Handsome Lake Campground

Within Allegheny National Forest, Handsome Lake Campground provides boat-in and hike-in access to lakeside camping from April through December. The US Forest Service manages this primitive site, charging $0-$12 per night for tent options around Allegheny National Forest. Pets are not permitted.

Campers report well-maintained hiking trails leading to the lake, though multiple paths can create navigation challenges without a map or GPS. The rocky shoreline poses difficulties for canoes and kayaks during launches and landings. Holiday weekends bring crowds and noise, while midweek visits offer more solitude for fishing and swimming opportunities.

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Map & DirectionsHandsome Lake Campground is located in Pennsylvania near Warren

Detail location of campground
Public Campground

Coordinates

41.9225 N
78.930833 W

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Connectivity

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Connectivity

Presented byT-MobileT-Mobile is introducing T-Satellite to extend coverage in the outdoors
  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

Access

  • Hike-In
    Backcountry sites.
  • Boat-In
    Sites accessible by watercraft.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites

Features

For Campers

  • Toilets

Drive Time


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Reviews3 Camper Reviews - Handsome Lake Campground

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4.5

out of 5

3 Reviews

Reviewed Aug. 21, 2023

Great hike in and plenty of spots available

The hike in was great. We’ll maintained path. Can get a little confusing without a map as there are many and some go off to other camp sites. So take a map or have a GPS.

Siteunknown
Month of VisitMay
  • Review photo of Handsome Lake Campground by Ian B., August 21, 2023
  • Review photo of Handsome Lake Campground by Ian B., August 21, 2023
  • Review photo of Handsome Lake Campground by Ian B., August 21, 2023
  • (8) View All
Reviewed Aug. 31, 2021

Private and Calm

As long as you don’t go on holiday weekends, it is an enjoyable camp to either hike or boat into. There are plenty of spots to pitch tents and places to fish and swim.

Month of VisitJuly
Reviewed Jun. 6, 2018

not for holidays

it gets noisy and crowded on holiday weekends. I enjoy midweek isolation. the Rocky shore is tough on canoes and kayaks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there boat access at Handsome Lake Campground?

Yes, Handsome Lake Campground offers boat access as it's a boat-in campground option. The shoreline is rocky, which can be challenging for canoes and kayaks, so boaters should exercise caution when approaching. Many campers choose to either hike or boat into the campground. The lake access provides opportunities for fishing and swimming during your stay.

Where is Handsome Lake Campground located in Pennsylvania?

Handsome Lake Campground is situated along the shores of Kinzua Lake in Pennsylvania. It's a hike-in or boat-in campground accessible via well-maintained hiking paths that connect to other camping areas in the region. The campground's location offers opportunities for water-based recreation while providing a relatively secluded camping experience, particularly on weekdays when it's less crowded.

How does Handsome Lake Campground compare to other Kinzua Lake campgrounds?

Handsome Lake Campground offers a more rustic, secluded experience compared to some other Kinzua Lake campgrounds, as it requires either hiking or boating to access. It tends to be quieter and less crowded during weekdays, though it can get noisy and congested on holiday weekends like many lake campgrounds. The campground features multiple tent sites along with swimming and fishing opportunities. The hiking path to reach it is well-maintained but can be confusing without a map since trails branch to other campsites. For those seeking isolation and a more primitive camping experience with lakeside recreation, Handsome Lake is an excellent choice.