The PA Wilds region surrounding Austin, Pennsylvania sits within the Allegheny Plateau at elevations between 1,600-2,200 feet. Camping areas near Austin feature dense hemlock forests and access to multiple state game lands where wildlife viewing opportunities abound. Fall temperatures typically drop below 40°F at night, making campfires essential for comfort during peak elk viewing season.
What to do
Elk viewing excursions: Visit the elk herd areas accessible from several campgrounds in the region. At Hicks Run, campers report close encounters: "Saw 2 elk 100 ft from campground. It was nice. The ranger stated that they will, probably, start charging next year."
Swimming in local creeks: Natural swimming holes provide cooling options during summer months. A camper at Hicks Run notes: "There is a swimming hole in the small creek that's great! Kids loved it! Also the river is just down on 555 with a kayak launch."
Hiking trail networks: The region connects to extensive trail systems. At Twin Lakes Recreation Area, a reviewer mentions: "There is a nice loop of well maintained trails that connects to even more expansive trails (I think going all the way out to Cooks Forest...too ambitious for me) that we enjoyed walking."
Fishing opportunities: Many campsites offer direct water access. At Upper Campground, a camper shared: "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!"
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Several campgrounds offer well-spaced sites with natural separation. At Riverview Campsites, a camper notes: "Campsites were very large. Pulled our 23 ft and 32 ft campers sideways across the sites."
Wildlife sightings: The region offers frequent encounters with native species. One visitor to Austin Campground reported: "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."
Clean facilities: Campground maintenance receives consistent praise. A reviewer at Upper Campground stated: "The shower houses have always been the cleanest and best maintained of any state park we have been too!"
Seasonal atmosphere: Fall camping provides unique experiences. A guest at Austin Campground shared: "We visited the Pa Grand Canyon, Benezette for the Elk Bugleing, Moshannon State Park, Austin Dam Site. Every blade of grass cut, every flower bed maintained."
What you should know
Limited cell service: Connectivity varies significantly by location and carrier. At Riverview Campsites, a camper reports: "No cell reception. Clean and very nice."
Water availability concerns: Some campgrounds have restricted water access. At Twin Lakes, a camper explained: "There were no amenities when we stayed - no bath houses, no toilets, no water to fill up our rig with, no sanitary dump station."
Seasonal closures: Operating dates vary by facility. High Pines RV Park has year-round access while other campgrounds close seasonally.
Wildlife precautions: Bears frequent many campgrounds. A visitor to Twin Lakes advised: "Black bears have long been habituated to humans at Twin Lakes! Keep your food and toiletries in the car."
Site selection considerations: Terrain varies significantly. A tent camper at Upper Campground warned: "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."
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Some campgrounds offer dedicated play areas. A visitor to High Pines RV Park mentioned: "There no pool but they do have a game room that offers free games for the kids along with a playground and basketball court."
Swimming options: Natural water features provide recreational opportunities. At Upper Campground, a camper noted: "The kids go below the overflow and swim, just watch for snakes! Playgrounds in both loops."
Kid-friendly hiking: Short trails accommodate young hikers. A Twin Lakes camper shared: "I have fond memories of bringing my kids here when they were little, flying kites, picking berries, swimming in the frigid spring water!"
Wildlife education: Animal sightings create learning opportunities. An Austin Campground visitor reported: "We got to see gorgeous fall leaves, brilliant night skies, and lots of elk right around the campground."
Tips from RVers
RV size restrictions: Some campgrounds have limited access for larger rigs. At Maple Lane RV Park, located about 30 miles from Austin, big rigs are accommodated with pull-through sites and 50-amp service.
Electrical considerations: Amperage varies between sites. A High Pines visitor noted: "Our site only had 30a power. Most seem to be that way. Looks like some updates are on the way. The price was great. We will go back again but making sure it's not peak summer due to not having 50A."
Site selection for privacy: The most secluded rv sites near Austin, Pennsylvania require advance planning. At Upper Campground, a reviewer observed: "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."
Hookup availability: Full-service sites aren't universal. A visitor to Twin Lakes advised: "At the moment there is NO water here, however the dump station is operative."
