Prince Gallitzin State Park

4.53

72 reviews

966 Marina Road, Patton, Pennsylvania, 16668

Summer Destination

Featured in:Fishing Camping Pennsylvania Boating Camping Pennsylvania Swimming Camping Pennsylvania

Quick Facts

1,509 ft

Price

$20 - $76/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

430 campsites

Season

Beaches are open fro...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowersWiFi

Opens Prince Gallitzin State Park site

Official Website

Get Directions

Quick Facts

1,509 ft

Price

$20 - $76/night

Booking

Reservable

Sites

430 campsites

Season

Beaches are open fro...

Cell

Has Service

Pets

Very Pet Friendly

RV FriendlyElectricShowersWiFi

Opens Prince Gallitzin State Park site

Official Website

Get Directions

Prince Gallitzin State Park

$20.00 - $76.00 / night

Campsite Fees

Pricing varies based on the type of accommodation: tent/RV sites, modern cabins, and cottages. Additional fees may apply for pets and other premium...

Standard Site Fee$20.00

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

4.53

Top-Rated

Based on 72 reviews

1590 Google reviews

Most mentioned

viewscleanhikinglake

Some mention

crowded

"User reviews praise the park’s range of amenities and activities but often mention crowded campsites and issues with cleanliness in some facilities."

Read all reviews

Campground Map

966 Marina Road, Patton, Pennsylvania, 16668

Prince Gallitzin State Park

966 Marina Road, Patton, Pennsylvania, 16668

Driving directionsPrince Gallitzin State Park is located in northern Cambria County and can be reached by traveling from PA Routes 36 and 53; Routes 22, 219; and Interstate 99 (Rt.220). From Rt. 219 at Carrolltown, turn onto State Route 4015 and look for highway signs leading to Prince Gallitzin State Park. From Patton, take Rt. 36 East to Glendale Lake Road and look for highway signs leading to the park. From Rt. 22, take the Rt. 53 Cresson Exit and follow Rt. 53 North and look for highway signs leading to the park. From Interstate 99 (Rt.220), follow Exit 32 Frankstown Road Exit and travel north on Rt.36 leading to Rt.53 in Ashville and look for highway signs leading to the park.

The park is accessible via major highways including PA Routes 36, 53, 22, and 219, as well as Interstate 99. Highway signage is available to guide visitors to the park.

Nearby places

Carrolltown, approximately 5 miles

Patton, approximately 3 miles

Altoona, approximately 25 miles

Johnstown, approximately 35 miles.

Nearby supplies

Campground food concession/store available within the park. Closest grocery store is approximately 30 minutes away, according to user reviews.

Best Time to Camp at Prince Gallitzin State Park

Experience the magic of four distinct seasons at Prince Gallitzin, each offering its own outdoor delights. Summer transforms the park into an aquatic playground, with warm days perfect for swimming, boating, and lakeside relaxation. As autumn paints the Allegheny forests in brilliant hues, crisp air invites peaceful hikes. Winter brings a crystalline wonderland where ice fishing enthusiasts drill through frozen surfaces and families glide across natural ice skating rinks, creating memories against a backdrop of snow-dusted pines.

Summer(Jun-Aug)

4.0 / 5

Peak season: aquatic activities, beaches open late May–Sept; lively and popular with families.

Fall(Sep-Nov)

4.0 / 5

Fall is serene and ideal for foliage viewing; reviews highlight peaceful autumn visits.

Best

Spring(Mar-May)

4.0 / 5

Spring opens trails and wildlife viewing; varied seasonal activities resume, good for hiking and paddling.

Winter(Dec-Feb)

3.0 / 5

Winter offers ice fishing and skating but activity levels and services are reduced vs. summer.

Planning Tips

Peak Season: Peak season pricing likely applies during summer months, especially late May to mid-September.. Book 2-3 months ahead.
Operating Season: Beaches are open from late May until mid-September.

About Prince Gallitzin State Park

Discover your perfect basecamp at Prince Gallitzin State Park, where 430 thoughtfully designed tent and RV sites alongside 10 cozy rustic cabins await your arrival. Perched high on the Allegheny Plateau, this outdoor paradise embraces the magnificent 1,635-acre Glendale Lake, whose 26 miles of pristine shoreline create endless opportunities for adventure. Whether you're launching your boat at dawn, exploring scenic hiking trails, lounging on sandy beaches, or gathering supplies at the well-stocked camp store, every amenity has been crafted to enhance your wilderness experience.

The campground is versatile, offering space for RVs, tents, primitive camping, and cabin lodging. It accommodates both solo campers and large groups.

Historical SignificanceStep into a landscape shaped by both human ingenuity and natural wonder. The impressive Glendale Dam, completed between 1959 and 1960, transformed this valley into today's recreational haven. Beyond its engineering marvel, Prince Gallitzin has evolved into a crucial sanctuary for traveling wildlife, with its diverse habitats serving as a vital rest stop along ancient migratory routes. Here, the intersection of human recreation and wildlife conservation creates a unique ecosystem where visitors can witness nature's grand journeys.

Weather and SeasonsExperience the magic of four distinct seasons at Prince Gallitzin, each offering its own outdoor delights. Summer transforms the park into an aquatic playground, with warm days perfect for swimming, boating, and lakeside relaxation. As autumn paints the Allegheny forests in brilliant hues, crisp air invites peaceful hikes. Winter brings a crystalline wonderland where ice fishing enthusiasts drill through frozen surfaces and families glide across natural ice skating rinks, creating memories against a backdrop of snow-dusted pines.

Natural Features and SceneryImmerse yourself in the breathtaking beauty of the Allegheny Plateau's forested hills, where towering hardwoods and evergreens create a living cathedral around Glendale Lake. This diverse landscape nurtures an impressive array of wildlife, from songbirds filling the morning air with melodies to deer grazing in twilight meadows. The centerpiece Glendale Lake mirrors the sky and surrounding forests, offering anglers productive waters teeming with fish and boaters expansive blue highways to explore. Each vista reveals layers of natural splendor, from intimate woodland paths to sweeping lake panoramas.

Geological RegionPositioned within the ancient Allegheny Plateau, Prince Gallitzin showcases the dramatic topography of Pennsylvania's highland region. Rolling forested hills, carved by millennia of natural forces, cradle the sparkling waters of Glendale Lake. This man-made gem seamlessly blends with the surrounding landscape, creating a harmonious balance between the plateau's rugged natural beauty and accessible recreation. The geological diversity of the region provides a stunning backdrop for outdoor adventures while telling the story of Pennsylvania's dynamic landscape evolution.

Best Campsites

Curated by campers, for campers

Reveal picks

Reserving a campsite

Stay Limit

No more than one family unit or five unrelated persons per campsite. Pets allowed only in designated areas.

Guests Allowed Per Site

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

Groups

Group sites can accommodate larger numbers of people, though specific limits were not detailed. The sites are near shared facilities, such as restrooms and water.

Tents

Tents are allowed

RV vehicles

RV vehicles are allowed

Primitive

Primitive camping is allowed

Reservable

Reservations are allowed

Site layoutCampground includes tent/RV loops, lakeside cottages, and group camping sites.

Reservation PlatformsReservations can be made online via PA DCNR's website or by contacting the park office directly.

Walk-in AvailabilityInformation not available on specific numbers for walk-up sites, but user reviews indicate availability may be limited due to crowded conditions.

Cancellation PolicyNo refund is issued for early departures, as mentioned in user reviews.

AccessibilityLimited information on accessibility. One review mentioned that parking for handicap individuals traveling alone is too far from facilities.

Site SizeCampsites vary in size, accommodating tents, trailers, and RVs. Group sites are available. Some reviewers noted the sites' compactness, stating that they felt 'crammed.

PrivacyPrivacy at campsites is limited, with reviews describing sites as being too close together and "feeling like a small city.

Total Campsites430 campsites

Recommended SitesChoose tent or cabin sites near the lake for the best views and proximity to water activities.

Amenities available

Showers

Potable water

Electricity hookups

WiFi

Flush toilets

Dump station

Activities you can enjoy

The park provides a wide array of activities including hiking, fishing, swimming, biking, and boating. Winter activities like ice fishing and ice skating are also available, making this park a year-round destination. Wildlife viewing and cultural programs further enhance the recreational experience.

HikingHiking trails are plentiful (24 trails counted by one user) with varying levels of difficulty. Trails can also be used for mountain biking, horseback riding, and cross-country skiing. Trail maintenance received positive mentions from reviewers, and the scenic lake views are appreciated.

FishingFishing is a popular activity at Glendale Lake, with anglers catching muskie, pike, bass, perch, crappie, and bluegill. The lake allows boats with up to 20hp motors, making it accessible for fishing enthusiasts.

SwimmingSwimming is available at the lake and small beaches, which are open from late May to mid-September. However, swimming is at your own risk as lifeguards are not present.

BikingBiking trails and a small dirt track, the 'Humps and Bumps' area, are available for cycling enthusiasts. Trails are suited for both beginners and advanced riders.

BoatingBoating is highly popular with 9 boat launches, 2 marinas, and 3 mooring facilities. Rentals and repair services are available. Boats with up to 20hp motors are permitted, making it accessible for various types of boating activities.

Wildlife viewingThe park’s diverse habitats are home to numerous species and serve as a stopover for migratory birds in spring and fall. Bird watchers are encouraged to visit.

Policies & Safety

Hazards & AlertsSome user reviews mention slimy conditions at Muskrat Beach and crowded campsites. Wildlife such as muskrats and spiders may be encountered.

Fire PolicyCampfires are allowed within designated fire rings.

Quiet HoursQuiet hours are between 9 PM and 8 AM.

Emergency ServicesNearest emergency services include the Main Park Office at 966 Marina Road, Patton, PA. No information provided on hospitals, police stations, or ranger stations.

Trash & RecyclingTrash and recycling facilities are available. Some campsites have hooks for hanging trash bags. Regular waste disposal is a condition of the camping permit.

Water FeaturesGlendale Lake is central to the campground, offering boating, fishing, ice fishing, and kayaking opportunities.

Camp HostCampground hosts are described as friendly and accommodating in user reviews.

Weather at Prince Gallitzin State Park

Reviews

4.5

72 reviews

Top-Rated

Prince Gallitzin State Park is top-rated, placing it in the top 15% of campgrounds based on reviews

User reviews praise the park’s range of amenities and activities but often mention crowded campsites and issues with cleanliness in some facilities.

Review Summaries

Based on 72 reviews

What Campers Love

Highlights include the scenic lake views, modern cabins, extensive hiking trails, and family-friendly atmosphere. Many reviews emphasize the park’s cleanliness and well-maintained facilities.

Based on 72 reviews

Common Concerns

Common complaints include crowded campsites, poorly managed Wi-Fi, and cleanliness issues in certain areas like beach locations and restrooms. Some users felt harassed by park staff.

Based on 72 reviews

Pro Tips & Recommendations

Bring your meals as the nearest grocery store is 30 minutes away. Ensure you have gas in your vehicle due to the park’s expansive layout.

Based on 72 reviews

Seasonal Insights

The park is busiest in summer, with reviewers noting its family-friendly vibe. Fall offers serene surroundings and is ideal for foliage viewing. Winter activities like ice fishing are also...

Based on 72 reviews

Camper Quotes

"We have camped here 4 summers in a row." "Bathrooms could definitely use some work and cleaning." "The cottage was right by the lake with the most amazing view."

Based on 72 reviews

Site-Specific Reviews

Sites near the lake offer great views but are particularly crowded. The 'Humps and Bumps' biking area is a favorite for families.

Based on 72 reviews

Accessibility Features

Limited accessibility features were noted, with complaints about parking for individuals with disabilities.

Based on 72 reviews

Pet-Friendly Features

Pet-friendly camping areas are available, though details on specific amenities for pets were minimal.

Based on 72 reviews

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Last updated January 13, 2026

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