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Established Camping

Hicks Run

3 Reviews

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CAMPER SUMMARY PRESENTED BYFord

Hicks Run is located near Driftwood, PA, surrounded by forested terrain and rolling hills. The area experiences temperatures ranging from 20°F in winter to 80°F in summer. Campers can explore the nearby Elk State Forest and Sinnemahoning State Park, which offer hiking and wildlife viewing opportunities.

Reservation Info

Camping permits and reservations are required to stay at motorized, roadside campsites. Reservations are not required for overnight backpacking or dispersed camping, but free permits are required.

When you call to request a camping permit you will need to provide the following information:

  1. Name and Address
  2. Home phone number and a phone number in case of an emergency
  3. Vehicle Description. Make, model and color
  4. Vehicle license number
  5. Type of camping – tent, camper, trailer, etc.
  6. Dates you wish to camp
  7. Location where you wish to camp (Hicks Run, Gaswell, Dark Hollow, Ridge Road, etc.)
  8. Number of campers in your group. Groups of ten or more people require prior approval and a letter of authorization from the District Forester.
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Location

Hicks Run is located in Pennsylvania

Detail location of campground

Coordinates

41.39415161 N
78.27936336 W

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Connectivity

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  • signal strength bars
    T-Mobile
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    Verizon
    No Coverage
  • signal strength bars
    AT&T
    No Coverage

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Detours Nearby

LOCAL FAVORITES PRESENTED BYToyota Trucks
Medix Run Camping Area — Moshannon State Forest

Medix Run Camping Area — Moshannon State Forest

22 min away

Austin Campground

Austin Campground

55 min away

Drive Time

Presented byToyota Trucks

Connectivity

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

Access

  • Drive-In
    Park next to your site
  • Walk-In
    Park in a lot, walk to your site.

Site Types

  • Tent Sites
  • RV Sites
  • Standard (Tent/RV)
  • Group

Features

For Campers

  • ADA Access
  • Picnic Table
  • Phone Service
  • Reservable
  • Toilets
  • Pets
  • Fires

FREE established camping

Enjoy camping on government land. Limited or no services at this camping area.

PERMIT might be REQUIRED

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Reviews

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5.0

out of 5

3 Reviews

D
Reviewed May. 22, 2022

Nice stay

It was a wonderful place. Was there for a week. The weekend it was full, but during the week, there was just two of us. You're down in a hollow, so not the best reception. Saw 2 elk 100 ft from campground. It was nice. The ranger stated that they will, probably, start charging next year.

Site13, 6
Month of VisitMay
Matthew F.
Reviewed Oct. 16, 2021

Quick Stop has a lot to offer

We stopped here as a last minute place to stay as we are in transit. We arrived at the campsite after dark and the vibe was quite good. There are bathrooms with no running water.

Some sites are closer together than others, campers were parked next to us and had quite a large crowd. We started on some of the hike and wished we could stay longer. The area is peaceful and serene in the fall months. We will return!

Sitehicks run 13
Month of VisitOctober
Amber W.
Reviewed Jun. 17, 2021

Small, quiet and dispersed

Limited sites. Vaulted toilets. There is a swimming hole in the small creek that’s great! Kids loved it! Also the river is just down on 555 with a kayak launch. An elk viewing plot is just across from the kayak launch site/ parking lot. Not far from Benezette. No water. We filled up at Parker dam state park. Sites reserved and it was booked solid for early trout season. I imagine same in the fall for elk viewing. When we were there last year there was a road closed sign on the left turn. If still there ignore it! The campground is before where the bridge is out! Love this place!

Site7
Month of VisitJuly
  • Review photo of Hicks Run by Amber W., June 17, 2021
  • Review photo of Hicks Run by Amber W., June 17, 2021
  • swimming hole
  • (4) View All
Showing results 1-3 of 3 reviews

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Hicks Run Campground located in Pennsylvania?

Hicks Run Campground is located in north-central Pennsylvania within the Elk State Forest. It's situated in a quiet hollow area, close to the town of Benezette in Elk County. The campground is accessible from Route 555, with a nearby river and kayak launch point. Its strategic location makes it a convenient base for exploring the Pennsylvania Wilds region, including the popular elk viewing areas nearby.

What wildlife viewing opportunities are available at Hicks Run Camping Area?

Hicks Run offers excellent wildlife viewing opportunities, particularly for elk spotting. Visitors have reported seeing elk as close as 100 feet from the campground. There's an elk viewing plot just across from the kayak launch site/parking lot on Route 555. The campground's location near Benezette (part of Pennsylvania's Elk Country) makes it ideal for wildlife enthusiasts. The quiet, hollow setting creates a natural environment where wildlife frequently passes through, especially during less crowded weekdays.

What outfitter services are available near Hicks Run Campground?

While the immediate area around Hicks Run Campground has limited commercial outfitter services, the nearby towns offer some options. There are kayak launch facilities on Route 555 near the campground for water activities. For supplies and outdoor equipment, visitors typically check options in Driftwood or larger surrounding communities. The campground's proximity to Benezette means visitors can access services in that area as well. For specific outfitter needs like guided tours or equipment rental, contact local tourism offices for current recommendations.

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