Allegheny National Forest's Buckaloons Recreation Area sits directly on the Allegheny River, giving the campground a water-access character that sets it apart from typical forest sites. Managed by the US Forest Service and open from mid-May through mid-October, it runs two loops through forested terrain, with trees spaced between sites in a way that creates natural buffers. George notes that "there are woods between the sites which increases privacy and keeps it really quiet," and multiple reviewers confirm the sites themselves run larger than average, with spot 39 in the upper loop drawing particular mention for its spacing and shade.
The river is the defining feature here. A boat ramp on-site makes Buckaloons a practical put-in or take-out point for paddlers running the Allegheny, and several reviewers have used it as a mid-river overnight stop after launching from Warren, PA. A walking path circles the campground and follows the riverbank, giving non-paddlers a way to stay close to the water. Anglers also have direct access. River levels can run high after heavy rain, which may affect kayaking conditions, so checking water levels before a trip is worth doing.
Amenities hold up well for a national forest campground. Electric hookups accommodate RVs up to 45 feet, and a dump station is on-site. The shower house has received consistent praise for cleanliness and water pressure, though at least one recent reviewer noted a decline in bathroom upkeep. Ice and firewood are available from camp hosts. Cell coverage is workable: Sprint and Verizon LTE both get mentions, with one camper reporting a strong enough connection to trade stocks remotely. There is no campground wi-fi.
Reservations are available through Recreation.gov, which is worth using to confirm whether a specific site has electric hookups before booking. The access road carries a rough-road note, so towing a larger rig warrants some care. Pets are welcome throughout. For paddlers planning a multi-day river itinerary, Allegheny Wild and Scenic River provides another nearby option along the same waterway. Campers bringing dogs can also browse dog-friendly camping near Allegheny National Forest to compare options across the forest.
Buckaloons rewards campers who come for river access and forested sites rather than resort-style facilities. Book a river-facing loop site and plan around the water.
Description
Overview
Buckaloons Campground sits at the confluence of the Allegheny River, Brokenstraw Creek and Irvine Run in northwestern Pennsylvania. This 61-site campground offers access to the Allegheny Wild & Scenic River and opportunities for boating, fishing, wildlife watching, and relaxing in a quiet, country atmosphere.
Recreation
Water activities are a big draw to Buckaloons Recreation Area, including canoing, kayaying, rafting, and boating. The boat ramp provides easy access to the river. Buckaloons is the beginning of the second designated National Wild and Scenic RIver segment of the Allegheny River. The first segment is from Kinzua Dam to the Route 6 Glade Bridge on the east side of Warren, PA. The second segment runs from Buckaloons campground to Alcorn Island just upstream of Oil City, PA, a distance of nearly 50 miles. In this segment are the 6 islands of the Allegheny Islands Wilderness as well as many other publicly and privately owned islands. Several public boat launches are located within this segment to help you decide on the length of trip that's right for you. The Allegheny is a "family-friendly" river, with little to no whitewater - perfect for beginners or a lazy day of floating. Hunting, fishing, and trapping are permitted in the areas around the campground, subject to rules of the Pennsylvania Game Commission and the Pennsylvania Fish & Boat Commission. Fishing includes walleye, trout, and bass. There is also hiking along the Seneca Interpretive Trail within the campground or at nearby Anders Run Natural Area.
Facilities
Buckaloons Recreation Area offers family campsites, double sites and a group tent site. Amenities include both flush and vault toilets, a pressurized water system, hot showers, a dump station and electric hookups. There is a one-lane concrete boat launch, a picnic area with tables and charcoal grills, pavilion, basketball court and playground. Hardened paths lead to fishing opportunities on the Allegheny River, Brokenstraw Creek and Irvine Run.
Natural Features
Once the site of an Indian trading post, the Buckaloons Recreation Center has numerous apple trees through the area, as well as mixed hardwoods. Water-loving species such as sycamore, willow, alder, silver maple, and butternut are frequent components of the riverine forest. Blue and green herons, bald eagles, egrets, and a variety of smaller birds can be seen along the Allegheny RIver. The Allegheny is classified as a warm-water fishery, but some cold-water species thrive as well. Freshwater mussels are abundant in species and number and indicate the high water quality of this river. Deer, bear, turkey, and squirrels are common, along with a variety of smaller mammals such as raccoon, opossum, and muskrat.
Contact Info
For facility specific information, please call (814) 363-9090.
Fee Info
Cancellations must be made through Recreation.gov
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsBuckaloons is located in Pennsylvania near Irvine
Directions
Take PA-6 to PA-62 South. Take the first right onto National Forge Road, then the first left into the campground. If coming up PA-62 from the south, cross the Allegheny River north of Tidioute and take the first left onto National Forge Road, then the first left into the campground.
Address
ALLEGHENY SITE MANAGEMENT
P.O. BOX 2395
Bradford, PA 16701
Coordinates
41.8397222 N
79.2563889 W
Connectivity
T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 5 usersLast on 7/19/26- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 1 user
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 1 user
Connectivity
- T-Mobile5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 5 usersLast on 7/19/26
- Verizon5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 1 user
- AT&T5GExcellent CoverageVerified by 1 user
Access
- Drive-InPark next to your site
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Picnic Table
- Firewood Available
- Phone Service
- Reservable
- Drinking Water
- Electric Hookups
- Toilets
- Pets
- Fires
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
- Pull-Through Sites
- 50 Amp Hookups
- Big Rig Friendly
Contact
General Info
Reservations
Drive Time
- 1 hr 7 min from Erie, PA
- 1 hr 48 min from Buffalo, NY
- 1 hr 57 min from Youngstown, OH
- 2 hrs 31 min from Altoona, PA
