Hearts Content Recreation Area in the Allegheny National Forest offers primitive campsites with vault toilets and drinking water spigots throughout camp. The sites are nestled within a grove of immense pines, providing natural shade during summer months. Located about 15 miles north of Clarendon through forest roads, this campground serves as an excellent base for exploring the region's extensive trail systems.
What to do
Explore old-growth forest trails: At Hearts Content Recreation Area, you can access hiking trails directly from the campground. "The Recreation Area is home to 3 nice hiking trails, including one all-season trail that converts to a cross-country skiing trail in the snowy months, as well as some picnic tables and a restroom," shares one camper who rated the experience highly.
Fish local waterways: Two Mile Run County Park offers great fishing opportunities in its lake. "Plenty of nice hiking trails. Great beach for kids," notes a visitor. The area features multiple stocked creeks and small lakes within 30 minutes of Clarendon.
Spot wildlife after dark: Evening wildlife viewing is common throughout the region. "This is such a pretty, quiet campsite that during weekdays the area deer will often approach from the woods behind the campsites to feast on low hanging leaves. We've seen dozens of them who will get within 10-20 yards of you for a snack later into the night," explains a Hearts Content visitor.
What campers like
Private, wooded campsites: Two Mile Run County Park offers secluded sites surrounded by trees. "Shen staying at two mile you will find the sites are separated by trees and offer you your own little private area. The prices are good and you truly are in nature," explains a camper who enjoyed the privacy.
Clean facilities: Despite remote locations, many area campgrounds maintain good 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," reports a Hearts Content visitor.
Quiet atmosphere: The region's campgrounds typically provide peaceful stays, especially on weekdays. "In our experience camping here several times over several years, weekdays are very quiet at this location, perhaps the quietest of any campground of this size and caliber we've experienced anywhere," shares a Hearts Content camper.
What you should know
Cell service limitations: Connectivity varies greatly across the region's campgrounds. "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," notes a Hearts Content Recreation Area reviewer.
Weather preparedness: Temperatures can drop significantly at night, especially in spring and fall. "It was early April, the snow had just fallen week before, and it got pretty cold during the night. Still, the hiking trails were in great condition!" shares a camper who stayed at Oil Creek State Park.
Firewood availability: While some campgrounds sell firewood, availability and costs vary. "Firewood is available for sale at the Camp Host campsite, but there's so much downed wood behind just about every site that purchasing wood really isn't necessary: you can keep a hot fire going all night, for free, just by cleaning out the underbrush," explains a Hearts Content visitor.
Tips for camping with families
Kid-friendly activities: Allegany State Park's Red House Area offers extensive family programming. "This is an awesome place to camp. New improvements to the park have been made the last few year! They runs daily activities you can go to and learn about different things in nature," shares a visitor who enjoyed the structured activities.
Shelters for weather protection: Consider booking Adirondack shelters when camping with children. "The lean-to shelters are a great feature for a group of 2-5 (especially if you bring a tarp to close off the wind). Quick Tip: If you're camping with kiddos, try turning over the rocks in area creeks to find little aquatic insects. A little creepy, but a lot of awesome," advises a family who stayed at Oil Creek.
Water activities: Many local campgrounds feature swimming or boating options. "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. There is so much to do there including catching crayfish, fishing, going to the amplitheater, hiking, and so much more," explains an Allegany State Park visitor.
Tips from RVers
Site selection for solar power: When camping with solar equipment at Oil Creek Family Campground, consider the tree coverage. "Ample tree coverage means an excellent shade canopy, but not-so-great if you're powering your rig with solar," notes a visitor who appreciated the shade but found solar charging difficult.
Horse camping facilities: Equestrian campgrounds near Clarendon, Pennsylvania offer specialized amenities for those traveling with horses. Kelly Pines Campground includes both equestrian and non-equestrian sites. "This equestrian campground also has 2 non-equestrian sites, one which is reservable. There is no potable water but there is a river and a non-potable pump," reports a camper who stayed at the facility.
Driving distance to supplies: Plan supply runs carefully as distances to stores can be significant. "The closest nearby town is Warren, PA a small but service-rich town set on the Allegheny River that provides all the necessary stuff - a Wal Mart, a Lowes, and plenty of restaurants and little shops," explains a Hearts Content visitor, noting the drive time from the campground.
Traveler
