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Chapman State Park Campground serves as the primary developed campground near Clarendon, Pennsylvania, with other camping areas scattered throughout the Allegheny National Forest region. The park offers tent sites, RV hookups, and cabin options within a forested setting around a small lake. Additional camping opportunities exist at nearby locations like Red Bridge Recreation Area and Minister Creek Campground, which provide primitive to full-service sites. Forestry Road Dispersed Campsite offers free primitive camping for those seeking a more rustic experience, while mixed-use campgrounds like Buckaloons and Dewdrop Recreation Areas provide alternatives within 30 miles.
Most campgrounds in the area operate seasonally from April or May through October or December, with limited winter access. Chapman State Park features clean, modern facilities with paved loops ideal for bikes and several water access points. A visitor commented, "The campground is well maintained, with excellent restroom/shower facilities. Miles of hiking trails accessible right from the campground." Cell service varies significantly throughout the region, with many camping areas having limited or no coverage. Sites near water tend to fill quickly during peak season, particularly on weekends, making advance reservations advisable for summer months. Terrain typically consists of wooded, sometimes hilly sites with variable privacy depending on location.
Waterfront camping represents a significant draw in this region, with several campgrounds providing lake or creek access. Chapman State Park receives consistently positive reviews for its peaceful setting and family-friendly amenities. As described in feedback on The Dyrt, "Very nice quiet family camp ground featuring tent, camper full hook ups. On sight dump station. Fishing boating, hiking family fun all around." The surrounding Allegheny National Forest offers numerous recreation opportunities including hiking trails, fishing spots, and scenic viewpoints. Bear encounters have been reported in some camping areas, particularly at Dewdrop Recreation Area, making proper food storage essential. Most established campgrounds provide fire rings, picnic tables, and access to drinking water, though amenities vary considerably between developed sites and dispersed camping areas.
"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 Availability"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."
from $20 - $58 / night
Check Availability"Easy access to hiking trails right from camp. Not a ton of distance between sites but everyone around us was quiet and chill."
"Whether you're staying at the campground itself or on the trail off the parking lot, you really can't get much better than this."
from $12 / night
Check Availability"We walked the campground and noticed that most campsites seemed to be a fairly decent size."
"Dollar general close by just in case."
from $20 - $85 / night
Check Availability"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."
"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 Availability"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 Availability"Allegheny National Forest is Pennsylvania's only National Forest and a gem of a location for outdoor recreation."
"Go to nearby town of Warren or Tidouette for supplies. (Stop at the store just outside of Tidouette just across from DG- they have the best deli sandwiches around)"
from $12 - $80 / night
Check Availability"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!"
from $20 - $40 / night
Check Availability"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."
TravelerBeautiful gravel and wood chip site right along a small slow moving creek that at night with a fire create a wonderful camping experience. And they are very dog freindly.
TravelerBeautiful gravel and wood chip site right along a small slow moving creek. At night when the sun sets and the fire burns it creates a wonderful camping experience. And they are very dog freindly.
GuideThese people know what they are doing. We loved that the campground had its own music at the pool instead of dealing with everyone's individual speakers. The bathrooms were very clean and obviously cleaned every morning. The campground is huge and has great places for bikes or electric golf carts! They had great music and the other campers were very nice and respectful people. We stayed here as home base to visit Ellicotville and an Alpaca farm. Both were very close to the camp. I would love to visit again in the fall.
TravelerVery nice and well kept. great campground for families with kids. has a playground, heated pool. they also had rock painting activities. the store is cute- they also have a little shop in there.
Restrooms/showers are super clean!
ScoutClean campground, water, electric. Saw a turkey upon arrival and a deer and multiple black squirrels when departing. Nice little store with arcade, snacks and pizza they will deliver to your site on Fridays! Heated pool and pretty nice bathrooms
TravelerA great place to spend some time. Very quiet plenty of hiking trails, the river is great for kayaking. Lots of big hemlock trees. Definitely will return in the fall.
GuideWhat a hidden gem this place is! Located deep in a county park in the forested rolling hills of PA. Every site is huge and mostly private. Combination of paved main roads and gravel dirt camp loops. Most of the sites look relatively flat. The whole park is spotless clean, no trash anywhere! Bathrooms and showers are clean and maintained regularly. There is no camp store! Stock up before arrival. Firewood and ice. Can be outside the park at a bait shop and local farm about 2 miles away. Or just stop in Oil City first. You can grab a site online .....site unseen and be happy on arrival. Definitely on my must return list. Happy camping!
GuideKibbes campground is a old family business located on an island on the Allegheny River. Great spot for fisherman!!!! Park roads are tore up and very muddy. Bathrooms aren't the cleanest and run down. Shower house doesnt work. But they do have a nice indoor recreation room with darts, slot machines, pool tables, and nice seating. While it wouldn't be my pick of destinations, I am glad I found it. It has a old school charm and the owners are super nice!
TravelerWe 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.
The Allegheny National Forest encompasses the majority of camping options near Clarendon, Pennsylvania, with elevations ranging from 1,300 to 2,300 feet and a diverse forest ecosystem of northern hardwoods mixed with hemlock and white pine. Summer temperatures typically reach the mid-80s during the day with cooler nights in the 50s and 60s, making sleeping comfortable even during July and August. Many campgrounds are situated along the Allegheny River and Kinzua Reservoir, providing waterfront access with varying levels of amenities.
Paddle the Allegheny River: Launch from Buckaloons Recreation Area, where the campground connects directly to the river. "The campground is right on the Allegheny River and there's a boat ramp onsite. If you're a paddler make sure to visit Allegheny Outfitters just up the road in Warren and get a river guidebook. Given its location on the river this is a great place to make several different runs down the river," notes George from Buckaloons.
Fishing for native trout: Minister Creek Campground provides access to quality brook trout fishing in a natural setting. "Several of the sites back up to Minister Creek. Home to some of the scrappiest brook trout I have fished for. Such a great place to get away," explains Brannon M. from Minister Creek Campground.
Star-gazing opportunities: The remote nature of many campgrounds creates ideal night sky viewing conditions. "First place I was ever able to actually see the milky way. Night sky's are so clear," writes Chuck H. about Kiasutha Recreation Area. Another camper adds, "Quick Tip: Perfect spot for star-gazing. So set the alarm for 2am and enjoy."
Explore Hector Falls: Located near the Forestry Road Dispersed sites, this waterfall is accessible via a short hike. "It's about 3/4 a mile hike into the woods. The falls are really cool to look at, and has some cool rock formations. Be careful the cliffs are about a 20 ft straight drop," advises Bob J.
Private, spacious sites: Red Bridge Recreation Area offers generous campsites with natural separation. "Very nice campground with some huge old trees. Large sites, good privacy between, mostly full out partial shade. Trees for hammocks. Very quiet at night. No road noise," reports Gary G. from Red Bridge Recreation Area.
Cost-effective camping: Forestry Road Dispersed sites provide free camping options with basic amenities. "The spot I stayed is right on the marker. There are multiple spots along the main forest road. Some you can drive your car in and tuck it back. Other spots you can't take your car at all," explains Bob J. about these Forestry Road Dispersed sites.
Modern bathroom facilities: Unlike some primitive sites in the area, Hearts Content Recreation Area maintains clean facilities. "The campground has a couple pit toilets that have been very well maintained by campground hosts each year we've been there. Zero smell or problems here, they appear to be looked after daily," notes Matthew from Hearts Content.
Walk-in sites for seclusion: Dewdrop Recreation Area offers more isolated camping spots away from the main road. "We had a walk in site which was kind of hard to find in the dark but when we did it was good. These sites were more secluded. Lots of trees for hammocks," shares Tessa O.
Bear safety is essential: Multiple campgrounds report bear activity, requiring proper food storage. "We did not make reservations, but were able to drive through and pick open site we liked the most! The front gate workers were kind and informative with giving advice on how to best explore the area!" explains Katie about Kiasutha Recreation Area.
Cell service limitations: Internet connectivity varies widely throughout the region. "INTERNET: One bar of usable Verizon 4G LTE and T-Mobile 4G LTE suitable for slow web browsing and e-mail, but little else. Because of the very dense tree cover here, Starlink is not really a viable option," reports Matthew about Hearts Content Recreation Area.
Seasonal operation: Most campgrounds close during winter months, typically operating from May through October. "This campground can fill up quite easily, but if you head onto the trail, I see nearly zero possible situation in which you couldn't find a campsite! There is plenty of room," advises Skooma M. about Minister Creek.
Water availability varies: Some sites have no drinking water sources. "Bathrooms are vault toilets. No showers. No water either. Bring what you need! The closest town is about 30 minutes away," warns Bill G. about Hearts Content.
Playground access: Several campgrounds offer dedicated play areas for children. "Fun little playground nearby too!" mentions Katie about Kiasutha Recreation Area. Other campsites like Buckaloons feature open areas where children can safely play.
Bike-friendly loops: For families with children who enjoy cycling, look for campgrounds with paved roads. "The road is one way throughout the loops so there's no big traffic. Lots of kids riding bikes, adults walking and chatting. Tons of friendly dogs," describes Amie M. about Buckaloons.
Kid-friendly hiking options: Morrison Campground offers accessible hiking even for younger children. "I hiked in with my kids. Easy hike and doable with kids if they are used to hiking. Lots of spaces, but it can get crowded on the weekends. The vault toilets were convenient," shares Megan B. from Morrison Campground.
Swimming opportunities: Many campgrounds provide lake access perfect for family recreation. "Kiasutha state park - Beautiful campground on the Allegany river. Very quiet and relaxing atmosphere. The campsites are not on top of each other and are separated by plenty of trees and brush," explains Chuck H.
Electric hookups: Buckaloons offers electrical sites for larger rigs. "Electric sites for surprisingly large rvs and trailers, mostly wired, shaded, and private," notes Kelly C.
Dump station locations: Several campgrounds provide sanitary dump facilities. "Large sites, good privacy between, mostly full out partial shade. Trees for hammocks. Very quiet at night. No road noise," describes Gary G. about Red Bridge Recreation Area.
Site leveling challenges: Be prepared to level your RV at many campgrounds in this area. "We were in spot #39, which is near the end of the loop. Finding fresh water outlets was a challenge since they were not easily labeled, so we ended up circling the loop a second time to fill up the fresh water. We realized on the way out there was a fresh water hookup at the dump station with plenty of space to easily park and not taking up space in the loop. Electric was 30A and our site was not level, but we were able to find the right spot," advises Tim J. about Buckaloons.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Clarendon, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Clarendon, PA offers a wide range of camping options, with 145 campgrounds and RV parks near Clarendon, PA and 13 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Clarendon, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Clarendon, PA is Red Bridge Recreation Area - Allegheny National Forest with a 4.7-star rating from 19 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Clarendon, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 13 free dispersed camping spots near Clarendon, PA.
What parks are near Clarendon, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 9 parks near Clarendon, PA that allow camping, notably Allegheny National Forest and Tionesta Lake.
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