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. "
"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."
$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.”"
$20 - $40 / night
"Didn’t see any rangers or park staff drive through, quiet hours were not enforced and we had a loud neighbor. Close to some nice trails."
"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!"
$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 - $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 - $67 / night
"Look at the campground map before you book your site if being close to a bathroom is important; ours was across the campsite behind us but we had to step in a rock set in the stream to get to it without"
"There is a pet trail through the woods that was really great to take our dog rather than walking around the campground."
"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."
TravelerFirst, I highly recommend this campsite to everyone. I'm a camping beginner and don't know many other places, but at least the owner here was extremely kind and the bathrooms were super clean. It makes me worry about going to other campsites. lol I think beginners can use this campsite with peace of mind. Actually, right before I left the site this time, my car battery died. A man staying nearby noticed immediately, told the owner, and got me help. He seemed to have left for somewhere else right after, so I couldn't thank him in person. So, I'd like to take this opportunity to express my gratitude. The owner also handled everything very kindly, without a single frown. Thank you so, so much. I will definitely come back here. Next time, in a warmer season. lol Everyone, please give it a try. You won't regret it!
RangerLots of sites but doesn’t feel too crowded or busy. Bathrooms are clean. Nice views of the surrounding hills from some sites.
GuideWe returned to the same campsite for 10 years while our kids were growing up. They loved all of the hikes, they loved all other places, from thunder rocks to bear caves trail.
You can go to this camp at any point in time, after Labor Day you can even get firewood delivered to your door. The box wood stoves inside to keep things thirsty, warm, even on a snowy day.
TravelerWent the week of April 23 2024 and had the place just about to my self. Was peaceful and quiet. Both camp hosts were super nice and friendly folks I'd definitely recommend Willow bay to anyone. No cell service with AT&T or Verizon.
RangerAbsolutely beautiful camping loop. There are many others but Cain Hollow is completely open and on the side of a hill so beautiful views of the changing colors. Also good for Starlink users. Clean bathrooms. Beautiful paved greenway. Easy and hard trails available. Restaurant, general stores, laundry, bike rentals… this park is awesome. Absolutely zero Verizon service though. Heads up!
TravelerWe came here after finding this campsite on the dirt app. When we arrived, there was no one around. There are no rules or payment stations. There are a lot of RVs that seem to be set up in a permanent location. We camped on a field and haven’t seen anyone. There are bathrooms and showers and they are open. It looks like this is the site of the fairgrounds and maybe it is a hopping place in the summer? I will update this review if anyone comes by.
TravelerNot bad at all for 20 bucks , spots with electricity cost more. Came on a week night without a reservation and was almost unable to get a spot , host was nice though! Quiet area
TravelerApple Maps brings you way far away, follow the pin and it will bring you. Way too grown in as of August . Didn’t end up staying here. May be a good spot in the fall once the grass dies. Secluded spot though
GuideThis camp area could be 5 Stars if you get lucky. We got here very late, and almost all the sites were full... the one nice one that was available had food everywhere. Don't do this! There were chicken carcasses and popcorn, eggs, and a bag of food in a fire ring. Having seen racoons & other wildlife on the road in, obviously we couldn't tent there. We car c(r)amped at another site. M7(?). There was no place for a tent & no fire ring at that spot. The river view in the morning was nice though. Had we arrived earlier or gotten lucky, this area is probably an awesome camp spot! There's an information station along River Rd with a pit toilet house. On the billboard you'll find a map of the designated camp spots along both River Rd and Millstone. Take a picture of it. There's no reception here but that's how you know it's a nice area!
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
Where can I find waterfront camping in Allegheny National Forest?
Twin Lakes Recreation Area offers beautiful waterfront camping in a secluded stream valley. Popular with locals but less known to visitors, this hidden gem provides peaceful lakeside sites that are especially quiet during spring and fall. The swimming beach can get busier during summer months. Tionesta Rec. Area Campground is another excellent waterfront option, particularly for fishing enthusiasts. The area provides access to some of Pennsylvania's best wilderness flyfishing opportunities. For boat-in camping experiences, consider Dewdrop campground, which offers both drive-in and boat-in access to waterfront sites with basic amenities including toilets and drinking water.
Is RV camping available in Allegheny National Forest?
Yes, RV camping is available at several locations in Allegheny National Forest. Loleta Recreation offers RV-friendly sites with electrical hookups, making it a good central location for forest activities. The campground provides amenities RVers appreciate including showers, firewood and ice for purchase, and fire pits at each site. Clear Creek State Park Campground also accommodates RVs but choose power sites as the non-electric sites aren't level enough for larger vehicles. Additionally, Kiasutha and Whispering Winds campgrounds can accommodate big rigs, though availability may be limited during peak seasons so reservations are recommended.
What are the best campgrounds in Allegheny National Forest?
Minister Creek Campground is frequently praised for its beauty and seclusion. This small campground features only six drive-up sites plus multiple hike-in options along the picturesque Minister Creek. Sites are well-spaced and the nearby scenic overlook hike offers stunning views. For a unique experience, Hearts Content Recreation Area provides spacious sites nestled among towering pine trees. Two sites even feature Adirondack-style shelters. While facilities are basic (vault toilets, no showers), the night sky viewing and peaceful surroundings make it an excellent choice for those seeking a more rustic experience in the heart of Pennsylvania's only national forest.
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