119 campgrounds · Check availability for any dates.
Clarington, Pennsylvania offers diverse camping environments within the Allegheny National Forest region, where visitors can choose from campgrounds and dispersed options. Campgrounds near Clarington range from developed RV and tent sites to primitive dispersed camping, giving campers plenty of flexibility across different budgets and comfort levels. Cook Forest State Park Campground & Cabins, Clear Creek State Park, and Loleta Recreation Area provide developed facilities for tent and RV camping, while more primitive options exist at sites like Loleta Road Dispersed Campsite and Millstone Creek Campground. Most established campgrounds accommodate multiple camping styles including cabins, tent sites, and RV hookups, creating versatile options for different outdoor preferences.
Camping seasons typically run from April through December, with many facilities closing during winter months. "Most of the campgrounds are devoted to cabins, but the tent sites are great too. I got a lone site tucked half way up a hill, hidden under a dark canopy and at least 500 yards away from my nearest neighbors," noted one visitor to Clear Creek State Park. Road access varies throughout the region, with some dispersed sites requiring higher clearance vehicles while established campgrounds like White's Haven and Kalyumet offer better accessibility. Cell service is limited or non-existent at many locations, particularly at Clear Creek State Park and more remote forest sites. Reservations are strongly recommended for established campgrounds, especially during summer weekends and fall foliage season.
The Clarion River serves as a central feature for many campgrounds in the area, providing opportunities for fishing, kayaking, and wildlife viewing. Waterfront sites at Clear Creek State Park consistently receive high ratings from visitors who appreciate direct river access. A camper mentioned that "Clear creek is a nice quiet relaxing family camp place. Swimming was nice." Wildlife sightings, including black bears and bald eagles, are frequently reported by visitors to the area. The terrain varies significantly between campgrounds, with sites ranging from relatively flat, developed grounds to more rugged, hilly tent areas that may require careful setup. Most established campgrounds provide amenities like showers, toilets, and picnic tables, while dispersed sites offer more primitive, secluded experiences with minimal facilities but greater privacy.
"Look at the campground map before you book your site if being close to a bathroom is important; ours was across the campsite behind us but we had to step in a rock set in the stream to get to it without"
"There is a pet trail through the woods that was really great to take our dog rather than walking around the campground."
from $20 - $75 / night
Check Availability"A must do when camping in Pennsylvania. The Clarian river is great for kayaking . Multiple trails off of park."
"There are kayak rentals nearby also. The Clarion River is full of wildlife including bald eagles hunting the river and an occasional black bear nearby."
from $22 - $63 / night
Check Availability"We enjoyed the pool the walking/hiking trails, a trip into Cooks Forest, and even spent some time at the arcade (costs money)."
"A short path through the woods leads you to their mini-golf/pizza/ice cream shop."
"This campground is just far enough away from home that it feels worlds away while still being convenient for forgotten items."
"The store front has anything you can think of, and the playground is conveniently located. The swimming pool is always cold but feels great on a nice hot day"
from $40 - $245 / night
Check Availability"Great little roadside campsite to get away. We spent the night during a tropical storm and got the pleasure of hearing the rain on the tent out in this peaceful spot!"
"Was able to drive in which I why I chose this area. Currently finish up the night and once the fire dies down I’ll head to bed."
"The site we picked was off the beaten path so we had nice privacy. The site was large with plenty of space for 6 people and 4 tents. The views were gorgeous. The bathroom was clean."
"We really enjoyed walking around the recreation area constructed by CCC. Beautiful. Easy to get to."
from $16 - $80 / night
Check Availability"Size od camping spots ranges from large open fields with fire pits to spots on the shoulder of the road We came in on a Saturday and found one of the road side sites open."
"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."
"The campground is well kept, the bathrooms are clean (a bit of a walk from this cabin), and the pool is inviting. Being tall, the bunkbeds were a challenge, so maybe have the kids stay in this one."
"Quite road-We were able to walk. There were some people kayaking in the river. Dispersed spot-no cell service."
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.
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!
TravelerVery neat and clean and organized
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.
RangerWhat 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.
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!
Clarington's camping spots sit within the Allegheny Plateau region at elevations ranging from 1,300 to 1,800 feet. The area receives approximately 45 inches of annual precipitation, creating lush forest conditions. Many campgrounds remain open from April through December, with temperatures ranging from 40°F to 75°F during peak camping season.
Hiking at Minister Creek: Short and longer loops available from the Minister Creek Campground trailhead. "Great loop trail ranging from a few miles to 7 miles depending on the loop, starts right behind the campground," notes one camper at Minister Creek Campground.
Disc golf course: Clear Creek State Park offers a disc golf course for visitors seeking recreational activities beyond hiking and water sports. "Beautiful location... disc golf course, and moderate-to-light hiking trails," according to a visitor to Clear Creek.
Fishing for native trout: The smaller streams in the region provide fishing opportunities for native brook trout. A Minister Creek Campground visitor reports, "The sites back up to Minister Creek. Home to some of the scrappiest brook trout I have fished for."
Evening astronomy: The region offers excellent stargazing opportunities due to minimal light pollution. "Perfect spot for star-gazing. So set the alarm for 2am and enjoy," recommends a visitor to Minister Creek Campground.
Secluded tent sites: Many campgrounds offer tent sites with separation from neighbors. At Clear Creek State Park Campground, a visitor appreciated that "I got a lone site tucked half way up a hill, hidden under a dark canopy and at least 500 yards away from my nearest neighbors."
Clean facilities: Maintained bathrooms and showers rate highly among visitors. A camper at Forest Ridge Campground noted, "The bathrooms were extremely clean, the pool is amazing and clean, and the campsites are comfortable and well kept."
Wildlife encounters: Black bears are frequently spotted throughout the region. "I did have two separate run-ins with bears but overall a great experience!" reported one visitor to Clear Creek State Park Campground.
Affordable dispersed camping: Free and low-cost options exist throughout the national forest lands. A visitor to Loleta Road Dispersed Campsite shared, "I've been camping here for 5 years now and it's always a good time."
Limited cell service: Most camping areas have minimal or no cellular coverage. At Clear Creek State Park, a camper noted, "None of the major carriers have service here, but I needed to 'get away' for the night so it was perfect."
Seasonal considerations: Weather conditions can change rapidly, particularly in spring and fall. "We stayed here in March, so there weren't leaves back on the trees yet which meant we could see the road (and the road could see us). Not a huge deal, just not very private. It was also extremely muddy," reports a visitor to Loleta Road Dispersed Campsite.
Alcohol restrictions: Several established campgrounds prohibit alcohol consumption. A camper at Kalyumet Campground advised, "Don't get caught boozing. They're pretty strict."
Terrain challenges: Many tent sites require leveling for comfortable setup. At Clear Creek State Park, a camper observed, "It's a nice place, great creek and woods. Most of the spots will require leveling blocks."
Educational opportunities: Ranger programs offer learning experiences for children. "This is also a great place to go year-round for kids interested in learning about nature. There is a nature museum. Seek out Ranger Susanne—she is a really great teacher!" recommends a visitor to Clear Creek State Park.
Swimming areas: Several campgrounds offer designated swimming locations. A camper at Cook Forest State Park Campground & Cabins shared, "Great cabins and very clean! So many things for the kids to do and just float the river."
Scheduled activities: Organized events provide entertainment options at certain campgrounds. At Kalyumet Campground, one camper appreciated that "The kids loved the arcade and the candy scavenger hunt."
Playground accessibility: Multiple campgrounds feature playground equipment for children. One visitor to Rvino - Campers Paradise mentioned, "The playground is conveniently located. The swimming pool is always cold but feels great on a nice hot day."
Hookup distance issues: Some campgrounds have poorly positioned utility connections. At Kalyumet Campground, an RVer noted, "Our only complaint would be the site we were in (11) and others next to it were quite far from the water and cable hookups. I ended up having to run 60ft of water hose and 50ft of cable in order to get a connection."
Site selection for large rigs: Several campgrounds accommodate larger vehicles but site selection matters. A visitor to White's Haven Campground and Cabins shared, "Used campground for one night stay, definitely off season, and had pretty good choice of site. Friendly check-in and escort."
Road access considerations: Access roads vary significantly in quality throughout the region. At Cook Forest State Park, a camper observed, "Sites are fairly large and rather quiet. You will not be disappointed staying here. Lots to do in the area."
Reservation timing: Book well in advance for prime camping spots near Clarington, especially during peak seasons. "We have a group of about 20 friends who take over the back 'cul de sac' of the campground (section 180s) each year. In spite of a completely booked holiday weekend, the campground is spread out, secluded and quiet," noted a Cook Forest visitor.
Frequently Asked Questions
What camping is available near Clarington, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, Clarington, PA offers a wide range of camping options, with 119 campgrounds and RV parks near Clarington, PA and 8 free dispersed camping spots.
Which is the most popular campground near Clarington, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular campground near Clarington, PA is Cook Forest State Park Campground & Cabins with a 4.5-star rating from 52 reviews.
Where can I find free dispersed camping near Clarington, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 8 free dispersed camping spots near Clarington, PA.
What parks are near Clarington, PA?
According to TheDyrt.com, there are 12 parks near Clarington, PA that allow camping, notably Tionesta Lake and Allegheny National Forest.
Keep Exploring
