RV Parks In DuBois, Pennsylvania
41.1192° N, 78.7600° W
Quick Overview
DuBois sits right in the heart of the Pennsylvania Wilds, surrounded by the vast Moshannon State Forest, so RV camping here leans heavily on the outdoors. Whether you want full hookups and resort comforts or a quiet forested site on a lake, the area covers both ends. The location is easy too, with I-80 running right past town and most of the camping within a short drive of the interstate.
On the private side, the standout is the DuBois / Treasure Lake KOA Holiday, a full-service family resort on the shore of Treasure Lake just five miles off I-80 exit 101. It handles big rigs up to about 100 feet with full hookups, 30 and 50 amp service, pull-through sites, a heated pool, a store, and dog parks, making it the easy big-rig base near DuBois. The public side is rich. Parker Dam State Park, about twenty miles northeast near Penfield, is a CCC-built park with a lakeside campground, swimming beach, and hiking trails set deep in the forest. S. B. Elliott State Park is a small, rustic park right off the interstate, and the surrounding Moshannon State Forest adds primitive and dispersed camping for self-contained rigs.
The big-rig reality is straightforward: the KOA is your full-hookup, large-rig choice, while Parker Dam's full-hookup loop fits rigs only up to about 30 feet and the forest sites suit smaller, self-contained setups. Think about what you want from the trip before you pick a site. If you need 50-amp power, sewer, and room to maneuver a long fifth-wheel or Class A, the resort is the safe call. If you would rather trade hookups for a quiet lakeside loop under the trees, the state park delivers that at a better price.
Reservations matter here, especially in the fall foliage season when weekends fill fast and the nearby elk rut draws crowds north to Benezette. Book the KOA directly and the state parks through the Pennsylvania DCNR system, reserve early for summer and fall, and you will have your pick of one of the prettiest corners of the PA Wilds.
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All Dump Stations Near DuBois
| Station Name | Distance | Rating | Category | Cost |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wayland James | 2.6 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Dubois / Treasure Lake Koa Holiday | 3.5 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Clearview Campground | 4.6 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Dubois / Treasure Lake Koa Holiday | 6.4 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Pine Valley Court And RV Park | 10.1 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| S.b. Elliott State Park | 12.2 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| F.o.e 983 Campground And Pavilions | 13.3 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
| Love's RV Hookup | 15.4 mi | 4.4 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Mahoning Manor Mobile Home Park | 15.4 mi | 3.3 | Dump Station | Varies |
| Lumber City RV Park | 15.5 mi | N/A | Dump Station | Varies |
Wayland James
2.6 miDubois / Treasure Lake Koa Holiday
3.5 miClearview Campground
4.6 miDubois / Treasure Lake Koa Holiday
6.4 miPine Valley Court And RV Park
10.1 miS.b. Elliott State Park
12.2 miF.o.e 983 Campground And Pavilions
13.3 miLove's RV Hookup
15.4 miMahoning Manor Mobile Home Park
15.4 miLumber City RV Park
15.5 miTraveling to DuBois by RV
DuBois is one of the easiest PA Wilds towns to reach with an RV, because I-80 runs right past it and the main base, the Treasure Lake KOA, is just five miles off exit 101. From the interstate, big-rig access is simple. US-219 runs north-south through the area, while US-322 and PA-255 branch toward Penfield, Parker Dam, and the state forest. Clearfield is just east on I-80, and State College with Penn State is about an hour southeast for larger amenities and a regional airport option if you are flying in to rent.
Once you leave the interstate corridor, the state forest and Parker Dam are reached by paved but winding rural roads, so take them slowly in a larger rig and watch for tight turns and grades. For the simplest arrival, stage at the KOA off I-80 first. Reserve your site ahead through Pennsylvania State Parks or KOA direct, then use DuBois as your hub for day trips north to the elk range and out into the Moshannon backcountry.
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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 DuBois, 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 DuBois
Camping costs around DuBois split clearly between public and private. State park electric sites at Parker Dam fall in a moderate nightly band and are an excellent value for the lakeside forest setting, while the Treasure Lake KOA sits in the higher resort band, reflecting full hookups and amenities like the pool and store. The cheapest option of all is primitive or dispersed camping in the Moshannon State Forest, which costs little to nothing but offers no hookups or services.
Budget extra for the peak windows: summer weekends and especially fall foliage season carry the steepest rates and the tightest availability, so booking early also tends to lock in better pricing. Factor in reservation fees on both the KOA and DCNR systems. If you want to save, aim for midweek or shoulder-season stays, lean on the state park over the private resort when your rig fits, and stock groceries and fuel in town before heading into the forest where options are limited and pricier.
Contact station for pricing details.
Prices may vary. Always confirm with the station before visiting.
What RVers Are Saying About DuBois
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Best Time to Visit DuBois by RV
Winter
Nov - Feb
18F - 33F
Crowds: Low
Cold and snowy on the Allegheny Plateau. The Treasure Lake KOA and the state parks largely close for the season, so this is snowmobiling and cross-country skiing time, not RV camping. Plan a winter trip only if you find a rare year-round private site.
Spring
Mar - May
38F - 58F
Crowds: Low
Cool, wet, and greening up, with high streams and trails coming back. Campgrounds open mid-spring, crowds are thin, and fishing is good. Pack for mud and chilly nights, and call ahead since some loops open late.
Summer
Jun - Aug
58F - 80F
Crowds: High
Warm, humid, and the busy stretch for lake swimming, hiking, and family camping. Reserve the KOA and Parker Dam ahead for weekends. Afternoon thunderstorms are common, but it stays green and comfortable through the season.
Fall
Sep - Oct
40F - 62F
Crowds: High
The signature season: brilliant Allegheny foliage, crisp air, and the elk rut to the north at Benezette. Foliage weekends book fast, so reserve early. Nights turn cold late in the season as parks wind down.
Explore the DuBois Area
For a big rig with full hookups, the Treasure Lake KOA just off I-80 is the easy base, while Parker Dam's full-hookup loop fits rigs only up to about 30 feet, so match your site to your rig before you book. Plan a fall trip around the foliage and the elk rut up at Benezette, but reserve early because foliage weekends fill fast across the whole PA Wilds.
Parker Dam State Park is the scenic public pick, with a lake, swimming, and CCC history deep in the Moshannon State Forest, and it is a strong value if your rig fits the loops. Do not miss the quirky day trips either: Punxsutawney to the south is home of Groundhog Day, and the free sandstone maze at Bilger's Rocks near Grampian is a fun, low-cost stop. Carry bug protection in early summer, pack layers for cold mountain nights even in shoulder season, and fill up on supplies in DuBois before heading into the forest, where services thin out quickly.
National Parks Nearby
Frequently Asked Questions About Dump Stations in DuBois
What are the best RV parks and campgrounds in DuBois, PA?
The easy big-rig base is the DuBois / Treasure Lake KOA Holiday, a full-service private resort on Treasure Lake just five miles off I-80 exit 101, with full hookups, pull-throughs, a heated pool, and a camp store. On the public side, Parker Dam State Park about twenty miles northeast near Penfield is the classic pick, with a lakeside campground, swimming beach, and CCC history deep in the Moshannon State Forest. S. B. Elliott State Park is a small, rustic option right off the interstate for smaller rigs.
Do DuBois area campgrounds have full hookups?
Full hookups are easiest at the Treasure Lake KOA, which offers 30 and 50 amp service, water, and sewer at big pull-through sites. On the public side, Parker Dam State Park runs mostly water and electric sites with a small full-hookup loop reserved for rigs up to about 30 feet, so check the loop when you book. S. B. Elliott and the surrounding Moshannon State Forest sites are basic or primitive with no hookups, better suited to self-contained rigs. If you need full hookups for a big rig, the KOA is your reliable choice.
How much does RV camping cost around DuBois?
Expect a clear gap between public and private. State park electric sites at Parker Dam fall in a moderate range, typically the mid-tier nightly band, and are a strong value for the setting. The Treasure Lake KOA sits in the higher band as a full-service resort, with peak summer and foliage weekends priced above shoulder-season midweek nights. Rustic and dispersed forest camping is the cheapest option of all. Build in reservation fees, and remember that fall foliage and summer weekends carry the steepest rates and the tightest availability.
How far ahead should I reserve a campsite near DuBois?
For summer weekends and especially the fall foliage season, reserve as early as you can, ideally several months out for the KOA and the popular Parker Dam sites. Both fill fast when the leaves turn and during peak summer family weekends. Midweek stays and the shoulder seasons of late spring and early fall are far easier and often open close to your travel date. Book the KOA directly through their reservation system and Parker Dam through the Pennsylvania State Parks DCNR portal. Dispersed state forest sites are first-come with a permit.
When is the best time to go RV camping in DuBois?
June through October is the window, and fall is the highlight. Summer brings warm, humid days perfect for lake swimming and hiking, with the campgrounds in full swing. Early to mid fall delivers spectacular Allegheny foliage, crisp air, and the nearby elk rut at Benezette, which is reason enough to plan a trip. Spring is cool, wet, and quiet, good for anglers who do not mind mud season. We would skip winter for RV camping, since the cold and snow close most campgrounds across the plateau.
Can big rigs camp near DuBois?
Yes, but choose your site carefully. The Treasure Lake KOA is the clear big-rig choice, handling rigs up to about 100 feet with full hookups and pull-through sites, and it sits just five miles off I-80 for easy access. Parker Dam State Park has a small full-hookup loop that fits rigs up to roughly 30 feet, with other loops varying, so it is workable but tighter. S. B. Elliott and the forest dispersed sites suit smaller, self-contained rigs on winding forest roads. For anything over 35 feet, plan on the KOA.
Are there free or first-come camping options around DuBois?
Yes, the surrounding Moshannon State Forest offers primitive and dispersed camping for self-contained rigs, including areas near Medix Run, and these are the cheapest way to stay in the PA Wilds. Some dispersed forest camping requires a free permit from the DCNR Bureau of Forestry, and sites are first-come rather than reservable. Keep in mind these are no-hookup, no-services spots on rural forest roads better suited to smaller rigs. The developed parks have limited first-come availability in peak season, so do not count on walking up to a state park site on a foliage weekend.
What is there to do while camping near DuBois?
Plenty, and the outdoors is the draw. Swim and boat at Parker Dam Lake, hike and bike the trails of the nearly 200,000-acre Moshannon State Forest, and drive north about 45 minutes to the Pennsylvania Elk Range at Benezette, where the fall bugling rut is a highlight. Fall foliage touring is exceptional across the Allegheny Plateau. For quirky day trips, head south to Punxsutawney, home of Groundhog Day, or explore the free maze of 300-million-year-old sandstone at Bilger's Rocks near Grampian. There is good fishing in area lakes and streams too.
Is Parker Dam State Park good for RV camping?
Parker Dam is the standout public choice in the area. It is a CCC-built park set deep in the Moshannon State Forest about twenty miles northeast of DuBois near Penfield, with a lake, swimming beach, hiking trails, beaver, and an interpretive center. The campground has water and electric sites plus a small full-hookup loop for rigs up to about 30 feet, and cabins if you want a roof. Big rigs should check loop dimensions, but for small to mid-size RVs it is a scenic, well-priced base. Reserve through the Pennsylvania State Parks system, early for fall.
Can I see the Pennsylvania elk herd from DuBois?
Yes, and it is one of the best reasons to camp here in fall. The heart of Pennsylvania's wild elk range is around Benezette, roughly 45 minutes north of DuBois, with a visitor center and prime viewing during the autumn bugling rut. Plan to go early morning or near dusk when the elk are most active, and bring binoculars and patience. Camping at Parker Dam or the KOA puts you within easy day-trip range. Combine the elk viewing with a foliage drive through the Moshannon State Forest for a full PA Wilds day.
How do I get to DuBois with an RV?
DuBois sits right on I-80, the main east-west route across northern Pennsylvania, which makes big-rig access simple. The Treasure Lake KOA is just five miles off exit 101. US-219 runs north-south through the area, US-322 and PA-255 connect to the state forest and Penfield, and Clearfield is just east on I-80 with State College and Penn State about an hour southeast for larger amenities. The state forest and Parker Dam are reached by paved but winding rural roads, so the interstate and KOA are the easiest approaches for large rigs.
Are the campgrounds near DuBois open in winter?
Mostly no. The Allegheny Plateau gets cold and snowy with hard freezes, and the Treasure Lake KOA along with the state parks largely shut down for the season. Parker Dam and S. B. Elliott close their campgrounds, and the forest sees snowmobile and cross-country ski use rather than RV camping. If you are set on a winter visit, you will need to find a rare year-round private site and be fully prepared for freezing temperatures and snow. For most RVers, plan a trip between late spring and fall instead.
Public state parks or the private KOA near DuBois?
It depends on what you need. The Treasure Lake KOA wins for big rigs, full hookups, resort amenities like a heated pool and store, and dead-simple interstate access, all at a higher nightly rate. Parker Dam State Park wins for scenery, value, and a quieter forested setting on a lake, though hookups are limited and big-rig space is tighter. If you want creature comforts and a large rig, go private. If you want the PA Wilds experience at a better price and your rig fits, the state park is the better pick. Many RVers split the difference by season.
What are the best RV parks and campgrounds in DuBois, PA?
The easy big-rig base is the DuBois / Treasure Lake KOA Holiday, a full-service private resort on Treasure Lake just five miles off I-80 exit 101, with full hookups, pull-throughs, a heated pool, and a camp store. On the public side, Parker Dam State Park about twenty miles northeast near Penfield is the classic pick, with a lakeside campground, swimming beach, and CCC history deep in the Moshannon State Forest. S. B. Elliott State Park is a small, rustic option right off the interstate for smaller rigs.
Do DuBois area campgrounds have full hookups?
Full hookups are easiest at the Treasure Lake KOA, which offers 30 and 50 amp service, water, and sewer at big pull-through sites. On the public side, Parker Dam State Park runs mostly water and electric sites with a small full-hookup loop reserved for rigs up to about 30 feet, so check the loop when you book. S. B. Elliott and the surrounding Moshannon State Forest sites are basic or primitive with no hookups, better suited to self-contained rigs. If you need full hookups for a big rig, the KOA is your reliable choice.
How much does RV camping cost around DuBois?
Expect a clear gap between public and private. State park electric sites at Parker Dam fall in a moderate range, typically the mid-tier nightly band, and are a strong value for the setting. The Treasure Lake KOA sits in the higher band as a full-service resort, with peak summer and foliage weekends priced above shoulder-season midweek nights. Rustic and dispersed forest camping is the cheapest option of all. Build in reservation fees, and remember that fall foliage and summer weekends carry the steepest rates and the tightest availability.
How far ahead should I reserve a campsite near DuBois?
For summer weekends and especially the fall foliage season, reserve as early as you can, ideally several months out for the KOA and the popular Parker Dam sites. Both fill fast when the leaves turn and during peak summer family weekends. Midweek stays and the shoulder seasons of late spring and early fall are far easier and often open close to your travel date. Book the KOA directly through their reservation system and Parker Dam through the Pennsylvania State Parks DCNR portal. Dispersed state forest sites are first-come with a permit.
When is the best time to go RV camping in DuBois?
June through October is the window, and fall is the highlight. Summer brings warm, humid days perfect for lake swimming and hiking, with the campgrounds in full swing. Early to mid fall delivers spectacular Allegheny foliage, crisp air, and the nearby elk rut at Benezette, which is reason enough to plan a trip. Spring is cool, wet, and quiet, good for anglers who do not mind mud season. We would skip winter for RV camping, since the cold and snow close most campgrounds across the plateau.
Can big rigs camp near DuBois?
Yes, but choose your site carefully. The Treasure Lake KOA is the clear big-rig choice, handling rigs up to about 100 feet with full hookups and pull-through sites, and it sits just five miles off I-80 for easy access. Parker Dam State Park has a small full-hookup loop that fits rigs up to roughly 30 feet, with other loops varying, so it is workable but tighter. S. B. Elliott and the forest dispersed sites suit smaller, self-contained rigs on winding forest roads. For anything over 35 feet, plan on the KOA.
Are there free or first-come camping options around DuBois?
Yes, the surrounding Moshannon State Forest offers primitive and dispersed camping for self-contained rigs, including areas near Medix Run, and these are the cheapest way to stay in the PA Wilds. Some dispersed forest camping requires a free permit from the DCNR Bureau of Forestry, and sites are first-come rather than reservable. Keep in mind these are no-hookup, no-services spots on rural forest roads better suited to smaller rigs. The developed parks have limited first-come availability in peak season, so do not count on walking up to a state park site on a foliage weekend.
What is there to do while camping near DuBois?
Plenty, and the outdoors is the draw. Swim and boat at Parker Dam Lake, hike and bike the trails of the nearly 200,000-acre Moshannon State Forest, and drive north about 45 minutes to the Pennsylvania Elk Range at Benezette, where the fall bugling rut is a highlight. Fall foliage touring is exceptional across the Allegheny Plateau. For quirky day trips, head south to Punxsutawney, home of Groundhog Day, or explore the free maze of 300-million-year-old sandstone at Bilger's Rocks near Grampian. There is good fishing in area lakes and streams too.
Is Parker Dam State Park good for RV camping?
Parker Dam is the standout public choice in the area. It is a CCC-built park set deep in the Moshannon State Forest about twenty miles northeast of DuBois near Penfield, with a lake, swimming beach, hiking trails, beaver, and an interpretive center. The campground has water and electric sites plus a small full-hookup loop for rigs up to about 30 feet, and cabins if you want a roof. Big rigs should check loop dimensions, but for small to mid-size RVs it is a scenic, well-priced base. Reserve through the Pennsylvania State Parks system, early for fall.
Can I see the Pennsylvania elk herd from DuBois?
Yes, and it is one of the best reasons to camp here in fall. The heart of Pennsylvania's wild elk range is around Benezette, roughly 45 minutes north of DuBois, with a visitor center and prime viewing during the autumn bugling rut. Plan to go early morning or near dusk when the elk are most active, and bring binoculars and patience. Camping at Parker Dam or the KOA puts you within easy day-trip range. Combine the elk viewing with a foliage drive through the Moshannon State Forest for a full PA Wilds day.
How do I get to DuBois with an RV?
DuBois sits right on I-80, the main east-west route across northern Pennsylvania, which makes big-rig access simple. The Treasure Lake KOA is just five miles off exit 101. US-219 runs north-south through the area, US-322 and PA-255 connect to the state forest and Penfield, and Clearfield is just east on I-80 with State College and Penn State about an hour southeast for larger amenities. The state forest and Parker Dam are reached by paved but winding rural roads, so the interstate and KOA are the easiest approaches for large rigs.
Are the campgrounds near DuBois open in winter?
Mostly no. The Allegheny Plateau gets cold and snowy with hard freezes, and the Treasure Lake KOA along with the state parks largely shut down for the season. Parker Dam and S. B. Elliott close their campgrounds, and the forest sees snowmobile and cross-country ski use rather than RV camping. If you are set on a winter visit, you will need to find a rare year-round private site and be fully prepared for freezing temperatures and snow. For most RVers, plan a trip between late spring and fall instead.
Public state parks or the private KOA near DuBois?
It depends on what you need. The Treasure Lake KOA wins for big rigs, full hookups, resort amenities like a heated pool and store, and dead-simple interstate access, all at a higher nightly rate. Parker Dam State Park wins for scenery, value, and a quieter forested setting on a lake, though hookups are limited and big-rig space is tighter. If you want creature comforts and a large rig, go private. If you want the PA Wilds experience at a better price and your rig fits, the state park is the better pick. Many RVers split the difference by season.
Are there free dump stations in DuBois?
Yes — there are free RV waste disposal options available near DuBois.
All Dump Stations Near DuBois (89)
RV ParkWayland James
RV ParkDubois / Treasure Lake Koa Holiday
RV ParkClearview Campground
RV ParkDubois / Treasure Lake Koa Holiday
RV ParkPine Valley Court And RV Park
RV ParkChess Falls Campground
RV ParkS.b. Elliott State Park
RV Park



