RV Parks In Bedford, Pennsylvania
40.0187° N, 78.5039° W
Quick Overview
Bedford sits in the Ridge and Valley country of south-central Pennsylvania, right where the Pennsylvania Turnpike meets I-99 and US-30, which makes it one of the more RV-friendly stops in the region. It is a historic town with preserved colonial architecture, a living-history village, and easy access to a genuinely good state park, and it works equally well as an overnight break on a cross-state run or as a base for a few days of exploring. The big draw for RVers is that you get real hookup camping in two very different flavors within a few miles of town, plus straightforward highway access that keeps big rigs off the tight mountain back roads.
The public option is Shawnee State Park, about ten miles west of Bedford on US 30. The park covers nearly 4,000 acres around a lake with a swimming beach, boat rentals, and trails, and its campground carries roughly 200 sites, including 94 with electric and 16 full-hookup sites with sewer, water, and electricity. There is a sanitary dump station and modern shower houses, and the season runs from mid-April through late December. On the private side, Friendship Village Campground & RV Park sits just two miles off the turnpike at Exit 146, along the Juniata River, and offers full hookups for rigs up to 70 feet with the bonus of year-round operation.
That pairing covers almost any trip. If you want a lake, a beach, and a moderate nightly rate, Shawnee State Park is the pick, though its 16 full-hookup sites sell out first and are reservable through ReserveAmerica up to 11 months ahead. If you want full site hookups, resort-style amenities, and a place that stays open in winter when the state park closes, Friendship Village is your answer. Both are pet friendly, and you can book Shawnee directly through the Pennsylvania DCNR before you arrive.
Around camp, Bedford keeps you busy. Old Bedford Village recreates the colonial era with period buildings and demonstrations, downtown offers dining and history, and the quirky Gravity Hill roadside stop is a fun detour. Late spring through fall is the sweet spot, with lake season in summer and excellent ridge foliage in October. Provision in town, where groceries, fuel, and propane are easy to find. Need to empty your tanks between stops? See our guide to RV dump stations in Bedford for the closest options.
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All Dump Stations Near Bedford
| Station Name | Distance | Rating | Category | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Friendship Village Campground & RV Park | 2.0 mi | N/A | RV Park | Varies |
| Friendship Village Campground & RV Park | 2.0 mi | N/A | RV Park | Varies |
| Choice Camping Court | 4.5 mi | N/A | RV Park | Free |
| Nature's Getaway RV Park | 6.1 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Shellbark Campground | 6.4 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Merritt Pond Campground | 6.8 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Shawnee State Park Campground | 7.1 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Hideaway Campground | 10.4 mi | 4.6 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Woy Bridge Campground | 10.6 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Ronald D Claar Mobile Home | 12.3 mi | 4.7 | Dump Station | Varies |
Friendship Village Campground & RV Park
2.0 miFriendship Village Campground & RV Park
2.0 miChoice Camping Court
4.5 miNature's Getaway RV Park
6.1 miShellbark Campground
6.4 miMerritt Pond Campground
6.8 miShawnee State Park Campground
7.1 miHideaway Campground
10.4 miWoy Bridge Campground
10.6 miRonald D Claar Mobile Home
12.3 miTraveling to Bedford by RV
Bedford is one of the easiest RV towns in central Pennsylvania to reach, because the major highways come right to it. The Pennsylvania Turnpike, I-76, meets I-70 and I-99 at the Bedford interchange, Exit 146, so you arrive on limited-access roads instead of threading mountain switchbacks. Friendship Village Campground & RV Park is just two miles from that exit, which makes it an ideal quick-stop on a long haul. To reach Shawnee State Park, follow US-30 west for about ten miles on a comfortable two-lane road that big rigs handle without trouble.
Once you are in town, services are close and convenient. Fuel stations, groceries, propane, and basic RV and hardware supplies cluster near the interchange and along the US-30 corridor, so provisioning is quick before you head to camp. Downtown Bedford has preserved streets and dining worth a walk, but use the campgrounds for overnight rather than street parking. In winter, ridge roads can ice up, so stick to the maintained highway routes and lean on Friendship Village, which stays open year-round when Shawnee closes. Nearby Everett and Breezewood add extra fuel and food stops along the corridor.
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Before You Go: RV Trip Essentials
Dump stations are only one piece of the trip puzzle. Before you set out for your trip to Bedford, Pennsylvania, it's worth taking thirty minutes to check that the basics are in place — the four areas below are where unprepared RVers most often get stung.
Check your RV insurance coverage
A standard auto policy rarely covers a Class A, Class C, or travel trailer the way a dedicated RV insurance policy does. If you're financing a motorhome, lenders typically require comprehensive and collision; full-timers should additionally price in vacation liability and personal belongings coverage. Rates vary widely by state and travel pattern — compare quotes from multiple RV-focused carriers before each season.
Know your roadside assistance options
RV-specific roadside plans tow motorhomes and trailers that regular AAA coverage won't touch — flat beds, mobile mechanics, tire service for duallies, and even emergency lockouts at remote campgrounds. Good plans cover your spouse and trailer even if you're driving a separate vehicle, and some include trip interruption reimbursement if a breakdown costs you a reservation.
Decide about an extended warranty early
Original manufacturer warranties on new RVs typically run 12–24 months — shorter than most buyers realize. An extended service contract (essentially a mechanical breakdown policy) covers the appliances, slides, levelling systems, and drivetrain components that can run $3,000–$10,000 to replace. The time to price one is before the factory coverage expires, not after something breaks.
Set up a travel rewards card for fuel and fees
A no-annual-fee travel or gas rewards card pays for itself on a single month of RV travel. Expect to spend $400–$800 per week combined on fuel, campgrounds, and propane — 3–5% cash back on gas alone covers the next oil change. For bigger trips, a sign-up bonus can offset campground fees for the whole season.
RVingLife is supported by advertising. Third-party ads on this page may include insurance quotes, roadside plans, warranty coverage, or financial products relevant to the topics above. We don't endorse any specific provider — compare multiple offers before you commit. Privacy policy.
Dump Station Costs in Bedford
Camping near Bedford splits along the usual public-versus-private line. Shawnee State Park charges standard Pennsylvania State Park rates that step up from non-electric to electric to the premium 16 full-hookup sites, generally landing in a moderate, budget-friendly range. The dump station, shower houses, lake, and beach are included in that price, which makes the electric sites a strong value for families. If you want the cheapest legitimate option, a non-electric site at the park runs less, though you give up on-site power and lean on your own batteries or generator.
Friendship Village Campground & RV Park sits higher on the scale, as a full-service private park with two pools, mini golf, waterfront sites, and year-round operation. You pay more per night there, but you get full site hookups and resort amenities in return, and it is the only option when the state park campground closes in winter. Weekends and holidays cost more at both, and the full-hookup premium at either is real. Budget for that gap, book early for the best rates, and factor in fuel for the short runs into town to provision.
Contact station for pricing details.
Prices may vary. Always confirm with the station before visiting.
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Best Time to Visit Bedford by RV
Winter
Nov - Feb
22 F - 38 F
Crowds: Low
Shawnee State Park closes its campground roughly January through March, so winter camping means Friendship Village, which stays open year-round with full hookups. Expect cold nights and possible snow on the ridge roads.
Spring
Mar - May
40 F - 60 F
Crowds: Medium
Shawnee reopens around mid-April. Book early-season sites ahead since only part of the loop may be online, and pack for wet, variable weather while the ground firms up.
Summer
Jun - Aug
60 F - 83 F
Crowds: High
Peak season for lake swimming and boating at Shawnee. The 16 full-hookup sites and the private park both fill on summer weekends, so reserve well in advance and expect afternoon thunderstorms.
Fall
Sep - Oct
42 F - 64 F
Crowds: Medium
Crisp air and good ridge foliage make fall a favorite. Weekdays are quiet, weekends busier, and Shawnee stays open into late December, though nights get cold enough to want electric heat.
Explore the Bedford Area
The single most useful tip near Bedford is to reserve early for Shawnee State Park, especially if you want one of the 16 full-hookup sites. They open on an 11-month window through ReserveAmerica and are the first to go for summer weekends, so book the moment your dates come available. If those are gone, grab an electric site and use the on-site dump station before you leave. For winter or last-minute trips, Friendship Village Campground & RV Park is the reliable fallback, since it runs year-round with full hookups just off the turnpike.
Provision in Bedford before heading out, since both campgrounds are a short drive from town and restocking is easy. Top off propane and fresh water, and buy several days of groceries so you can focus on exploring. Time your visit for late spring through fall to catch lake season at Shawnee, and aim for October if you want ridge foliage, targeting midweek to dodge weekend crowds. Pack layers year-round, because even summer nights cool off and fall nights drop into the 40s. If you are traveling with a dog, Friendship Village has a fenced dog park that makes longer stays easier.
National Parks Nearby
Frequently Asked Questions About Dump Stations in Bedford
Are there RV parks with hookups near Bedford, PA?
Yes, and you have both a public and a private choice. Shawnee State Park, about ten miles west of Bedford on US 30, offers 94 electric sites plus 16 full-hookup sites with sewer, water, and electricity, along with a sanitary dump station. Friendship Village Campground & RV Park sits just two miles off the Pennsylvania Turnpike at Exit 146 and provides full hookups for rigs up to 70 feet. Between the two you can pick a lakeside state park with a swimming beach or a full-service private park with resort amenities, depending on what your trip calls for.
Can big rigs camp near Bedford?
They can. Friendship Village Campground & RV Park accommodates RVs up to 70 feet with full hookups, so even large motorhomes and fifth wheels fit comfortably, and it is an easy two-mile hop off the turnpike at Exit 146. Shawnee State Park handles trailers and motorhomes as well, though its full-hookup sites number only 16, so measure your length and reserve early. Getting to both is straightforward: the Pennsylvania Turnpike and I-99 feed Bedford directly, and US-30 west to Shawnee is a comfortable two-lane road without the tight mountain switchbacks you find deeper in the Alleghenies.
How do I make camping reservations near Bedford?
For Shawnee State Park, reservations go through the ReserveAmerica system used by Pennsylvania State Parks, and you can book sites up to 11 months in advance. That long window matters for the 16 full-hookup sites, which are the first to sell out for summer weekends. Friendship Village Campground & RV Park takes reservations directly through its own office and website, and since it stays open year-round, it is your fallback when the state park campground is closed. For any peak summer or holiday weekend, book both as early as you can rather than gambling on walk-up availability.
When is Shawnee State Park campground open?
Shawnee State Park runs a warm-season camping schedule, opening around mid-April and staying open through late December. If you visit between January and March, the campground is closed and you cannot stay there. That leaves a long, useful window from spring through early winter that covers lake season, fall foliage, and even some cold-weather camping for hardy RVers with electric heat. Just remember that showers and water systems may shut off before the campground officially closes, so confirm current conditions when you book. For dead-of-winter trips near Bedford, plan on Friendship Village instead, which operates year-round.
Is there a dump station near Bedford?
Yes. Shawnee State Park has a sanitary dump station on-site, which is handy even if you book one of the electric-only or non-electric sites rather than a full-hookup spot. You can stay on your fresh and gray tanks during the visit and empty everything before you roll out. Friendship Village Campground & RV Park offers full hookups at the site level, so many guests never need a central dump there at all. If you are passing through and camping elsewhere, plan your route in advance. Need to empty your tanks between stops? See our guide to RV dump stations in Bedford for nearby options.
What is there to do around Bedford for RVers?
Plenty, and it is a genuinely historic area. Old Bedford Village is a recreated colonial-era living-history museum with period buildings and demonstrations right in town, and downtown Bedford itself has preserved architecture and small-town dining. Ten miles west, Shawnee State Park spreads across nearly 4,000 acres with a lake, swimming beach, boating, and miles of trails, so it doubles as both a campground and a day-use destination. The surrounding Ridge and Valley country is good for scenic drives and fall foliage, and the quirky roadside stop known as Gravity Hill draws curious visitors. It is an easy base for a few days of exploring.
How much does camping cost near Bedford?
Costs vary with hookup level and whether you choose public or private. Shawnee State Park charges Pennsylvania State Park rates that step up from non-electric to electric to the premium 16 full-hookup sites, generally landing in a moderate range that is friendly to most budgets. Friendship Village Campground & RV Park, as a full-service private park with pools, mini golf, and waterfront sites, typically runs higher per night, reflecting the extra amenities and year-round operation. Weekends and holidays cost more at both, and the full-hookup premium is real. If you are watching your budget, an electric-only site at the state park is the value pick.
Are pets allowed at Bedford campgrounds?
Yes, with the usual conditions. Pennsylvania State Parks, including Shawnee, allow leashed pets in most campground loops but require them to stay off swimming beaches and out of buildings, and you should keep proof of rabies vaccination. Friendship Village Campground & RV Park is family and pet friendly and even has a dog park with separate areas for large and small dogs, which is a nice touch for longer stays. As always, keep pets leashed, clean up after them, and never leave animals unattended at a site. Confirm any breed or count limits when you book, since private-park policies can vary by season.
Does Friendship Village stay open in winter?
Yes, and that is its big advantage near Bedford. Friendship Village Campground & RV Park operates year-round with full hookups, so it is your option when Shawnee State Park closes its campground from January through March. Winter camping in this part of Pennsylvania means cold nights, possible snow, and the need for a well-insulated rig and heated water hoses, but full-hookup sites make it workable. The campground sits just two miles off the turnpike at Exit 146, so access stays easy even in winter weather when the higher ridge roads get dicey. Call ahead in the cold months to confirm which loops and services are running.
How do I get to Bedford with an RV?
Bedford is one of the easier towns in central Pennsylvania to reach in a big rig. The Pennsylvania Turnpike, I-76, meets I-70 and I-99 right at the Bedford interchange, Exit 146, so you can arrive on major limited-access highways without threading mountain back roads. Friendship Village is two miles from that exit. To reach Shawnee State Park, take US-30 west for about ten miles, which is a comfortable two-lane road. Fuel, propane, groceries, and services are all available in and around Bedford, so plan to provision in town before settling in at either campground.
Is Shawnee State Park good for families?
It is one of the better family campgrounds in the region. The park is built around a lake with a sanded swimming beach, boat rentals, and boat launches, so kids have water activities all summer, plus trails for hiking and biking and a large campground with roughly 200 sites. The mix of electric, full-hookup, and non-electric sites lets families match their rig and budget, and the on-site dump station and shower houses keep things convenient. It is close enough to Old Bedford Village and downtown Bedford for rainy-day outings. Reserve early for summer weekends, since family demand keeps the popular loops full.
What services and supplies are in Bedford?
Bedford is a full-service small town, which makes it a comfortable RV base. You will find grocery stores, fuel stations, propane, banks, restaurants, and basic RV and hardware supplies in and around town, much of it clustered near the turnpike interchange and along the US-30 corridor. That means you can provision thoroughly before heading out to Shawnee State Park or settling in at Friendship Village. Because both campgrounds are within a short drive of town, restocking mid-trip is easy. Top off propane and fresh water and buy several days of groceries so you can spend your time exploring rather than running errands.
Can I camp near Bedford in the fall for foliage?
Absolutely, and fall is one of the best times to visit. Shawnee State Park stays open through late December, so you can catch peak color on the surrounding Ridge and Valley slopes, usually in October, with crisp days and cool nights. Electric sites are worth the small premium then, since you will want heat after dark. Friendship Village also runs through fall and into winter if you prefer full hookups. Weekdays are noticeably quieter than weekends during foliage season, so if you have flexibility, aim midweek for open sites and quiet trails. Pack layers, because nights drop into the 40s and lower.
Are there RV parks with hookups near Bedford, PA?
Yes, and you have both a public and a private choice. Shawnee State Park, about ten miles west of Bedford on US 30, offers 94 electric sites plus 16 full-hookup sites with sewer, water, and electricity, along with a sanitary dump station. Friendship Village Campground & RV Park sits just two miles off the Pennsylvania Turnpike at Exit 146 and provides full hookups for rigs up to 70 feet. Between the two you can pick a lakeside state park with a swimming beach or a full-service private park with resort amenities, depending on what your trip calls for.
Can big rigs camp near Bedford?
They can. Friendship Village Campground & RV Park accommodates RVs up to 70 feet with full hookups, so even large motorhomes and fifth wheels fit comfortably, and it is an easy two-mile hop off the turnpike at Exit 146. Shawnee State Park handles trailers and motorhomes as well, though its full-hookup sites number only 16, so measure your length and reserve early. Getting to both is straightforward: the Pennsylvania Turnpike and I-99 feed Bedford directly, and US-30 west to Shawnee is a comfortable two-lane road without the tight mountain switchbacks you find deeper in the Alleghenies.
How do I make camping reservations near Bedford?
For Shawnee State Park, reservations go through the ReserveAmerica system used by Pennsylvania State Parks, and you can book sites up to 11 months in advance. That long window matters for the 16 full-hookup sites, which are the first to sell out for summer weekends. Friendship Village Campground & RV Park takes reservations directly through its own office and website, and since it stays open year-round, it is your fallback when the state park campground is closed. For any peak summer or holiday weekend, book both as early as you can rather than gambling on walk-up availability.
When is Shawnee State Park campground open?
Shawnee State Park runs a warm-season camping schedule, opening around mid-April and staying open through late December. If you visit between January and March, the campground is closed and you cannot stay there. That leaves a long, useful window from spring through early winter that covers lake season, fall foliage, and even some cold-weather camping for hardy RVers with electric heat. Just remember that showers and water systems may shut off before the campground officially closes, so confirm current conditions when you book. For dead-of-winter trips near Bedford, plan on Friendship Village instead, which operates year-round.
Is there a dump station near Bedford?
Yes. Shawnee State Park has a sanitary dump station on-site, which is handy even if you book one of the electric-only or non-electric sites rather than a full-hookup spot. You can stay on your fresh and gray tanks during the visit and empty everything before you roll out. Friendship Village Campground & RV Park offers full hookups at the site level, so many guests never need a central dump there at all. If you are passing through and camping elsewhere, plan your route in advance. Need to empty your tanks between stops? See our guide to RV dump stations in Bedford for nearby options.
What is there to do around Bedford for RVers?
Plenty, and it is a genuinely historic area. Old Bedford Village is a recreated colonial-era living-history museum with period buildings and demonstrations right in town, and downtown Bedford itself has preserved architecture and small-town dining. Ten miles west, Shawnee State Park spreads across nearly 4,000 acres with a lake, swimming beach, boating, and miles of trails, so it doubles as both a campground and a day-use destination. The surrounding Ridge and Valley country is good for scenic drives and fall foliage, and the quirky roadside stop known as Gravity Hill draws curious visitors. It is an easy base for a few days of exploring.
How much does camping cost near Bedford?
Costs vary with hookup level and whether you choose public or private. Shawnee State Park charges Pennsylvania State Park rates that step up from non-electric to electric to the premium 16 full-hookup sites, generally landing in a moderate range that is friendly to most budgets. Friendship Village Campground & RV Park, as a full-service private park with pools, mini golf, and waterfront sites, typically runs higher per night, reflecting the extra amenities and year-round operation. Weekends and holidays cost more at both, and the full-hookup premium is real. If you are watching your budget, an electric-only site at the state park is the value pick.
Are pets allowed at Bedford campgrounds?
Yes, with the usual conditions. Pennsylvania State Parks, including Shawnee, allow leashed pets in most campground loops but require them to stay off swimming beaches and out of buildings, and you should keep proof of rabies vaccination. Friendship Village Campground & RV Park is family and pet friendly and even has a dog park with separate areas for large and small dogs, which is a nice touch for longer stays. As always, keep pets leashed, clean up after them, and never leave animals unattended at a site. Confirm any breed or count limits when you book, since private-park policies can vary by season.
Does Friendship Village stay open in winter?
Yes, and that is its big advantage near Bedford. Friendship Village Campground & RV Park operates year-round with full hookups, so it is your option when Shawnee State Park closes its campground from January through March. Winter camping in this part of Pennsylvania means cold nights, possible snow, and the need for a well-insulated rig and heated water hoses, but full-hookup sites make it workable. The campground sits just two miles off the turnpike at Exit 146, so access stays easy even in winter weather when the higher ridge roads get dicey. Call ahead in the cold months to confirm which loops and services are running.
How do I get to Bedford with an RV?
Bedford is one of the easier towns in central Pennsylvania to reach in a big rig. The Pennsylvania Turnpike, I-76, meets I-70 and I-99 right at the Bedford interchange, Exit 146, so you can arrive on major limited-access highways without threading mountain back roads. Friendship Village is two miles from that exit. To reach Shawnee State Park, take US-30 west for about ten miles, which is a comfortable two-lane road. Fuel, propane, groceries, and services are all available in and around Bedford, so plan to provision in town before settling in at either campground.
Is Shawnee State Park good for families?
It is one of the better family campgrounds in the region. The park is built around a lake with a sanded swimming beach, boat rentals, and boat launches, so kids have water activities all summer, plus trails for hiking and biking and a large campground with roughly 200 sites. The mix of electric, full-hookup, and non-electric sites lets families match their rig and budget, and the on-site dump station and shower houses keep things convenient. It is close enough to Old Bedford Village and downtown Bedford for rainy-day outings. Reserve early for summer weekends, since family demand keeps the popular loops full.
What services and supplies are in Bedford?
Bedford is a full-service small town, which makes it a comfortable RV base. You will find grocery stores, fuel stations, propane, banks, restaurants, and basic RV and hardware supplies in and around town, much of it clustered near the turnpike interchange and along the US-30 corridor. That means you can provision thoroughly before heading out to Shawnee State Park or settling in at Friendship Village. Because both campgrounds are within a short drive of town, restocking mid-trip is easy. Top off propane and fresh water and buy several days of groceries so you can spend your time exploring rather than running errands.
Can I camp near Bedford in the fall for foliage?
Absolutely, and fall is one of the best times to visit. Shawnee State Park stays open through late December, so you can catch peak color on the surrounding Ridge and Valley slopes, usually in October, with crisp days and cool nights. Electric sites are worth the small premium then, since you will want heat after dark. Friendship Village also runs through fall and into winter if you prefer full hookups. Weekdays are noticeably quieter than weekends during foliage season, so if you have flexibility, aim midweek for open sites and quiet trails. Pack layers, because nights drop into the 40s and lower.
Are there free dump stations in Bedford?
Yes — there are free RV waste disposal options available near Bedford.
All Dump Stations Near Bedford (115)
RV Park with Dump StationsFriendship Village Campground & RV Park
RV Park with Dump StationsFriendship Village Campground & RV Park
RV Park with Dump StationsChoice Camping Court
RV ParkMerritt Pond Campground
RV ParkNature's Getaway RV Park
RV ParkShellbark Campground
RV ParkShawnee State Park Campground
RV Park



