FAQs before you come

What time is check-in?

Check-in is at 2:00 PM. In summer you may not check in early.

In spring and fall, you may call the morning you arrive to ask whether your site was empty the night before; if it was, you may check in at 12:00 noon. A $40.00 fee is charged if you arrive before the posted check-in time.

Cabins: check-in is at 4:00 PM.

What time do I have to leave?

Check-out is at 12:00 noon. In summer, there are no late check-outs.

In spring and fall, you may ask at the office the morning you leave; if your site is empty, you may stay until 3:00 PM.

Cabins: check-out is at 11:00 AM.

What is the best way to get to Otter Lake?

We recommend arriving by way of Coolbaugh Road.

From I-80: Take Exit 309 and follow Route 209 North to the roundabout. Take the second exit onto Seven Bridges Road. Turn right at the first light onto Route 209 North, then left at the next light onto Route 402 North. About 100 feet after the turn, bear right to stay on Route 402 North. Continue 2.4 miles, then turn left onto Coolbaugh Road.

From I-84: Take Exit 30 (Blooming Grove/Porters Lake) and follow Route 402 South. Stay on Route 402 past Snow Hill Road, then turn right onto Coolbaugh Road.

Once on Coolbaugh Road: Follow it for 6.5 miles, then turn left onto Marshalls Creek Road. The campground entrance is half a mile ahead on your right.

*Please note that most GPS devices will take you a different route, and that approaching Otter Lake from Snow Hill Rd. from the south should be avoided with RVs and trailers.

How long do I have to stay to make a reservation?

Memorial Day and Columbus Day weekends: 3 nights. Any other spring or fall reservation: 2 nights.

From June 24 to Labor Day, all summer reservations for non-lakefront sites need a 5-night minimum stay. Lakefront sites need 7 nights from June 26 to September 4, checking in on a Saturday, and cabins 7 nights from June 27 to September 5, checking in on a Sunday.

What if I want to come but can’t stay for 5 nights?

Please call a month before your planned arrival date. If we have a campsite available that "fills-in" between two other reservations, we’ll reserve one for you. We can’t guarantee a specific campsite.

When can I make a summer weekend reservation?

We’ll accept a weekend reservation on the Tuesday before the weekend you want to come. We can’t guarantee a specific campsite.

When can I reserve for next year?

Online reservations open on the first Sunday in November at 6:00 PM, through our booking platform, CampLife. Reservations by phone open one week later at 9:00 AM.

Can I reserve a specific campsite?

Yes, you can request a specific campsite and we’ll do our best to give it to you, but due to unforeseen circumstances we can’t guarantee specific campsites.

What if I need to cancel my reservation?

We need 20 days’ notice before your arrival to refund your deposit, less a $30 cancellation fee. Before any money is refunded, send us a note by mail or email (camp@otterlake.com) saying that you’ve canceled.

We understand that sometimes a reservation has to be canceled because of circumstances beyond your control. Unfortunately, the campsite was held for you, so within the 20 days no exceptions are made.

What if I want to change my reservation?

To change your arrival or departure date, or to move your deposit to other dates, we need 20 days’ notice.

How many people are allowed on one campsite?

In fairness to all our guests, a site holds at most 7 people, no more than 4 of them adults (for example, 4 adults and 3 children), and 2 cars. That includes your own party and any visitors.

Cabins hold at most 5 people (6 in the Premium Cabin), no more than 4 of them adults, and at least one renter must be 23 or older.

I’m thinking of inviting friends. What should I tell them?

Please let them know there’s a daily visitor fee for adults and children; many visitors aren’t campers and don’t expect it. The fee gives them full use of all our facilities while they’re here. Visitors pay by the day, so overnight guests pay for 2 days; see Campsites & Cabins for prices. Visitors may not bring pets.

What comes with a campsite?

Every campsite has a picnic table and a fire ring, and is covered small round (pea) stone. Every site has water, electric (30- or 50-amp), cable TV and Wi-Fi, and depending on the site, a sewer hookup too.

How large is a campsite?

The campground is in the woods and nearly every site is wooded, so each one is different, and they’re all different sizes. Our office staff can tell you about site sizes when you reserve, and you can see a 360-degree video of each site on the Site Map & Rules page. Keep in mind that you can see and hear your neighbors from every campsite.

Do you have cabins?

Yes: Cabins and Lakefront Cabins for up to 5 people, and the Premium Cabin, handicap accessible, for up to 6. Pets are allowed in Cabins T25 & T31 only, for $25 a night. See Campsites & Cabins for prices and details, and the map for where they are.

Do you allow fishing?

Yes, you can fish on our lake. Each year we buy a permit for our private lake, so you don’t need a fishing license to fish at Otter Lake. The lake is catch and release.

Are there otters in the lake?

Yes, otters visit from time to time, but they’re extremely shy and tend to stay away when the campground is busy.

Can I bring my own boat, or rent one?

There’s no charge to bring your own boat. Pennsylvania law requires enough life jackets for everyone in the boat, and a noise-making device on each boat to signal distress. Boats with electric trolling motors must be registered in your state.

We rent rowboats and canoes by the hour, for 4 or 8 hours, or for several days, and paddle boats and kayaks by the hour only. You’re responsible for following all Pennsylvania boating rules and regulations; breaking them can bring a fine from the Pennsylvania Fish and Boat Commission.