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Established Camping

Handsome Lake Campground

CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Handsome Lake Campground is located near Sugar Bay in the Allegheny National Forest. The area features forested terrain with a mix of hardwoods and conifers. Temperatures range from lows in the 20s Fahrenheit during winter to highs in the 80s in summer. Nearby attractions include the Kinzua Dam and the Allegheny Reservoir, offering opportunities for boating and fishing.

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Location

Handsome Lake Campground is located in Pennsylvania

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

41.9225 N
78.930833 W

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Connectivity

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Connectivity

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    AT&T
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Access

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

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites

Features

For Campers

  • Toilets


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Reviews

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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.