Allegheny National Forest surrounds the DuBois area, offering camping opportunities across varied terrain from 1,300 to 2,300 feet elevation. Winter temperatures regularly drop below freezing from November through March, with summer highs averaging in the mid-70s. Several campgrounds remain accessible during shoulder seasons when many others close, providing extended camping options.
What to do
Disc golf course access: Clear Creek State Park features a complete disc golf course within walking distance of the campground. The park also offers multiple hiking trails directly from the camping area. According to a camper, "There's so much to do here--hiking, swimming, rafting, biking, disc golf, etc. There's also a really nice playground and a great little beach at the entrance of the campground (water is always cold though!)"
Educational nature programs: Clear Creek State Park Campground provides regular nature talks and outdoor movies on weekends. "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!" writes one visitor.
Fishing opportunities: Multiple stocked fishing areas exist within short drives of DuBois. White's Haven Campground maintains a small pond stocked with carp and koi for casual fishing. A reviewer noted, "We loved our campsite right on the small pond that is stocked with Carp and Koi."
What campers like
Privacy between sites: Rustic Acres receives high marks for generously spaced sites. According to one camper, "The RV sites are large and the spacing is not crowded. The camp ground was quiet and extremely peaceful." Several reviewers mention the lack of crowding despite the campground's popularity.
Weekend activities: Many campgrounds organize structured weekend programs. One Rustic Acres visitor shared, "Our children enjoyed the Saturday kids program, crafts, snacks and games with other children... I can't remember when we were at a campground where everyone said hi and waved to each other."
River access: High Pines RV Park provides convenient access to the Allegheny Reservoir. A camper noted, "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."
What you should know
Internet connectivity challenges: Cell reception varies throughout the region with reception gaps in valley areas. A Clear Creek State Park visitor reported, "None of the major carriers have service here, but I needed to 'get away' for the night so it was perfect."
Leveling requirements: Many campsites in the Allegheny region require equipment for leveling. A visitor to Clear Creek State Park mentioned, "Its a nice place, great creek and woods. Most of the spots will require leveling blocks."
Seasonal availability: Cook Forest State Park Campground & Cabins operates from "2nd Friday in April to 3rd Friday in December," making it a good shoulder-season option. A visitor mentioned, "Went there off-season which I recommend everyone do. In the Fall. Beautiful colored folage. Woke up to find I was surrounded by a huge herd of deer."
Tips for camping with families
Children's activities: Rvino - Campers Paradise offers organized activities specifically for children. "About 2021, the campground changed ownership, and a new general manager and maintenance manager were hired. They have put a lot of effort into fixing up the campground and making it more accessible. New for summer 2023 is a newly redone swimming pool," notes a repeat visitor.
Safety practices: Security measures vary between campgrounds. A visitor to Campers Paradise observed, "The summer maintenance crew is fantastic and puts a lot of effort into keeping the campground safe. On one trip I alerted them to a light that was out by the bath house, and it was fixed before nightfall."
Wildlife encounters: Several campgrounds report regular wildlife sightings, including bears. A Clear Creek visitor shared, "I did have two separate run in with bears but over all a great experience!" Parents should discuss wildlife safety before arrival.
Tips from RVers
Access considerations: RV camping near DuBois, Pennsylvania often requires navigating through residential areas. A DuBois / Treasure Lake KOA visitor cautioned, "This KOA is ok. The staff was friendly and the bathrooms were clean, but this KOA is located 5 miles in the back of a gated community. Signage is lacking and it's confusing to locate once past the gate, especially after a long day of driving."
Site selection strategy: For RVers seeking privacy, specific site numbers matter. A reviewer at High Pines RV Park shared, "High Pines is a nice place. Located right on a main road but road noise really isn't a problem. There no pool but they do have a game room that offers free games for the kids along with a playground and basketball court. They have a nice layout with pretty spacious lots."
Hookup variations: Electricity amperage varies significantly between campgrounds. A High Pines visitor noted, "Our site only had 30a power. Most seem to be that way. Looks like some updates are on the way. The price was great. We will go back again but making sure it's not peak summer due to not having 50A."
