Allegheny National Forest manages Morrison Campground, a boat-in, hike-in site set along a reservoir in Warren, Pennsylvania. Getting here requires effort: the hike in from the nearest parking area takes roughly three hours by some accounts, and the Rimrock approach involves steep, muddy sections. Sites are spread across the forested shoreline, each with a fire ring and picnic table, and campers can reach the water directly for swimming and fishing.
Crowd patterns are worth factoring into any trip plan. July and holiday weekends draw heavy use, including groups arriving by boat, and the campground's roughly 28 to 32 first-come, first-served sites fill quickly. Arriving Thursday is a common strategy for securing a weekend spot. Bears and bald eagles have both been reported in the area, so food storage warrants attention. Bugs are a consistent presence near the water, especially at dusk. Bring your own water.
Fees run $12 per night for a site, with an additional $5 daily parking charge. Vault toilets are available on site, though at least one reviewer notes they can take some searching to find. No pets are allowed. Campers who want a denser network of options can find campgrounds around Allegheny National Forest to compare before committing to the hike in. Nearby, Allegheny/Dewdrop Recreation Area offers an alternative with road access. If Morrison's combination of reservoir access and forested sites fits your style, the extra miles to get here tend to be worth the effort.
Description
Overview
This rustic campground is located on the east bank of the Allegheny Reservoir just east of Elijah Run Boat Launch on Morrison Bay a branch off of Kinzua Bay of the Allegheny Reservoir. It is accessible by boat via the Allegheny Reservoir and/or the Morrison Hiking Trail. The closest boat launch is Elijah Run directly west of the campground (access from the Longhouse National Scenic Byway - Forest Road 262). Visitors are required to physically arrive at the campground to purchase and claim a site. Once on-site, there are fee envelopes with a pay tube availabe or you may be able to pay for your campsite(s) by scanning a QR code using the Recreation.gov mobile app, and the Scan and Pay feature. If this option is available, you will need to__first download the free Recreation.gov mobile app https://www.recreation.gov/mobile-app prior to your arrival__as some remote areas have limited or no cellular service.
Facilities
Vault toilets are available There is no potable water available. ** Campers will need to bring in their own water.
Natural Features
This rustic campground is located on the east bank of the Allegheny Reservoir just east of Elijah Run Boat Launch on Morrison Bay a branch off of Kinzua Bay of the Allegheny Reservoir.
RV Road Trip Guides
Map & DirectionsMorrison Campground is located in Pennsylvania near Ludlow
Coordinates
41.821944 N
78.927778 W
Connectivity
T-MobileNo Coverage
VerizonLTESome Coverage- AT&TNo Coverage
Connectivity
- T-MobileNo Coverage
- VerizonLTESome Coverage
- AT&TNo Coverage
Access
- Walk-InPark in a lot, walk to your site.
- Hike-InBackcountry sites.
- Boat-InSites accessible by watercraft.
Site Types
- Tent Sites
- RV Sites
- Standard (Tent/RV)
- Group
Features
For Campers
- Trash
- Phone Service
- Toilets
- Alcohol
For Vehicles
- Sanitary Dump
Drive Time
- 1 hr 41 min from Erie, PA
- 1 hr 44 min from Buffalo, NY
- 2 hrs 4 min from State College, PA
- 2 hrs 13 min from Altoona, PA
