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Blue Knob
Overview
Blue Knob State Park offers a unique getaway in Imler, Pennsylvania, characterized by its high elevation and rugged beauty. As the site of the state's second-highest peak, the park provides a refreshing mountain atmosphere that feels worlds away from the urban sprawl. The campground serves as an ideal base camp for exploring the Allegheny Mountains while offering a peaceful setting surrounded by dense forests. Visitors are often drawn to the area for its year-round recreational opportunities and the chance to reconnect with nature in a pristine wilderness environment.
Location & Surroundings
Situated in the heart of Bedford County, the park is defined by its dramatic topography and secluded location. The drive to the campground involves navigating scenic mountain roads that offer stunning vistas of the surrounding valleys. The park is characterized by its high-altitude climate, which typically remains cooler and more comfortable during the humid summer months. This remote setting ensures that guests can enjoy a quiet stay under a canopy of trees, making it a true mountain sanctuary for those traveling through central Pennsylvania.
Amenities & Park Features
The campground at Blue Knob accommodates various setups with several sites featuring electric hookups for RV travelers. While the experience remains intentionally rustic, guests have access to modern conveniences such as flush toilets and warm showers. One of the standout features is the seasonal swimming pool, which provides a great way to relax after a day of hiking. Additionally, the park includes well-maintained picnic areas and a dump station, ensuring that self-contained travelers have the essential resources needed for a comfortable multi-day stay.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
Outdoor enthusiasts will find no shortage of activities, with over 17 miles of scenic hiking trails ranging from easy walks to challenging climbs. The adjacent Blue Knob All Seasons Resort offers downhill skiing in the winter and a mountain-style golf course during the warmer months. History buffs can take a short drive to the historic town of Bedford to visit Old Bedford Village, a living history museum. The proximity to the Lost Children of the Alleghenies monument also provides a touching piece of local lore for visitors to explore.
Who This Park Is Best For
This park is an excellent choice for avid hikers and mountain bikers who want immediate access to rugged terrain and elevation changes. It is also ideal for families who appreciate a traditional camping experience centered around campfire stories and outdoor exploration rather than high-tech resort amenities. If you are a traveler looking for a cool summer retreat or a quiet spot to watch the fall foliage change, Blue Knob provides the perfect backdrop for a slow-paced and restorative RV adventure.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Derek Flaig
Deep woods, steep trails, some excellent views. The campground has large sites.
Todd Chverchko
Great place to visit for a picnic and swim with the family. It has a very nice trail system for hiking and mountain biking. For Mt biking it has two great down hill trails that flow well and are fun to ride (Rollercoster and CRIST Ridge) The campground and picnic areas are also nice.
Patricia covert
Went on a dreary day. Noone around. Did see the Ranger up on top the mountain parked. Took foggy to see anything but the Lodge empty. Park Office not open to get passport stamp ..and none outside in holder.
Charles J
Blue Knob is well maintained, but I wish more vistas were opened up. The roads leading to the park have wonderful views but too much growth hides them at the park. I found the best view at the top of the ski lifts at Blue Knob Resort. In the distance, several gaps in the mountains make them look like they weave in and out among each other. I did not include a picture, as the fires in our western states made the air too milky to get a good picture. Blue Knob lacks a boating area and is a somewhat disjointed park. for example, the swimming pool is a great distance from the camping. There's about 50 tent and trailer sites in the camping area. However, some are very much in the sun. There's also three cabins and a house to rent. There is also a remote group camping area with its own pool (currently not filled). There's 23 miles of hiking on 9 trails. Mountain bike on 19 miles of trails, house ride on 7 miles of trails, and 7 picnic pavilions including the ones right off route 869 to the west of the main park. In winter enjoy cross country skiing, snowmobiling, and of course the 1050 foot downhill skiing at Blue Knob Lodge. For events at this park visit: events dcnr pa For more information: pa parks and forests (diamond)
Jenn Gray
A lovely park, even off season. A few cute trails (Lost Turkey trail, and Chappells Field trails are recommended), a campground, a regional pool, picnic areas, and much nature. Could use a bit more parking close to the trails, but overall a great place to hike, camp, walk or run.
