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Best Campgrounds near Driftwood, PA

402 Reviews

The region surrounding Driftwood, Pennsylvania offers rugged camping experiences within the Pennsylvania Wilds area. Hicks Run campground, located directly in Driftwood, provides tent and RV sites with vault toilets in a primitive setting. Nearby Sinnemahoning State Park Campground in Austin features 35 electric hookup sites with showers and flush toilets. The broader area includes Kettle Creek State Park with upper and lower campgrounds, numerous state forest camping areas, and developed sites at Parker Dam State Park, providing options from basic tent sites to full-hookup RV camping and cabins.

Access to many campsites requires advance planning, especially during peak seasons from mid-April through December when most facilities operate. "There is zero cell service/WiFi at the park, or for at least 5-10 miles from it," notes one visitor to Sinnemahoning State Park, highlighting the remote nature of the region. The Pennsylvania Wilds area experiences cold winters with potential snow, while summers remain relatively mild with cooler temperatures in higher elevations. Many campgrounds in the region operate seasonally, with most state park facilities closing by mid-December. Roads to remote campsites can be narrow and challenging, particularly in state forest areas where high-clearance vehicles may be beneficial.

Wildlife viewing represents a significant draw for campers in the Driftwood region. Several visitors mentioned elk sightings directly from their campsites, particularly in the Benezette area. Campers at Hicks Run report excellent fishing opportunities and swimming holes in nearby creeks. The state parks provide hiking trails, fishing access, and boat launches for additional recreation. According to feedback, "Small, quiet and dispersed" camping areas like Hicks Run offer peaceful experiences, while the more developed state park campgrounds provide better amenities. Waterfront sites at Kettle Creek State Park remain particularly popular, allowing campers to "fish right from your site and in most cases it's easy to launch your kayak also." The diverse camping options throughout the region accommodate preferences from rustic forest experiences to more comfortable family camping.

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Best Camping Sites Near Driftwood, Pennsylvania (159)

    1. Sinnemahoning State Park Campground

    9 Reviews
    Driftwood, PA
    7 miles
    Website
    +1 (814) 647-8401

    $22 - $29 / night

    "Step inside to view elk bear birds and other wildlife! Learn about the building of the dam and the early days of the CCC camps."

    "There are a few nice scenic trails that go to the lake and through the woods. Some are kid bike friendly. The nature center is great! Kid friendly and fun!"

    2. Hicks Run

    3 Reviews
    Emporium, PA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (814) 486-3353

    $10 / night

    "Some sites are closer together than others, campers were parked next to us and had quite a large crowd. We started on some of the hike and wished we could stay longer."

    3. Lower Campground — Kettle Creek State Park

    5 Reviews
    Westport, PA
    12 miles
    Website
    +1 (570) 923-6004

    $27 / night

    "No water on sites but bibs near by to fill campers & jugs. Cindy in Admin VERY helpful."

    "great lake for kayaking or fishing. Nice campground and picnic area too. some very pretty views. lots of wildlife and trails too."

    4. Upper Campground — Kettle Creek State Park

    4 Reviews
    Westport, PA
    11 miles
    Website
    +1 (570) 923-6004

    $18 - $25 / night

    "The upper campground has a rustic feel, beautiful views and is a great location for wildlife encounters."

    "It would be nice if the DCNR added some walk/hike-in sites, or even Adirondack shelters along the long-distance Donut Hole Trail that cuts through the park south of the dam.)"

    5. Parker Dam State Park Campground

    18 Reviews
    Mill Run, PA
    22 miles
    Website
    +1 (814) 765-0630

    $20 - $80 / night

    "There’s a little lake there, and a stream and some trails but in general it’s all pretty uninspiring."

    "These two sites are shaded, surrounded by trees and pretty much private to the rest of the "Modern" campground."

    6. Riverview Campsites, Benezette PA

    1 Review
    Driftwood, PA
    8 miles
    Website
    +1 (814) 594-6232

    $35 - $55 / night

    "Only one shower house in the mountain view entrance so it would be a short drive if you do not use your camper bathroom."

    7. Austin Campground

    5 Reviews
    Austin, PA
    16 miles
    Website
    +1 (814) 647-8777

    "Found this location while going to Elk State Forest for the elk bugling. Was very happy to find this location. Had clean bathrooms with running water and showers."

    "We camped over Columbus weekend and got to see gorgeous fall leaves, brilliant night skies, and lots of elk right around the campground plus a bear that took a walk through the campground one evening."

    8. Cherry Springs State Park Campground

    29 Reviews
    Jamison, PA
    27 miles
    Website
    +1 (814) 435-5010

    $16 / night

    "Each campsite had a fire pit and a picnic table and most had trees behind them. We stayed in a drive up site that was close to the restrooms and had a clear field near us to look up and stargaze."

    "A little off the beaten path, but definitely a good find away from that light pollution and with other like minded souls!"

    9. Medix Run Camping Area — Moshannon State Forest

    4 Reviews
    Weedville, PA
    15 miles
    +1 (814) 765-0821

    $10 / night

    "Nice sit with fire pit, picnic table, and short walk to a beautiful creek so no need to bring water if you can filter it. Only 5-10 minutes away from Benezette and the PA elk herd."

    "Have your own little driveway to park your car right next to the site. Comes with a picnic table and fire pit. Need lots of rope for setting up tarps as trees are far apart."

    10. Black Moshannon State Park Campground

    24 Reviews
    Port Matilda, PA
    30 miles
    Website
    +1 (814) 342-5960

    $20 - $87 / night

    "Electric motorboats are permitted on Moshannon Lake. Boat rentals are available in season."

    "Great hiking and a beautiful lake for kayaking.  Site 22 is a full hookup.  Utilities worked nicely.  However, our picnic table had seen better days. "

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Recent Camping Photos near Driftwood, PA

169 Photos of 159 Driftwood Campgrounds

Recent Reviews near Driftwood, PA

402 Reviews of 159 Driftwood Campgrounds

  • julian S.
    Oct. 6, 2025

    Tiadaghton Campground — Tioga State Forest

    Very crowded with bikers

    Nice campsite and cool view but be prepared to have a lot of bikers walking around the campground or stopping for lunch at near by sites. Also would recommend 4 wheel drive vehicles to drive to site, steep dirt roads to access it. It has a nice water front view but if seclusion is something you would like this spot may not be for you.

  • Dana M.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 30, 2025

    Lyman Run State Park Campground

    Quiet, Quaint and Clean!

    We love the lower loop! We were there on a Monday night and there were 4 sites occupied on our loop. Great stars. Clean bathrooms!

  • Daniel S.The Dyrt PRO User
    Sep. 6, 2025

    Curwensville Lake Campground

    Amazing

    Having PTSD and serious anxiety. This spot allows you to relax without to much concern,dogs welcome ,boating and swimming was awesome for around this area. Camping is great especially at night with boats on the water.

  • B
    Aug. 31, 2025

    Leonard Harrison State Park Campground

    Small campground with clean bathrooms

    We stayed here Wednesday through Saturday of Labor Day weekend.  On Wednesday and Thursday nights there were about 5 sites that were taken. By Friday they were all full

    The campground is a simple loop of 28 sites.  19 are non -electric and 9 are electric. Sites are spacious and easy to back in to. I believe there are two pull throughs. Water spigots are continently located around the campground.  

    The PA Grand Canyon Visitor center and the Turkey Path (main path down into the canyon) are a short 5 minute walk across the parking lot from the campground.  For biking there is the  Pine Creek Rail Trail, that runs the length of the canyon at the bottom. To access from the campground you can drive there in 16 minutes Darling Run trail access area.

  • David A.
    Aug. 23, 2025

    Tiadaghton Campground — Tioga State Forest

    Tiadaghaton State Forest, PA

    Roadside site 1/4 mile from the nearest site. You can drive right to the site on Hackett Rd. Very secluded and peaceful. Picnic table and fire ring, but no water or latrine.

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 13, 2025

    Red Bridge Recreation Area - Allegheny National Forest

    Not bad for 20 bucks

    Not bad at all for 20 bucks , spots with electricity cost more. Came on a week night without a reservation and was almost unable to get a spot , host was nice though! Quiet area

  • DThe Dyrt PRO User
    Aug. 13, 2025

    Forestry Road Dispersed Campsite

    Don’t recommend

    Apple Maps brings you way far away, follow the pin and it will bring you. Way too grown in as of August . Didn’t end up staying here. May be a good spot in the fall once the grass dies. Secluded spot though

  • Dani T.
    Aug. 7, 2025

    Clarion River Campground

    Possibly 5 Stars IF...

    This camp area could be 5 Stars if you get lucky. We got here very late, and almost all the sites were full... the one nice one that was available had food everywhere. Don't do this! There were chicken carcasses and popcorn, eggs, and a bag of food in a fire ring. Having seen racoons & other wildlife on the road in, obviously we couldn't tent there. We car c(r)amped at another site. M7(?). There was no place for a tent & no fire ring at that spot. The river view in the morning was nice though. Had we arrived earlier or gotten lucky, this area is probably an awesome camp spot! There's an information station along River Rd with a pit toilet house. On the billboard you'll find a map of the designated camp spots along both River Rd and Millstone. Take a picture of it. There's no reception here but that's how you know it's a nice area!

  • BThe Dyrt PRO User
    Jul. 21, 2025

    Ravensburg State Park Campground

    Use lat and long to find peaceful woods by stream

    Nice and shaded! No one there but us in site 6, not even a ranger checked on us. Has modern toilets and shower. Most sites are spacious. They have nice raised tent pads. It’s very humid so many picnic tables have green moss.

    First come first serve but still had to pay transaction fee! which was annoying for our one night stay as if rather the state parks get that.

    Use lat and long coordinates for directions or you will be in the wrong spot.

Guide to Driftwood

Camping near Driftwood, Pennsylvania, offers a mix of beautiful scenery and outdoor activities. Whether you're looking to stargaze or hike, there are plenty of campgrounds to explore.

What to do

  • Stargazing: Head to Cherry Springs State Park Campground for some of the best stargazing in the area. One camper said, "Great place for stargazing and astronomy! The campground was well maintained."
  • Hiking: Explore the trails at Black Moshannon State Park Campground. A visitor noted, "There are plenty of well-maintained, well-marked trails for all experience levels."
  • Fishing and Swimming: Visit Lyman Run State Park Campground for a lovely lake experience. One reviewer mentioned, "The lake is lovely with a very nice swimming beach."

What campers like

  • Clean Facilities: Campers appreciate the cleanliness of the bathhouses. A review from Black Moshannon State Park Campground stated, "The bathhouse was pristine, and the shower was clean with plentiful hot water."
  • Spacious Sites: Many campgrounds offer roomy sites. A camper at Lyman Run State Park Campground said, "Sites are well spaced so you don’t feel like it’s crowded."
  • Friendly Atmosphere: Campers often mention the welcoming vibe. One visitor at Parker Dam State Park Campground noted, "The park staff drove through multiple times a day and were friendly."

What you should know

  • Limited Cell Service: Many campgrounds have poor or no cell service. A camper at Sinnemahoning State Park Campground shared, "There is zero cell service/WiFi at the park."
  • Seasonal Availability: Some campgrounds are only open during certain months. For example, Cherry Springs State Park Campground is open from the 2nd Friday in April to November.
  • Wildlife Encounters: Be prepared for wildlife sightings. A visitor at Sinnemahoning State Park Campground mentioned, "I had a close encounter with a massive bull elk just walking from my campsite."

Tips for camping with families

  • Playgrounds Available: Many campgrounds have playgrounds for kids. A reviewer at Black Moshannon State Park Campground said, "Nice playground at the campground and also one at the beach."
  • Activities for Kids: Look for campgrounds that offer activities. One camper at Bellefonte-State College KOA noted, "The bike trails/course at the KOA were absolutely awesome!"
  • Quiet Campgrounds: Choose quieter spots for a more relaxing experience. A family at Lyman Run State Park Campground mentioned, "It was so quiet and peaceful."

Tips from RVers

  • Big Rig Friendly: Many campgrounds can accommodate larger RVs. A camper at DuBois / Treasure Lake KOA said, "Most sites are huge."
  • Check Site Conditions: Some sites may not be level. A visitor at Parker Dam State Park Campground noted, "Some of the sites in this campground are wooded and some are basically in an open field with no shade."
  • Plan for Amenities: Look for campgrounds with good amenities. A reviewer at Bellefonte-State College KOA mentioned, "The bathrooms were hotel quality and clean."

Camping near Driftwood, Pennsylvania, offers a variety of experiences for everyone. Whether you're with family or just looking for a peaceful getaway, there's something for you in this beautiful area.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where is Driftwood Campground located in PA?

Driftwood Campground is located in the Pennsylvania Wilds region of north-central Pennsylvania, near the small community of Driftwood in Cameron County. It sits in proximity to Sinnemahoning State Park Campground and Hicks Run. This region is known for its beautiful forested landscapes, wildlife viewing opportunities (particularly elk), and access to outdoor recreation along waterways. The area is part of Pennsylvania's extensive state forest system, offering visitors a true wilderness experience.

What facilities and amenities are available at Driftwood Campground?

Driftwood Campground offers basic camping amenities similar to other campgrounds in the Pennsylvania Wilds region. Visitors can expect access to toilet facilities, fire rings, and picnic tables. For reference on typical amenities in the area, Little Pine State Park Campground provides electric hookups, convenient water fill-up locations, and dump stations. Hemlock Acres Camp Ground in the same region offers clean bathrooms with running water and showers. Many campgrounds in this area feature access to creeks or streams, providing opportunities for fishing and wildlife viewing.

How is Driftwood Campground laid out and what are the camping options?

Driftwood Campground offers a rustic camping experience with a layout typical of Pennsylvania wilderness campgrounds. The camping options likely include tent sites and limited RV sites, similar to nearby Ole Bull State Park Campground which features flat campsites with varied sun exposure. Some sites are in full shade while others are more open. Upper Campground — Kettle Creek State Park provides a good reference for the area with its rustic feel, beautiful views, and wildlife viewing opportunities. In this region, campgrounds typically offer a mix of primitive sites and some with basic amenities like electricity, though hookups are often limited.

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