A group of children are sitting around a campfire in front of a tent.

Happy Times in Happy Valley: Summer Camping Activities in Central Pennsylvania

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Who is this for?: Families planning a summer camping trip in Central Pennsylvania.


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A group of children are looking at a map in the woods.

School’s out for the summer! That means it’s time to start planning your summer vacation. This year, instead of dragging your kids through stuffy airports to visit crowded tourist hot spots, why don’t you keep things fresh by creating happy memories in Happy Valley? 


As the name suggests, Happy Valley is– for lack of a better word– a happy place. It really is the ultimate family camping destination.  Whether you want to stay near State College or venture out into the wilds of the region, here are some of the benefits and fun summer camping activities in Central Pennsylvania.

A tent is sitting in the grass next to a lake.

Why Spend Your Summer Camping?


Camping isn’t always high on people’s list of dream vacations, but it should be. It hits all the boxes of an ideal family getaway. Don’t believe me? Here are some of the benefits of camping on your next family vacation.

A family is walking their dog in the woods.

Fresh air and exercise


Spending time in nature is good for your mind and body. In Happy Valley, you’ll breathe clean air, enjoy sunshine-filled days, and get your steps in without even trying. It’s hard to not be active with beautiful weather and gorgeous scenery around you.

Family bonding


One of the biggest benefits of camping is getting away from screens. Camping strips away distractions. Without the pull of social media, you can spend real time with real people: playing board games, sharing campfire meals, and having meaningful conversations that bring everyone closer.

Learn new things


From spotting wildlife to setting up a tent, each day is a learning adventure. Central Pennsylvania offers opportunities to explore landscapes, dive into local history, try outdoor skills, and introduce kids to the wonders of the natural world.

Affordability


Compared to hotel stays and amusement parks, camping provides unbeatable value. Whether you are staying in a rustic tent site or opting for a more luxurious cabin experience, camping and glamping tend to be more cost-effective than stuffy hotel rooms. Not to mention the easy access to endless free outdoor activities!

Two little girls are playing in the sand in front of a teepee.

Summer Camping Activities


Did you know that Pennsylvania literally means “Penn’s Woods”? The state truly fits its name, because Central Pennsylvania is full of lush forests. And lakes. And mountains. And caves. And… you get the idea. 


The point is, Pennsylvania is a camper’s paradise, which means there are plenty of activities you can enjoy on your camping trip. Here are a few ideas.

A wooden sign sitting on top of a rock overlooking a valley.
A person is holding a butterfly in their hands.

Outdoor adventures


We mentioned that Central Pennsylvania’s landscape is diverse. From caves to mountain tops, marshes to forests, Happy Valley has amazing natural places waiting to be explored.  Here are some of the best places to visit and things to do while you’re there.

Nature Parks:


  • Rothrock State Forest:  A favorite for mountain biking and trail hiking through an emerald green forest.
  • Bald Eagle State Park:  Perfect for swimming, fishing, picnics, and eagle-spotting on a scenic lake.
  • Penn’s Cave & Wildlife Park: A unique boat tour through a cave plus wildlife viewing.
  • Woodward Cave: Known for its massive caverns and amazing stalactite formations, it’s worth a tour. Remember to bring a light jacket; the cave is cool year-round.
  • Millbrook Marsh Nature Center:  A peaceful spot to learn about wetlands and native wildlife.
  • Mount Nittany:  A must-hike for stunning valley views, right in the heart of State College, PA.

Learn about Nature:


Bird and Wildlife watching: Bring a pair of binoculars to watch animals in their natural habitat. Remember, wild animals need their space, so be sure to keep your distance.

Plant Scavenger Hunt: Go beyond touching grass by taking a closer look at the local fauna with a scavenger hunt. Just remember not to pick the plants so others can enjoy them too!

Photo and sketch activities: The best souvenirs from any camping trip are the photos and sketches you take.

A family is laying in a tent looking at a map.
A woman and a child are fishing in a lake.

Family Bonding Time


The whole point of a family vacation is to bond with your loved ones. Adventuring together is one way to accomplish this, but sometimes you just want to hang around the campsite together. Here are some classic campsite activities to enjoy together. 

  • Organize a family sports day with soccer, frisbee, or relay races.
  • Share stories and roast marshmallows by the campfire with songs and laughter.
  • Wind down with classic board and card games in the tent or under the stars.
A family is sitting at a table in the woods playing a game.
A river surrounded by trees and mountains with a city in the distance.

Exploring Happy Valley


Do you feel like you need a break from the great outdoors? We got you covered. There’s so much to do in Happy Valley. Whether you love the arts or sports, roller coasters or reptiles, there’s something for everyone in Central Pennsylvania. Here are some quick picks!

Penn State University


Are you Nittany Lions fans? We are! Here are some of our favorite things to do at Penn State University.


  • Beaver Stadium:  Catch a tour or game at one of college football’s most iconic stadiums.
  • Arborarium:  Beautiful gardens and walking paths for a peaceful afternoon.
  • Penn State All-Sports Museum: Celebrate athletic achievements across every sport.
  • Palmer Art Museum: Enjoy an impressive collection of artwork right on campus.
A large building with columns is surrounded by trees and grass on a sunny day.
A colorful wall with the word museum on it

More Museums


Like learning off campus? Here are some more museums to check out. 


  • Pennsylvania Military Museum: Learn about local heroes and national history.
  • PASTO Agricultural Museum: Showcasing rural life and farm tools from the past.
  • Mifflinburg Buggy Museum: A fascinating look into 19th-century transportation.
  • Bellefonte ART Museum for Centre County: Featuring local artists and community exhibits.
  • Columbus Chapel & Boat Museum: Rare artifacts, including Columbus family heirlooms.

Kids Focused Fun


Need some activities for the kids and kids-at-heart? Try some of these! 


  • Discovery Space & The Rivet: Hands-on science and engineering for curious minds.
  • DelGrosso’s Park & Laguna Splash Water Park: Thrilling rides and water slides.
  • Clyde Peeling’s Reptiland: Reptiles and exotic animals from around the world.
A little girl is sitting at a table with a cake in front of her.
A carnival with a ferris wheel and hot air balloons

Summertime Events:


There’s always something happening in central Pennsylvania. Here are some of the top Happy Valley summer events to look forward to.

Happy Valley Experiences


  • The Sky’s Limit Balloon Rides:  Get a bird’s eye view of the region from a hot air balloon.
  • Fourth of July Festival: What’s a more classic way to enjoy the Nation’s birthday than with fireworks, music, and family fun?
  • Central Pennsylvania Festival of the Arts: Celebrating creativity with art, crafts, and performances.
  • Centre County Grange Fair:  A beloved tradition with carnival rides, animals, and food galore.
A young boy in a hat is touching an american flag.
The logo for the 2025 kids coloring contest

Around Hartman Center Campground


You don’t have to go into town to enjoy special events. There is plenty to experience around the campground!  Here are some Hartman Center campground events that bring the community and your family together:


  • Kid’s Coloring Contest
  • Memorial Day Weekend
  • Live Band in the Pavilion
  • Independence Day Weekend


An aerial view of a hartman center campground

Spend Your Summer at Hartman Center Campground


Whether you're roasting marshmallows, hiking forest trails, or riding a Ferris wheel at the county fair, Happy Valley delivers a summer to remember. And there’s no better place to experience it all than at Hartman Center Campground. 


Whether you’re hardcore campers, glampers, or RVers, Hartman Center has the perfect accommodations for your family. Discover the joy of camping in central Pennsylvania when you book now!

A picture of Amanda wearing a headband is smiling in front of a tent.

About the author



Amanda Orban is a local teacher and campground manager in Pennsylvania. In her free time, she loves nothing more than pitching a tent under the stars, hitting scenic trails, and cheering on the Nittany Lions at Penn State.