The Clarion, Pennsylvania area sits within the Allegheny Plateau region at elevations averaging 1,500 feet. Camping spots near Clarion, Pennsylvania typically experience warm summers with temperatures ranging from 65-85°F and cold winters with significant snowfall. Multiple campgrounds remain accessible from early April through mid-December, with some sites available year-round for campers seeking off-season experiences.
What to do
Tubing and river activities: The Clarion River provides water recreation opportunities at several camping destinations. "On the hike there are blazes everywhere so you don't get lost. It is near a highway so at night it can get a little noisy," notes one camper about Cook Forest State Park Campground & Cabins.
Disc golf course: Clear Creek State Park offers an established course for disc golf enthusiasts. "Beautiful location. This campground is a good central location for activities in Allegheny National Forest," according to a visitor at Loleta Recreation.
Wildlife observation: Multiple campgrounds provide opportunities to see local wildlife. "Woke up to find I was surrounded by a huge herd of deer. Outstanding!" reports a camper who visited Cook Forest State Park during fall.
Fishing access: Stocked fishing areas are available at several campgrounds. "The sites are clean, the staff is friendly and the extras (pool, pizza, etc.) are on point," writes a visitor to Rvino - Campers Paradise, noting the maintained fishing areas.
What campers like
Swimming options: Several campgrounds maintain swimming facilities for summer visitors. A camper at Kalyumet Campground noted, "The pool is probably one of the cleanest. The kids loved the arcade and the candy scavenger hunt."
Hiking trail systems: Extensive trail networks throughout the region provide hiking opportunities for all skill levels. "We took the dogs on the Truby Trail," shares one visitor about Clear Creek State Park Campground.
Stargazing conditions: Rural locations provide exceptional night sky viewing. A visitor to Rustic Acres remarked, "I can't remember when we were at a campground where everyone said hi and waved to each other. Loved it and will return!"
Themed weekend events: Many campgrounds coordinate special weekend activities. "We went for the Halloween weekend. I will never go back or recommend this place after they way things were handled later on in the weekend," warns one visitor about certain management issues at Kalyumet Campground.
What you should know
Hookup distances: Some sites have utilities positioned far from camping pads. "Sites require over 50 feet of hose and multiple power cords to reach power box due to the great amount of trees providing good shade throughout camp ground," reports a camper about Kalyumet Campground.
Seasonal maintenance variations: Facility upkeep changes throughout the camping season. One visitor to Tionesta Rec. Area Campground shared, "First time ever at this campground. Site 11 is very nice. It was quiet, peaceful, and just great. Only reason for not 5 stars is the 3 dirt speed bumps with no signs."
Cellular reception limitations: Signal strength varies significantly between campgrounds. A visitor to Clear Creek State Park Campground noted, "None of the major carriers have service here, but I needed to 'get away' for the night so it was perfect."
Site crowding differences: Site spacing varies substantially between campgrounds and loops. "The sites are hugged by tall evergreens and level ground, something not easily found on the mountain," writes a reviewer about Cook Forest State Park.
Tips for camping with families
Children's programming: Rustic Acres offers structured activities for younger campers. "Our (stay) was awesome! The staff is beyond excellent! Were I to be asked to grade them, on a scale of 1 to 10, they would be a 12!" reports one enthusiastic family.
Playground access: Multiple campgrounds maintain playground facilities. "It has a really nice pool and playground for the kids. Also I cannot day enough about how well they maintain their bathrooms and have them set up!" shares a visitor to Kalyumet Campground.
Educational opportunities: Ranger-led programs provide learning experiences. One visitor to Clear Creek State Park notes, "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!"
Beach swimming areas: Designated swimming beaches provide safer water recreation for children. "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," explains a visitor describing Clear Creek State Park.
Tips from RVers
Site selection advice: Choosing the right campsite impacts the overall experience. "This campground was great! Throughout the week in the summer it is pretty quiet. Very close to the fire tower and other things to see around it," advises a camper at Cook Forest State Park.
Leveling requirements: Many campsites in the region require leveling equipment. "Its a nice place, great creek and woods. Most of the spots will require leveling blocks," notes a visitor to Clear Creek State Park Campground.
Utility management: Water pressure and electric service varies between sites. "The water pressure was okay at about 42 psi. We did not receive any OTA channels but this site and several others back up to a huge berm so you can get satellite," reports an RVer at Tionesta Rec. Area Campground.
Campground navigation: Road conditions within campgrounds present challenges for larger rigs. "After watching a 40' 5th wheel struggle to back into site 113, we decided this site is not a good choice for rigs over 35 feet or for someone with below-average backing abilities due to the obstacles getting into the site," warns a visitor to Tionesta Rec. Area Campground.
