Lower Campground — Kettle Creek State Park

We had high hopes for this campground. It is in the beautiful PA mountains and not far from Elk Visitor Center. We got Site 021 in the lower loop. There is a shower house but we didn’t use it, so can speak to how it was. The site we had was beautiful it backed up to the creek and was right next to the dam. The playground was right next to our site which is great if you have kids. It is right next to the water and the site has electric. The one major let down is that random people walk through all of the sites along the creek. It is frustrating because all of the fire pits are right along the creek which means you constantly have people in your site. Even people just off the road above come down park and walk through all of the sites to fish. It was very disappointing because if you are wanting privacy you won’t get it here. There are no signs posted saying that the fishing along the creek is open to the public. So if you are coming here to camp... don’t plan on any camping etiquette. I was always taught that you don’t walk through sites that are occupied. The other thing is the hiking trails in the park aren’t clearly marked so hiking in the park is a little difficult. Loved the creek and wildlife we got to see but I really wouldn’t recommend if you are wanting some quite time to enjoy nature.

So relaxing! Small state park campground. Lower campground has 50 amp electric. Well-kept, clean restroom/showers. Creekside sites let you drop kayak directly into creek. 40 ft max campers due to space/turning contraints. Not for class A rigs. Long campers up to that size should use south loop of lower campground. Large reservoir lake part of park 3 mi up from lower campground for more fishing/kayaking/electric trolling motors. Lots of wildlife; PA elk , Bald eagles. Be aware of timber rattlesnakes in area. Upper campground rustic, up on hill overlooking reservoir; no showers, must come to lower campground. Renovo closest town for fuel/groceries about 20 minutes away. No concession/supplies at park. State forest roads & trails for hiking & ATV's. Playground for kids. Reservoir area has large picnicking area, volleyball, lots of space, and best launch.There is cellular service, but it drops in some areas of park. The large damn up above lower campground keeps creek level steady even with heavy downpours. Creek by campground is gentle current, shallow. No swimming or wading allowed in creek campground area. Fishing from kayak/canoe or shore only. Gave it 4 stars only because they need more gravel in some sites and because DCNR should give more info on size contstraints.