178 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Camping near Austin, Pennsylvania ranges from basic tent sites to full-hookup RV pads, cabins, and glamping options in the forested, mountainous terrain of north-central Pennsylvania. The area features a mix of state parks and private campgrounds, including Austin Campground, Sinnemahoning State Park Campground, and Cherry Springs State Park Campground. Most campgrounds in the region provide access to outdoor recreation along the Allegheny River and nearby forests, with several state parks offering both primitive camping areas and developed sites with amenities.
Seasonal availability varies significantly across the region, with most campgrounds operating from April through December, though some like Austin Campground and Potter County Family Campground remain open year-round. Winter camping requires additional preparation due to snow accumulation and colder temperatures. Many campgrounds offer electric hookups, water access, and sanitary facilities, though primitive sites with fewer amenities can be found at places like Patterson State Park. Reservations are recommended, particularly during summer weekends and fall foliage season. "We camped over Columbus weekend and got to see gorgeous fall leaves, brilliant night skies, and lots of elk right around the campground plus a bear that took a walk through the campground one evening," noted one visitor to Austin Campground.
The area is known for exceptional stargazing opportunities, particularly at Cherry Springs State Park, which is designated as a Dark Sky Park. Campers frequently mention wildlife viewing as a highlight, with opportunities to see elk, deer, and occasionally bears. Several campgrounds feature creek or river access, providing opportunities for fishing and water activities. Campground cleanliness and maintenance receive consistent praise in visitor reviews. Private campgrounds like Austin Campground and Allegheny River Campground feature additional amenities such as playgrounds, swimming pools, and camp stores. One camper described Austin Campground as having "very nice owners, well maintained quiet, clean restrooms and showers, nice sized sites," reflecting the generally positive experiences visitors have at camping areas throughout the region.
"Each campsite had a fire pit and a picnic table and most had trees behind them. We stayed in a drive up site that was close to the restrooms and had a clear field near us to look up and stargaze."
"A little off the beaten path, but definitely a good find away from that light pollution and with other like minded souls!"
from $16 / night
Check Availability"The surrounding area is loaded with things to do as well if you feel like venturing out. Cherry Springs Dark Park is just up the road but the view from our tent was just as good."
"Our trip was for astrophotography purposes, and Lyman Run is only a 10 minute drive away from the Cherry Springs viewing area. Totally worth it!"
from $20 - $29 / night
Check Availability"Found this location while going to Elk State Forest for the elk bugling. Was very happy to find this location. Had clean bathrooms with running water and showers."
"We camped over Columbus weekend and got to see gorgeous fall leaves, brilliant night skies, and lots of elk right around the campground plus a bear that took a walk through the campground one evening."
"There's plenty of streams to filter water from, a lush fern forest, and the best part, of course, is the lake!"
"Perfect location for us. Quiet spacious sites. Very pleasant owner allowed us to stay even though they were technically closed for the season."
from $34 - $138 / night
Check Availability"Step inside to view elk bear birds and other wildlife! Learn about the building of the dam and the early days of the CCC camps."
"There are a few nice scenic trails that go to the lake and through the woods. Some are kid bike friendly. The nature center is great! Kid friendly and fun!"
from $22 - $29 / night
Check Availability"Also some nice hiking trails around the park."
"A nature center to explore and trails galore! 6 pavilions and even a horseshoe pit!"
from $22 - $29 / night
Check Availability"It is just next to the road, so its noisy at night when cars pass."
"Many consider Patterson State Park an over flow Park for when the famous “Dark Skies” Cherry Springs State Park or the large Lyman Run State Park with its lake for swimming, boating and fishing gets full"
"Electric sites are available with water access to fill tanks but no water hookups. "
"Ole Bull State Park and the Surrounding  Susquehannock State Forest are breathtaking and certainly live up Potter County’s nickname of Gods Country."
from $20 - $43 / night
Check Availability"The campsite is located about three miles down from Cherry Springs State Park and Campground, just off the road."
from $10 / night
Check Availability"The campground was really close to Cherry Springs, where we could go stargazing! It is also close to Lyman Lake where we could go swimming and kayaking and fishing."
GuideStayed for 2 nights with my pup. Nice, private, walk up tent sites maybe 50 yards or so from the road. Didn’t find too much to do trails wise at the campground but the pond nearby has some lovely views and the park across the bridge has a nice beach for swimming.
TravelerI love this campground always clean and has a nice pool and splash pad. Another pool coming soon. Everyone is friendly and can get a lot of wood for $25
TravelerThey have 30 amp sites. No water but there is a dump station. Bring your Starlink there is no cell signal. Bathrooms are decent. Good Stargazing(head to nearby Cherry Springs). This is one of the most “out of the way” places in the eastern US. Not quite boon docking but close. There is a guy on the corner that sells firewood. Download maps to get in and out. Listen for the Elk. Watch for Bears.
TravelerLeonard Harrison State Park sits directly on the ridge of the Pine Creek Gorge, also known as the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon. Great hiking trails 800 feet down into the gorge where there is a flat rail trail of 65 miles for hiking, biking, and horseback riding. The campsites are roomy and set far apart. There are only about 30 sites and just 8 of them or so have electric. Bathrooms and showers are conveniently located and very clean. No cell service whatsoever, so bring your board games and cards.
ScoutLove it here. It's away from city life in the heart of nature. Very family-friendly!!! A place to go!!! Check them out!!
ScoutThe campground is amazing! So peaceful and relaxing! Away from the city life and hearing nature makes you at ease.
The owner is a sweet and kind woman. Just learned she's owned it for the last 20 years! Here's to another 20 more! Great job!
We will be returning annually!!!
RangerWhat a gorgeous area. Camp site has a path down to Medix Run (which seems quite clean) with a perfect spot to set out camp chairs and watch the water. Beautiful sounds of birds and spring wildflowers all over the site. Sites are well spaced. The road is surprisingly busy day and night, which did take away from the experience. Unfortunately that issue was dwarfed by other behavior.
Imagine you're sitting by the water on your campsite at 6pm, and a man is suddenly standing next to you. On your dispersed, state forest camp site. With a path only accessible by walking through the site. He tells you a beaver dam used to be here and goes into the water to fish. Weird things happen, but THREE different fishermen at different times used our campsite as their fishing base. Not the area next to it, the campsite. Even parked down the driveway next to our car.
Maybe you're not bothered by this. Maybe it's because you've read this and now had the chance to consider the possibility. However, I'd be willing to bet you'd rather not be surprised. Especially when there are no amenities and as a woman, you need to get partially undressed just to take a leak in the morning.
This is unacceptable behavior. There were other unoccupied campsites, turn offs and places to stop and fish. In all my life camping, no one has ever done this sort of thing. You stay off campsites when other people are there, unless you need help or want to pass on information.
If one person had done this, I wouldn't be writing such a cranky review but three instances warrants a warning for other campers. Good luck, folks.
GuideMedium sized campground. All the sites are large and private ish. Not a bad or uneven site anywhere. Showers and bathrooms are clean. Ice and firewood available at the host. Easy access to the shoreline for fishing or boating. Their are 2 trading posts 1.6 miles outside the campground going towards Kane, PA. They are well stocked and have everything you forgot plus live bait.
GuideThe campground was decent enough, but I would probably skip it next time and stay in the state forest instead. The campsites are not especially private and while they are not directly on top of each other, you are definitely aware of nearby campers. That said, it is a great location for stargazing and the pit toilets are convenient if you prefer at least some amenities.
The biggest downside was the lack of firewood. None was available on site and there was little opportunity to gather any from the surrounding woods. After one night, I felt like I had gotten the experience. For my money, I would rather camp nearby in Susquehannock State Forest where you can find far more private and secluded spots for less cost. You give up amenities like toilets, but if privacy and a quieter camping experience matter more, the state forest feels like the better option while still keeping you close enough to enjoy the dark skies near Cherry Springs State Park.
One nearby spot that is absolutely worth the short drive is the Water Tank Vista overlook. The view alone makes the trip worthwhile, especially around sunset or on a clear day. If you are camping in the area, it is one of those places that feels like a hidden gem and adds a lot to the overall experience.
Austin, Pennsylvania camping areas range from basic primitive sites to full-amenity RV parks across Potter County's 2,200-foot elevation landscape. Winter temperatures often drop below 0°F while summer brings mild 70°F days, creating distinct camping seasons. The region's camping options extend beyond established campgrounds to nearby forest roads with designated dispersed areas and unique cabin rentals.
Stargazing experiences: Cherry Springs State Park offers world-class dark sky viewing with specially designated observation areas. "That night it was overcast and muggy so there was nothing to see. The following two nights however were crystal clear and the temperature dropped drastically," notes Matthew L. about Cherry Springs State Park Campground.
Wildlife viewing trails: Set aside time for early morning or dusk wildlife spotting at Sinnemahoning State Park. "I had a close encounter with a massive bull elk just walking from my campsite to the restrooms at dawn!" reports John V. about his stay at Sinnemahoning State Park Campground.
Water recreation: Kettle Creek State Park offers fishing directly from campsites with easy kayak launch points. "Fish right from your site and in most cases it's easy to launch your kayak also. The kids go below the overflow and swim, just watch for snakes!" advises Amber W. about Upper Campground at Kettle Creek.
Dark sky access: Campers appreciate the astronomy opportunities without traveling far from their sites. "We had a chance to lay out in the public viewing field and star gaze. Also, there were telescopes set up and knowledgeable folks to tell you what you were viewing!" shares Kelsey M. about Cherry Springs State Park Campground.
Clean facilities: Many campgrounds receive high marks for maintenance standards. "The bathhouses are well maintained with newer renovations, tiled floors, shelves over the sinks, large stainless steel utility sinks for dish washing," notes Kristen D. about Ole Bull State Park Campground.
Digital disconnection: The lack of connectivity is considered a benefit by many visitors. "No cell service at all - a blessing!!!" writes Matt M. about his stay at Sinnemahoning State Park Campground, highlighting the advantage of being unreachable.
Reservation timing: Popular campgrounds fill quickly during peak seasons. "There are also minimal spots at the campground itself, so you better get your spot early!" advises Sadie S. about Cherry Springs.
Site selection considerations: Campsite locations vary significantly in terms of privacy and terrain. "We are tent campers, and without the need for hookup and never having been there, we reserved site 45--but do not recommend it for its challenging slope," warns Mary H. about her stay at Upper Campground — Kettle Creek State Park.
Weather preparation: Be ready for sudden temperature changes even in summer. "We stayed for a star event, it was so quiet and dark," notes April M. about Cherry Springs, where nighttime temperatures can drop significantly even in summer.
Educational opportunities: Take advantage of the visitor centers for educational activities. "Adults and Children alike will love the park office / Wildlife Center at Sinnemahoning State Park. Learn about this buildings green construction (LEED) geo thermal heat, rain water harvesting system, recycled materials and more!" suggests Paula L.
Kid-friendly activities: Multiple campgrounds feature playgrounds and open areas for children. "The campground has a small playground, and there is a nice visitors center just up the road," shares Rachel B. about Sinnemahoning State Park Campground.
Accessibility options: Some campgrounds offer accommodations for visitors with mobility challenges. "I'm disabled so kinda limited in what I can enjoy, but this place makes it pretty easy. All you really have to do is look up... Easy areas to walk if you have difficulty and can't go uphill, or struggle with balance and stability," explains TheKajrak about Cherry Springs.
Site selection strategy: Check campground maps carefully before booking RV sites. "We got there on a Thursday, stayed in a site with electric and it was really pleasant. On Friday night the place filled up and we realize that the electric sites were pretty tightly packed," cautions Seth P. about his experience at Upper Campground.
Access limitations: Some roads in the austin campground pa area have tight turns. "If you have a large rig it's a tight fit," warns Amber W. about certain loops at Upper Campground.
Hookup availability: Full-service sites are limited but available at select campgrounds. "I stayed on a full hookup site that had water/electric/sewer. The sites have Picnic tables and fire rings that are cleaned out," notes Annie C. about her stay at Potter County Family Campground.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Austin, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Austin, PA offers a wide range of camping options, with 178 campgrounds and RV parks near Austin, PA and 6 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Austin, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Austin, PA is Cherry Springs State Park Campground with a 4.5-star rating from 30 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Austin, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 6 free dispersed camping spots near Austin, PA.
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