Best Campgrounds near Bradford, PA

Bradford, PA is a great camping destination for adventurers of all types. Bradford is filled with the activities, sights, and experiences to make everyone in your crew a happy camper. You're sure to find the perfect campground for your Bradford camping trip.

Best Camping Sites Near Bradford, Pennsylvania (125)

    1. Quaker Area — Allegany State Park State Park

    27 Reviews
    81 Photos
    66 Saves
    Steamburg, New York
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    2. Red Bridge Recreation Area - Allegheny National Forest

    24 Reviews
    58 Photos
    214 Saves
    Ludlow, Pennsylvania

    Overview

    Red Bridge Campground sits on the eastern shore of the Kinzua Arm of the Allegheny Reservoir in northwest Pennsylvania, offering a peaceful getaway for families and outdoor enthusiasts.

    Recreation

    The campground offers swimming and bank fishing, with a boat launch nearby. For hikers, the North Country National Scenic Trail crosses SR 321 one-eighth of mile south of the campground. Over 4,000 miles long, the North Country National Scenic Trail stretches from New York to North Dakota. The Allegheny National Forest has nearly 100 miles of this trail between the New York state line and PA-66, maintained by volunteers from the Allegheny National Forest Chapter of the North Country Trail Association.

    Natural Features

    The Allegheny National Forest covers nearly half a million acres and is populated primarily with black cherry, maple and other hardwoods. The Kinzua Dam, built in 1965, impounds the Allegheny River to form the 25-mile-long Allegheny Reservoir. The campground is well wooded with mature black cherry, hemlock and birch trees. The grounds are off the Longhouse Scenic Byway, a 29-mile loop that circles the Kinzua Arm of the reservoir.

    Contact Info

    For facility specific information, please call (814) 363-9090.

    Charges & Cancellations

    Cancellations or changes must be made through Recreation.gov

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Reservable
    • RVs
    • Tents

    $20 - $130 / night

    3. Red House Area — Allegany State Park State Park

    13 Reviews
    39 Photos
    68 Saves
    Salamanca, New York
    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    4. Willow Bay Recreation Area

    10 Reviews
    19 Photos
    92 Saves
    Steamburg, New York

    Overview

    Willow Bay is located within the Allegheny National Recreation Area, about 16 miles from Bradford, in northwestern Pennsylvania. It is primarily an accessible family campground that also offers rustic cabins available by reservation year-round. The facility offers modern amenities, including flush toilets and showers, but also provides access to great outdoor recreation opportunities.Most of campsites and cabins can be accessed by vehicle, some campsites are walk-to. Guests are responsible for their own travel arrangements and safety, and must bring several of their own amenities.

    Recreation

    Visitors enjoy water sports, including boating, water skiing, swimming, and sailing on the 12,080-acre, man-made Allegheny Reservoir. Anglers can find walleye, bass, and musky. A courtesy dock is provided at the boat launch for easier loading and unloading during the summer season. Kayak and canoe rentals are also available on site, first come, first serve basis. The North Country Trail is part of the National Scenic Trail system and can be accessed from the campground and cabin area. It is open to hikers only; no bicycles of any kind, no riding or pack stock, and no motorized travel. The historic trail stretches across seven states and 12 national forests, wandering 4,600 miles through Americas rugged northern heartlands. The area offers excellent wildlife viewing, as well as birding and photography opportunities.

    Natural Features

    Built in the 1960s by the U.S. Corps of Engineers, the campground has an open appearance unlike other Forest Service facilities in the area. The campground was recently renovated and cabins were erected at the site between 2003 and 2011, offering a different kind of experience for visitors to the area. The campground and cabins are situated on the shore of Willow Bay, off the Allegheny Reservoir, which is also called Kinzua Reservoir. The facility is in forested hills, at an elevation of 1,400 feet. Campsites vary from being on grass with no shade, to being nestled in small stands of mature Hemlock trees (location within the campground is mentioned on the site list). Cabins are nestled in the surrounding forest.

    Contact Info

    For facility specific information, please call (814) 363-9090.

    Nearby Attractions

    The Seneca-Iroquois Indian Museum and the Salamanca Rail Museum are popular historic sites that are located just over the state line, in Salamanca, New York. It is about a half-hour drive from the campground and cabin area. The Zippo/Case Museum, located in nearby Bradford, PA, showcases the history and products of the Zippo, Case, and Ronson Companies. It is open 7 days a week except New Year's Day, Easter, Thanksgiving, and Christmas Day, and admission is free.

    Charges & Cancellations

    Cancellations or changes must be made on line at Recreation.gov

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Reservable
    • RVs
    • Tents

    $20 - $100 / night

    5. Tracy Ridge

    7 Reviews
    8 Photos
    93 Saves
    Steamburg, New York

    Overview

    Tracy Ridge Campground is located within the Allegheny National Recreation Area, approximately 15 miles from Bradford, Pennsylvania. Allegheny Reservoir is just minutes away. Hikers enjoy exploring the 33-mile Tracy Ridge Trail System, which inclused 10 miles of the North Country National Scenic Trail. Tracy Ridge campground is operated by Allegheny Site Management under a concession permit. Hand-pumped water is only available in Loop E.

    Recreation

    Hiking and backpacking possibilities abound in the Tracy Ridge Recreation Area. The trail system of interconnecting loops begins at the campground, and offers offers excellent day hikes. The main trail in the system is the Tracy Ridge trail, which circles the campground and drops down to the North Country National Scenic trail before climbing up the ridge back to the campground, making an approximate 16-mile loop. On the ridge above Tracy Run, there are two shorter loops for the less intrepid, and a connector to Johnnycake Trail, which goes from the loop around the campground down Johnnycake Run to the North Country Trail along the Reservoir. Connector trails off the North Country and Tracy Ridge trails lead to two primitive campgrounds on the Reservoir's shores: Handsome Lake and Hopewell. These two campgrounds are only accessed by foot or boat, and - with 3 other boat access campgrounds - are the only legal way to camp along the shore of the reservoir. The Bullis Hollow Trail leads east of the Tracy Ridge Recreation Area, heading for the city of Bradford and the Marilla Trail System on the Bradford Water Authority property approximately 8 miles away. Boat access to the Allegheny Reservoir is nearby at Willow Bay Recreation Area, for developed access, or Sugar Bay for primitive access.

    Natural Features

    The campground is situated in a mature oak stand on top of a hill, surrounded by streams and rock formations, at an elevation of 2,245 feet. The Allegheny Reservoir is approximately 5 miles from Tracy Ridge.The Allegheny National Forest covers nearly half a million acres and is populated primarily with black cherry, maple, and other hardwoods. The Kinzua Dam, built in 1965, impounds the Allegheny River to form 25-mile-long Allegheny Reservoir.

    Contact Info

    For facility specific information, please call (814) 363-9090.

    Charges & Cancellations

    Cancellations or changes must be made through Recreation.gov

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs
    • Tents

    $12 - $75 / night

    6. Dewdrop

    9 Reviews
    37 Photos
    209 Saves
    Ludlow, Pennsylvania

    Overview

    Dewdrop Campground sits on the Kinzua Arm of the Allegheny Reservoir in northwest Pennsylvania, offering a popular getaway for boaters and families.

    Recreation

    Water activities abound, including lake fishing, boating, and water skiing. A boat launch is available for convenient lake access for campers only. A 2.5 mile trail winds around the campground. Dewdrop is located on the Longhouse Scenic Drive, a winding loop around the Kinzua Arm of the reservoir that includes PA-59, PA-321, and Forest Road 262 (Longhouse Scenic Byway).

    Natural Features

    The Allegheny National Forest covers nearly half a million acres and is populated primarily with black cherry, maple and other hardwoods. The Kinzua Dam, built in 1965, impounds the Allegheny River to form the 25-mile-long Allegheny Reservoir. Dewdrop clings to the hillside above the water, providing a multi-level tiered campground.

    Nearby Attractions

    The Kinzua Dam is a short drive to the west on PA-59. The Jakes Rocks Epic Mountain Bike Trail system connects to Dewdrop Campground and consists of trail loops built specifically for mountain biking on the mountain behind the campground. Hikers are also welcome on the trail but remember to keep an eye out for and give way to mountain bike riders. Kinzua Point Information Center is staffed by volunteers on most summer weekends and offers great views up the Allegheny Reservoir.

    Contact Info

    For facility specific information, please call (814) 363-9090.

    Charges & Cancellations

    Cancellations or changes must be made through Recreation.gov

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs
    • Tents

    $20 - $100 / night

    7. Morrison Campground

    8 Reviews
    23 Photos
    85 Saves
    Ludlow, Pennsylvania

    Overview

    This rustic campground is located on the east bank of the Allegheny Reservoir just east of Elijah Run Boat Launch on Morrison Bay a branch off of Kinzua Bay of the Allegheny Reservoir. It is accessible by boat via the Allegheny Reservoir and/or the Morrison Hiking Trail. The closest boat launch is Elijah Run directly west of the campground (access from the Longhouse National Scenic Byway - Forest Road 262). Visitors are required to physically arrive at the campground to purchase and claim a site. Once on-site, there are fee envelopes with a pay tube availabe or you may be able to pay for your campsite(s) by scanning a QR code using the Recreation.gov mobile app, and the Scan and Pay feature. If this option is available, you will need to__first download the free Recreation.gov mobile app https://www.recreation.gov/mobile-app prior to your arrival__as some remote areas have limited or no cellular service.

    Natural Features

    This rustic campground is located on the east bank of the Allegheny Reservoir just east of Elijah Run Boat Launch on Morrison Bay a branch off of Kinzua Bay of the Allegheny Reservoir.

    • Phone Service
    • RVs
    • Tents
    • Group
    • Standard (Tent/RV)
    • Trash

    $12 / night

    8. Kinzua East KOA

    6 Reviews
    1 Photo
    19 Saves
    Westline, Pennsylvania

    Dense forests enfold Kinzua East KOA in the Allegheny National Forest. Deer and other wildlife may wander by as you doze by the pool or campfire. A classic excursion takes you through the near-wilderness to Kinzua Bridge State Park. The vista from a viewing platform is splendid, especially when fall colors are ablaze. Enjoy this KOA's hayrides and barbecues. Your hosts provide a map for hikers and bikers. You're also just 10 minutes away from record-breaking pike and walleye fishing on the 12,000-acre Allegheny Reservoir. Bring your boat or rent one, no limit on motor size. Golfers head for Pine Acres Country Club's 18-hole, world-class golf course and the Seneca Allegany Casino. Explore four-wheeling trails nearby. Big and small game hunting available. Bear is the Monday before Thanksgiving, and buck is the Monday after Thanksgiving. Pool: Memorial Weekend - Labor Day Weekend. Max pull thru: 80 feet.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • ADA Access

    9. Kiasutha

    7 Reviews
    22 Photos
    132 Saves
    Ludlow, Pennsylvania

    Overview

    Kiasutha Campground sits on the Kinzua Arm of the Allegheny Reservoir in northwest Pennsylvania, offering countless water activities.

    Recreation

    Visitors enjoy the large, grassy beach for swimming and relaxing. A boat ramp and dock allow visitors to enjoy the vast lake for boating, and a paved trail leads to an accessible fishing pier. Campsites offer a variety of views and conditions, from shaded forest to views of the reservoir, primitive walk-in camping or RV camping with electric hook-up. Some sites are back-in and some are pull-through for easier access.

    Natural Features

    The Allegheny National Forest covers nearly half a million acres and is populated primarily with black cherry, maple and other hardwoods. The Kinzua Dam, built in 1965, impounds the Allegheny River to form the 25-mile-long Allegheny Reservoir. Since Kinzua Creek flowed into the Allegheny RIver, a part of it is also impounded, creating the Kinzua Arm. It is a little narrower than the main Allegheny Reservoir, allowing for a little more intimate connection between water and shore, and is not as subject to weather as the more open main reservoir. This campground sits on forested hills off the Longhouse Scenic Byway, a 29-mile loop that circles the Kinzua Creek Arm of the Allegheny Reservoir.

    Contact Info

    For facility specific information, please call (814) 363-9090.

    Nearby Attractions

    The Kinzua Dam and Bridge are within driving distance.

    Charges & Cancellations

    Cancellations and changes must be made through Recreation.gov

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs

    $20 - $40 / night

    10. Red Oak Campground

    7 Reviews
    35 Photos
    17 Saves
    Steamburg, New York

    Red Oak Campground is nestled in the Scandia Mountains of Western Pennsylvania, abundant with forest and wildlife, and providing an opportunity to get away from the city life and back to nature. We have plenty of shady or open campsites for every style of camping. Most sites are level and many have full hookups. We also have tent sites for those who prefer roughing it. We offer full service facilities and a wide range of amenities for our guests. Campers appreciate how our modern, comfortable bathhouses are kept as clean as possible. Red Oak Campground offers complete facilities to make your stay as comfortable as possible. On the premises, we have an ice cream shop, bakery, mini-golf, and a heated swimming pool that is open from Memorial Day to Labor Day. For a break from hiking, swimming or chores around the campsite, stop by our game room. The room features pool tables, air hockey, pinball and video games. Don’t forget to drop by our store for firewood, propane, groceries, those yummy baked goods, gifts and last-minute items. Our community pavilion hosts several of our planned events and is available for private rental for special occasions like graduation parties and family reunions. The facility offers a grilling pit and internal heating. We also offer a large recreation area, with plenty of space for team sports, as well as a playground for children.

    • Pets
    • Fires
    • Electric Hookups
    • Phone Service
    • Reservable
    • RVs
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Showing results 1-10 of 125 campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Bradford, PA

426 Reviews of 125 Bradford Campgrounds



Guide to Bradford

Camping near Bradford, Pennsylvania, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking for a peaceful retreat or an adventurous getaway, there are several campgrounds in the area that cater to different needs.

What to do

  • Hiking: Explore the numerous trails in the area. Campers at Cook Forest State Park Campground rave about the hiking opportunities, with one reviewer noting, "If you're into hiking, there's lots to see here."
  • Stargazing: For those who love the night sky, Cherry Springs State Park Campground is a must-visit. A camper shared, "The skies opened up and the stars came out. It was truly breathtaking."
  • Fishing and Kayaking: The Clear Creek State Park Campground is perfect for water activities. One visitor mentioned, "We were able to turn the RV so the door/awning faced the River," highlighting the great access to fishing and kayaking.

What campers like

  • Natural Beauty: Campers appreciate the stunning landscapes. A review for Lyman Run State Park Campground states, "From the beautiful lake to the stunning views of the vistas, you are always feeling at peace."
  • Clean Facilities: Many campgrounds, like Parker Dam State Park Campground, receive praise for their cleanliness. One camper noted, "Bathrooms were very clean with nice hot water in the showers."
  • Family-Friendly Atmosphere: Campgrounds such as Allegany State Park Quaker Area are great for families. A reviewer said, "This campground literally has something for everyone."

What you should know

  • Crowded Sites: Some campgrounds can feel a bit cramped. A visitor at Evangola State Park Campground mentioned, "Sites are pretty much wide open, with zero separation between you and your neighbor."
  • Limited Amenities: Not all campgrounds have stores or markets nearby. For example, Cook Forest State Park Campground lacks a camp store, but supplies can be found nearby.
  • Wildlife Encounters: Campers should be prepared for wildlife. One camper at Allegany State Park Quaker Area noted, "We did have visits from wildlife, which was great."

Tips for camping with families

  • Choose Spacious Sites: Look for campgrounds with larger sites. A family at Lyman Run State Park Campground enjoyed, "Sites are well spaced so you don’t feel like it’s crowded."
  • Plan for Activities: Make sure to have a list of activities. One camper at Clear Creek State Park Campground mentioned, "We spent a lot of time hiking."
  • Bring Snacks and Drinks: Some campgrounds, like Minister Creek Campground, don’t have markets nearby, so pack enough food and drinks.

Tips from RVers

  • Check Site Levels: Some sites may not be level enough for RVs. A review for Clear Creek State Park Campground advised, "If you have an RV/travel trailer do NOT recommend the non-power sites."
  • Bring Your Own Firewood: Campers at Parker Dam State Park Campground suggested, "Buy firewood outside the park to save yourself some cash."
  • Know Your Access Points: Make sure to familiarize yourself with the campground layout. A visitor at Red Bridge Recreation Area mentioned, "The campground is rather hilly overall and I'm not sure it's best for kids unless they're really into fishing."

Camping near Bradford, Pennsylvania, offers a variety of experiences for everyone. Whether you're hiking, fishing, or just enjoying the scenery, there's something for every outdoor enthusiast.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What camping is available near Bradford, PA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, Bradford, PA offers a wide range of camping options, with 125 campgrounds and RV parks near Bradford, PA and 16 free dispersed camping spots.

  • Which is the most popular campground near Bradford, PA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Bradford, PA is Quaker Area — Allegany State Park State Park with a 4.6-star rating from 27 reviews.

  • Where can I find free dispersed camping near Bradford, PA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 16 free dispersed camping spots near Bradford, PA.

  • What parks are near Bradford, PA?

    According to TheDyrt.com, there are 8 parks near Bradford, PA that allow camping, notably Bankhead National Forest and Chugach National Forest.