Russell P. Letterman Campground

- Modern Campground Rd, Howard, PA 16841

Introduction / Overview

For Pennsylvania families and outdoor enthusiasts, the Russell P. Letterman Campground within Bald Eagle State Park stands as one of Central Pennsylvania’s premier modern camping destinations. Nestled near the vast and beautiful Foster Joseph Sayers Lake, this facility offers a blend of natural beauty and essential modern conveniences, making it an ideal choice for both seasoned RVers and first-time campers alike. Unlike the more rustic options nearby, the Letterman Campground is a well-maintained hub, consistently praised by local visitors for its high standards of cleanliness and its tranquil, friendly atmosphere.

Operated by the dedicated staff of the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), the campground ensures a top-tier experience. Guests frequently highlight the meticulous upkeep of the facilities—from the restrooms and wash areas to the spacious, individual campsites. This commitment to quality, coupled with the scenic surroundings of Bald Eagle State Park, establishes the Russell P. Letterman Campground as a go-to spot for those seeking a safe, comfortable, and memorable outdoor escape in the Keystone State.

Location and Accessibility

The Russell P. Letterman Campground is ideally situated in Centre County, within the boundaries of Bald Eagle State Park, one of Pennsylvania’s most significant recreational areas. The facility’s address—Modern Campground Rd, Howard, PA 16841, USA—places it strategically for easy access from major regional routes. The park is located along PA Route 150, making it a manageable drive from the I-80 corridor and key population centers across the state.

A key accessibility feature is its close proximity to the park’s main recreational amenities. The campground is less than one mile from the Sayers Dam Beach area, the park’s main marina, and boat launch facilities. This allows for convenient, short trips for swimming, renting watercraft, or simply enjoying the 1,730-acre Foster Joseph Sayers Lake. The campground itself is arranged with paved road loops (such as the Sycamore and Oak Loops), and each site features a paved parking spur, which greatly simplifies the process of leveling and setting up recreational vehicles, ensuring an easy arrival for all guests.

Services Offered

As a modern camping area, the Russell P. Letterman Campground provides comprehensive services designed for the comfort and convenience of all visitors. The facility strives to cover all the necessary bases for both short stays and extended vacations, allowing guests to focus entirely on relaxation and recreation. The primary services include:

• Full-Service Hookup Sites: A selection of sites offer water, sewer, and electricity (30 and 50-amp options) for the highest level of RV convenience.
• Electric Hookup Sites: Numerous additional sites provide electricity only, accommodating a wide range of camping needs.
• Spotlessly Maintained Facilities: Restrooms, wash areas, and shower houses are kept “immaculate” by DCNR staff, offering warm, clean facilities for all guests.
• Comfortable Alternative Lodging: The campground features rentable yurts and camping cottages, which provide beds, electric heat, lighting, and outlets for those without an RV or tent.
• Sanitary Dump Station: A convenient, on-site dump station is available for camper use.
• Basic Site Essentials: Each campsite, regardless of the hookup package, is equipped with a paved parking spur, a picnic table, and a fire ring with a grill.
• Seasonal Operation: The modern camping area typically opens in mid-April and closes in mid-December, catering to the entire range of the Pennsylvania outdoor season.

Features / Highlights

Beyond the fundamental services, the Russell P. Letterman Campground offers several distinct features that elevate the camping experience, focusing on space, safety, and engagement with nature. These highlights contribute to its reputation as a well-loved regional destination:

• Spacious and Private Sites: Campsites are noted for being large and “well kept,” with good spacing between neighbors, allowing for a quiet and non-crowded feel, even when the campground is busy.
• Immediate Access to Bald Eagle State Park Activities: Campers are only a short walk or drive from the main beach for swimming, the marina for boating/rentals, and numerous park trails for hiking and biking.
• Excellent for Wildlife and Stargazing: The natural surroundings of the park, including the nearby water body, make it a superb location for wildlife watching, with Bald Eagles and other local fauna frequently sighted. Furthermore, its rural location offers a "bonus of star gazing" on clear evenings.
• Friendly and Safe Environment: Customers describe the atmosphere as "very friendly and quiet," with visible staff presence from park rangers who “make sure the clean sites and people has to follow it,” contributing to a safe and community-oriented feel.
• Paved and Easy-to-Use Pads: The paved parking spurs on each site ensure stability and ease of setup, a crucial detail appreciated by RV and trailer owners.
• Variety of Nearby Amenities: While immersed in nature, the location is practical, with a few small "shopping spots within couple of miles," and a larger national retail store (WAL-MART) only about 15 minutes away for major supplies.

Contact Information

As a key facility within Bald Eagle State Park, reservations and information for the Russell P. Letterman Campground are managed centrally by the Pennsylvania State Parks system. It is highly recommended to make reservations well in advance, especially for full hookup sites or the popular yurts and cottages, as they are often booked up to 11 months ahead.

Address: Modern Campground Rd, Howard, PA 16841, USA (Physical location within Bald Eagle State Park)

Park Office Phone: (814) 625-2775 (Bald Eagle State Park Office)

Reservations: Can be made online through the Pennsylvania State Parks reservation system or by calling the toll-free number: 888-PA-PARKS (888-727-2757).

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For residents of Pennsylvania, the Russell P. Letterman Campground represents the quintessential modern state park experience, perfectly tailored for the local user. It is a reliable, high-quality, and cost-effective option for enjoying the outdoors without having to travel far from home. The reason it is so suitable for locals is its balanced offering of deep immersion in nature—thanks to the adjacent lake, hiking trails, and abundant wildlife—combined with the security of modern, immaculate amenities.

The ease of access to full hookups means local RV owners can enjoy a quick weekend trip with minimal setup and maximum relaxation. Furthermore, the availability of yurts and cottages makes it an excellent choice for introducing non-camping friends or extended family to the beauty of Bald Eagle State Park. Locals recognize the value of DCNR-maintained sites, which consistently deliver on cleanliness and safety. Whether you're looking for a friendly, quiet place for the kids to ride bikes, a basecamp for a day of boating on Foster Joseph Sayers Lake, or simply a chance to escape for a clear night of central Pennsylvania stargazing, the Russell P. Letterman Campground is a proven and cherished local resource.

Russell P. Letterman Campground

Modern Campground Rd, Howard, PA 16841, USA