Trailhead Campground

- 4086 PA-125, Coal Township, PA 17866

For Pennsylvania’s passionate off-road community, the name Trailhead Campground is synonymous with convenient access to the region’s most acclaimed off-road riding park, the Anthracite Outdoor Adventure Area (AOAA). Located in the heart of the historic coal region, this facility is uniquely positioned as the only campground in the area to offer true ride-in and ride-out accommodations to the massive, 8,000-acre AOAA trail system. It is specifically designed and operated for adventurers who prioritize trail access and a friendly, communal atmosphere over luxury amenities.

Trailhead Campground serves as the essential home-base for those exploring the rugged terrain of Northumberland County, welcoming all types of off-road vehicles—ATVs, UTVs (SxS), motorcycles, and 4x4 vehicles—and their drivers and families. While it embraces a 'limited amenities' or 'primitive' style of camping, it provides critical infrastructure, most notably reliable electric hook-ups for nearly all sites. The facility’s core mission is to facilitate a safe, fun, and easy transition from your campsite to the trail, ensuring you spend less time hauling and more time riding the diverse terrain of Central Pennsylvania.

The operators of Trailhead Campground are committed to maintaining a safe and family-friendly environment. They enforce clear, reasonable rules, such as a strict 5 MPH speed limit throughout the grounds, which customers appreciate for cutting down on dust and noise, allowing for a more pleasant and safe stay for everyone. Whether you are bringing a massive RV rig or simply pitching a tent, Trailhead Campground is ready to welcome you to the PA adventure lifestyle.

Trailhead Campground is strategically located at 4086 PA-125, Coal Township, PA 17866, USA. This address places it literally adjacent to the main entrance of the AOAA, making it an unrivaled location for trail enthusiasts.

The accessibility of the campground is defined by its core feature: seamless integration with the AOAA trails.

• Direct Trail Access: Guests can ride their off-highway vehicles (OHVs) directly to and from the AOAA trail system and their campsite—an immense convenience that eliminates the need to load and unload machines daily. Note: Riding of OHVs is strictly prohibited within the campground property itself; the ride-out begins upon exiting the campground.
• Road Network: Situated on State Route 125, the campground is easy to reach by conventional vehicle, even for those hauling large trailers or RVs. The internal campground loop road is a dirt surface with a few water bars, drivable with most motorhomes and trucks with trailers.
• Regional Access: Coal Township is situated in Northumberland County, making the campground an accessible weekend destination from major PA cities and neighboring states. It is a reasonable drive from Harrisburg, and is a key destination for outdoor adventurers from across the Mid-Atlantic.
• On-Site Navigation: First-time visitors should be aware that internal signage can be limited, especially after dark, which can make initial navigation challenging. However, staff are known to be friendly and helpful, often guiding new arrivals to their spots, ensuring everyone settles in smoothly.

Trailhead Campground focuses its amenities on providing essential services that support a concentrated outdoor adventure experience, particularly for RV and trailer users who typically arrive prepared.

• Electric Hook-Ups: All sites are equipped with electric service. This typically includes a standard 120 VAC receptacle, a 30 AMP TT receptacle, and many sites also feature a 50 AMP receptacle, catering to large RVs and trailers. Note: Unauthorized EV charging is strictly prohibited and carries a significant fee.
• Water Access: Water is available only via a hand pump. Guests must arrive with their RVs or trailers already filled, as there are no hose hook-ups for filling campers on site. This maintains the ‘limited amenities’ profile.
• Waste Management: Restroom facilities currently consist of portable toilets (Port-o-potties). There are no shower facilities. A sewer dump station is not provided on-site; guests are advised to use truck stop facilities on their journey home.
• Camp Site Features: Every individual campsite comes equipped with a picnic table and a dedicated fire ring for guest use.
• Firewood Delivery: Pre-ordered firewood can be delivered directly to the campsite, a convenient service that staff are known to assist with, even helping guests start their fire upon arrival.
• Group Camping: Dedicated group sites are available, often featuring extra-large spaces, multiple electrical hook-ups (up to 5-50 AMP services), a pavilion, and their own dedicated parking area for clubs or large parties (up to 15 persons).

The standout features of Trailhead Campground are rooted in its dedication to the off-roading community and the quality of the on-site experience, which is heavily influenced by the friendly and professional staff.

• Unbeatable AOAA Access: The primary highlight is the unique 'ride-in and ride-out' access, positioning it as the ultimate launchpad for exploring the AOAA’s 300+ miles of varied trails, which range from easy green routes to challenging black trails.
• Friendly and Helpful Staff: Customer reviews consistently praise the staff for being super friendly, helpful, and engaged, with examples like assisting with fire starting and guiding late arrivals to their sites. This high level of service creates a welcoming environment.
• Focus on Safety and Atmosphere: The strictly enforced 5 MPH speed limit is a major feature that contributes significantly to a safer, quieter, and cleaner campground, reducing dust and allowing for a family-friendly atmosphere. Aggressive riding or OHV stunts are strictly prohibited on campground grounds.
• Flexible Site Options: The campground offers a mix of site types, including extra-long pull-thru sites to accommodate the largest tow rig and trailer combinations, as well as back-in sites popular with tent campers. Tent camping is permitted in any site, providing flexibility.
• Affordable Adventure Base: By maintaining a 'limited amenities' model, the campground offers a more cost-effective camping solution compared to full-service RV resorts, making world-class off-roading more accessible to local Pennsylvania enthusiasts.

For reservations, inquiries, or to verify current rates and rules, locals can use the following information. Online reservations are also encouraged through the campground’s website.

Address: 4086 PA-125, Coal Township, PA 17866, USA

Phone for Reservations: (570) 495-4453

Mobile Phone: +1 570-495-4453

For residents of Pennsylvania, Trailhead Campground is perfectly suited for several compelling reasons. Primarily, it solves the logistical challenge of accessing the state’s premier off-road destination, the AOAA. No other local lodging option offers the convenience of riding straight from your campsite onto the trails, which is an invaluable feature for frequent riders from Harrisburg, Philadelphia, or points across the state.

The slightly primitive nature of the facilities is a non-issue for the typical PA outdoor enthusiast, who is often self-sufficient and appreciates the lower cost and rugged simplicity. The focus on strong, friendly customer service ensures a great experience, with staff going the extra mile to assist guests. For local off-road clubs, families with dirt bikes, or anyone with a truck and trailer looking to spend a weekend exploring the diverse terrain of the Anthracite region, Trailhead Campground is not just a place to sleep—it’s the definitive launchpad for adventure. It provides a community base with easy-to-follow rules that keep the atmosphere safe and enjoyable for everyone, making it the top choice for an unforgettable PA off-roading trip.

Trailhead Campground

4086 PA-125, Coal Township, PA 17866, USA