When you’re in a big state with a lot of people, you need a big state park to give them someplace to get outdoors. Allegany State Park camping includes nearly 65,000 acres of wooded hills, picturesque lakes, and lush river bottoms that are affectionately referred to as “the wilderness playground of Western New York.” Located on the Pennsylvania border, about an hour south of Buffalo, the park is divided into two primary units. The Red House Area is located in the northern park of the park, around small Red House lake; the Quaker Area is located in the southwestern part of the park, on larger Quaker Lake, and near the Allegheny Reservoir. There are three main roads that provide access to the camping and recreation areas, and nearly 80 miles of multiuse trails for satisfying any wandering whim.

For camping in the Red House Lake Area, the park offers 125 tent and RV campsites, and 144 cabins, alongside Stoddard Creek. Some campsites are ADA accessible, and many have electrical hookups; water faucets and bathhouses are dispersed around the campground. This campground is located near the Red House Wetland Interpretive Area, several hiking and equestrian trails, sports fields, and swimming and paddling on Red House Lake. The Quaker Area offers 190 tent and RV campsites in two campgrounds—Diehl and Cain Hollow—and 230 cabins, near English Creek and Quaker Lake, respectively. Both campgrounds have water faucets and bathhouses; electrical hookups and ADA accessible sites are available at the Cain Hollow campground. These campgrounds have access to numerous hiking and equestrian trails, sports courts, Bear Caves, and a swim beach at Quaker Lake. Campsite rates range from $18–$35/night.

You will not be at a loss for things to do in Allegany State Park. Besides the numerous hiking and riding trails throughout the park, and the water activities on the lakes, there are also several historic sites and natural points of interest right within the park. Tour an area of the park where an F1 tornado touched down in 1990, take a short walk to seasonal Bridal Falls, scramble around the Thunder Rocks, or visit the Summit Fire Tower or CCC Stone Tower. There’s also plenty of wildlife to be on the lookout for. Scan the trees and skies for eagles, owls, osprey, and merlins, and watch the woods for raccoons, beavers, porcupines, bobcats and black bears. If visiting in the winter, there’s snowshoeing, cross-country skiing and snowmobiling available on the park’s roads and trails, and ice fishing on the lakes.


Allegany State Park

Extends through out the camping season. It includes holiday celebrations, pancake breakfasts, contests, various entertainment, etc. Non-denominational church service is scheduled for Sunday mornings. Dress is casual.

Oil Creek Family Campground

Hearts Content Campground is a semi-primitive family campground bordering the Hickory Creek Wilderness Area and surrounded by native hardwoods and a patch of planted pine forest. There is a large open field containing a playground, volleyball net, and amphitheater that is suitable for other games near the campground entry, and another large field at the back of the campground that serves as both group camping sites and a helispot. Hearts COntent Campground is operated under a concession permit by Allegheny Site Management. Recreation Cross-country Ski Trail: This 6.4 mile (10.5 km) trail utilizes old railroad grades, roads and existing trails to form several loops for your skiing pleasure. The Wheeler Loop Trail goes through the campground and connects to the Tom's Run and Ironwood trails in the Hearts Content Scenic Area. These trails are marked with blue plastic diamonds on the trees. Hickory Creek Wilderness: The trailhead is located approximately 1/4 mile north of the campground entrance. This 8,663-acre area provides opportunities for solitude and a primitive and unconfined type of recreation as a refuge from our highly modified and technological world. No motorized equipment of any kind and no mechanical transports are permitted. A 13-mile loop hiking trail weaves its way through the rolling terrain, climbing in and out of the valleys. It is sparsely marked and maintained to promote a feeling of wildness and the unknown. It may not be suitable for novice hikers - please know your limitatons and do not add markings to help with way-finding. Orienteering Course: Enjoy this self-guided course that allows you or your group to follow, at your leisure. It is a permanently marked route as an introduction to the sport of orienteering. It starts in the Hearts Content Scenic Area. Facilities Each of the 26 family campsites contains a picnic table, fire ring and tent pad/RV spur. Two sites also have lean-to shelters. Vault toilets and pressurized water are available. A dump station is located at the exit. The kids will enjoy the small playground with its log cabin, sandbox and other attractions. There’s lots of open area, too. Campsites can be reserved or available on a first-come, first-served basis only. Natural Features North of the campground, Hearts Content National Scenic Area is located next to the picnic area across the road. Here stands the remnants of a 300 to 400 year old stand of white pine, hemlock, and beech. Time, insects, and disease are changing the look and nature of this stand. The Interpretive Old Growth Trail starts at the north end of the east side parking lot and winds about one mile through the timber stand before returning to the picnic area. All facilities in the day use area are universally accessible to people with disabilities. Facilities include a picnic area, pavilions, toilet and interpretive materials. South of the campground is Hickory Creek Wilderness, an 8,633 acre second-growth forest of dense trees and ferny undergrowth. This area is managed to let natural processes determine what it will be in the future. Wind, insects, disease, and drought are all shaping the species composition of the trees and understory, which will in turn determine what species of wildlife will inhabit this area. A roughly 13-mile trail traverses the plateau of the area, with the trailhead located approximately 1/4 of a mile north of the campground entrance. The trail is only occasionally marked and may not be suitable for novice hikers. ADA Access: N

Hearts Content Recreation Area

Big Country Campground

Looking for the best horse camping in Pennsylvania? Finding a place to stay in Pennsylvania while traveling with your horse is easy. At The Dyrt, you can find top-rated spots for horse camping.

Pennsylvania

The Best Equestrian Camping in Pennsylvania

The Dyrt can help you find the perfect horse camping site near Allegheny National Forest. It's easy to find Allegheny National Forest campgrounds for horse camping with The Dyrt. You're sure to find the perfect site for your Pennsylvania horse camping excursion.

Allegheny National Forest

The Best Equestrian Camping Near Allegheny National Forest, Pennsylvania

Allegany State Park - Red House Area

There are numerous designated primitive campsites without developed facilities within Moshannon State Forest that can be reserved on a first-come, first-served basis. Campers are required to obtain a camping permit at no charge.

For information about campsite availability in Moshannon State Forest and to request a permit, please contact the district office at 814-765-0821.

Primitive backpack camping also is allowed throughout the entire forest. Backpack campers do not need a permit if they stay no more than one night at any campsite.

Primitive backpack campers should register at any trailhead near a state park office.

Roadside campsites are singular, remote sites located along dirt and gravel state forest roads. They may be pull offs or have a short driveway. These sites allow for overnight camping in or very near a vehicle. Depending on layout, the sites may accommodate different types of equipment such as tents, small RVs, or trailers. Some sites are also appropriate for equestrian use.
Nineteen designated motorized, roadside campsites are available in Moshannon State Forest:

- Ten are individual sites located along Medix Grade Road.
- There are also several sites within the Shaggers Inn Camping Area.
- The Yellow Snake Camping Area is ideal for equestrian use.



Moshannon State Forest

Two Mile Run County Park

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near Philadelphia. Philadelphia is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Philadelphia. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.

Philadelphia

The Best Camping Near Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Searching for the best camping near Pittsburgh, PA? There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Pittsburgh camping trip.

Pittsburgh

The Best Camping Near Pittsburgh | Pennsylvania Campgrounds

Looking for the best campgrounds near Reading, PA? Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Reading is surrounded by family-friendly activities. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Reading camping trip.

Reading

The Best Camping Near Reading, Pennsylvania

Searching for the best camping near Scranton, PA? Scranton is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. Find the best campgrounds near Scranton, PA. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

Scranton

The Best Campgrounds Near Scranton, PA | PA Camping

Levittown is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near Levittown, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Levittown camping trip.

Levittown

The Best Camping Near Levittown, Pennsylvania

The Dyrt is here to help plan your best camping near York. York is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. Find the best campgrounds near York, PA. Read reviews from campers like you and find your perfect campsite.

York

The Best Camping Near York, Pennsylvania

State College is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. Camping, hiking, biking: however you want to spend your days near State College, you'll find great campgrounds with The Dyrt. Find the best campgrounds near State College, PA. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

State College

The Best Camping Near State College, Pennsylvania

Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Wilkes-Barre, PA has a lot to offer. Aside from great camping spots, you'll find hiking and many more outdoor experiences. Thinking of traveling with kids? You're in luck—Wilkes-Barre is surrounded by family-friendly activities. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Wilkes-Barre. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.

Wilkes-Barre

The Best Camping Near Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania

Are you in need of a campground near Norristown, PA? There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Norristown. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.

Norristown

The Best Camping Near Norristown, Pennsylvania

Chester is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in, as well as sights to see and explore. Discover great camping spots near Chester, reviewed by campers like you.

Chester

The Best Camping Near Chester, Pennsylvania

Whether you're an RVer or tent camper, Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, PA is a great place to post up for the weekend—or longer. Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area

The Best Camping Near Delaware Water Gap National Recreation Area, Pennsylvania

Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Allegheny National Forest, PA has a lot to offer. Allegheny National Forest is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. You're sure to find the perfect spot for your Pennsylvania camping adventure.

The Best Camping Near Allegheny National Forest, Pennsylvania

Whether you're a tent camper, an RVer, or just passing through, Shenango River Lake, PA has a lot to offer. Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are Shenango River Lake campgrounds just for you. Find the best campgrounds near Shenango River Lake, PA. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

Shenango River Lake

The Best Camping Near Shenango River Lake, Pennsylvania

Cowanesque Lake, PA is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. Discover secluded campsites where you can reconnect with nature. Or maybe you like to bring your family and friends along. Either way, there are Cowanesque Lake campgrounds just for you. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Cowanesque Lake camping trip.

Cowanesque Lake

The Best Camping Near Cowanesque Lake, Pennsylvania

Tioga-Hammond Lakes is an ideal place for camping adventures of all kinds. Enjoy the scenic camping, fun activities, and sights and sounds of Tioga-Hammond Lakes. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

Tioga-Hammond Lakes

The Best Camping Near Tioga-Hammond Lakes, Pennsylvania

Raystown Lake is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. There's so much to see and do, from exhilarating hikes or bike rides to exploring the local dining and shopping. Find the best campgrounds near Raystown Lake, PA. Read helpful reviews and tips to find the perfect camping option for you and your crew.

Raystown Lake

The Best Camping Near Raystown Lake, Pennsylvania

Join the fun near Woodcock Creek Lake. With tons of outdoor activities and scenic camping, this is an excellent vacation spot for all kinds of travelers. There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that Pennsylvania camping has to offer. Discover great camping spots near Woodcock Creek Lake, reviewed by campers like you.

Woodcock Creek Lake

The Best Camping Near Woodcock Creek Lake, Pennsylvania

Are you in need of a campground near Blue Marsh Lake, PA? There are tons of hikes and other fun activities to partake in. Experience some of the most stunning views that Pennsylvania camping has to offer. Search nearby campsites and find top-rated spots from other campers.

Blue Marsh Lake

The Best Camping Near Blue Marsh Lake, Pennsylvania

Gettysburg National Military Park is the perfect place for adventurous campers and RVers. Gettysburg National Military Park is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. Get the dirt on all the best camping near Gettysburg National Military Park. Browse campgrounds by amenities, site types, and more.

Gettysburg National Military Park

The Best Camping Near Gettysburg National Military Park, Pennsylvania

Are you in need of a campground near Mississippi River Headwaters - Leech Lake, PA? Mississippi River Headwaters - Leech Lake is a great camping destination for everyone. There are tons of nearby hikes, adventurous activities, and sights to see. Find the best campgrounds near Mississippi River Headwaters - Leech Lake, plus reviews and photos from other campers like you.

The Best Equestrian Camping in Allegheny National Forest

Top Campgrounds in Allegheny National Forest (7)

1.