Trailhead Campground Introduce
For outdoor enthusiasts and off-road adventurers in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Trailhead Campground stands as a unique and essential destination. Located in the rugged, scenic heart of Coal Township, this veteran-owned facility is more than just a place to pitch a tent or park an RV; it is a specialized basecamp designed specifically for those who live for the thrill of the trail. As the only campground in the region providing direct ride-in and ride-out access to the world-renowned Anthracite Outdoor Adventure Area (AOAA), it offers a level of convenience that is highly valued by the Pennsylvania off-roading community. The atmosphere here is one of shared passion, where the sound of engines and the smell of campfires create a distinctive "properly chill" vibe that resonates with visitors from across the state.
The spirit of Trailhead Campground is deeply rooted in its local surroundings. Set against the backdrop of Pennsylvania’s anthracite coal region, the grounds are surrounded by rolling hills and dense forests that showcase the natural beauty of Northumberland County. Whether you are navigating the rocky terrain of the AOAA in a Jeep, ATV, or dirt bike, or simply relaxing at your site after a long day of exploring, the campground provides a stable and welcoming environment. The management emphasizes a balance of freedom and responsibility, enforcing reasonable rules—such as a strictly monitored 5mph speed limit—to ensure that the park remains safe, quiet, and family-friendly for all guests. This commitment to maintaining a respectful community is a hallmark of the Pennsylvania camping experience found here.
Location and accessibility are the primary draws for Trailhead Campground. Situated at 4086 PA-125 in Coal Township, PA 17866, the campground is strategically positioned for easy reach from major Pennsylvania hubs like Harrisburg, Sunbury, and Pottsville. The entrance is designed to be inclusive, featuring wheelchair-accessible entry points and a dedicated accessible parking lot, ensuring that all members of the community can enjoy the facility. For those arriving with large rigs, the campground offers spacious pull-thru sites, some reaching lengths of up to 135 feet, designed to accommodate even the largest tow rig and trailer combinations without the need for difficult maneuvering. While the roads leading into the heart of coal country can be winding, the destination provides a level of trail access that eliminates the need to trailer vehicles between the campsite and the riding area.
Trailhead Campground provides a comprehensive range of onsite services tailored to the needs of modern campers and off-roaders. Recognizing that guests often arrive with a mix of equipment, the facility caters to both those seeking the comforts of an RV and those who prefer the simplicity of primitive tent camping. The staff is frequently praised by local users for their helpfulness, often going above and beyond—such as delivering firewood or assisting new arrivals with site setup—to ensure a positive experience. The focus here is on providing the essential infrastructure that allows the natural environment to take center stage.
- RV camping with dedicated electric hookups, including 30-amp and 50-amp options on select sites.
- Spacious tent sites available across the property, including shaded areas nestled within the woods.
- Large group sites designed for clubs or extended families, capable of accommodating up to 15 people.
- On-site parking that is designed to handle trailers and off-road vehicles alongside primary vehicles.
- Onsite services including the sale of firewood to prevent the spread of invasive species, per Pennsylvania state regulations.
- Staff-assisted check-in and guidance, especially valuable for those arriving during evening hours.
The features and highlights of Trailhead Campground reflect its dedication to providing a high-quality outdoor experience. The primary highlight is undeniably the "ride-in, ride-out" capability, which allows permit holders to access over 8,000 acres of AOAA trails directly from their campsites. For families, the campground is a haven; it is specifically noted for being "good for kids," with plenty of space for younger explorers to enjoy the woods safely. Pet owners will also find the park welcoming, as dogs are allowed, provided they are kept under control and respect the community environment. The layout of the sites—many of which feature picnic tables and fire rings—encourages a social yet private stay.
- Direct access to the Anthracite Outdoor Adventure Area (AOAA), one of the top off-road destinations in the United States.
- A veteran-owned and operated business, bringing a sense of order, pride, and community to the management style.
- Amenities including public restrooms, running water (via hand pump), and individual picnic tables at each site.
- Wheelchair-accessible facilities, including parking and entrance points, ensuring broad accessibility.
- Flexible site options including pull-thru, back-in, and double sites where friends can face their campers toward each other.
- Strict enforcement of safety rules, including helmet requirements for all OHV operators within the grounds.
To plan your stay or to learn more about site availability and seasonal rates, you can reach out to the management via their local or mobile phone lines. Given the campground's popularity with trail riders, it is highly recommended to book in advance, particularly for group sites or during peak foliage and event weekends in Coal Township.
Address: 4086 PA-125, Coal Township, PA 17866, USA
Phone: (570) 495-4453
Mobile Phone: +1 570-495-4453
When considering where to stay in the Northumberland County region, Trailhead Campground is worth choosing for its unmatched convenience and authentic Pennsylvania character. For the off-road community, the ability to unload your gear once and spend the rest of your trip on the trails is a massive logistical advantage. You save time, fuel, and the hassle of trailer management, allowing for more hours spent enjoying the diverse terrain of the AOAA. Furthermore, choosing a veteran-owned local business means supporting those who have served, and who now apply that same dedication to maintaining a clean, safe, and welcoming environment for their neighbors and visitors.
The "good for kids" atmosphere and pet-friendly policies make it a top choice for families who want to share their love of the outdoors. While the camping can be primitive in certain areas—encouraging guests to be self-sufficient with water and waste—the available electric hookups and the presence of helpful on-site staff bridge the gap for those who want a bit more comfort. The reasonable camping fees and the professional management of the grounds ensure that every guest can enjoy the beauty of the coal region without stress. Whether you are coming for the rock crawling, the scenic wooded trails, or just a quiet night by a fire with friends, Trailhead Campground provides the perfect foundation for a memorable Pennsylvania adventure.
Ultimately, the value of Trailhead Campground lies in its integration with the local landscape and the niche it fills for the adventuring public. It is a place built by enthusiasts, for enthusiasts, located right where the action is. For anyone looking to experience the best of Pennsylvania’s outdoor recreation, a stay at this Coal Township landmark is an excellent decision that places you exactly where the trail begins.
Location
Customer Reviews
Overall the campground is nice. They enforce a 5mph speed limit which helps cut down on dust and noise. The staff were super friendly. I’d like to see a few more toilets added. A few more signs would be helpful as well, we found it very hard to navigate our first time in. Once it got dark, I did see staff guiding people to their spots which was great. This place would be very hard to navigate at night especially with the lack of signage.I knew it was primitive camping going into it. Of course would love to see some wash stations a facilities added at some point.
Great place to camp while riding at AOAA, Staff is friendly and helpful. We had one of the staff deliver some wood and help start a fire. (not that I needed help, :) ) Their rules are reasonable and easy to follow so everyone has a safe time and the place stays open. We will book the group site again soon.
One of the best Father's day weekends yet with my son! Awesome camping, great trails at aoaa, great service, friendly staff and other campers as well!
The Camp was nicely graded, and other campers were respectful. However, the owner was very SHORT and RUDE. We stayed for 3 days, and I had a half dozen encounters with him. This was my first time so I did not know every detail like if our trailer is parked on the gravel in our space but slightly hanging over a spot that does not have rock you will be scolded. I was told there was additional parking for an extra car but when we came in at night and I did not see any parking signs. I did not want to just park in someone’s way, so I parked in the empty area right next to my camper. This was on Monday when there was nothing but empty camp sites for at least 10 spots. For this I was yelled at the next day and told I should be charged an extra $50. This was after I moved the car in the morning and went to him to confirm the car was where he wanted it. In all his rudeness, I did not respond in kind. I invited him to eat with my wife and children, but he did not accept. You will not get a "Welcome to the camp!" or even "Thank you for coming!". I know that it is necessary to have rules and be consistent, but you can always be respectful - especially to campers who are trying and willing to do whatever is asked. He made my children nervous, my wife uncomfortable, and me disappointed. This is our first bad appearance at a campground and unfortunately, will not be back.I read the owner reply and I guess if you cut trees that day, you can be rude and disrespectful. He was not sorry for being rude, just sorry we wrote about it. As expected, the response contained exaggerations and was a bit dishonest. With the exception of the last evening, we had permission to park in the adjacent spot. The kind renter who paid for the double lot next to us, offered us a parking spot because he was not using it. Yes, you did bring me the water tank that I paid for; Thank you again. In the review response, you said you informed me a couple times that I was not allowed to pressure was the bikes. However, you DID tell me that I COULD use the pressure washer to rinse them off the last day and that is what we did. No soap, no brushes, just rinse. Then you raced down to our site and scolded my child who was rinsing because he was taking too long. You yelled from your golf cart, "DON'T TAKE 4 HOURS, JUST RINSE!" The rinse of both quads and all 4 bikes may have taken 35 minutes because just 45 minutes before, we were still riding trails. The trails close at 5:30 and you scolded us just before 6pm. Again, we did not yell back, I just said “OK, my son is on the last bike to rinse, and we will shut it down.”Summery/corrections:- We had 4 motorcycles NOT 6.- We did have permission to use the power washer to rinse.- We did have permission to park in the lot next to ours for the first 2 days.- We did have a car parked in the next lot the night the previous owner moved out and immediately moved the car in the morning apologizing to the owner. “Instead of hearing, “No problem. Thanks for moving the car.” We heard, “I should charge you an extra $50.”- We did try to call the owner before writing this follow-up but unfortunately the rudeness continued. I wrote and honest review but was told that that I am just a negative person. I will take this to heart and try to make sure I post more positive reviews for other businesses that do show kindness and respect.
Loved it, perfect for an over night trip. No electric or water, but we were prepared. A single tent site was 20 dollars plus another 5 for a bundle of wood. Everyone was friendly. And you can ride from the site right to AOAA and ride.
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