Five Points Organized Group Campground, Portersville, PA

For organized, non-profit groups across Pennsylvania seeking an immersive, natural, and memorable outdoor experience, the Five Points Organized Group Campground stands out as a unique and invaluable resource. Tucked away within the expansive and beloved Moraine State Park in Butler County, this site is not a typical public campground; rather, it is reserved specifically for organizations looking to host large group outings, such as scout troops, church groups, educational institutions, or other registered non-profit entities.

This dedicated group tenting area offers an intentional return to rustic, simple camping. It provides the necessary infrastructure for groups to gather, cook, and sleep comfortably while being surrounded by the stunning natural environment of Moraine State Park, highlighted by the magnificent Lake Arthur. It is a setting where deep connections are forged—with nature, and with one another—providing the perfect backdrop for activities that foster teamwork, reflection, and appreciation for the outdoors. One long-time local user beautifully captures this sentiment, noting how the shores of the lake, an intimate part of the community’s history, have been the site for making major life decisions, underscoring the deep, personal connection many Pennsylvanians feel with this cherished location.

The focus at Five Points is on providing a base camp for adventure. The facilities are primitive but functional, offering essentials like clean restroom facilities, reliable water, and dedicated areas for cooking and gathering. Unlike private campgrounds, the group camping areas within state parks prioritize an uncrowded, natural experience. The campground's atmosphere encourages groups to fully utilize the wealth of recreational opportunities available throughout Moraine State Park, including the vast waters of Lake Arthur. Advance reservations through the Pennsylvania State Parks system are mandatory, reflecting its popularity and exclusive nature as a site dedicated to organized group activity.

With a generous capacity, Five Points provides an excellent, centralized meeting point for groups from across the Commonwealth. Its rustic charm—complete with fire rings and cooking grates—makes it an authentic slice of Pennsylvania's outdoor heritage, managed by the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) to ensure its preservation for future generations of outdoor enthusiasts and organized groups. It truly is a hidden gem for larger parties looking to explore one of Western Pennsylvania's premier natural attractions.

Location and Accessibility

Five Points Organized Group Campground is located in a secluded, yet highly accessible, section of Moraine State Park, in Portersville, PA. Its address is Five Points Rd, Portersville, PA 16051, USA. This location places it squarely in northwestern Pennsylvania, near the intersection of two major interstate highways, I-79 and I-80.

Strategic Highway Access: The park is easily reached by taking the necessary exits off I-79 and I-80, making it a convenient destination for groups traveling from the Pittsburgh metropolitan area, as well as those coming from Erie or the eastern parts of the state.
Proximity to Lake Arthur: The campground is intentionally situated in an out-of-the-way, peaceful area, often perched right on the shore of the beautiful 3,225-acre Lake Arthur.
Navigating the Park: Visitors should note that the park is bisected by both PA Route 422 and PA Route 528. The park office, which is the main administrative hub for the campground, is located near the entrance to the South Shore Area.
Centralized Location: Moraine State Park is a massive recreational complex that serves a large portion of Western Pennsylvania, making Five Points an excellent, central location for regional group activities.

Services Offered

As an "Organized Group Tenting Area," Five Points focuses on providing rustic yet essential services to accommodate a large gathering in a natural setting. The services are designed to be functional while maintaining the primitive experience:

Group Tenting Only: This area is exclusively for organized, non-profit groups (e.g., scouts, churches) and is not open to the general public for individual or family camping.
Capacity: The Five Points site is substantial, capable of accommodating a large number of campers. It is officially listed with a maximum capacity of up to 80 people, requiring a minimum number of people for reservation.
Restroom Facilities: The site features clean bathroom facilities, which include flush toilets, though they are strictly primitive camps and do not include shower houses.
Potable Water: Drinking water is available at the site, an essential amenity for large groups.
Site Furnishings: Each group site is equipped with multiple picnic tables and cooking grills/fire rings, often with a cooking grate, allowing for efficient group meal preparation and traditional campfire gatherings.
Reservations: Reservations are required far in advance and must be made directly through the Pennsylvania State Parks reservation system or by calling the Moraine State Park office.
Primitive Structure: The campsite is intentionally rustic, offering no electricity, water, or sewer hookups at the sites, aligning with the "tent camping" focus.

Features / Highlights

The Five Points Organized Group Campground's key features and highlights are directly tied to its exceptional location within Moraine State Park and its utility as a group gathering space:

Prime Lakeside Location: The campground's position on or near Lake Arthur provides stunning scenery and immediate access to water-based activities like kayaking, canoeing, and fishing.
Rustic Charm and Atmosphere: The campsite is renowned for its quiet, out-of-the-way setting. It offers a true rustic camping experience where groups can enjoy the sounds of the woods and the tranquility of the large lake.
High Capacity: Being able to host up to 80 people makes this site one of the best choices in the region for large group outings, retreats, and multi-troop gatherings.
Access to Moraine State Park Amenities: Groups staying at Five Points can take full advantage of Moraine's extensive facilities, including two large swimming beaches (Lakeview and Pleasant Valley), a six-lane public boat launch, and miles of hiking and biking trails.
Water Recreation: Lake Arthur is a hub for sailing, kayaking, and pontoon boat tours (provided by the Moraine Preservation Fund), offering educational and recreational fun for the entire group.
Clean, Functional Basics: Reviewers consistently note the presence of clean bathroom facilities and reliable basic amenities, ensuring a comfortable experience despite the primitive nature of the tent camping area.

Contact Information

All questions regarding reservations, operating status, and group eligibility for the Five Points Organized Group Campground should be directed to the Moraine State Park Office.

Address: Five Points Rd, Portersville, PA 16051, USA

Phone Number for Reservations/Information: Moraine State Park Office: (724) 368-8811

Conclusion: Why This Place is Suitable for Locals

For organized, non-profit groups of Pennsylvania residents—from youth organizations fostering future outdoor leaders to community groups seeking a peaceful retreat—Five Points Organized Group Campground is perfectly suited. It provides an exclusive, large-capacity, and remarkably scenic camping environment within one of the Commonwealth's most prized natural areas, Moraine State Park.

Its location, near major highway crossroads, makes it an easily reachable destination for groups across Western and Central Pennsylvania, minimizing travel time and maximizing recreational time. The rustic nature of the site, which features clean restrooms, water, and fire rings, encourages groups to step away from modern distractions and embrace the core tenets of outdoor living. It is a place that holds a profound history for many local families and is a cornerstone of the regional outdoor community. By utilizing Five Points, Pennsylvania groups not only gain a fantastic base for adventure on Lake Arthur and the park’s vast trail system but also actively participate in preserving the tradition of organized, community-focused outdoor education and recreation that is central to the Pennsylvania State Parks mission. Booking a spot here ensures an impactful and memorable gathering in a beautiful, protected slice of the Keystone State.