New Centre County campsites highlighted as PA’s summer recreation season kicks off

The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources highlighted Bald Eagle State Park’s newest camping area Wednesday, which officials believe will not only increase the park’s foot traffic, but will also boost Centre County’s overall economy.

DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn was joined by other state officials and Centre County Commissioners Mark Higgins, Steve Dershem and Amber Concepcion days before Memorial Day weekend, which kicks off Pennsylvania’s summer recreation season.

Located in the east side of the state park near the Russel P. Letterman Campground, just off of the Oak Loop road, the White Pine Camping Loop includes 22 pet-friendly, full-service campsites. The loop opened last year and adds to the park’s four pre-existing, full-service sites.

The newest campsites include sewer, water and electric hookups, making them geared toward people who want to stay at the park in a recreational vehicle or camper.

Also included in the loop’s construction — which wrapped up last July — was a small parking area, a new cabin and some bathroom upgrades. The project was funded by a $1.9 million DCNR infrastructure investment.

“The White Pine Camping Loop brings modern amenities to the park while maintaining — as we can see — the natural beauty of the area,” Centre County Commissioner Mark Higgins said. “It’s a place where visitors can enjoy the wonders of the outdoors, with the added comfort and convenience of the updated facilities. This exciting new addition is a perfect example of how reinvesting in our parks enhances the experience for everyone who visits.”

According to Bill Kocher, the state park’s manager, since opening last summer, the loop has been operating at 66% capacity, with a heightened amount of visitors on weekends and around holidays.

Dunn added to that figure, sharing that an increased demand for camping in Pennsylvania has let to a 30% increase in campsite reservations this spring, a 20% increase in in the Centre County region and a 55% increase in camping at Bald Eagle State Park.

“We saw a [camping] boost during COVID — a lot of people went out and bought the equipment, and they’re still here and have learned to camp more,” Dunn said. “They’re really digging in and staying with camping, and that’s really gratifying for us because we know that’s where memories are made.”

The DCNR also launched a “Still Open. Still Awesome” campaign this spring to highlight that state parks remain open and ready for visitors while some federal campgrounds have been forced to close or scale back due to staffing shortages.

While more visitors take advantage of the new campsites — and Centre County’s other state parks — local officials believe that outdoor recreation investments like the White Pine Camping Loop will, in turn, further bolster the county’s economy.

According to Higgins, outdoor recreation in Centre County sustains around 1,000 jobs and generates about $190 million per year of economic activity, contributing to around 2% of Pennsylvania’s total economy.

For Ed Stoddard, Happy Valley Adventure Bureau’s communications director, upgrades to Centre County’s state parks and other outdoor recreation locations are crucial for the county’s continued economic growth.

“Every upgrade to our parks is a direct investment in both outdoor recreation and in the communities that depend on it,” Stoddard said. “Happy Valley just isn’t just a travel destination, it’s a place people call home, where they build businesses, raise families. ... We’re building on a shared vision, one where public lands aren’t just protected, but promoted as powerful tools for wellness exploration and economic growth.”

In addition to visiting the White Pine Camping Loop, Dunn and some DCNR staff members also made a trip to Black Moshannon State Park Tuesday to showcase work being done there by the Pennsylvania Outdoor Corps, a program that provides people from ages 15 to 25 with paid opportunities to gain competitive job readiness skills that will prepare them for careers in environmental conservation.

As a part of the corps’ 10th anniversary, participating members are building a new staircase at the park’s concession stand.

Also on DCNR’s agenda are plans to open the state’s 125th state park at Laurel Caverns in Fayette County, the largest cavern in the state by volume and area. The cavern will become the first underground state park in Pennsylvania.

For more information on Bald Eagle State Park and the White Pine Camping Loop, visit the state park’s website, or call the park at 814-625-2775.