Dann D.
Scout
ScoutCamp Emerald Acres
Rest & Relaxation
Love it here. It's away from city life in the heart of nature. Very family-friendly!!! A place to go!!! Check them out!!
Camping near Bradford, PA
157 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
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The Allegheny National Forest surrounds Bradford, Pennsylvania, providing numerous camping options from developed facilities to primitive sites. Willow Bay Recreation Area offers tent, RV, and cabin accommodations with access to boating on the Allegheny Reservoir. Red Bridge Recreation Area features spacious sites along the reservoir with electric and non-electric options. The Kinzua East KOA provides full-service camping with modern amenities. Tracy Ridge Recreation Area and Dewdrop campground present more rustic experiences with fewer facilities but greater privacy. Several campgrounds in the region offer lakefront or riverside access, with sites available for various camping styles.
Campground availability in the area fluctuates seasonally, with most facilities operating from May through mid-December. The Red Bridge Recreation Area maintains a season from May 16 through December 15, while Willow Bay remains accessible year-round. Unpredictable weather patterns, particularly in spring and fall, can affect camping conditions. Many sites require advance reservations, especially for summer weekends and during peak fall foliage season. Cell service is limited throughout the region, with reception particularly sparse at more remote campgrounds. According to one visitor, "No cell service here, and you shouldn't need it either. Places to visit are too numerous to mention."
The Allegheny Reservoir shoreline provides popular camping destinations with opportunities for water recreation. Bradford campgrounds offer diverse terrain options for campers seeking either waterfront locations or secluded forest sites. Campers report high satisfaction with waterfront sites, particularly at Red Bridge Recreation Area, where "the sites are spacious with all different types of typography - large boulders, slopes, flats all with grass and dirt." Wildlife encounters are common throughout the region, with several reviewers mentioning bear sightings. The upper elevation campgrounds offer cooler temperatures during summer months. Hiking trails connect many of the campgrounds to the broader Allegheny National Forest trail system, providing extended recreation opportunities. Sites with electricity are limited and typically fill quickly. Several visitors noted the clean facilities at established campgrounds, with Willow Bay receiving praise for its well-maintained grounds.
Best Campgrounds near Bradford (157)
1. Quaker Area — Allegany State Park State Park
"There office/store is not located in the loop we parked in but it was an easy in and out with our 45’ motorhome and tow car."
"They’re a bit further away from each other and the woods around them are thick. I did have to ask our neighbors to stop blasting “Pitbull” at 11:30PM but other than that, it was a great stay."
2. Red House Area — Allegany State Park State Park
"Cabins are pretty large and have some great surounding areas, like creeks right next to the cabins. Great place for family camping with tons of different activites offered around the park."
"We've been coming to this campground since I was a kid, and love the fact that you can have the amenities of home away from home."
3. Red Bridge Recreation Area - Allegheny National Forest
"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. "
from $20 - $130 / night
Check Availability4. Willow Bay Recreation Area
"There is a central bathhouse near the oak loop. Closer to the boat ramp sites- most of which are tent ready, there are vault toilets. These sites are less than a mile from the North Country Trail."
"Gorgeous setting on the edge of the Kinzua Reservoir. The sites are spacious and cabins are also available to rent. Staff are friendly and helpful."
from $20 - $100 / night
Check Availability5. Tracy Ridge
"This isn’t next to the Allegheny River but you can hike to it from here. Nice simple site to enjoy nature."
"It was a nice campground, affordable, Access to hiking trails, I was confused by the water pumps honestly. Only slight cell service for at&t"
from $12 - $75 / night
Check Availability6. Kinzua East KOA
"We spent a week there, nice campground. 2 sides border the Alleghany National Forest. Only 7 miles from Kinzua Wolfe marina. Great surroundings. Clean bathrooms, just a nice camp."
"Nice cabins ....little bit noisy but nice setting and close to things to do!"
7. Bova Cottages — Allegany State Park
"Allegany State Park is nearby for hiking, snowshoeing, XC skiing, leaf peeping,etc."
"After the last bad winter storm we had (2/2018) trees fell all over the park, including on my favorite hiking trails."
from $229 / night
Check Availability8. Morrison Campground
"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."
from $12 / night
Check Availability9. Dewdrop
"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. "
from $20 - $100 / night
Check Availability10. Riverhurst Park Campground
"There’s lots of amenities like volleyball, basketball, playground, swings, all in a safe area away from roads. There’s entrance spots to kayak/ play in the river."
"It was a lovely site situated right on the bank of the Allegheny River. It was very beautiful,relaxing and peaceful there. We would definitely go back if we’re ever back in the area."
Drive Time
- 1 hr 22 min from Buffalo, NY
- 1 hr 26 min from Erie, PA
- 1 hr 54 min from Elmira, NY
- 2 hrs 14 min from State College, PA
Recent Camping Photos near Bradford, PA
179 Photos of 157 Bradford Campgrounds
Linsey S.
Kinzua East KOA
Erik E.
Red House Area — Allegany State Park State Park
Sara V.
Quaker Area — Allegany State Park State Park
Casey L.
Cain hollow campground
Tim J.
Willow Bay Recreation Area
Ian B.
Handsome Lake Campground
JoJo S.
Riverhurst Park Campground
Ryan P.
High Pines RV Park
High Pines RV Park ..
High Pines RV Park
MsTrailBlazer 🏔.
Red Oak Campground
Megan B.
Morrison Campground
Scott
Red Bridge Recreation Area - Allegheny National Forest
Recent Reviews near Bradford, PA
460 Reviews of 157 Bradford Campgrounds
- Dann D.Scout
Camp Emerald Acres
A Must See and Stay
The 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!!!
Ann P.
RangerMedix Run Camping Area — Moshannon State Forest
Beautiful setting ruined, be warned
What 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.
- C
Chris M.
TravelerClarion River Campground
Quiet Memorial Day Weekend
We arrived mid week for Memorial Day camping. No hookups obviously but beautiful large site with room for probably up to 30’ RV. The sites are WAY further apart than you think they are. Like spread more than 10 miles.
Charles S.
GuideRed Bridge Campground
Hidden Treasure
Medium 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.
michael R.GuideCherry Springs State Park Campground
Great Stars, Better Campsites Elsewhere
The 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.
- Charles S.Guide
Forestry Road Dispersed Campsite
Great Free Boondocking
If your coming here off of Rt. 666 the access gate is closed and has been for years. Continue to Crary Ave. Rt.6 in Sheffield and head East. About 6 miles ahead turn right onto Mill Ln., then Right on Curtis Rd., left onto Curtis Road extended, then turn right onto Forestry Rd. There are posted private property signs everywhere, just keep going as this is the only access to this area. I asked the locals and it is fine. Do not come here if you have a car or low riding vehicle. SUV, Jeeps, and trucks only. The access road is fine, but getting to campsite takes a higher frame vehicle. It is a perfect place for peaceful Boondocking. This area can accommodate 2 camp sights. Maybe 3.
- michael R.Guide
East Fork Rd Sites — Susquehannock State Forest
East Fork Road Site 011 Susquehannock Forest
The campsite is located about three miles down from Cherry Springs State Park and Campground, just off the road. It is visible from the road, so if complete privacy is important to you, keep that in mind. That said, the setting itself is beautiful, especially the drive in through the tall pine forests which immediately gave the area a peaceful feel.
The site has two good level tent spots and one semi level spot, all within view of where you park, which made unloading and setup easy. It took me roughly an hour to get camp fully set up. One thing to know going in: there is absolutely no cell service at least with T mobile, which can either be a huge positive or a dealbreaker depending on what you’re looking for.
One of the best features of the site is a nice trail leading back to a creek that you can hear flowing from camp. I spent some time walking along it and tossed a fishing line in a few times. The current was moving pretty fast and I did not see signs of fish during my visit, but it was still a relaxing place to explore.
Firewood was a mixed bag. There are plenty of fallen trees around, but much of it was surrounded by poison ivy, so gathering wood took a little caution. Bugs were present enough that I ended up using a head net in the evening, especially after dark.
For stargazing, the location was solid. I stayed up late and managed to catch three shooting stars. I brought a telescope but the angle of the sky from my setup made it harder to use than expected. If astronomy is your main goal, you may still want to head up to Cherry Springs proper for the best viewing experience.
Overall, this is a peaceful, simple campsite with good access to nature and a quiet atmosphere. Best suited for people who are okay disconnecting completely, enjoy creekside wandering and do not mind a more rustic experience. I would camp here again, especially for a quick getaway near Cherry Springs.
- CChris M.Traveler
Millstone Creek Campground
For RVers
M9, short RVsM6 under 25’ or less big drop off. M8 tents only, M7 parking spot filled with gravel (for maintenance?), M6 short RVs under 22’ with tent area behind, M5 gravel again, M3 & M4 are together with one side good for RVs and a tent site that is a significant hike through the woods. M2 tents only, M1 good size for RV but it’s shaped like a T so you need to maneuver it in.
Guide to Bradford
Camping near Bradford, Pennsylvania offers options for tent campers, RVers, and cabin enthusiasts throughout the 517,000-acre Allegheny National Forest. The region sits at elevations between 1,300 and 2,300 feet, creating microclimates where higher campgrounds remain 5-10 degrees cooler in summer. Many primitive campsites require campers to carry water and waste out, with vault toilets common at established recreation areas.
What to do
Explore Thunder Rocks: Visit the massive boulders at Allegany State Park's Red House Area where visitors can climb formations "the size of a house." As one camper notes, "This park is a fun place to hike and explore. Check out Thunder rocks and climb boulders the size of a house."
Kayak from camp: Dewdrop Recreation Area offers direct water access where campers can launch without driving. "We had a nice walk down to the lake itself and we were able to launch our kayaks right from the site," reports one reviewer.
Join ranger programs: Participate in organized nature activities at Quaker Area — Allegany State Park. "This is an awesome place to camp. New improvements to the park have been made the last few years! They run daily activities you can go to and learn about different things in nature," explains a visitor.
What campers like
Spacious, diverse sites: Red Bridge Recreation Area offers large campsites with variety. "The sites are very spacious and mostly divided with brush. The campground is rather hilly overall," notes one visitor who appreciated the layout.
Cell-free experience: Tracy Ridge Recreation Area provides an opportunity to disconnect completely. The primitive setting enforces a technology break, with one camper pointing out: "No cell service here, and you shouldn't need it either. Places to visit are too numerous to mention."
Waterfront access: Riverhurst Park Campground offers direct river access for recreation. "We got site 18 & I highly recommend! It's an amazing site! Dogs were playing in the water all day plus they have a large field a few yards from our site where we would play fetch!" shares an enthusiastic visitor.
What you should know
Limited services: Many campgrounds operate without full amenities. At Tracy Ridge, "The only water was from a hand pump at the far end of the loop, near the pit toilets."
Bear awareness required: Wildlife encounters happen regularly around Bradford. At Dewdrop Recreation Area, one camper reported: "A mom and two cubs ran directly through our camp while having breakfast one morning. Only 10 foot away when the mom stopped to size up our threat level."
Seasonal pest challenges: Prepare for specific seasonal issues. One camper at Dewdrop Recreation Area warned: "We were pelted for 4 days with droppings and leaf particles from them eating the oak trees," during a gypsy moth caterpillar infestation.
Tips for camping with families
Consider cabin options: For families with young children, Red House Area — Allegany State Park offers comfortable accommodations. "Great place for family camping with tons of different activities offered around the park," mentions one reviewer.
Look for educational opportunities: Several campgrounds offer nature programs. "The park has a lot to do in the summer but a group can still have a blast in the winter," notes one visitor to Quaker Area cabins.
Pack for variable weather: Temperature swings of 30+ degrees can occur, especially in spring and fall. A camper at Allegany State Park notes: "The rustic cabins offered through most of the Quaker Area are a bargain and never have a problem staying toasty on cold nights with their wood burning stoves."
Tips from RVers
Limited hookup availability: Kinzua East KOA offers full-service options but sites book quickly. As one camper noted, "My biggest complaint is the sites are very close and offer little privacy," though the campground is "above average for KOA campgrounds."
Check site dimensions: Many campgrounds have challenging parking arrangements. At Dewdrop Recreation Area, "Campsite layouts are non-traditional with large driveways and often times the tables and fire rings are below the driveway."
Plan for limited connectivity: Most campgrounds have minimal to no cell service. At Willow Bay Recreation Area, one RVer reported: "Hemlock loop has literally zero Verizon coverage. If you walk up to the entrance of the loop, you'll get 2 bars."
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Bradford, PA?
What camping is available near Bradford, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Bradford, PA offers a wide range of camping options, with 157 campgrounds and RV parks near Bradford, PA and 16 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Bradford, PA?
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 28 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Bradford, PA?
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Bradford, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 16 free dispersed camping spots near Bradford, PA.
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