Dispersed camping options are available in the Allegheny National Forest surrounding Clarendon, Pennsylvania, where elevations range from 1,200 to 2,300 feet. Forest Service roads provide access to primitive sites with no amenities, particularly along Forest Road 160 which features established fire rings but requires campers to pack out all trash. Cell service is intermittent throughout the forest area with better connectivity in elevated locations.
What to do
Waterfront recreation: Willow Bay Recreation Area offers lakeside camping with easy access to the Allegheny Reservoir for boating and fishing. "Our site was right along the water. We have sites 76,77,78. Some sites were better than others. Some pros were water access, fire pits having grates, privacy," notes one visitor to Willow Bay.
Hiking trails: The North Country Trail passes within a mile of several camping areas and connects to shorter forest paths. A camper at Forestry Road Dispersed Campsite recommends: "There is a really cool place called Hector Falls. The trailhead is about a mile down the road from this spot. 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."
Dark sky viewing: The region offers exceptional stargazing opportunities away from light pollution. As one camper reported, "First place I was ever able to actually see the milky way. Night sky's are so clear. Campground is absolutely beautiful. Clean and peaceful."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Many campgrounds in the area provide natural separation between campsites. At Chapman State Park Campground, campers appreciate the layout: "We tent camped at site 76. Secluded and beautiful. We had the whole side of the upper loop to ourselves! Bumped up against the nature trail for a quick hike."
Clean facilities: Bathrooms and shower facilities receive positive reviews despite their rustic nature. A visitor to Chapman State Park noted, "This campground is well maintained, with excellent restroom/shower facilities. Miles of hiking trails accessible right from the campground."
Wildlife viewing: Bears are present in the forest, requiring proper food storage. "There's black bears that live in the several caves in the area... Definitely be sure to pack up all food and trash at night. The bears are skittish, but they will find you if there's food in your camp!" reports a visitor to Forestry Road Dispersed Campsite.
What you should know
Seasonal availability: Many campgrounds in the area operate on limited schedules. Kiasutha is typically open "May 22 to September 1" according to forest service information, making it important to verify operating dates before planning a trip.
Vault toilets: Many primitive sites feature basic sanitation facilities. "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," explains a camper about Willow Bay Recreation Area.
Road conditions: Access to some camping areas requires navigating forest roads of varying quality. At Forestry Road Dispersed Campsite, a camper reports: "The road is definitely hidden behind the town of Ludlow but we were able to find it at 2am after a long drive from cape cod."
Tips for camping with families
Children's programs: Some private campgrounds offer organized activities for young campers. At Rustic Acres, families report, "We were thrilled to find they had a children's program on Saturday mornings. Our children had a ball making crafts, playing games, finding items on a scavenger hunt and of course snacks!"
Playground options: Several campgrounds feature play areas for children. A visitor to Rvino - Campers Paradise mentions, "The playground is conveniently located. The swimming pool is always cold but feels great on a nice hot day."
Supply planning: Bradford, Pennsylvania serves as the closest major supply point for many forest campgrounds. "The closest town of note is Bradford, which is about 18 miles away. It has all you need to get your necessities," notes a camper about provisions near Willow Bay.
Tips from RVers
Site length considerations: RV sites vary significantly in length and levelness throughout rv parks in Clarendon, Pennsylvania area. A camper at Kiasutha Recreation Area shares: "Driveways had old pavement, some were not very level but wouldn't be a problem if you can level."
Hookup distances: At several campgrounds, the utility connections may require extra equipment. A visitor to Kalyumet Campground warns: "Some sites require over 50' of hose and multiple power cords to reach power box due to the great amount of trees providing good shade throughout camp ground."
Reservation timing: Booking well in advance is essential for prime RV sites during summer months. At High Pines RV Park, a fortunate camper notes: "Very nice owners were able to get us in even though we didn't have a reservation."
