Campers seeking experiences near Clarington, Pennsylvania will find diverse options throughout the Allegheny Plateau region at elevations averaging 1,300-1,800 feet. This area sits within Pennsylvania's largest national forest, encompassing over 517,000 acres with terrain characterized by mixed hardwood forests and hemlock stands. Weather conditions vary significantly by season, with winter temperatures regularly dropping below freezing and summer daytime temperatures averaging 75-85°F.
What to do
Hiking ancient forests: Cook Forest State Park offers trails through old-growth forest with trees exceeding 300 years old. "The Campground was really nice, some spots gave you enough space to feel pretty secluded from other campers. On the hike there are blazes everywhere so you don't get lost," notes one Cook Forest State Park Campground visitor.
Kayaking and fishing: Tionesta Creek and Clarion River provide excellent paddling opportunities from April through October. "Beautiful level sites, spaced nicely apart, full hook ups, with big picnic tables and fire rings with multi-tiered grate. We had sites #46 and 48 right above the creek surrounded by tall trees," reports a camper at Tionesta Rec. Area Campground.
Family activities: Several campgrounds offer planned recreational programs. "We absolutely love it here! Family camping definitely at its best. 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," shares a visitor to Rustic Acres.
What campers like
Natural water features: Clear Creek State Park offers multiple water recreation options. "A Pennsylvania favorite, Clear Creek State Park is a beautifully maintained, scenic park, right on the Clarion River. Clear Creek runs through the campground and is a perfect spot for a BBQ or Picnic. It also has a designated swimming beach with sand," writes a camper at Clear Creek State Park Campground.
Site privacy: Many campgrounds feature well-spaced sites with natural buffers. "This campground is a basic campground with full hookups (electric, water, sewer), large size sites, nice firepits with built in adjustable grates, two basic bathrooms, and one full bathhouse," notes a Tionesta camper.
Wildlife viewing: Natural settings support diverse wildlife encounters. "We went for the first time last August. We thought the staff was friendly. The pool is probably one of the cleanest. The kids loved the arcade and the candy scavenger hunt. Gorgeous night skies," reports a visitor at Kalyumet Campground.
What you should know
Limited connectivity: Most campgrounds have minimal cell service. "No phone reception at this one! They welcome furry friends at selected sites," mentions a Clear Creek visitor.
Seasonal closures: Operating seasons vary significantly between facilities. "High Pines is a nice place. Located right on a main road but road noise really isn't a problem. We will go back again but making sure it's not peak summer due to not having 50A," explains a visitor to High Pines RV Park.
Utility challenges: Hookup locations can vary significantly between sites. "Most of the sites are pretty close together, though. 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 campground," notes a Kalyumet camper.
Tips for camping with families
Playground access: Select sites near recreation areas for convenience. "The campground has a playground that was at the entrance and the creek was nearby. We did not use the public facilities, so no opinion there," shares a Tionesta camper.
Weekend activities: Many campgrounds offer structured programming. "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!" notes a Rustic Acres visitor.
Safe swimming spots: Look for designated swimming areas with supervision. "Twin Lakes is a beautiful spot, tucked away in a stream valley in the Allegheny National Forest. The swimming beach can get crowded in summer," reports a camper at Twin Lakes Recreation Area.
Tips from RVers
Site selection guidance: Request specific sites for privacy and convenience. "We had a site in the full hookup back in section, they are very nice spacious sites. The park is close to the Allegheny Reservoir and the Kinzua Bridge. Very nice owners were able to get us in even though we didn't have a reservation," mentions a High Pines RV Park visitor.
Utility management: Prepare for variable hookup locations. "Our site only had 30a power. Most seem to be that way. Looks like some updates are on the way. The price was great," notes another High Pines camper.
Navigation challenges: Plan routes carefully for larger RVs. "We got out and explore PA Route 666, which includes the Nebraska bridge, Tall Oaks Gift Shop, and Frog rock," suggests a Tionesta visitor, highlighting scenic driving routes suitable for day trips from RV camping near Clarington.
