Russell P. Letterman Campground

Russell P. Letterman Campground serves as the modern heart of Bald Eagle State Park, offering a high-quality outdoor experience for residents and visitors in the Howard, Pennsylvania region. Nestled within the expansive 5,900-acre state park, this campground is named after the late state representative who was a staunch advocate for Pennsylvania's natural resources. It is widely recognized by local campers for providing a balanced blend of "real" camping and modern convenience, making it a staple destination for those who want to enjoy the rugged beauty of the Bald Eagle Valley without sacrificing essential amenities. The campground is situated in a landscape dominated by the 1,730-acre Foster Joseph Sayers Reservoir and the rising ridges of Bald Eagle Mountain, creating a scenic backdrop that is quintessential to Central Pennsylvania.

For those living in Pennsylvania, the Russell P. Letterman Campground is more than just a place to park an RV; it is a gateway to the Pennsylvania Wilds. The atmosphere is professional yet relaxed, catering to a diverse demographic that includes dedicated birdwatchers, boating enthusiasts, and families looking for a weekend retreat. The campground is meticulously maintained by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), ensuring that the facilities meet the high standards expected of the Commonwealth’s state park system. Whether you are coming for the world-class fishing on Sayers Lake or to witness the majestic bald eagles that frequent the area, this campground provides a stable and comfortable home base for all your outdoor adventures.

Location and accessibility are among the top reasons locals choose Russell P. Letterman Campground. It is conveniently located at Modern Campground Rd in Howard, PA, easily accessible via PA 150. For those traveling from larger hubs, it is approximately 23 miles from State College and about a 15-minute drive from I-80, making it a practical choice for Penn State alumni during football weekends or families from the Bellefonte and Lock Haven areas. The campground is designed with inclusivity in mind, featuring a wheelchair-accessible entrance, dedicated accessible parking lots, and restrooms that meet ADA standards. The sites themselves are famously level and spacious, with paved spurs that simplify the setup process for trailers and motorhomes of various sizes.

The services offered at Russell P. Letterman Campground are comprehensive, designed to accommodate everything from primitive tenting to luxury RVing. The facility operates from the second Friday in April through mid-December, capturing the best of Pennsylvania’s spring, summer, and vibrant autumn seasons. Residents appreciate the flexibility of the site types, which range from basic electric sites to full-service hookups. The following services are provided to ensure a seamless stay:

• RV camping with multiple hookup configurations, including electric (30 and 50 amp), sewer, and water.
• Clean and modern shower houses with hot water and flush toilets.
• Potable running water available throughout the campground loops.
• On-site wash sinks specifically designed for dish cleaning, a favorite for tent campers.
• Firewood sales and ice availability to keep your campsite stocked without leaving the park.
• A sanitary dump station for RV waste management.
• Lodging alternatives including yurts and camping cottages for those without their own gear.
• Secure payment processing accepting credit cards, debit cards, and standard camping fees.

The features and highlights of this campground extend beyond the individual sites, integrating the natural assets of Bald Eagle State Park into the guest experience. The layout is divided into loops, such as the Sycamore and Oak loops, which provide a sense of community while maintaining enough space for privacy. The proximity to local attractions like the historic Curtin Village and the popular Twin Kiss ice cream shop adds a layer of local charm to the stay. Key highlights include:

• Direct access to over 14 miles of hiking trails, including kid-friendly paths and the scenic Butterfly Trail.
• Large, level picnic areas equipped with barbecue grills and sturdy picnic tables for family gatherings.
• A well-maintained children's playground located within the campground boundaries.
• Pet-friendly sites and trails, allowing well-behaved dogs to join the family vacation.
• Stellar star-gazing opportunities due to the park’s distance from major light pollution.
• Proximity to the park's 1,200-foot sand and turf beach and multi-lane boat launches.
• Educational amphitheater programs led by park rangers during the peak summer season.

To reach the campground or make inquiries regarding reservations, visitors can use the following contact information. It is highly recommended to book through the Pennsylvania State Parks reservation system, especially for holiday weekends or during the fall foliage peak.

Address: Modern Campground Rd, Howard, PA 16841, USA

Phone: (814) 625-2775 (Bald Eagle State Park Office)

What is worth choosing when it comes to the Russell P. Letterman Campground? If you are an RV owner, the "Full Hookup" sites are exceptionally worth choosing for their value and ease of use. These sites are widely praised by local users for being so level that traditional leveling blocks are often unnecessary, allowing you to begin your vacation almost the moment you park. For families, the camping cottages and yurts are excellent choices, providing a solid roof and electric heat, which is particularly useful during the crisp Pennsylvania spring and autumn nights. These options allow you to enjoy the "cabin life" with easy access to the modern bathhouses.

Furthermore, the campground is worth choosing because of its strategic location. It offers a "best of both worlds" scenario: you are immersed in a quiet, natural environment where you can hear the wind through the hardwoods, yet you are only a few miles away from the pizza shops and small-town conveniences of Howard. The cleanliness of the facility—from the shower houses to the dish-washing stations—remains a consistent point of pride for the staff and a primary reason why local families return year after year. Whether you are looking for a base to explore the Susquehanna Valley or a quiet spot to watch the sun set over the reservoir, Russell P. Letterman Campground stands as one of the most reliable and beautiful camping options in Central Pennsylvania.