How much does camping cost at Locust Lake State Park?

Camping fees at Locust Lake State Park range from $23-$33/night. Prices may vary by site type (standard, hookup, premium) and season. Book online to see exact pricing for your dates.

Is Locust Lake State Park first-come first-served or reservation?

Locust Lake State Park accepts online reservations. We recommend booking in advance, especially during peak season (typically summer weekends). Use campsite alerts to get notified when spots become available.

Can I see photos of campsites at Locust Lake State Park before I book?

Yes! Locust Lake State Park has 2 campsite photos on Outdoorithm, contributed by campers who've stayed there. Browse real photos of individual sites to see what to expect before you reserve. You can also add your own photos after your trip to help the next family plan theirs.

What is the best time to visit Locust Lake State Park?

Locust Lake State Park is open Peak season appears to align with summer months; no specific dates provided.. The best time to visit depends on your preferences—summer offers the warmest weather and most activities, while spring and fall provide fewer crowds and milder temperatures. Check current conditions before your trip.

Are there showers at Locust Lake State Park?

Yes, Locust Lake State Park has shower facilities available for campers. Check the amenities section for details on hours and any fees.

Can I have a campfire at Locust Lake State Park?

Fire policies at Locust Lake State Park: Campfires are permitted within designated fire rings; firewood can be purchased nearby.. Always check current fire restrictions before your trip, as conditions change seasonally.

How many campsites does Locust Lake State Park have?

Locust Lake State Park has 280 campsites. Sites vary in size, privacy, and amenities. Check availability online to find the best site for your needs.

Are dogs allowed at Locust Lake State Park?

Yes, pets are allowed at Locust Lake State Park. Dogs must typically be kept on a leash (usually 6 feet or shorter) and under control at all times. Be sure to clean up after your pet and check for any breed or size restrictions.

What amenities are available at Locust Lake State Park?

Locust Lake State Park offers: Restrooms, Showers, Potable Water, Dump Station, Electrical Hookups, Pets Allowed, Camp Store. See our detailed campground page for the full list of facilities and features.

What activities can I do at Locust Lake State Park?

Popular activities at Locust Lake State Park include Hiking, Fishing, Swimming, Biking, Boating, Wildlife Viewing, Beach Activities. The surrounding area offers plenty of outdoor recreation opportunities for all skill levels.

Locust Lake State Park

4.42

435 reviews

c/o Tuscarora State Park, BARNESVILLE, Pennsylvania, 18214, United States

Family FriendlyScenic ViewsSummer Destination

Featured in:Best Campgrounds Pennsylvania

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,263 ft

Price

$23 - $33/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

280 campsites

Season

The campground is op...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

ElectricShowers

Book on Pennsylvania State Parks Official Website

Get Directions

Real-Time Availability

Select a month, then check for open campsites

Quick Facts

1,263 ft

Price

$23 - $33/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

280 campsites

Season

The campground is op...

Cell

Unknown

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

ElectricShowers

Book on Pennsylvania State Parks Official Website

Get Directions

Locust Lake State Park

$23.00 - $33.00 / night

Campsite Fees

User reviews mention campsite fees ranging from $23 to $33 per night depending on amenities. Additional costs such as $5 per bundle of firewood are...

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Campground Map

c/o Tuscarora State Park, BARNESVILLE, Pennsylvania, 18214, United States

Locust Lake State Park

c/o Tuscarora State Park, BARNESVILLE, Pennsylvania, 18214, United States

Nearby places

Hometown (2 miles), Tuscarora State Park (6 miles), Tamaqua (8 miles), Mahanoy City (3 miles), Pottsville (7 miles)

Nearby supplies

Within 10 miles: nearest camp store, groceries, laundromat, and fuel stores. Inside the campground, a food concession/store sells essentials like firewood, basic groceries, bait, and ice cream.

Driving directionsFrom I-81 northbound, take Exit 131B, cross under the I-81 overpass and make an immediate left turn toward New Boston. Travel 1.1 miles to a left turn, follow signs. (Left turn is also signed.) From I-81 southbound, take Exit 131A, left turn then travel 1.0 miles to a left turn, follow signs. (Left turn is also signed.) TWO MILES SW OF EXIT 131A (HOMETOWN) OF I-81; SIX MILES WEST OF TUSCARORA STATE PARK; EIGHT MILES WEST OF TAMAQUA; THREE MILES SOUTH OF MAHANOY CITY; SEVEN MILES NORTH OF POTTSVILLE.

Road access appears straightforward for drivers exiting Interstate 81 on clearly marked exits. User reviews indicate some potholes and rough roads near the campground entrance, though this does not seem to render the area inaccessible.

Weather at Locust Lake State Park

Current alert: Recent reviews mention water coming out of manhole covers flooding sites 100 and 101 during heavy usage periods. Construction and renovations are ongoing.

Best Time to Camp at Locust Lake State Park

Fall brings the best conditions. Daytime temperatures hit 50-70°F, nights drop into the 30s and 40s. Late September through mid-October delivers peak foliage across the mountainside. Cooler water temperatures make paddling more pleasant, and crowds thin out on weekdays. Weekends see a modest increase from leaf-peepers. Spring can turn trails muddy. Summer afternoons bring thunderstorms rolling across the mountain.

Best

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.5 / 5

Best season: cooler temps, peak foliage late Sept–mid Oct, and quieter conditions per reviews.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Peak season appears to align with summer months; no specific dates provided.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: The campground is open during the regular camping season, with closures reported in late autumn.

About Locust Lake State Park

Locust Lake State Park sits on Locust Mountain near Barnesville, offering 280 campsites for tent and RV camping around a 52-acre lake. Fees run $23-$33 per night. The park draws families for swimming, fishing, and hiking, though reviews consistently mention dirty bathrooms and sloped sites that challenge RV setup. Cell service is spotty in some areas.

Locust Lake State Park accommodates a mix of camping styles, including tent and RV camping. Group sites and primitive options are not explicitly mentioned.

Weather and SeasonsFall brings the best conditions. Daytime temperatures hit 50-70°F, nights drop into the 30s and 40s. Late September through mid-October delivers peak foliage across the mountainside. Cooler water temperatures make paddling more pleasant, and crowds thin out on weekdays. Weekends see a modest increase from leaf-peepers. Spring can turn trails muddy. Summer afternoons bring thunderstorms rolling across the mountain.

ElevationPerched on the slopes of Locust Mountain, the park offers camping with a view. The mountain setting creates natural terraces and vantage points throughout the campground, where morning mists rise from the valley below and evening shadows stretch long across the landscape.

Natural Features and SceneryThe 52-acre lake fills a natural bowl carved by Locust Mountain's ancient rock formations. Dense forest surrounds the water, and trails wind through valleys created by the mountain topography. At 1,263 feet elevation, the terrain offers slopes that provide views across the wooded landscape. The forest canopy shades much of the campground, creating pockets of seclusion in some loops.

Geological RegionLocust Mountain provides the dramatic geological foundation for this outdoor paradise. The ancient rock formations and mountain topography have sculpted a landscape perfectly suited for recreation – creating the natural bowl that cradles the 52-acre lake, carving valleys where trails now wind, and establishing slopes that challenge hikers while rewarding them with panoramic views. This rugged mountain terrain, softened by centuries of forest growth, offers diverse ecosystems that support everything from quiet forest meditation to heart-pumping mountain biking adventures.

Scenic ViewsLake vistas are a highlight, with serene reflections and picturesque surroundings. Users frequently describe the trails and lake as stunning.

Lodging & AccommodationsNo cabin or glamping options are explicitly mentioned.

Programs & ActivitiesNo information on cultural or educational programs is provided.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Check-in

Check-in rules enforce no early arrivals, with penalties reported for setting up even 15 minutes before allowed time.

Check-out

No details provided for check-out times.

Stay Limit

Undefined

Guests Allowed Per Site

No more than one family unit or five unrelated persons per campsite.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is not allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutThe campground separates tent and RV areas into different loops. Privacy varies widely. Well-shaded sites offer seclusion, but other sites pack closely together. Some accommodate a 10x16 tent, while others challenge RVers with slope and tight clearances.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can likely be made through Pennsylvania State Parks platforms; specific URLs or platforms are not detailed.

Walk-in AvailabilityFirst-come-first-served availability not explicitly stated; user reviews suggest sites fill during peak holidays and weekends.

Cancellation PolicyPermit may be revoked, and occupants may be required to vacate if regulations are violated.

AccessibilityADA-compliant restrooms and sites are available in the campground.

Site SizeVaried sizes with some large enough for a 10'x16' tent. However, RV users reported that certain sites are too small or sloped. A reviewer noted, 'The site was BARELY big enough for our 30 ft. camper.

PrivacyCampsites have varied privacy levels. Some are well-shaded and provide seclusion, while others are closely packed, diminishing privacy.

Total Campsites280 campsites

Recommended SitesRecommend avoiding significantly sloped sites if using large RVs or campers.

Best CampsitesSite 103 gets praise for tree coverage and privacy with enough room for tents. Site 182 is recommended by returning campers. RV users should scout sites carefully. Some are too sloped or small for larger rigs, and one reviewer barely fit a 30-foot camper.

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Amenities available

Locust Lake State Park offers a range of amenities suitable for different campers. Amenities include ADA restrooms and sites, a playground, a beach, a boat launch, flush toilets, a food concession/store, a sanitation dumping station, and a showerhouse/restrooms. However, reviews highlight some issues such as unclean bathrooms and maintenance concerns. One reviewer noted, 'The bath house has mold all over the walls and it’s hard to breathe in there due to spores of different types of mold.' Another stated, 'The bathrooms need to be updated and camping areas need to be cleaned.'

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

Flush toilets

Dump station

Fire rings

I manage this campground

RV details

Activities you can enjoy

Locust Lake State Park offers a variety of recreational activities, including hiking, fishing, swimming, boating, and wildlife observation. The centerpiece is the 52-acre Locust Lake, which supports kayaking, canoeing, and paddleboarding. Seasonal activities include ice fishing and ice skating.

Hiking

Fishing

Swimming

Biking

Boating

Wildlife viewing

Planning your trip?Check out our camping packing checklist

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsSloped campsites requiring leveling blocks are common. Wildlife encounters include chipmunks and foxes, and falling branches during storms have been reported. Close proximity to I-81 may contribute to noise pollution.

No Water HookupsSite-level water hookups are not available. RV campers should fill freshwater tanks before arrival; check the No Potable Water note above if applicable for drinking water.

Fire PolicyCampfires are permitted within designated fire rings; firewood can be purchased nearby.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are enforced from 9 PM to 8 AM.

Emergency ServicesClosest emergency services are null.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are available, but maintenance issues have been reported. 'People had no problem leaving their garbage all around the park,' mentioned one reviewer.

Water FeaturesThe campground surrounds a 52-acre lake suitable for kayaking, fishing, and swimming.

Camp HostSome reviews describe campground hosts as helpful and attentive; however, specific contact details are missing.

Cell CoverageCell phone service varies across the park. One reviewer mentioned, 'The first spot we camped at signal was spotty. The 2nd spot cell signal was better.'

Trip Planning Tools

Set an AlertGet notified when sites open up Check WeatherHistorical weather data Gear for This TripMatched gear recommendations Packing ListCustomizable checklist

Questions & answers

Researching this campground? Ask anything — other campers and our team will weigh in. No visit required.

Tips from campers

Short heads-ups about the road in, gear quirks, timing, and more. You don't have to have been here to share what you know.

Reviews

From Booking Sources

4.4

435 reviews

Recommended

Locust Lake State Park is recommended, placing it in the top 40% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews of Locust Lake State Park are mixed. While many praise the park's natural beauty, shaded campsites, and family-friendly atmosphere, others criticize the uncleanliness of facilities and lack of upkeep.

Review Summaries

Based on 435 reviews

Best sites at a glance

Pulled from per-site mentions in 435 reviews.

Site 103Loved
Site 103: Well-suited for a 10'x16' tent; some roots but spacious with hammock hanging options..
Site 182Mentioned
Site 182: Recommended for a return visit by a user..
Site W50Mentioned
Site W50: Averaged $29/night; heavily wooded and serene.

What Campers Love

- Beautiful lake and forested surroundings - Family-friendly activities like kayaking, biking, and hiking - Well-shaded and secluded campsites in some areas - Camp store with essential items and...

Based on 435 reviews

Common Concerns

- Unclean and poorly maintained bathroom and shower facilities - Campsites with poor leveling, especially for RVs - Noise issues due to lack of enforcement of quiet hours - Overcrowding and lack of...

Based on 435 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

- Select sites carefully for RVs as some are sloped or small. - Bring extra leveling equipment for RV camping. - Visit early in the camping season for quieter experiences. - Avoid popular holidays if...

Based on 435 reviews

Seasonal Insights

Summer is the busiest season, with crowded conditions and noise complaints. Early spring and fall are quieter and recommended for a more serene experience.

Based on 435 reviews

Camper Quotes

- 'Absolutely gorgeous park! Very clean park. VERY picturesque.' - 'Campground is nice, love the lake.' - 'Some picnic tables could be replaced and with the paving project happening this year are...

Based on 435 reviews

Accessibility Features

ADA facilities are noted in the campground, but specific user reviews addressing accessibility features are sparse.

Based on 435 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

- 'You can also get pet-friendly sites!' - 'It’s very family and pet-oriented—lots to do like fishing, bicycling, boating, and some hiking.'

Based on 435 reviews

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Go if

Families with kayaks, bikes, or kids who want a sandy swim beach that day-trippers can't access. Site 103 handles a 10x16 tent with room for hammocks, and W50 goes deep into the trees for about $29/night. Fall weekdays after mid-September are the sweet spot.

Skip if

RVers without a full set of leveling blocks will struggle, and sites 100-101 flood during heavy use periods while renovations continue. The bathrooms have drawn mold complaints for years, quiet hours go unenforced on busy weekends, and a few reviewers flagged staff interactions t

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