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Putts Campground

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Putts Campground Overview

Rating

Phone (814) 635-3235

Address Saxton, PA 16678, USA

Hours

Putts Campground Location & Map

PennsylvaniaHuntingdon CountySaxton

Putts Campground About

Are you a Pennsylvanian searching for a true outdoor adventure, where the serene waters of Raystown Lake are your backyard and a rustic setting allows you to truly disconnect? Putts Campground in Saxton, PA, offers a distinct camping experience for those who appreciate natural beauty and a more rugged approach to the outdoors. Situated directly on the shores of Raystown Lake, this campground provides unparalleled access to one of Pennsylvania's most cherished recreational waterways, making it an ideal spot for paddlers, anglers, and nature lovers.

Putts Campground is known for its direct lake access, a significant draw for anyone eager to spend time on the water. Whether you're launching a canoe or kayak for a peaceful paddle, or simply enjoying the tranquil views, the proximity to Raystown Lake is a definite highlight. This convenience allows for spontaneous water adventures without the need for extensive travel from your campsite.

However, it's important for prospective visitors to understand that Putts Campground embraces a more rustic charm. Feedback from campers indicates that while the facilities are generally "well maintained," the road leading to the camp can be "a little rough" or even challenging, particularly for vehicles with low clearance or when towing trailers. This suggests that the journey to Putts Campground is part of the adventure itself, appealing to those who are prepared for less-than-perfect road conditions and prefer a less manicured camping environment.

Despite the access considerations, the abundance of available campsites and the direct connection to Raystown Lake make Putts Campground a unique option for Pennsylvanians. If your idea of camping involves embracing the natural elements, being self-sufficient, and having immediate access to water-based activities in a peaceful setting, then Putts Campground in Saxton, PA, might just be the authentic lakeside escape you've been looking for. It offers a chance to immerse yourself in the beauty of Raystown Lake and create lasting memories in a truly natural outdoor environment.

Location and Accessibility

Putts Campground is located in Saxton, PA 16678, USA. This places it in Huntingdon County, a region in the heart of Central Pennsylvania renowned for its rugged mountains, dense forests, and, most notably, the expansive Raystown Lake. The campground's prime location "right on Raystown Lake" is its most significant geographical advantage, offering direct waterfront access that is highly sought after by outdoor enthusiasts.

Raystown Lake is a major recreational hub in Pennsylvania, famous for its clear waters, fishing opportunities, and wide array of paddle and motor boating activities. Being situated directly on the lake means campers at Putts Campground have immediate access to launching canoes and kayaks, or simply enjoying the scenic views and tranquil atmosphere that a lakeside setting provides.

However, prospective visitors should be well-prepared for the access road to the campground. Reviews consistently describe it as "a little rough" and potentially "very steep & rutted" in sections. Specific warnings advise against towing trailers with cars or vans due to the risk of dragging, suggesting that vehicles with "high clearance level" are recommended. This indicates an unpaved, possibly challenging road that contributes to the campground's rustic and secluded feel. While it might deter some, it also ensures a certain level of privacy and attracts campers who are comfortable with rugged terrain.

The remote nature suggested by the road conditions also implies that the campground is "a long way from anywhere," meaning immediate access to stores, gas stations, or extensive services might be limited. Campers should plan to arrive well-stocked with all necessary supplies. Despite the challenging access, for those prepared, the reward is a beautiful, peaceful lakeside location that provides an authentic escape into Pennsylvania's natural beauty. It's a destination for campers who prioritize natural surroundings and direct water access over convenience and pristine infrastructure.

Services Offered

Based on the provided customer reviews, Putts Campground on Raystown Lake in Saxton, PA, appears to offer a fairly basic set of services, primarily focused on providing camping sites with access to essential utilities, consistent with a rustic, self-sufficient camping experience.

  • Campsites: The campground offers "plenty of campsites," suggesting a good capacity for visitors. While the exact types of sites (tent, RV, etc.) aren't specified, the mention of "hook up to water and electric" in a similar context implies that sites likely come with these basic utility connections. However, the overall rustic description suggests that sites might be informal and unpaved, possibly lacking individual amenities like picnic tables or fire rings (which would need direct confirmation).
  • Water Hookups: Reviews indirectly mention "hook up to water," indicating that water connections are available at some sites or designated areas within the campground.
  • Electric Hookups: The mention of "hook up to water and electric" suggests that electrical connections are provided at some sites. Campers should confirm the amperage and reliability of these connections, especially given the rustic nature of the campground.
  • Direct Lake Access for Paddle Sports: A significant service is the "plenty of space to launch canoes and kayak." This highlights direct and convenient access for those wishing to get on Raystown Lake for paddling activities.
  • Well-Maintained Facilities (Conflicting Review): One review states that "All the facilities are well maintained." This suggests that core amenities like communal restrooms (if present) are kept in good order. However, another review directly contradicts this regarding bathrooms, stating, "The bathroom facilities are nasty," and implying a rougher overall outing. This conflicting information means campers should set expectations for basic, potentially inconsistent, restroom conditions and prepare to be self-sufficient.

What is notably absent from the descriptions, or hinted at by the rustic nature and conflicting reviews, includes:

  • No Staff Presence Mentioned: One review notes "No one there, not even a vehicle with the trailers that are there," implying that the campground may operate with minimal or no on-site staff, particularly outside of peak times. This suggests a less hands-on management approach.
  • Limited Amenities: There's no mention of common campground amenities like dump stations, showers, laundry facilities, a camp store, playgrounds, or recreational programs. Campers should assume these are not available or are very basic.
  • Informal Roads/Sites: The description of "no real road, just some tiered off areas to drive on the grass" suggests a lack of paved or clearly defined internal infrastructure for sites.

In summary, Putts Campground seems to offer primarily unrefined campsites with basic water and electric hookups, combined with excellent direct access to Raystown Lake for paddle sports. Campers should be prepared for a rustic experience and be largely self-sufficient.

Features / Highlights

Putts Campground on Raystown Lake in Saxton, PA, presents a very distinct set of features and highlights that appeal to a specific type of camper, one who embraces a rustic and self-sufficient outdoor experience. While it may not offer the polished amenities of larger resorts, its unique attributes are significant for those seeking a true natural escape:

  • Direct Raystown Lake Access: The absolute top highlight is its location "right on Raystown Lake." This provides unparalleled, immediate access for launching canoes and kayaks, swimming, fishing, and simply enjoying the tranquil views and atmosphere of one of Pennsylvania's most beautiful lakes. This direct waterfront access is a major draw for paddlers and water enthusiasts.
  • Plenty of Campsite Availability: The mention of "Plenty of campsites are available" suggests that even during popular times, there may be a good chance to secure a spot. This is a practical highlight for spontaneous campers or those who prefer less crowded environments.
  • Rustic and Secluded Atmosphere: For campers who actively seek to disconnect from the modern world and embrace a more rugged outdoor experience, the challenging access road and the overall unrefined nature of the campground are key features. This creates a highly secluded and peaceful environment, appealing to those who prioritize solitude over extensive amenities.
  • Basic Utility Hookups (Water & Electric): The availability of "water and electric" hookups at some sites is a functional highlight for self-contained RVs or trailers. This provides essential services for comfort while maintaining a primitive feel.
  • Potential for Quiet Reflection: Given its remote location and the rustic infrastructure, the campground likely offers a very quiet and undisturbed setting, ideal for introspection, stargazing, and deep relaxation away from noise and light pollution.

It's important to frame these highlights in the context of the candid reviews. While direct lake access is a clear positive, the "rough" road and conflicting reports on bathroom cleanliness ("nasty" vs. "well maintained") indicate that campers must be prepared for variable conditions and prioritize self-sufficiency. The campground's features cater to those who view these challenges as part of an authentic, less-commercialized camping adventure, rather than drawbacks. It's a place for Pennsylvanians who value the natural setting and direct lake experience above all else.

Promotions or Special Offers

Based on the provided customer reviews, there is no information whatsoever regarding specific promotions or special offers at Putts Campground in Saxton, PA. The candid nature of the reviews, which focus on the rustic conditions and access challenges, does not suggest an environment where formalized promotions are a primary focus of the campground's operation.

Campgrounds that are described as "rough" or having "no real road" and with conflicting information about the presence of staff are generally not engaged in active promotional campaigns. Their "offer" is typically the inherent value of a basic campsite, perhaps with minimal hookups, in a desirable natural location.

The review that stated, "he wanted $35 to spend the night!! I wouldn't have stayed there if he had paid ME the $35!!" indicates that at least one past price point was considered high by a visitor given the perceived condition and amenities. This suggests that the campground might not be seen as offering exceptional value at all times, and certainly no explicit discounts are mentioned.

It is highly improbable that Putts Campground offers traditional promotions like seasonal discounts, loyalty programs, or package deals. Any pricing or booking flexibility would likely be handled on an individual basis, if a contact person is even available. Given the lack of a current phone number in the provided information (only a historical one), securing details on any pricing or informal offers would be very challenging for prospective Pennsylvanian campers.

For any Pennsylvanians considering a visit, it would be essential to somehow confirm operational status, current pricing, and any details directly, though the provided information doesn't facilitate this easily. Without such contact, it's best to assume a basic, unadvertised rate structure and manage expectations accordingly for a highly rustic experience.

Contact Information

To inquire further about Putts Campground in Saxton, PA, check availability, or attempt to confirm current conditions, please use the following contact details:

  • Address: Saxton, PA 16678, USA
  • Phone: (814) 635-3235
  • Mobile Phone: +1 814-635-3235

Given the conflicting reviews regarding the campground's condition and the nature of the access road, it is highly recommended that prospective visitors call ahead using the provided phone number. This would be crucial for confirming operational status, current pricing, and specific guidance on navigating the access road, especially if you are towing a trailer or have a vehicle with low clearance. Direct communication is essential before planning a trip to this particular rustic destination.

Conclusion: Why This Place is Suitable for Locals

For a very specific type of Pennsylvanian camper, Putts Campground in Saxton, PA, offers a truly unique and raw outdoor experience that can be exceptionally suitable. This destination is ideal for those who actively seek to disconnect from mainstream amenities, embrace rustic challenges, and prioritize direct, unadulterated access to Raystown Lake above all else.

The primary reason for its suitability for locals lies in its unparalleled direct access "right on Raystown Lake." For Pennsylvanians passionate about paddle sports, fishing, or simply enjoying the expansive beauty of one of the state's most cherished lakes, Putts offers an immediate gateway to these activities. The ability to launch a canoe or kayak directly from the campground, or to simply enjoy the lakeside tranquility, is a significant draw that few other sites can match in such a natural, undeveloped setting.

Furthermore, for the adventurous and self-sufficient camper, the "rough" and "steep & rutted" access road and the overall rustic nature of the campground become part of the adventure, not a deterrent. This is perfect for locals who have high-clearance vehicles or are seasoned with off-road driving, and who prefer a camping experience that feels genuinely off-the-grid. It provides a level of seclusion and quiet that is increasingly hard to find, appealing to those who desire a true escape from crowds and noise.

While reviews highlight inconsistent conditions, particularly regarding bathroom facilities, this campground is suitable for locals who are fully prepared to be self-contained for all their needs. This self-reliance fosters a sense of independence and deep immersion in the natural environment. For the Pennsylvanian who views camping as an opportunity to truly rough it, who values a quiet lakeside spot over resort amenities, and who has the equipment and mindset for a primitive but beautiful setting, Putts Campground offers an authentic and memorable experience on Raystown Lake. It's a place for those who are willing to navigate the challenges to find their peaceful haven by the water.

Customer Reviews

4.0
16 reviews
J
James Trantham
Nov 09, 2020

Very nice camp right on Raystown Lake.the road leading to the camp is a little rough. All the facilities are well maintained. Plenty of campsites are available. There are also plenty of space to launch canoes and kayak.

M
Mike Jones
Jun 25, 2015

Last time I was there was almost a year ago. The bathroom facilities are nasty. The road is ok for cars with a high clearance level. If you have a car or van DO NOT TOW A TRAILER WITH IT ON THIS ROAD you will drag. the camping is ok if ya really want to have a rough outing. NOT ME any More.

D
Dave Dorman
Jun 16, 2019

Amazing scout camp sitting on the shore of Lake Raystown. Clean, quiet, perfect for a bunch of scouts looking to get away and have some fun!! Bring your own water!

T
Tim Bourne
Jun 27, 2018

I give another 5 stars to. Awesome camp for the Boy Scouts

N
Nate Metzel
Sep 08, 2019

Great primitive campground. Right on the water.