Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Allegheny National Forest, PA has a lot to offer. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. Ready to plan your adventure? Check out our campgrounds near Allegheny National Forest and user-submitted reviews.
$20 - $130 / night
"For the most part, there isn’t a bad site (although we didn’t see any of the walk up sites, and I recommend not booking a site immediately next to the bathrooms since the ones without showers are more"
"There are paths leading down to the reservoir throughout the campground. The pit toilets and shower houses are well-located and very clean. There is firewood available for purchase on-site. "
$12 / night
"Cute little campground with a handful of drive up sites and many hike-in sites scattered along the beautiful Minister Creek in the Allegheny National Forest."
"The smallest of all of the campgrounds in the Allegheny national Forest, this little slice of heaven is just perfect! With only six campsites, it’s definitely “first come, first served.”"
"It rains a lot so keep your slip-ons near the door. Great hiking/biking. The spot next to the hiking trail has WiFi 70% of the time. I would give this a 5 star if it didn’t rain so much."
"Some you can drive your car in and tuck it back. Other spots you cant take your car at all. There are tons of logging roads that split off the main forest road."
$20 - $53 / night
"HIGHLIGHTS:
Paved loops great for bikes
Lake with small clean beach
Canoe/kayak rentals (closed 2022 season)
Several nice playgrounds
Clean, modern bathrooms
Several kayak/canoe launch areas"
"Nice lake provides good fishing. Peaceful and quiet. Very clean facilities and friendly staff. Close to may Attractions in the area."
$20 - $40 / night
"Fun little playground nearby too!
Also to note, we did not make reservations, but were able to drive through and pick open site we liked the most!"
"Multitude of trails to get to lakeshore from different points in campground.
All of the roads and parking pads in the primitive section are paved."
$20 - $100 / night
"The site was spacious and was not close to other campers giving a feeling of secludedness and alone time in nature! Could easily walk to a nearby trail and down to the lake front!"
"Some sites had large high sided fire rings which take away from the fireside relaxation of a shorter camp chair. "
$12 / night
"While the surrounding area is somewhat remote there can be times when the sites are pretty full with luxury boat campers. If you are looking for peace and quiet stay away in July."
$20 - $41 / night
"Campground Review:
This is our 12th Memorial Weekend spent at this campground in the rolling green mountains of Cook Forest, in the heart of the Pennsylvania Wilds."
"I live nearby so I'm a bit biased towards the park. Definitely one of my favorite places to day hike. The trails are well maintained, and the scenery changes every few steps."
"We loved the location, the registration and owner/ hosts. Clean, quiet and easily accessible."
"Twin Lakes is a beautiful spot, tucked away in a stream valley in the Allegheny National Forest. It's mainly locals who come here, since few outsiders know about it."
"Quiet are far from the highway."
TravelerOur first time at Cook Forest and the state park campgrounds. The park itself is very hilly and beautiful. Trails in area are well marked and maintained. Nothing beyond moderate difficulty, but some are one direction and miles can add North Country Trail is one example of this.
The highlight of the park is the old growth forest. 300+year old evergreen trees and ancient stumps, moss, ferns. Some areas are fairy tail gorgeous. Offseason, which is when we were there (mid May) can be dead quiet. Like test your tinnitus quiet. This includes the campgrounds, where there were probably less than 20 campsites in use, most in the pets/full hookup area.
The campsite is large and winding. Site quality and size and levelness is mixed. And the services aren’t localized. There are electric, electric and water, or even full service sites all over the place. Makes it nice, as you can be in a lesser used ‘no services’ tent area, but find an electric site. Northern most loops are the more wooded and private ones.
We went Sunday-Wednesday. Apparently it fills up on weekends, but we felt practically alone much of the time. Bath houses are consistent old, tired looking, but functional. No heat/open door style. Cleaned daily and plenty of hot, good pressure water.
Cell coverage for Verizon was one bar or no bars. But typically one. On top of the fire tower hill across rt 36, there are two bars.
GuideTremendous solitude, but it was a Thursday night in late March and very cold. This was a great spot for my first dispersed camping experience. Hard, fairly flat parking surface right off of paved road. Rock fire ring. Vault toilets were open. Sites are well spaced. Mature forest canopy. Though I would always look for widow makers above because some of the trees seem to be diseased. I saw maybe 6 other cars the 12 hours I was there. Though I’m sure it’s busier in warmer weather.
GuideSuper peaceful. It was freezing, quite literally, with nights in the low teens. The melting and refreezing had made the roads and surrounding trails a little slippery so I would be cautious if traveling alone. I have stayed in the summer with my sons and it is better. Despite the cold and ice there were others out in it.
ScoutCooks forest is absolutely gorgeous. I look forward to returning as there are a lot of hiking opportunities we missed. We stayed in the pet friendly area, which was nice. There is a pet trail through the woods that was really great to take our dog rather than walking around the campground. Our site was right next to a drinking water spigot and a path to the bath house. The sites near ours were in a wooded area, which felt more private than many of the other sites we saw. There was a fore pit and a picnic table. Our fire pit was behind where the camper was parked, which also felt more private. There is no alcohol permitted in PA state parks, so alcohol is prohibited in the campground as well. It was a great spot, and we look forward to returning.
ScoutRed Bridge is stunning and wonderfully maintained! Every time they drove by, site hosts would pull over and chat with you! I love watching movies and TV shows on my favorite app, Baixar Freecine Apk, and there were plenty of clean bathhouses with plenty of hot water.
TravelerBetter off just pulling off the side of the road. Nothing here worth the $25 out of state fee.
ScoutThis is my first time dispersed camping and the spot is nice for a first go. Was able to drive in which I why I chose this area. Currently finish up the night and once the fire dies down I’ll head to bed. As some one has mentioned the only real downside is the road near by, but the traffic is at a minimum.
RangerCame in on a Sunday afternoon and nobody was there. Several hunters drove past but no other campers.
There is no vaulted toilet at this site any more. Repeated vandalism resulted in its closure.
Overall a nice secluded camping spot.
ScoutRed Bridge is beautiful and VERY WELL KEPT!! Site hosts were always driving around and would stop to talk with you! Numerous bathhouses were clean, and lots of hot water.
Camping near Allegheny National Forest, Pennsylvania, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're into hiking, fishing, or just relaxing by the campfire, there's something for everyone.
Camping near Allegheny National Forest, Pennsylvania, is a great way to enjoy nature and create lasting memories. Just be prepared for the unique quirks of each campground!
Frequently Asked Questions
According to TheDyrt.com, Allegheny National Forest offers a wide range of camping options, with 117 campgrounds and RV parks near Allegheny National Forest and 11 free dispersed camping spots.
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Allegheny National Forest is Red Bridge Recreation Area - Allegheny National Forest with a 4.7-star rating from 20 reviews.
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 11 free dispersed camping spots near Allegheny National Forest.
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 9 parks near Allegheny National Forest that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.
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