tradition where the air is filled with the scent of pine and the sound of lakeside breezes.

The campground is vast and professionally managed, featuring nearly 400 campsites that cater to every type of outdoor enthusiast. From the moment you enter, the park’s dedication to maintaining a clean, safe, and welcoming environment is evident. The loops are thoughtfully designed to provide varying levels of privacy, with many sites offering direct views of the water or deep immersion into the mature hardwood forests. Whether you are looking for a weekend getaway to fish for northern pike or a week-long family reunion centered around the swimming beach and playgrounds, Crooked Run Campground provides the infrastructure and natural beauty to make every trip memorable.

Location and Accessibility are key advantages for visitors from the Pennsylvania region. The campground is located at 233 Campground Road, Patton, PA 16668, easily accessible via PA Routes 36 and 53. For those traveling from Altoona, Johnstown, or State College, the drive is relatively short and scenic, winding through the charming rural landscapes of Cambria County. The facility is committed to inclusivity, offering a wheelchair-accessible entrance, accessible parking lots, and specialized restroom and shower facilities to ensure that all Pennsylvanians can enjoy the great outdoors without barriers. The well-paved roads within the campground make it easy for large RVs and trailers to navigate the various loops safely.

Services Offered at Crooked Run Campground are extensive, designed to provide a "home away from home" experience for seasonal and short-term campers alike. The management emphasizes convenience through onsite services that reduce the need for frequent trips into town. Residents can take advantage of the following services:

• Full-service RV camping sites equipped with electric, water, and sewer hookups for maximum comfort.
• Traditional tent sites located in beautifully forested areas for a more rustic experience.
• A well-stocked camp store that offers essentials such as firewood, ice, snacks, and basic camping gear.
• Coin-operated laundry facilities available within the campground for long-term guests.
• Hot, high-pressure public showers and clean restroom facilities maintained daily by park staff.
• Wi-Fi access available within the campground area for a small fee, allowing for connectivity in the wilderness.
• Secure payment processing that accepts all major credit and debit cards for reservations and onsite purchases.

Features and Highlights of the campground make it a versatile hub for both relaxation and high-energy activities. The integration with Glendale Lake means that water-based recreation is always the centerpiece of a stay here. Key highlights include:

• Immediate access to Glendale Lake with its 26 miles of shoreline, perfect for sailing, kayaking, and motorboating.
• A dedicated swimming beach for campground guests, featuring guarded areas during the summer season.
• Extensive hiking trails, including the 1.5-mile Crooked Run Trail which meanders through hemlock forests and marshes.
• Family-friendly amenities such as modern playgrounds, swings, slides, and a volleyball court.
• Dedicated cycling lanes and the "Humps & Bumps" biking area, which are favorites for local children and teenagers.
• Individual site features including a heavy-duty barbecue grill, a picnic table, and a fire ring for evening gatherings.
• A pet-friendly atmosphere where dogs are allowed at designated campsites, making it easy to bring the whole family along.
• Regularly scheduled family activities and educational programs led by park rangers during peak weekends.

For those ready to plan their next adventure at Prince Gallitzin, Contact Information is vital for securing a spot in this popular destination. The campground office can be reached directly at (814) 674-1007. For general park inquiries or to speak with a ranger, the main office number is +1 814-674-1007. The physical address for GPS navigation is 233 Campground Road, Patton, PA 16668, USA. Reservations are highly recommended, especially for holiday weekends, and can be made up to 11 months in advance through the Pennsylvania State Parks reservation system.

What is worth choosing at Crooked Run Campground is the unparalleled access to diverse habitats and recreational diversity. If you are an angler, it is worth choosing for the chance to fish the sprawling waters of Glendale Lake, which is well-known for its crappie and northern pike. For families, the campground is worth choosing because of the sense of safety and the variety of "kid-friendly" infrastructure—from the sandy beach to the exercise stations along the trails. The ability to choose between a fully-modern RV site and a secluded tent spot allows visitors to tailor their experience to their specific needs.

Furthermore, the campground is a top choice for those who value the legacy of Pennsylvania’s natural heritage. Many visitors return year after year, occupying the same sites where their parents and grandparents once stayed. This deep-rooted community feel, combined with modern upgrades like Wi-Fi and updated bathhouses, ensures that Crooked Run remains a top-tier destination. Whether you are seeking a quiet weekend of birdwatching near the peninsula or an active holiday of boating and cycling, choosing Crooked Run Campground means choosing the very best of what the Pennsylvania state park system has to offer.