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Best Tent Camping near Cooksburg, PA

407 Reviews

Dispersed tent camping options abound in the forests surrounding Cooksburg, Pennsylvania, with several notable primitive camping opportunities available in the area. Loleta Road Dispersed Campsite and Forestry Road Dispersed Campsite offer free tent camping locations where visitors can experience the natural landscape with minimal infrastructure. Both sites are located within the Allegheny National Forest region, providing tent campers with secluded places to pitch their tents in a natural setting. These dispersed tent sites serve as excellent starting points for exploring the surrounding woodlands and waterways.

Tent campers at dispersed sites should plan to be self-sufficient, as amenities are extremely limited. While fires are permitted at both Loleta Road and Forestry Road sites, neither location offers drinking water, toilets, or trash collection. Most tent sites are situated on ungraded forest floors with minimal site preparation. Access to these primitive tent camping areas typically involves drive-in options with some sites requiring short walks from parking areas. A visitor noted that "the spot is nice for a first go. Was able to drive in which is why I chose this area." During wet seasons, especially spring and fall, tent campers should be prepared for muddy conditions that can make site access challenging.

The dispersed tent camping experience near Cooksburg provides opportunities for genuine forest immersion away from developed facilities. Sites along Loleta Road feature varying levels of privacy, with some spots visible from the road while others offer more seclusion among the trees. One camper shared that it was "close enough to the road to feel safe but far enough away to have privacy." Tent campers frequently use these areas as bases for hiking expeditions on nearby trails, including the path to Hector Falls, approximately a mile from the Forestry Road site. Wildlife sightings are common, with campers reporting black bears in the vicinity of some sites, making proper food storage essential. The primitive nature of these tent sites appeals particularly to those seeking quieter alternatives to established campgrounds, though weekend traffic can increase during summer months.

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Best Tent Sites Near Cooksburg, Pennsylvania (12)

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Recent Tent Camping Photos near Cooksburg, PA

10 Photos of 12 Cooksburg Campgrounds

Tent Camping Reviews near Cooksburg, PA

407 Reviews of 12 Cooksburg Campgrounds

  • Britt B.
    Oct. 27, 2020

    Wolfkiel Run Shelters — Oil Creek State Park

    Best Hike-In Camp in PA

    Wolfkiel is one of two hike-in areas along the Gerard Hiking Trail, in the Oil Creek State Park. Wolfkiel is made up of six(6) Ariondack Shelters and a tent camping area. The Adirondack shelters are perfectly positioned to be private from one another, each looks out over the forest. They are a raised timber platform with a slanted roof and stone chimney with fireplace. There are two shelves and several hooks on the wall. Each shelter has a picnic table. The platform is large enough to sleep 4 people in sleeping bags or set up a two person tent. 

    The tent section is cleared and grassy with communal firepit and picnic table. Lots of trees to enable hammock set up. There is a supply of firewood in a covered shed for a small donation and two(2) drop toilets. Water is available in the summer months. The shelters are approx. 15min walk to the creek& Miller Farm Bridge, which joins the Oil Creek State Park trail. It’s a stunning walk with lots of small swimming spots along the way. 

    The shelters are approx. 10min drive from Titusville, PA. The walk-in from the carpark is approx. 15min– slight downhill on the way in.

  • Britt B.
    Mar. 1, 2021

    Wolfkiel Run Shelters — Oil Creek State Park

    Winter Camping at Wolfkiel Shelters

    This was our second time to the Wolfkiel Shelters in Oil Creek State Park. Wolfkiel is one of two hike-in camping areas which consists of six(6) Ariondack Shelters and a tent camping area. The road in was snow covered but easily navigated. The Shelter carpark is small and was almost full the day we arrived. The track from the carpark to the campground is beautifully graded making it easy to pull a sled in with extra supplies. The walk in is less than a mile(~15min). The drop toilets were open, but probably wise to BYO toilet tissue. The shelters have hooks that allow you to hang a tarpaulin to help keep the heat in your shelter, although not necessary, especially if the nights are still. Snow did blow into our Shelter in the morning but was minimal. There is a self-serve timber stack which was fully stocked. A donation is requested. It’s wise to bring your own kindling, or an axe to cut some from the larger pieces. The shelter fireplaces have hooks for hanging pots and pans over the flames. Even in Winter, the shelters positioned so you do not look at other shelters. They are a raised timber platform with a slanted roof and stone chimney with fireplace. There are two shelves and several hooks on the wall. Each shelter has a picnic table. The platform is large enough to sleep 4 people in sleeping bags or set up a two person tent. These shelters are very peaceful in the winter and would highly recommend them if you are keen for some“winter camping” but not keen to sleep in a tent or be completely exposed. The shelters are approx.15min walk to the creek& Miller Farm Bridge, which joins the Oil Creek State Park trail. The shelters are approx. 10min drive from Titusville, PA

  • Jennifer K.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 14, 2022

    Hearts Content Recreation Area

    Great quiet little campground

    Very nice quiet small wooded campground. No hookups, about 3-4 fresh water spigots, 1 dump station and dumpster. Water pressure was very low and took a while to fill tank. 26 various sized sites, some large with plenty of space for our 22 foot tow behind and truck + some for extra vehicles. Other smaller sites for tents or vans. Self serve ice $2 wood $10. Vault toilets. Fire rings and picnic table at each site. AT&T spotty 0-1 bars. Host camper. Quiet time 10pm-6am. 1 Xlarge site for groups.

  • Bill G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Jun. 18, 2020

    Hearts Content Recreation Area

    Simple and serene

    Hearts Content is best described as a way station. The sites are nestled within a grove of immense pines. Some are large enough for large RV’s . There are no showers. Bathrooms are vault toilets. Two of the sites include Adirondack type shelters. A picnic table and fire ring are within each site. I used this site as a staging area to explore Allegheny National Forest for a week. Used a camp shower. The closest town is Warren, PA. Firewood is available at the camp host site. Across the road is an hiking area with picnic tables and the like.

  • Danielle S.
    Apr. 16, 2019

    Minister Creek Campground

    Small, rustic, gorgeous

    We stayed here July 2018 and found a quiet campsite by the creek. It had been quite rainy and some of the sites were wet and muddy, but for $12, I couldn't complain. While there is an outhouse, it is simply a couple of toilets (bring a lantern or wear a headlamp). Arrive early to get a prime spot, and take advantage of the hiking trails (a bug net for your head will help in the summer as the gnats and deer flies are distracting). Looking forward to staying again.

  • Bill G.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 10, 2018

    Hearts Content Recreation Area

    Minimal offering for maximum relaxing

    This campground is within Allegheny National Forest near the town of Warren and Tidouette. The sites are few but spacious. Good for car camping, though I’m sure a smaller RVcould get by. Each site has a fire ring. Two sites have Adirondack type shelters. The night sky is promising but light pollution from Warren inhibits a truly awesome night sky. There is a vault toilet. No showers. No water either. Bring what you need! The closest town is about 30 minutes away. Lots of critter life. My dogs loved it here. We spent all days exploring the nearby trails and creeks. Price was cheap. No frills but a quiet respite for sure.

  • D
    Oct. 21, 2021

    Kelly Pines Campground

    Off the grid, lots to explore!

    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. There is a permanent toilet usually stocked with TP. Carry out all garbage. No electrical hookups.

    Traditional camp sites have space for multiple tents and 2 cars. Each has a picnic table and a fire pit with moveable cooking surface. We’ve never had an issue with bears or other wildlife where food and trash are concerned but we store in the cars at night to be safe. The area is usually damp so don’t count in being able to find much dry wood - we stop before driving in for wood.

    Trails galore! Mushrooms everywhere! Quiet and no cellular to distract.

  • Britt B.
    Oct. 27, 2020

    Clear Creek State Park Campground

    Pennsylvania Favorite!

    A Pennsylvania favorite, Clear Creek State Park is a beautifully maintained, scenic park, right on the Clarion River in the Clear Creek State Park. The Park offers movies on an outdoor screen, regular nature talks and walks and has an onsite museum. The park has tent sites, RV sites and cabins. 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. There are multiple hiking trails leaving the campground. There is a general store just 5min from the park, plus multiple private firewood options on the road in. The park also sells firewood bundles. The Clarion is a crystal clear, shallow, rock bottom river perfect for a cool off, fishing or kayaking. There are two kayaking/tubing companies in Cook Forest to hire watercraft to float the river. Both floats don’t go as high as Clear Creek State Park so you won’t float past the campground, with the longest being 9 miles. The facilities are always clean, with large shower areas and always fully stocked with tissue. All sites have fire rings with adjustable grills. The best un-powered RV site is site 40– private and waterfront. The best powered-RV site is 39– private and waterfront. There are also two very private tent sites that are waterfront(classified as Kayak In tent sites) numbered CR-001& CR-002. Both waterfront, shaded with fire rings. Excellent tent sites! Note you can only book them for 1 night at a time. No phone reception at this one! They welcome furry friends at selected sites!

  • Travis S.
    Jun. 30, 2020

    Dewdrop

    Spacious

    Campsite layouts are non traditional with large driveways and often times the tables and fire rings are below the driveway.  With this layout you get more privacy with very few sites having and overlapping with other sites. Pitching a tent was easy on the driveway and fairly level. Some sites had large high sided fire rings which take away from the fireside relaxation of a shorter camp chair. 

    Bathrooms and shower house was below the standards of many of PA State Parks which we regard as the benchmark for campgrounds at reasonable prices. 

    Boating and biking all accessible from the grounds. No need to drive to the trails at Jakes Rocks.

Guide to Cooksburg

Tent camping near Cooksburg, Pennsylvania offers a chance to immerse yourself in nature while enjoying a variety of scenic locations and amenities.

Tent campers should check out Loleta Road Dispersed Campsite

  • This spot is perfect for those looking for a peaceful retreat, allowing campfires and pets, making it a great choice for families.
  • Located near a road, it provides easy access for vehicles, which is ideal for first-time dispersed campers.
  • The site is well-reviewed for its tranquil atmosphere, despite being close to minimal traffic.

Tent campers appreciate these amenities at Forestry Road Dispersed Campsite

  • This highly rated area allows campfires and is pet-friendly, making it a welcoming environment for all.
  • With no fees and a variety of spots available, it’s a great option for those who enjoy spontaneous camping trips.
  • The site features established fire rings and is known for its hiking and biking opportunities, perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.

Tips for tent camping near Cooksburg at Wolfkiel Run Shelters

  • The hike-in access to this site ensures a more secluded experience, with well-maintained trails leading to the shelters.
  • Each shelter is equipped with a picnic table and fireplace, providing comfort and convenience for campers.
  • Located in Oil Creek State Park, it offers stunning views and access to nearby hiking trails, enhancing your camping adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is the most popular tent campsite near Cooksburg, PA?

According to TheDyrt.com, the most popular tent campground near Cooksburg, PA is Loleta Road Dispersed Campsite with a 4.4-star rating from 9 reviews.

What is the best site to find tent camping near Cooksburg, PA?

TheDyrt.com has all 12 tent camping locations near Cooksburg, PA, with real photos and reviews from campers.

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