Locust Lake State Park
4.42435 reviewsc/o Tuscarora State Park, BARNESVILLE, Pennsylvania, 18214, United States
Family FriendlySummer Destination
Featured in:Best Campgrounds Pennsylvania
Quick Facts
1,263 ftPrice
$23 - $33/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
280 campsites
Season
The campground is op...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Very Pet Friendly
RV FriendlyElectricShowers
Get DirectionsQuick Facts
1,263 ftPrice
$23 - $33/night
Booking
Reservable
Sites
280 campsites
Season
The campground is op...
Cell
Unknown
Pets
Very Pet Friendly
RV FriendlyElectricShowers
Get DirectionsLocust 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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Standard Site Fee$0.00
Hookup Site Fee$0.00
Premium Site Fee$0.00
Hike and Bike Site Fee$0.00
Group Site Fee$0.00
Food Storage Locker Fee$0.00
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What Campers Say
4.42
Recommended
Based on 435 reviews
384 Google reviews
Most mentioned
shadehikinglakefriendly
Some mention
crowded
"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."
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
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.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.
Best Time to Camp at Locust Lake State Park
Each season paints Locust Lake State Park with its own distinctive palette. Spring arrives with enthusiasm, bringing rejuvenating rains that occasionally transform trails into muddy adventures – pack those waterproof boots! Summer delivers warm days perfect for lake activities, though afternoon thunderstorms can add drama to the mountain landscape. Autumn transforms the forest into a tapestry of gold and crimson, offering crisp, ideal camping conditions that seasoned visitors know to book early. Winter wraps the park in a crystalline blanket, with freezing temperatures creating a wonderland for the hardy souls who embrace cold-weather camping.
Summer(Jun-Aug)
3.5 / 5
Peak season for activities but also busiest; crowding and noise complaints reported.
Best
Fall(Sep-Nov)
4.0 / 5
Quieter and recommended for a more serene experience; fall colors likely enhance scenery.
Spring(Mar-May)
3.5 / 5
Spring is quieter and rejuvenating but trails can be muddy after rains.
Winter(Dec-Feb)
Not recommended
Campground reports closures in late autumn; no winter-activity info provided.
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.
- Current Alerts: Recent reviews mention water coming out of manhole covers flooding sites 100 and 101 during heavy usage periods. Construction and renovations are ongoing.
About Locust Lake State Park
Nestled in the embrace of Locust Mountain, Locust Lake State Park beckons outdoor enthusiasts with its perfect blend of natural beauty and modern camping amenities. Here, 280 thoughtfully distributed campsites serve as your gateway to adventure, whether you're pitching a tent under the stars or settling in with your RV. Days unfold with endless possibilities – cast a line into the shimmering waters, paddle across the lake's glassy surface, or explore winding trails that reveal new wonders at every turn. Families gather for lakeside picnics while the mountain air carries the sounds of laughter and discovery. While some sites challenge with their slopes and facilities occasionally show their age during busy seasons, the overwhelming charm of this mountain retreat continues to draw visitors seeking respite from the everyday world.
Locust Lake State Park accommodates a mix of camping styles, including tent and RV camping. Group sites and primitive options are not explicitly mentioned.
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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
Amenities available
Showers
Potable water
Electricity hookups
Flush toilets
Dump station
Fire rings
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.
HikingThe park features several hiking trails, including a paved trail around the lake that is popular and family-friendly. Some trails are less maintained, and one reviewer mentioned, 'The trails could use some maintenance. They’re great but easy to lose your way.'
FishingFishing is a popular activity with the lake being stocked with trout. However, some users highlighted that fishing conditions have declined in recent years. 'The fishing isn’t good anymore,' mentioned one frequent visitor.
SwimmingSwimming is allowed in a designated area of the lake. A sandy beach is available exclusively for campground visitors, making it less crowded. Some reviews, however, noted accessibility challenges.
BikingA paved biking path encircles the lake, offering easy terrain suitable for families.
BoatingNon-motorized boating is encouraged, with rentals available for paddleboards, rowboats, and kayaks. Separate boat launches exist for campers and day visitors.
Wildlife viewingThe park offers ample opportunities for observing local wildlife, including eagles. One reviewer remarked, 'Beautiful campground for the family. Saw 2 eagles.'
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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.
Active AlertsRecent reviews mention water coming out of manhole covers flooding sites 100 and 101 during heavy usage periods. Construction and renovations are ongoing.
Weather at Locust Lake State Park
Reviews
4.4
435 reviews
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
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 reviewsShow more
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 reviewsShow more
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 reviewsShow more
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 reviewsCamper 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 reviewsShow more
Site-Specific Reviews
Site 103: Well-suited for a 10'x16' tent; some roots but spacious with hammock hanging options.
Site 182: Recommended for a return visit by a user.
Site W50: Averaged $29/night; heavily wooded and...
Based on 435 reviewsShow more
Accessibility Features
ADA facilities are noted in the campground, but specific user reviews addressing accessibility features are sparse.
Based on 435 reviewsPet-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 reviews0
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Last updated January 13, 2026
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